In an effort to boost tourism, maximise the town's inherent resources, and celebrate the beauty and spirit of Mường Lay, local authorities have begun organising the Rising Waters Festival on the Đà River. The festival, featuring various immersive activities, is expected to become an annual event, leading up to the famous Swallow Tail Boat Racing Festival held every New Year's Day. Visitors can enjoy the ‘rising waters’ experience from October until March of the following year.

Hoàng Văn Quyền, Chairman of Mường Lay Township, said the town aims to create sustainable tourism highlights while promoting and expanding activities right from the beginning of the rising waters season. A rich tapestry of cultural exchanges, sports, and local crafts await visitors as they explore the reservoir, along with the unique traditions of the White Thái ethnic group in Mường Lay. This initiative not only extends the town’s rising waters tourism season beyond the Swallow Tail Boat Festival.

The rising waters season extends over six months, but the chance to engage in local crafts, traditional cake making, and local culture experiences will be available all year.

Lù Thị Toản, owner of Mường Lay homestay in Quan Chiên Village, Na Lay Ward, shared: "Whether it’s boating, shrimp fishing, cultural performances, or trekking tours, we’re ready to assist and cater to all visitor needs."

Hoàng Văn Đức, a tourist from the northern province of Thái Nguyên, was captivated by his first visit to Mường Lay: “I was impressed by the unique architecture of the stone-roof stilt houses, the boat ride across the vast reservoir, the fresh, airy atmosphere, and the misty clouds draped over the jade-green lake—it’s an unforgettable experience.”

Thrill-seekers can experience jet skiing and paragliding, two highly anticipated activities held months apart (October and January) both by tourists and local residents alike.

Mạ Sừ Pư, from the Hà Nhì ethnic group in Lai Châu Province, said that since Lai Châu and Mường Lay were close to each other and she has been to Mường Lay quite a number of times, but this visit was different thanks to the jet skiing on the reservoir.

“This is a new experience for me. Even though I have arrived early but due to the large number of people registering, I still had to wait 30 minutes. The feeling of gliding smoothly across the water, with gentle waves crashing against the board, was exhilarating. I plan to return for the festival at the start of the year to continue further exploring rising waters with the wonderful people here."

*Mr. Lương Thành Thiện Silver Surf Jet Ski Club of Vietnam

"The scenery of Mường Lay is perfect for jet skiing, and both the locals and tourists are excited to experience this. The club only has 20 members participating in this event, so we can only meet some of the demand this time. 

It is planned that at the beginning of 2025, during the Swallow Tail Boat Racing Festival, we will have over 100 athletes to organise the jet skiing competition, and handle the demands of tourists and local people.*

The inaugural Rising Waters Festival has already attracted nearly 2,000 visitors from across and beyond the province, according to initial statistics from the Mường Lay Department of Culture and Information.

With its continuous activities and well-defined timeframe, the Rising Waters Festival serves as a vibrant promotion of the land and people of Mường Lay, sparking curiosity and anticipation among visitors, and extending the tourism season through the old and new year.