Nestled along the Sê San River amid the mountains and forests of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, the Ia Ly Hydropower Plant is emerging as both a major energy project and a growing tourism destination, offering visitors a blend of dramatic landscapes, agricultural experiences and indigenous culture.
The hydropower dam, nearly 1 km long and almost 70 meters high, curves in an arc across the river, enclosing a vast reservoir surrounded by rolling mountain ranges. From the top of the dam, the emerald lake spreads across more than 64 square kilometers, creating a striking panorama that combines natural beauty with large-scale engineering.
Inside the mountain, the project also features an extensive underground system that surprises many visitors. A tunnel stretching about 600 meters through the rock leads into the plant’s interior, where massive generators operate within what is considered the largest underground hydropower facility in Vietnam.
Before the dam was built, the site was home to H’Ly Waterfall, a cascade nearly 40 meters tall. Today, the waterfall has been replaced by the expansive reservoir, which now defines the landscape of the area.
For some visitors, the site carries strong emotional resonance. Nguyễn Phúc Vân, a Vietnamese American returning to the country after more than 50 years, described the experience as memorable.
“The Ia Ly Hydropower Plant is set amidst breathtaking mountain and forest scenery. Witnessing this project firsthand, we feel immense pride in the country’s development”, he said.
Around the reservoir, new tourism initiatives are taking shape. At Sâm Phát Farmstay in Ia Ly commune, visitors wake to the sounds of streams and birdsong while the scent of coffee and durian blossoms drifts through the highland air. From the property, guests can look out over the hydropower dam and the broad lake beneath the surrounding mountains.
The farm spans more than 12 hectares, nearly 10 of which are planted with well-known durian varieties. The site is developing into an agricultural tourism destination where visitors can sample local fruits while relaxing amid the greenery of mountains, rivers and lakes.
Nguyễn Chất Sâm, owner of Sâm Phát Farmstay, said longer visitor stays will depend on expanding nature- and culture-based activities.
“We focus on providing guests with in-depth experiences of local ethnic culture, combined with agricultural activities and landscape exploration”, he said. Visitors can also tour the hydropower plant, trek to Công Chúa Waterfall and visit nearby coffee farms.
Ia Ly commune lies about 40 km from the center of Pleiku city and close to well-known attractions including Biển Hồ (Sea Lake), the ancient Bửu Minh Pagoda and forests of centuries-old pine trees, allowing the area to connect with broader discovery tours across western Gia Lai province.
Nearby, the Ia Mơ Nông Community Tourism Village offers visitors a deeper look at the culture of the Jrai people. According to H’Uyên Niê, deputy head of the village’s management board, new tourism products introduced in early 2026 aim to highlight traditional crafts and customs.
Local artisans have revived cotton growing, spinning and natural dyeing techniques used to produce colorful brocade fabrics. Visitors can observe the process and learn about each stage, from cultivating cotton to weaving the final textiles.
To prepare for National Tourism Year 2026, the village has also launched a two-day, one-night experiential tour designed to encourage longer stays. Previously, most visitors came only for short visits despite accommodation and dining being the main sources of revenue.
The tours introduce guests to aspects of Jrai cultural life, including grave houses and traditional ceremonies such as the pơ thi, or grave-leaving ritual, and buffalo-eating festivals, customs still preserved as part of the community’s heritage.
Tourism businesses say growing links between farmstays, community tourism villages and local attractions are gradually forming a more complete travel experience around Ia Ly. With expectations of increased visitor numbers during National Tourism Year 2026, local operators are upgrading facilities, refining tourism products and preparing staff.
Through these efforts, the area along the Sê San River is positioning itself as a distinctive destination on the Central Highlands tourism map, combining nature, culture and engineering into a single travel experience.