1. Overview of Cua Dat Lake, Thanh Hoa
1.1. Geographical location and project scale
Favored by nature and located in Thuong Xuan commune, Cua Dat Thanh Hoa lies on the upper reaches of the Chu River. This project is like a green gem connecting the midlands with the western mountainous region of the province, serving as a significant source of pride for the local people and a special testament to the power of nature exploration.
Cua Dat Thanh Hoa is located on the upper reaches of the Chu River. (Source: Google Maps)
In terms of scale, the Cua Dat Thanh Hoa reservoir possesses a catchment area of up to 5,938 km², of which the part located in Thanh Hoa is 593 km². The reservoir has a total capacity of 1.45 billion m³, and its main dam is up to 118.5 m high. The system includes two flood spillways with a capacity of 8,200 m³/s combined with three auxiliary dams: Doc Cay, Hon Can, Ban Trac, creating a rare and complete complex of works.
When compared in scale with other large reservoirs, the Cua Dat reservoir ranks only after Dau Tieng Lake in Tay Ninh and has more outstanding features than other water reservoirs in terms of both water capacity and dam height.
1.2. Construction history and strategic significance
February 2, 2004, marks the commencement of the construction of Cua Dat Thanh Hoa. After a continuous construction period of 6 years, the project officially went into operation in 2010, becoming an important milestone in Vietnam's irrigation development journey.
According to Decision 1502/QD-TTg dated December 2, 2024, the Cua Dat Thanh Hoa reservoir is part of key national security-related projects. This project holds a strategic position in ensuring safe water supply, flood control, and promoting sustainable development for the entire North Central region.
Being classified as a particularly important national-level irrigation dam and reservoir has created a unique position for Cua Dat Thanh Hoa, directly contributing to the socio-economic development strategy of the province's key region.
2. Cua Dat Thanh Hoa Reservoir - Outstanding economic, social, and security roles
2.1. Flood regulation and supply of water for domestic and industrial use
With its flood regulation function, the Cua Dat Thanh Hoa reservoir serves as a "shield" protecting the downstream area from the risk of major floods. The reservoir has a flood reduction capacity with a frequency of 0.6%, ensuring that the water level does not exceed 13.71 m at Xuan Khanh, bringing peace of mind to residents living along the Chu River.
Cua Dat Thanh Hoa Lake is a "shield" protecting the downstream area from the risk of major floods. (Source: Collected)
The water supply role of Cua Dat Thanh Hoa becomes even more important when ensuring irrigation for over 86,862 hectares of agricultural land, of which over 80,000 hectares of rice are supplied with stable water, creating a solid foundation for food security in the entire region. Concurrently, the lake also serves domestic and production water for urban areas as well as industrial zones with a water supply rate of 7,715 m³/s.
These figures clearly demonstrate the value and scope of influence of Cua Dat Lake, becoming a lifeline supporting the economic development of the entire region.
2.2. Power Generation and Environmental Water Supplementation
The Cua Dat Thanh Hoa hydropower plant, along with the Doc Cay plant, with a total capacity of 112 MW since 2017, has contributed to providing a stable power source for the locality and to the national power grid. This demonstrates the economic efficiency of the multi-functional irrigation work.
Besides power generation, Cua Dat Lake also supplements water during the dry season with a flow rate of 30.42 m³/s, helping to prevent saltwater intrusion and maintain water quality for the Ma River and coastal areas. This regulatory role significantly improves the environment and maintains ecological balance for the entire area around the lake.
By combining power generation and ecological regulation functions, Cua Dat Thanh Hoa has become a giant "air conditioner", supporting the sustainable development of this land year-round.
2.3. Impact on Regional Development
The area benefiting from Cua Dat Thanh Hoa Lake spans across 11 districts and cities such as Ngoc Lac, Thuong Xuan, Trieu Son, Tho Xuan, Dong Son, Nong Cong, Yen Dinh, Thieu Hoa, Quang Xuong, a part of Cam Thuy, and Thanh Hoa city, with a total impacted area of up to 365,182 hectares.
Industrial zones such as Nghi Son and Muc Son benefit from a stable water supply from Cua Dat Thanh Hoa, facilitating their production processes, contributing to attracting investment and creating new job opportunities for local residents.
The balanced development among agriculture, industry, and services in the region has made the lake's affected area a bright spot for economic growth, helping to improve the quality of life for the community.
3. Operation and Notable Events at Cua Dat Lake
3.1. Flood Discharge Management and Dam Safety Procedures
Operations at Cua Dat Thanh Hoa Lake follow the Ma River inter-reservoir process, with close coordination among relevant agencies. Flood discharge is carried out based on calculations from meteorological forecasts to ensure maximum efficiency and safety.
Warning information is always promptly updated to residents in the downstream areas. The Management Board for Investment and Construction of Irrigation Works No. 3 coordinates with local People's Committees to disseminate information, enabling residents to proactively respond to situations arising from lake operations.
This process is continuously updated and ready to be adjusted to suit the reality, demonstrating the professionalism and responsibility in the operation and management of Cua Dat Thanh Hoa.
3.2. Recent Major Flood Discharge Events
In September 2025, Cua Dat Thanh Hoa Lake experienced a significant operational event when Typhoon No. 10 affected the lake's basin, causing a sharp increase in water flow. Accordingly, from 7 AM on September 25, 2025, to 5 AM on September 29, 2025, the lake's water level was lowered by 4.31m, creating an additional capacity of approximately 175,000,000 m³ of water to mitigate the flood.
Every operational decision was made scientifically, adhering to dam safety regulations and ensuring water levels remained within permissible limits. The technical team proactively coordinated with authorities to ensure the safety of the community and property, inspecting safety corridors around the lake.
The operational results demonstrated effective management and protection, causing no serious damage in the area due to appropriate proactive measures.
3.3. Inspection, Maintenance, Monitoring, and Technology Updates
The monitoring system of Cua Dat Thanh Hoa is equipped with high-tech sensors. (Source: Collected)
The monitoring system of Cua Dat Thanh Hoa is equipped with high-tech sensors imported from Canada and the US, responsible for 24/7 construction monitoring. Parameters such as water pressure, temperature, and displacement are collected quickly and accurately by the system, helping engineers promptly detect and handle technical issues.
Inspection and patrol of the safety corridor around the lake are always carried out seriously, ensuring no violations occur that affect the structure or operation of the lake. The application of advanced technology, meeting national standards, has elevated the Cua Dat lake to a modern level in management and operation.
4. Exploring the tourist experience at Cua Dat Thanh Hoa Lake
4.1. Discovering ecological landscapes and outdoor activities
Cua Dat Thanh Hoa Lake stands out amidst the Thuong Xuan valley with its majestic mountain scenery alongside the tranquil lake surface. The blue of the water blends with the sky and forests, creating a vibrant natural picture, ideal for exploration and relaxation.
Outdoor experiences such as kayaking on the lake, exploring the nooks and crannies around the lake, or fishing in the early morning or late afternoon all bring a sense of closeness to nature. Camping by the lake at night, listening to the sound of the waves, watching the moon and the starry sky creates beautiful memories of nights spent by the water meadow.
Additionally, adventurous tourists can sign up to conquer trekking routes into the protective forests around the lake to enjoy the wild beauty and the fresh, invigorating air characteristic of high mountain regions.
4.2. Accommodation and nearby attractions
Around the Cua Dat Thanh Hoa lake area, there are many homestays located near the lakeshore, designed to blend with nature, suitable for groups of friends or families. Nearby Thai and Muong ethnic villages also offer lodging services, allowing visitors to experience local lifestyles and traditional customs.
Around the Cua Dat Thanh Hoa lake area, there are many homestays located near the lake shore, designed in harmony with nature. (Source: Collected)
Xuan Lien National Park is a great choice for those who want to explore primeval forests and learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the tropical region. The Cam Luong sacred fish stream destination offers a mysterious, captivating charm with unique folk legends.
Visiting the villages around the lake, tourists can also participate in community tourism experiences: learning about farming, weaving, and preparing dishes with local people, feeling the authentic and close-knit highland culture.
4.3. Enjoying Specialties and Cuisine of Thuong Xuan Region
The cuisine around the Cua Dat Thanh Hoa lake is rich in mountain and forest flavors, with dishes prepared from natural ingredients. Notably, the grilled lake fish, with its firm, fragrant flesh, grilled over embers, offers a very distinct taste. The catfish soup cooked with forest vegetables has a rich, sweet flavor from fresh fish, perfect for cool mountain days.
The traditional five-color sticky rice of the Thai people, with five natural colors from forest leaves, is not only visually appealing but also delicious, often appearing during Tet holidays. Stir-fried bamboo shoots with wild boar meat offer a fragrant, nutty taste, combined with the characteristic firm texture of the meat.
The 'be chao' dish, a specialty of the Muong people, captivates diners with its distinctive flavor, meticulously marinated and grilled over charcoal, carrying a hint of the mountain forest, conquering the taste buds of visitors to Cua Dat Thanh Hoa .
5. Experience and Tips for Exploring Cua Dat Lake
5.1. Notes on Weather, Flood Discharge Season, and Latest Operation Schedule
The dry season is the most suitable time to plan a visit to Cua Dat Thanh Hoa lake. The weather is dry, the air is fresh, which is conducive to outdoor activities such as photography, boating, fishing, or camping by the lake.
From June to October is typically the rainy and flood season, when Cua Dat Thanh Hoa must operate flood discharge to ensure the safety of the structure, causing unpredictable water level fluctuations. Tourists should monitor the flood discharge schedule, update weather information, and the lake's operation plan when preparing for their trip to avoid inconvenience.
Nights in mountainous areas like Thuong Xuan are usually colder than during the day, so it is necessary to prepare warm clothing, and also bring a raincoat to prepare for weather changes. Consulting the specific weather forecast for the Cua Dat lake area will also make the journey smoother.
5.3. Things to Know About Security and Environmental Protection
As a national security key project, Cua Dat Thanh Hoa lake requires visitors to comply with strict regulations when visiting. It is advisable to move within permitted areas and absolutely avoid entering technical zones or prohibited corridors. For photography activities, attention should be paid not to photograph locations related to the security of the structure as guided by the authorities.
Protecting the landscape and maintaining the cleanliness of the environment around the lake is a shared responsibility. (Source: Collected)
Protecting the landscape and maintaining the cleanliness of the environment around the lake is a shared responsibility. Do not litter plastic waste, use environmentally friendly items, and bring trash bags to avoid affecting the water source and nature.
When interacting with local ethnic communities, respect local customs and culture. Always ask for permission before taking photos, and do not make noise in community living areas. At the same time, follow instructions when there are warnings of flood discharge or unusual weather to ensure safety for yourself and the tour group.
6. Suggestions for combining sightseeing near Cuu Dat Lake
The journey to explore Cua Dat Lake Thanh Hoa will bring many interesting experiences. (Source: Collected)
On the first day, tourists can spend time strolling around the lake, rowing boats, fishing, capturing check-in photos with the vast nature, then participating in cultural exchange activities with local people, and enjoying meals by the campfire.
Camping overnight by the lake will help you fully appreciate the peaceful scenery, listening to the sounds of nature as night falls. The next day, tourists can explore Xuan Lien National Park or visit Cam Luong sacred fish stream, immersing themselves in the pristine landscape and mysterious folk tales.
Tourists can end their trip at Sun World Sam Son, one of the leading modern coastal entertainment and resort complexes in the North Central region, where visitors can experience the vibrant atmosphere in Thanh Hoa. The harmonious combination of regional characteristics and modern services will bring a memorable trip for everyone.
Cua Dat Lake Thanh Hoa continues to maintain its role as a national key project, and is also the center for tourism economic development of the region. It is not only a popular destination but also reflects the harmonious combination of traditional and modern values, contributing positively to the development of Thanh province.
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