Dong Giang Commune, Da Nang: Discover the "Capital" of the Co Tu People and a Community Tourism Paradise

Let's embark on a journey to a land where the cultural identity of ethnic minorities is preserved and honored, where ancient Gươl houses cast their reflections on the A Vuong River, and where visitors truly "live" with the locals. This is Dong Giang Commune, a brand new administrative unit, the "heart" and cultural center of the former Dong Giang region.

The essence that makes up the large and culturally rich Dong Giang Commune of today is the merger of Prao Town, Ta Lu Commune, A Rooi Commune, and Za Hung Commune. As local exploration experts, the Local Trips team will provide the most insightful, detailed, and comprehensive perspective on this "capital" of the Co Tu people.

Origin and Formation: The Unification of the "Heart of the East"

To fully appreciate the value and potential of Dong Giang, the first step is to understand its formation story. This is a merger area of particular administrative, economic, and cultural importance, established based on Government Project No. 403/DA-CP and officially formalized by Resolution No. 1659/NQ-UBTVQH15 of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly.

Specifically, the main entity of Dong Giang Commune was formed from the entire area and population of 4 former units, which were the center of the old Dong Giang district:

• Prao Town (old): The administrative, political, economic, and cultural center of an entire vast mountainous region.
• Ta Lu Commune (old): Famous for the Bho Hoong Community Tourism Village.
• A Rooi Commune (old)
• Za Hung Commune (old)

This administrative unit rearrangement has unified a region with strong historical, cultural, and economic ties under a single name, creating a strong central commune capable of driving the development of the entire area, especially in the field of community tourism.

Central Western Location and Strategic Transportation Axis

Dong Giang Commune is strategically located in the western part of the new Da Nang city. It is the center of a vast Western Quang Nam region, situated on the Ho Chi Minh Road and marking the end of National Highway 14G, which connects to the plains.

[Image suggestion: Panoramic view of Bho Hoong Community Tourism Village with Gươl houses and traditional Co Tu stilt houses nestled on the hillside - Alt text: Bho Hoong Community Tourism Village, a unique feature of Dong Giang Commune]

According to the new administrative structure of the entire Da Nang City, there are no longer district-level divisions. Dong Giang Commune is a commune-level administrative unit directly under the city. Regarding the main office, after the merger, the new commune People's Committee will likely inherit the facilities of the old Dong Giang district town hall in Prao. For accurate information, you should check the latest information on the city's official website.

Comprehensive Exploration Guide: The "Capital" of Co Tu Culture

From our experience, exploring Dong Giang is a journey of immersing oneself in the unique and almost intact cultural identity of the Co Tu people.

1. Community Tourism Paradise

This is the most valuable "specialty" of Dong Giang Commune. Instead of building concrete hotels, this area develops community tourism, inviting tourists to live, eat, stay, and engage in daily activities with the local people.

• Bho Hoong Community Tourism Village: Is one of the most successful community tourism models in Vietnam. The ancient Co Tu village has been preserved and re-planned, with traditional stilt houses upgraded into comfortable homestays while retaining their original architecture. Visitors here will participate in activities such as brocade weaving, basket weaving, jungle trekking, stream bathing, and enjoying traditional dishes.
• Dho Roong Community Tourism Village: Another emerging destination, offering similar experiences but in a more pristine setting.

2. Gươl House Architecture - The Soul of the Village

Gươl houses are the heart and sacred community living space of the Co Tu people.

• Unique architecture: Gươl houses are typically built in the center of the village, with high arched roofs resembling an axe blade. The most impressive highlight is the intricate wood carvings on the columns and rafters.
• Living cultural space: This is where all important village events take place, and also where visitors are welcomed with gong dances and warm jars of traditional wine.

Economic Pulse from Tourism and "Green Gold"

The economy of Dong Giang Commune is a harmonious blend of preservation and development.

1. Community tourism: Is a key economic sector, not only generating income but also significantly contributing to the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values.
2. Forestry and Agriculture: Economic forestry and cultivation of upland rice remain the economic foundation for many households.

Culinary Quintessence: Unique Flavors of the Borderland

Cuisine in Dong Giang is an unmissable experience, with dishes imbued with the flavors of the mountains and forests.

• Ta Vat wine: This is the "finest liquor" of this land. The wine is directly extracted from the sap of the Ta Vat tree, naturally fermented, with a sweet, delicate, and aromatic flavor.
• Lam rice: Fragrant glutinous rice cooked in bamboo or nứa tubes, carrying the flavors of the mountains and forests.
• Za za: A characteristic dish made from meat, fish, or vegetables mixed with spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled over charcoal.
• Hill chicken, forest pork: Naturally free-range, so the meat is firm and delicious.

[Image suggestion: A Co Tu woman sitting at a loom weaving colorful Zeng brocade fabrics - Alt text: Traditional brocade weaving of the Co Tu people in Dong Giang Commune]

Communicating with Locals: Understanding the Mountainous Quang Nam Accent

The speech of the people of Dong Giang is deeply imbued with the accent of Quang Nam, simple and sincere.

• Interrogative pronouns: If you hear someone ask "Đi mô rứa?" (Where are you going?) or "Răng rồi?" (What happened?), you'll know you're in the right place. Other words like "tê" (that, over there), "chi" (what) are also very common.
• Personal pronouns: The intimate address "Mi - Tau/Tui" (You - I).
• Other words: Words like "bọn bay" (you guys) or "nớ" (that).

"Pocket" Experience for a Trip to the "Co Tu Capital"

• Transportation: You can travel by car or motorbike. The Ho Chi Minh Road and National Highway 14G are currently in excellent condition, making travel convenient.
• Recommended experience: Spend at least 2 days and 1 night staying in one of the community tourism villages. This is the best way to fully experience the culture and life here.
• Accommodation: The primary and best accommodation option is homestays in the community tourism villages. Additionally, in the old Prao town area, there are also guesthouses and budget hotels.

Quick Q&A (FAQ) about Dong Giang Commune

1. Which units were merged to form Dong Giang Commune?
   The new Dong Giang Commune was formed by merging Prao town and three communes: Ta Lu, A Rooi, and Za Hung.
2. Does Bho Hoong tourism village belong to Dong Giang Commune?
   Yes, after the merger, Bho Hoong Community Tourism Village (formerly part of Ta Lu Commune) is now within the administrative boundaries of the new Dong Giang Commune.
3. Is Dong Giang Commune the same as the old Dong Giang district?
   No. The new Dong Giang Commune is the center of the old Dong Giang district. The entire old Dong Giang district has now been restructured into various communes directly under the new Da Nang city.
4. How far is Dong Giang Commune from the center of Da Nang (Hai Chau Ward)?
   The distance is approximately 70-80km.

Sincere Advice From LocalTrips.ORG

Dong Giang commune is a living testament to how tourism and cultural preservation can coexist and support each other. We have realized that this is not just a sightseeing trip, but also a journey to connect, learn, and enrich our own life experiences. A practical lesson is that the true beauty of a land lies in its people and the cultural values they preserve.

What about Dong Giang commune – the uniqueness of Co Tu culture, the beauty of community tourism villages, or the taste of Ta Vat wine – left the deepest impression on you? Leave a comment sharing your feelings to explore more about this special land!