Sharing one heritage: bringing village culture to the world
Deep in the mountains west of Da Nang, Bhơ Hôồng village once struggled with poverty and isolation. Today, it has transformed into a vibrant community-based tourism destination, full of life and cultural pride. Behind this remarkable change is the dedication of a Cơ Tu woman who has quietly “awakened” the cultural soul of her village—turning every home, every dance, and every tradition into a bridge connecting her community to the world.
Awakening a village
Located about 70 kilometers from the center of Da Nang, Bhơ Hôồng village in Sông Kôn commune appears like a hidden fairytale nestled among endless green mountains. The journey to reach the village is still challenging, yet it is this very isolation that has preserved its rare authenticity. Traditional Gươl communal houses rest peacefully under the forest canopy, while the gentle smoke of evening fires blends with the sound of flowing streams and the rhythmic echo of gongs and drums across the village.
Not long ago, life here was far from easy. Around 50 households, with more than 700 people, depended entirely on farming—growing rice and cassava on steep hillsides. Poverty lingered like a shadow over generations. But that story now belongs to the past.
Today, Bhơ Hôồng has truly transformed. Stilt houses are more spacious and well-built, village paths are cleaner, and the laughter of international visitors now blends with the daily rhythm of local life. At the heart of this transformation is Ms. Đinh Thị Thìn.
Born in 1989 and trained in Vietnamese Studies, she could have chosen to stay in the city. Instead, in 2013, she returned to her hometown with a vision—to do something meaningful for her community. In the early days, the journey was anything but easy.
At that time, community-based tourism was still an unfamiliar concept to the villagers. But for Thìn, tourism was never just about selling services—it was about sharing cultural experiences. She started from the simplest things: welcoming guests herself, guiding tours with self-taught English (later earning a degree in English Language in 2021), translating, and even cooking.
More importantly, she patiently encouraged local families to join. She taught them how to host guests, prepare meals, arrange their homes while preserving traditional identity, and communicate basic English. She also handled paperwork, developed proposals, sought funding, and connected with travel companies to bring Bhơ Hôồng onto the tourism map.
“I want people here to understand that our culture is a precious asset. If we preserve and share it properly, it can create a sustainable livelihood,” she said.
Where culture becomes a living experience
What sets Bhơ Hôồng apart is the authenticity of its cultural values. Visitors don’t just come to see—they come to live.
In 2023, the launch of Acu Homestay & Tours marked a new milestone, bringing a more professional approach to community tourism while staying true to tradition. Guests can learn archery, hike through the mountains, try brocade weaving, practice the Cơ Tu language, and immerse themselves in the vibrant Tung Tung Da Dá dance.
Meals here are simple yet unforgettable—bamboo rice, grilled meats, and wild forest vegetables, all prepared with sincerity and care. For many international visitors, this simplicity is what defines a “true experience.”
Above all, it is the spirit of hospitality that leaves the deepest impression. Warm, genuine, and deeply rooted in tradition, it is a cultural value that Ms. Thìn has carefully nurtured and shared with the world.
A visitor from Indonesia, Farid Hamka, left a note before departing:
“Thank you, Thìn, for an amazing experience. Everything here is truly unforgettable.”
Many visitors from Australia have expressed admiration for the village’s traditional setting and energetic group dances. As one guest shared:
“We didn’t just come here to travel—we came to understand how the Cơ Tu people live and to feel a sense of community that is rare to find elsewhere.”
When a village opens to the world
Today, Bhơ Hôồng welcomes around 150 visitors each month, about 90% of them international. While the numbers are modest, the impact is significant. Rather than chasing mass tourism, the village has chosen a slower, more sustainable path.
Each visitor is welcomed like family, invited to experience deeply rather than simply pass through.
“I don’t want this place to become crowded or commercial,” Thìn shared. “What I hope is to preserve its peace, so every guest leaves with a beautiful memory of the Cơ Tu people.”
Village elder Bling Bloó, known as the “living encyclopedia” of local culture, speaks proudly of the changes.
“Before, we only knew farming, and life was often difficult. Now, thanks to Thìn bringing visitors here, our lives have improved. She is young but has done something truly meaningful—preserving our roots while embracing new knowledge. Most importantly, she helps the younger generation understand that our culture is a valuable heritage.”
Local authorities also recognize the success of this model. According to Mr. Đỗ Hữu Tùng, Chairman of Sông Kôn Commune, Bhơ Hôồng’s community-based tourism reflects a sustainable direction for development. While the village may lack modern infrastructure, it possesses rich cultural and natural resources—its greatest strengths.
He emphasized that Ms. Thìn is not only a tourism pioneer but also a bridge connecting the community to the outside world. From attracting visitors to training locals and promoting the village, her impact is undeniable.
“Her model is not only economically effective but also a powerful example of cultural preservation. What makes it special is its sustainability—it does not disrupt the village structure but brings it to life. We hope Bhơ Hôồng can become a model for other communities, helping ethnic minorities develop economically through their own cultural strengths,” he said.
Amid the vast green mountains, Bhơ Hôồng today is more than just a destination. It is a place to feel, to understand, and to remember. And at its heart, Ms. Đinh Thị Thìn continues to write her story—quietly bringing village culture to the world, proving that even the smallest cultural values can resonate far beyond their origins.
