Showcasing the unique cultural values of highland communities, a Cơ Tu woman is helping transform her hometown into a fairytale-like village in the heart of the mountains, while contributing to local economic development.
Located about 70 kilometers southwest of Da Nang city, Bhơ Hôồng village (Sông Kôn commune), home to the Cơ Tu people, is emerging as a standout destination for community-based tourism. Visitors are drawn by its rich cultural heritage and the pristine, peaceful natural landscape.
In the past, the village’s 50 households, with more than 700 residents, relied mainly on slash-and-burn farming, leading to an unstable livelihood. However, with the development of tourism, the village has undergone a remarkable transformation—homes have been improved, and living standards have significantly increased.
One of the key contributors to this change is Ms. Đinh Thị Thìn (born in 1989). After graduating in Vietnamese Studies, she returned to her hometown in 2013 to participate in a project aimed at enhancing tourism activities in inland districts of Quảng Nam province.
With passion and initiative, Ms. Thìn began welcoming visitors, guiding tours, and connecting local households to provide accommodation and meals. She also trained villagers in essential skills for community tourism, prepared funding proposals, sought investment partnerships, and organized English classes for local residents.
“On average, the village receives more than 100 visitors each month, about 85% of whom are international tourists,” Ms. Thìn shared. “My goal is not only to generate income for the community, but also to let the world know that the Cơ Tu people have a unique culture worth preserving.”
In 2023, she established the first private homestay in Bhơ Hôồng, maintaining traditional Cơ Tu architecture while adapting it to suit visitors’ needs. Here, guests can experience brocade weaving, campfire gatherings, learning the Cơ Tu language, and participating in the traditional Tung Tung Da Dá dance.
Mr. Bling Bloó (71), a respected elder in the village, noted: “Instead of relying solely on agriculture, our people now enjoy more stable and improved living conditions.”
According to Mr. Đỗ Hữu Tùng, Chairman of the Sông Kôn Commune People’s Committee, Bhơ Hôồng’s community-based tourism model has created strong momentum for local socio-economic development. With three nationally recognized intangible cultural heritages—Tung Tung Da Dá dance, traditional storytelling and singing, and brocade weaving—the village holds great potential for further growth in eco-tourism and cultural tourism.
In the coming years, the local government will continue to preserve and promote Cơ Tu cultural values, strengthen tourism promotion, and attract diverse investment to develop sustainable tourism models.
