Arriving in Tủa Thàng on an early morning when mist still clings to the mountain slopes feels less like a geographical journey and more like an emotional transition from a familiar pace of life to a quiet, pristine world. Mountains meet mountains, and clouds entwine with the forest, revealing glimpses of peaceful small houses along the way.

Tẩn A Dềnh from Huổi Só village recalls the most significant change in Tủa Thàng occurring in May 2010 when the Sơn La Hydropower dam officially began impounding water. The once fierce Đà River turned gentle, expanding into a reservoir spanning tens of hectares. Dozens of small islands emerged on the water, nestled amidst the green of the mountains and forests to create a new, soft, yet grandiose appearance. The clear blue water reflects the sky and the vertical limestone cliffs, while shoreline forests are covered in vibrant spring greens and dotted with wild blossoms, making the natural scenery even more vivid.

Gliding across the still lake on Tẩn A Dềnh’s boat opens up a vast space where the surrounding limestone ranges form strange shapes, creating a vivid ink wash painting mirrored on the water. Near the Pa Phông Bridge area, the scenery becomes even softer with graceful, winding waterways. In this environment, every movement seems to slow down, becoming gentle and deep.

Trần Phương Vy, a visitor from Hanoi, expressed her delight with the winding river section at the Pa Phông Bridge, where the lake carves deep into the cliffs to form small “bays” with vertical walls. She noted that while she has traveled to many places, she has rarely found a location that is simultaneously so romantic and majestic, prompting her promise to return with friends.

Beyond the beauty of the Đà River reservoir, Tủa Thàng hides other natural secrets, such as the Pê Răng Ky Cave. Tucked away at the foot of a mountain near the lake, this cave possesses a raw and mysterious beauty. Although the path inside is challenging, the space opens up surprisingly as one moves deeper. Extending about 800 meters and divided into three large chambers, the cave is a unique world of diverse stalactite formations. Under the glow of flashlights, these stone ribbons shimmer with various colors, creating a magical atmosphere reminiscent of a fairy tale.

Capitalizing on this potential, people of Tủa Thàng have begun changing their economic practices. Many households have invested in boats to serve sightseers, opened dining and lodging services, or offered fishing experiences and quiet boat rides to enjoy the fresh air. Quàng Thị Hoa from Huổi Só village invested in a homestay near the Pa Phông Bridge, which has attracted many domestic and international visitors. This shift toward tourism has provided her family with stable jobs and a reliable income.

To further awaken this potential, Tủa Thàng has been focusing on a tourism development project linked to socio-economic planning for the Đà River reservoir area. They are evaluating all local tourism assets to update planning orientations while actively encouraging businesses and residents to invest in community-based tourism. Efforts are specifically directed at developing experiential tourism, focusing on the cultural identities of the Dao, Thái, and Hmong communities, as well as eco-tourism centered on the lake and caves.

Phạm Quang Long, Chairman of the Tủa Thàng commune People’s Committee, stated that the commune has proactively connected with travel agencies and invested in infrastructure through national target programs. In the first three months of 2026, the locality welcomed over 1,200 visitors, including 12 international guests.

For the 2025-2030 term, Tủa Thàng aims to make tourism a spearhead economic sector, striving for 8,000 visitors and total revenue of VND 1.25 billion to help reduce the poverty rate below 9%. To realize these goals, the locality is developing an eco-tourism project for the Đà River reservoir, creating experiential tours, and building Huổi Lóng village into a community tourism destination, while calling for investment in the Huổi Trẳng boat wharf.

As evening falls and visitors leave Tủa Thàng, the atmosphere slows, leaving behind nameless emotions. This simple and peaceful land is changing every day. With its inherent potential and the efforts of the local government and people, Tủa Thàng promises to become a memorable destination on any traveler’s journey through the Northwest.