Tour of Xo Dang Village: Tradition and Tourism at Dak Loi Stream!

Tour of Xo Dang Village: Tradition and Tourism at Dak Loi Stream!

In Quang Ngai Province, members of the Xo Dang ethnic group have found innovative ways to develop community-based tourism, strengthening both the local economy and cultural identity. The village of Kon Jong, about 20 km from central Kon Tum, is surrounded by lush rubber and coffee plantations and attracts adventure seekers with the Dak Loi stream. Local authorities have designated the Dak Loi stream area as a community-based tourism area, opening up new prospects for villagers. A Thao, the village's party secretary, explains how important this development is for the community.

In this context, the Agricultural Services and Tourism Cooperative, Ngok Reo, has built small huts made of natural materials and set up stalls selling local products. The cooperative has 20 active members who work together to promote tourism. Preparations for welcoming tourists include preparing traditional food and drinks, according to Y Doan, a local resident.

Cultural diversity and traditions

The Ngok Reo community includes seven villages with over 5,600 residents, 99 percent of whom have Xo Dang roots. The Xo Dang enrich their cultural life with traditional festivals, gong games, Xoang dances and handicrafts. Local artists teach these traditional art forms to youth and perform for tourists to keep the cultural heritage alive. A notable aspect of the community is the conversion of can schnapps production to artisanal methods, reports Y Hoa, head of the schnapps group, which ensures an income for many women in the village.

In order to meet the increasing demand from guests, the schnapps is produced according to hygienic standards and with appropriate labeling. Visitors can experience the nature and cultural treasures of the Xo Dang, which significantly improves the quality of life of the villagers.

Preservation of traditional Rong houses

A significant element of Xo Dang culture are the traditional Rong houses, which are being restored with the support of the authorities to preserve the cultural heritage. In Kon Tum Province, important community festivals take place during the dry season, with the Rong House serving as a central meeting point. A Thiu, one of the oldest residents of Dak De village, explains that without the Rong House, the village festivals would be less joyful and highlights the importance of these structures to the community.

Last year, the Rong House in Dak De Village was restored and is considered a symbol of national solidarity and community spirit. Over 200 households actively participated in this restoration, which took two months. Funding was supported by the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minorities and supplemented by contributions from villagers. Nguyen Van Quang, deputy director of the Kon Tum Museum, highlights the importance of the Rong House, which connects generations of the Ha Lang ethnic group and promotes cultural values.

Overall, many of the over 500 ethnic minority villages in Kon Tum have a rong house, with more than 200 built using traditional construction methods. This preservation is not only crucial for cultural exchange, but also for the tourism offering that the Xo Dang community wants to develop.