In late 2007, hundreds of households in Muong Chien Commune, formerly part of Quynh Nhai District in Son La Province, relocated to new resettlement areas in Binh Thuan Commune to make way for the Son La Hydropower Plant, a key national project.

Starting life in a new place was not easy. Living conditions and farming practices differed from those they had known, and many households faced difficulties adapting to the new environment and soil conditions.

With investment in infrastructure and support for production development from the Party and State, along with local residents' determination to improve their lives, the resettlement areas have gradually changed for the better.

Tea and dragon fruit gardens in the Sai Chien resettlement area, Binh Thuan Commune, Son La Province. Photo: Nguyen Cuong/VNA

Dragon fruit gardens in the Sai Chien resettlement area, Binh Thuan Commune, Son La Province. Photo: Nguyen Cuong/VNA

A view of the Sai Chien resettlement area in Binh Thuan Commune, Son La Province. Photo: Nguyen Cuong/VNA

Tea and dragon fruit gardens in the Sai Chien resettlement area, Binh Thuan Commune, Son La Province. Photo: Nguyen Cuong/VNA

Tea gardens in the Sai Chien resettlement area, Binh Thuan Commune, Son La Province. Photo: Nguyen Cuong/VNA

A view of the Sai Chien resettlement area in Binh Thuan Commune, Son La Province. Photo: Nguyen Cuong/VNA

A view of the Sai Chien resettlement area in Binh Thuan Commune, Son La Province. Photo: Nguyen Cuong/VNA

A view of the Sai Chien resettlement area in Binh Thuan Commune, Son La Province. Photo: Nguyen Cuong/VNA

Dragon fruit gardens in the Sai Chien resettlement area, Binh Thuan Commune, Son La Province. Photo: Nguyen Cuong/VNA