Located deep in the Dan Kia - Suoi Vang valley, Lam Dong, Ankroet hydropower plant is surrounded by pine forests. This is a project built mainly of split stone, surrounded by many green trees. This project is located peacefully, separate from the bustling residential life. To enter the factory, visitors must cross a small bridge over the discharge stream to operate the factory.
Entrance to Ankroet Hydroelectric Plant
Mr. Phuc, the hydroelectric plant manager, said: "The Ankroet hydroelectric plant started construction in October 1942 and was not completed until 1945, and was officially put into operation, generating electricity to serve the electricity needs of Da Lat when the French wanted to build this place into the capital of Indochina."
The architecture of the Ankroet hydroelectric power plant bears the typical mark of the Southwest of France, harmoniously combining natural beauty with the sophistication of 20th-century factory architecture. From a distance, this project stands out like a giant villa located in the middle of a vast green pine forest.
Besides exploring the unique details inside the factory, visitors also have the opportunity to admire two ancient turbines, which were manufactured by ALSTHOM (France) since the factory was first built, along with an ancient villa, like beautiful historical pieces in the journey of discovery.
The overall building looks like a resort villa, not a factory.
This area not only maintains its pristine beauty, but also attracts with its irresistible poetic beauty. The waterfall flows down from the upstream through layers of rocks and then pours straight into a large lake, creating a beautiful turquoise lake among the pine trees. Coming here, visitors will feel like they are immersed in a majestic love song of nature, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Central Highlands mountains and forests.
Through many ups and downs, the fluctuations of history, the generators produced by the US and France have successively completed their missions. To build the hydroelectric plant in the context of a shortage of modern machinery, thousands of workers from all regions of the country gathered here, along with experts, they devoted themselves to ensuring energy sources for the future. The harsh, new work in the deprived circumstances, along with the scene of treating diseases in the absence of medicine, caused many people to sacrifice before the project was completed. To remember and show gratitude to those who devoted all their heart to the construction of the project of the century, the next generation of the plant erected a memorial here, a place with a quiet landscape to remember the merits as well as to comfort the souls of the deceased.
Traces stained by time
In 2004, the Ankroet hydroelectric plant was recognized by the Vietnam Book of Records as the first hydroelectric plant in Vietnam. However, this is not only an achievement of Vietnam, but also a source of pride for the entire Indochina region. Although it has not officially become a tourist destination, thousands of tourists still come here every year to learn about the plant. Not only that, the ecological environment here is also a highlight with charming scenery, connecting with nature, attracting many tourists to choose to take picnics here. With this unique beauty, Ankroet dam has been chosen by couples for wedding photo shoots in Da Lat.
The old mission has been completed, Ankroet hydroelectric plant has entered a new chapter, has become a tourism ambassador contributing to the unique beauty of Da Lat, attracting tourists from all over to visit and learn about the oldest hydroelectric plant in Vietnam.
The road leading to the hydroelectric plant is incredibly beautiful with winding curves along the pine forest. Walking amidst the scenery and cold weather of Da Lat, it feels like being in Europe.
The green waterfall in front of the factory, where many young people come to picnic and take wedding photos (Photo: Collected)
