Discovering oldest hydroelectric power plant in Vietnam

Construction of the Ankroet Hydroelectric Power Plant began in October 1942, and it was inaugurated in 1945 before officially starting electricity generation the following year.

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The power plant, about 12 km from Da Lat’s centre, is nestled amid pine forests and situated just below Dan Kia Lake and Suoi Vang Lake.

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After it came into operation, the Ankroet Hydroelectric Power Plant supplied electricity to meet Da Lat’s power needs during the time the French envisioned developing the city into the capital of Indochina.

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The building, designed in a simple yet striking French architectural style, features numerous windows that allow natural light and fresh air to flow inside.

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Recognised in 2004 by the Vietnam Book of Records as Vietnam’s first hydroelectric plant, the 80-year-old power plant still stands strong and enduring today.

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Water is channeled from the mountain peak to the plant through a long pipeline winding its way through the pine forest.

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What makes the power plant unique is that both the plant and its two dams are entirely constructed from local stone.

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Today, the site has become a popular check-in spot for young people, attracting dozens, sometimes even hundreds, of visitors daily who come to explore and take photos.

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The quiet and cool space attracts numerous tourists.

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Decades-old machines once used at the power plant are now displayed on its grounds, bearing the visible marks of time.

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Many artifacts from 1956 are on display, serving as historical evidence of the hydroelectric power plant.

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Vo Thanh Long from Ho Chi Minh City shares that the power plant holds a unique charm with its historical value, and he feels delighted to visit, stroll around, and explore Vietnam’s oldest hydroelectric plant.