Floating houses and fishing boats are anchored on the Son La hydroelectric reservoir, where the water level has risen again after a period of low water. Photo: Truong Son

After weeks of low water levels in the Son La hydroelectric reservoir due to intense heat, the water has now risen again. Life for people living along the reservoir is gradually stabilizing, and tourism, aquaculture, and fisheries activities are also thriving again.

In early July, reporters from Lao Dong Newspaper visited Quynh Nhai commune (Son La province) - considered the largest lake tourism and cage fish farming center in the region.

Observations show that the lake water is clear and blue, with the water level rising daily. The boat docks and tourist spots have become bustling again, with boats busily transporting visitors to explore the picturesque natural landscape of the Son La Hydroelectric Reservoir.

The Son La hydroelectric dam has recorded a strong resurgence in water levels in the reservoir during the first days of July. Photo: Truong Son

Mr. La Van Phong - Director of Quynh Nhai Travel Joint Stock Company - shared: “Since the beginning of June, the water level in the reservoir has dropped significantly, at times reaching only 177m, almost reaching the dead water level (175.03m). The deep drop in water has left the hilltops bare in the middle of the stream, and the pillars of the Pa Uon bridge are exposed.”

Waterway traffic and tourism activities were severely affected. However, in just over a week, the water level has started to rise sharply, tourists are returning, especially on weekends, and the number of bookings for tours to explore Uy Phong Bay is gradually increasing.”

Fish farms on the lake resume operations as the water level rises, making it easier for locals to care for and harvest their fish. Photo: Truong Son

Besides tourism, fishing and aquaculture activities are also recovering positively.

Mr. Quang Van Hop, a member of the Liep Te Aquaculture and General Services Cooperative, said: “My family has 15 fish cages. Previously, when the water receded, we had to move the cages further from the shore to avoid the heat and ensure sufficient depth for the fish to grow. These past few days, the water has risen rapidly, so I've moved the cages back to their original location for easier care and feed transportation. The fish are developing steadily again, which is great news.”

Residents of Quynh Nhai commune (Son La province) sell fresh fish caught from the reservoir of a hydroelectric power plant. Photo: Truong Son

In Xu Xam village (Chieng Lao commune), Mr. Lo Van Ngam - a fisherman who has been involved in shrimp fishing on the lake for many years - said: "When the water level is low, there are very few shrimp and fish. Now that the water level is high, I can catch 5-7 kg of various types of shrimp every day. The large shrimp are bought immediately by traders at 100,000 VND/kg. Everyone around the lake is happy because when the water level rises, there are more fish and shrimp."

As of July 4th, according to information from the Son La Hydropower Plant, the reservoir water level has reached 197m - still lower than the normal water level (215m), but sufficient to basically restore economic and daily life activities.

Although the lake still bears traces of its dry season – alluvial plains and old stone steps exposed along the shore – its surface area has expanded significantly. Along the lake's course, one can spot groups of small boats belonging to local people, casting nets, pulling in traps, and harvesting shrimp and fish.

Locals harvest fish from cages on the Son La hydroelectric reservoir. Photo: Truong Son

Ms. Luong Hoang Trang, a tourist from To Hieu ward (Son La City), shared: “Knowing that the lake water had risen again, I took the opportunity to travel with my family. I really like Uy Phong Bay because the water is clear, peaceful, and the scenery is very picturesque. I hope that in the future, the lake water will remain stable so that tourism can develop further.”

Fishermen set traps and catch shrimp and fish on the lake – a traditional livelihood that is strongly reviving when the water level rises. Photo: Truong Son

The Son La hydroelectric reservoir plays a crucial role not only in hydropower but also as the main source of livelihood for thousands of households living along its banks. When the water level rises, the livelihoods of the people are also boosted – cage fish farming thrives, fishing and shrimp harvesting flourish, and ecotourism and related services such as accommodation, transportation, and food services all become vibrant again.

Local residents are hoping that, with favorable weather and support from the local government, economic and tourism activities on the surface of the Son La hydroelectric reservoir will become increasingly vibrant, creating new growth momentum for this vast reservoir area.