Hoa Binh Lake, Vietnam’s largest man-made reservoir, has recently experienced a dramatic 40-meter drop in water level - the lowest recorded in decades - revealing an unfamiliar landscape of exposed lakebed and rocky terrain.

While the sharp decline has significantly disrupted local livelihoods and halted tourism and transportation in several areas, officials confirm the drop is part of a calculated and approved plan tied to infrastructure upgrades and seasonal preparations.

Dried lakebed stuns locals, stalls tourism

As of early June, large portions of Hoa Binh Lake have dried up, laying bare sandbanks and rock formations previously hidden beneath the water’s surface. This transformation has altered the scenery and disrupted life in communities along the lake’s banks.

At Bich Ha Port in Thung Nai Commune, Cao Phong District, once a vibrant tourist hub, silence now reigns. The low water has left boats stranded far from the dock, stopping access to attractions like Dua Island and Thac Bo Temple.

Bui Thi Ha, a local beverage vendor at the port, said: “We’ve had to close the shop often due to the lack of visitors. This time of year used to be our busiest, with boats constantly coming and going.”

In Hien Luong Commune, Da Bac District, the lake’s retreat has exposed long stretches of bare soil and stone, significantly affecting agriculture and water access.

Bui Van Ky, Chairman of the local People’s Committee, stated, “The water has dropped more than 40 meters compared to the level during flood discharge. It’s having a serious impact on daily life and production. We’ve advised residents to conserve water and adapt economically, such as cultivating vegetables on newly revealed land or sustainably using local resources.”

Hydropower company: This is planned and under control

Amid growing concern, Pham Van Vuong, Director of Hoa Binh Hydropower Company, clarified that the water drawdown is part of a pre-approved operational plan. “This is being carried out in accordance with national guidelines,” he said. “It also helps prepare for the upcoming flood season.”

The water reduction is enabling the acceleration of a major infrastructure project: the expansion of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant. In particular, the conditions have allowed for the early dismantling of a temporary cofferdam, originally scheduled for completion by June 15.

When asked whether the low water level could affect power generation, Vuong emphasized that the current level - just over 85 meters - is still above the critical “dead level” by more than 5 meters and remains sufficient for electricity production.

“As the rainy season brings water from upstream, the lake level will be adjusted accordingly under our established plans,” Vuong added.

Vietnam’s largest reservoir in focus

Formed after the construction of the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant on the Da River, Hoa Binh Lake is the largest artificial lake in Southeast Asia. It stretches 230 km and holds a capacity of 9.45 billion cubic meters of water, covering multiple districts in Hoa Binh Province - including Hoa Binh City, Cao Phong, Da Bac, Mai Chau, and Tan Lac - and extending into Son La Province.

While the record-low levels have exposed striking natural features and caused short-term disruptions, officials maintain that the situation is under control and ultimately serves broader objectives - namely, infrastructure advancement, flood preparedness, and sustainable energy development.

Anh Tam