The Yaly hydroelectric reservoir

The Yaly Hydropower Reservoir lies along the Se San River system in Gia Lai, forming an expansive lake surrounded by rolling hills and forested landscapes. Covering approximately 64.5 km² at its normal operating water level, the reservoir is part of the Yaly Hydropower Project, one of Vietnam’s major electricity-generating facilities.

Overview

Location

Yaly Hydropower Project area, Gia Lai Province

Type

Hydropower Reservoir and Scenic Natural Attraction

Established / Built

Hydropower project construction began in 1993

Opening Hours

Access to the reservoir and hydropower facilities varies by area; visits to the power plant require confirmation with the operator.

Highlights

Expansive reservoir, green hills, dam and spillway, boat excursions and views of the Se San River landscape

Introduction

Stretching across the highlands along the Se San River, the Yaly Hydropower Reservoir creates a striking landscape of broad waterways, green hills and quiet bays. The lake covers approximately 64.5 km² at its normal operating water level and has a storage capacity of around 1.037 billion cubic meters. Its broad surface and surrounding vegetation offer a different perspective on the Central Highlands, beyond the region’s better-known volcanic hills and coffee plantations.

The reservoir forms part of the Yaly Hydropower Project, whose construction began in 1993. The project includes a large dam, a spillway and an underground powerhouse equipped with four generating units, with a total installed capacity of 720 MW. These engineering structures stand in contrast to the surrounding natural scenery and illustrate the role of hydropower in the region’s development.

Beyond its industrial function, the reservoir offers opportunities to experience the highlands from the water. Boat trips, where available, provide views of the expansive lake, wooded slopes and riverside communities, including villages associated with the Jrai people. The combination of open water, mountain scenery and local cultural life makes the Yaly Reservoir an appealing destination for visitors interested in nature and the relationship between the landscape and the people who live around it.