Tay Giang Commune, Da Nang: Returning to the "Capital" of the Co Tu People and the Heritage Po Mu Kingdom

Let's embark on a journey to one of the most remote, majestic, and culturally rich regions of the metropolitan city of Da Nang – Tay Giang Commune. This is not just a new name on the administrative map, but also the merger of borderland areas, where the legendary Truong Son trail passes, and where ancient Po Mu heritage forests, thousands of years old, still stand tall amidst the vast mountains. The essential element that makes up the large and culturally rich Tay Giang commune of today is the merger of Atieng Commune, Dang Commune, Anong Commune, and Lang Commune.

As local discovery experts, the Local Trips team will provide the most in-depth, detailed, and comprehensive insight into this "capital" of the Co Tu people.

Origin and Formation: The Unification of the "Heart of the Western Land"

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

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

• Atieng Commune (old): The administrative, political, economic, and cultural center of a large mountainous region.
• Dang Commune (old)
• Anong Commune (old)
• Lang Commune (old)

This administrative unit rearrangement unified an area with strong historical, cultural, and economic ties under a single name, creating a strong central commune capable of leading the development of the entire region, truly deserving the title "Heart of the former Tay Giang".

Gateway Position in the Far Northwest and Strategic Role

Tay Giang Commune is strategically located in the far northwest of the city. It is an important border region, situated on the Ho Chi Minh Highway and at the end of National Route 14G connecting to the delta, playing a role as a gateway for trade and national defense.

[Image suggestion: A panoramic view of a Co Tu village with traditional Gươl houses and stilt houses, majestic, undulating mountains in the background - Alt text: Ethnic cultural identity in Tay Giang commune]

According to the new administrative structure of the entire Da Nang City, there are no longer district levels. Tay 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 is likely to inherit the facilities of the former Tay Giang district town hall in Atieng. For accurate information, you should check the latest information on the city's e-portal.

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

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

1. Community Tourism Paradise

Tay Giang Commune is one of the bright spots for community tourism in Quang Nam.

• Cultural tourism villages: Many villages have been invested in to become destinations for tourists, where you can experience the real life of the locals, stay in stilt houses, eat traditional food, and participate in daily activities.
• Gươl House Architecture: The Gươl House is the heart, the sacred communal living space of the Co Tu people. Witnessing the unique architecture and exquisite wood carving art of the Gươl house is an unmissable experience.

2. Heritage Po Mu Forest - The "Kingdom" of Ancient Trees

This is an invaluable national treasure. The cluster of over 1,200 ancient Po Mu trees in Tr'hy commune (now Hung Son commune), adjacent to Tay Giang commune, has been recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree.

Trekking journey: To reach the "Po Mu kingdom," you must undertake a challenging trekking trip through the forest, but the reward is admiring ancient trees, thousands of years old, standing tall amidst the vast mountains.

Economic Pulse from Tourism and "Green Gold"

Tay Giang commune's economy is a harmonious blend of conservation and development.

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

Culinary Essence: Unique Flavors of the Border Region

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

• Ta Vat Wine: This is the "finest wine" of this land. The wine is taken directly from the sap of the Ta Vat tree, naturally fermented, with a sweet, fragrant taste.
• Com lam (Bamboo tube rice): Fragrant glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes, carrying the flavor 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 chickens, wild pigs: Raised naturally, so the meat is very firm and delicious.

[Image suggestion: A Co Tu woman sitting at a loom weaving colorful Zèng brocade cloths - Alt text: Traditional brocade weaving of the Co Tu people in Tay Giang commune]

Communicating with Locals: Understanding the Mountainous Quang Dialect

The accent of the people of Tay Giang carries the distinct intonation of the Quang Nam dialect, 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 one), "chi" (what) are also very common.
• Personal pronouns: The intimate address "Mi - Tau/Tui" (You - I/Me).
• Other words: Words like "bọn bay" (you guys) or "nớ" (that one).

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

• Transportation: You can travel by car or motorbike. The Ho Chi Minh Highway and National Route 14G are currently in good condition, making travel convenient.
• Must-try 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 main and best accommodation option is homestays in community tourism villages. Additionally, there are budget guesthouses and hotels in the old Atieng town area.

Quick Answers (FAQ) About Tay Giang Commune

1. Which units were merged to form Tay Giang Commune?
   The new Tay Giang Commune was formed by merging 4 communes: Atieng, Dang, Anong, and Lang.
2. Does the heritage Po Mu forest belong to Tay Giang Commune?
   The heritage Po Mu cluster is located in Hung Son Commune, adjacent to Tay Giang Commune. However, the discovery journey often starts from the center of Tay Giang Commune.
3. Is Tay Giang Commune the former Tay Giang District?
   No. The new Tay Giang Commune is the center of the former Tay Giang District. The entire former Tay Giang District has now been restructured into various communes directly under the new Da Nang City.
4. How far is Tay Giang Commune from the center of Da Nang (Hai Chau Ward)?
   It is quite far, about 120km.

Sincere Advice From LocalTrips.ORG

Tay Giang Commune is a vivid demonstration that tourism and cultural preservation can go hand in hand and support each other. We have observed that this is not just a sightseeing trip, but also a journey to connect, to learn, and to enrich one's 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 Tay Giang commune – the unique culture of the Co Tu people, the grandeur of the Pơ mu forest, or the taste of Tà Vạt wine – left the deepest impression on you? Leave a comment sharing your thoughts to explore more about this special land together!