Heart Island tourist destination, Quynh Nhai commune.

From Pá Uôn wharf, at the foot of the bridge that stretches like a silk ribbon across the river, we began our journey to explore Heart Island and the Đà River reservoir. The boat left the wharf, slowly carrying tourists into the vast open space of the reservoir. After more than 30 minutes of travel, Heart Island appeared with its floating houses, viewing platforms, and a system of pedestrian bridges built around the island.

Accompanying us on the trip, Ms. Lo Thi Ngoc, a tour guide from the Quynh Nhai Fisheries and Ecotourism Cooperative, explained: "Previously, this area was a range of rocky mountains along the river. In 2010, when the Son La hydroelectric dam was built to impound water, the mountain peak became an island in the middle of the lake. Viewed from above, the island has a naturally curved shape resembling a heart, hence its name, Heart Island. This unique shape has gradually made the island known and a popular tourist destination."

A view of Heart Island.

Upon arriving on the island, the first impression is one of tranquility amidst the vast expanse of water. The festive atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) has also permeated the island with the vibrant colors of peach and apricot blossoms, and colorful miniature landscapes creating perfect photo opportunities for visitors. Floating houses are arranged on the water, featuring open-air restaurants, swimming pools, koi fish ponds, relaxation pavilions, and scenic viewpoints.

Sharing her impressions from the trip, Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong, a tourist from Hanoi, said: "This is my first time visiting Quynh Nhai and Heart Island, and I am impressed by its poetic yet unspoiled beauty. The air here is fresh, the natural scenery is beautiful, and it gives me a feeling of relaxation and peace."

Tourists register to visit Heart Island.

The meals on the island offer a complete experience of local cuisine, with fish, shrimp from the lake, and other local produce prepared simply yet richly and attractively. For visitors who choose to stay longer, the island's accommodations offer a balance of privacy and closeness to nature. A notable highlight is the outdoor swimming pool, where guests can relax in the clear blue water amidst the surrounding river and mountain scenery. Interspersed throughout the island are themed photo spots, perfect for capturing memorable moments during your exploration of the lake.

Tourists checking in at Heart Island.

Mr. Dang Quang Giau, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Quynh Nhai Fisheries and Ecotourism Cooperative, said: "Heart Island has been invested in and developed by the cooperative for tourism since 2018. The project is implemented in 5 phases, with a total investment of nearly 30 billion VND in the first phase, aiming to both attract tourists and protect the environment, creating livelihoods for the people. All facilities on the island are designed in harmony with nature, without disrupting the river landscape."

A photo-worthy spot on Heart Island, Quynh Nhai commune.

At Heart Island, in addition to sightseeing, relaxation, and enjoying the local cuisine, visitors can also experience many activities related to the river such as fish massage, fishing, and learning about the daily life of the local people. On average, the tourist destination welcomes more than 400,000 visitors each year, with the highest concentration from the beginning of the year to September, creating jobs for people in Hat Lech village and the surrounding area, and contributing to the consumption of local agricultural products.

Tourists enjoy the experience on Heart Island, Quynh Nhai commune.

Concluding a day exploring Heart Island, the lasting impression is one of peace and tranquility amidst the vast expanse of water, along with the enjoyable experience of the gradually improving tourist services. With a long-term development plan, the cooperative will continue to invest in and add water park facilities and floating bridge games in the near future. Heart Island is an ideal choice for tourists exploring the Son La hydroelectric reservoir.

Text and photos: Hoai Trang