Tra Tan Commune, Da Nang: Reborn Life by the Song Tranh Hydropower Lake

Let's embark on a journey to a special land, a region where the river is both a source of life and a vast memory, where former swidden farmers have become "mountain fishermen." This is Tra Tan Commune, an entirely new administrative unit, a reborn land associated with the Song Tranh 2 Hydropower Plant. The core of today's expansive and resilient Tra Tan Commune is its consolidation from Tra Giac Commune and the old Tra Tan Commune. As local exploration experts, the Local Trips team will offer a deep, detailed, and comprehensive perspective on this land of change.

Origin: The Unification of Two Resettlement Area Fragments

To fully appreciate Tra Tan's value and potential, one must first understand its formation story. This is a merged area with significant socio-economic importance, established based on Government Proposal No. 403/DA-CP and officially formalized by Resolution No. 1659/NQ-UBTVQH15 of the National Assembly Standing Committee.

Specifically, the main entity of Tra Tan Commune was formed from the entire area and population of two old communes, which were formerly high-mountain communes of old Bac Tra My district and directly affected by the hydropower plant construction:

• Old Tra Giac Commune
• Old Tra Tan Commune

This administrative unit arrangement unified a land with shared geographical characteristics, a history of relocation, and a new economic development direction. The new Tra Tan Commune is not just an administrative unit but also a community of resettlement areas, collectively building a new life by the hydropower lake.

"Lake" Location and a New Geographical Landscape

Tra Tan Commune is strategically located in the southwest of the new Da Nang city. The most distinctive feature shaping the entire commune's landscape is the presence of the Song Tranh 2 Hydropower Lake. The once fierce Tranh River has now become a giant artificial lake, submerging old valleys and creating an entirely new landscape.

[Image suggestion: Aerial view of the emerald Song Tranh 2 Hydropower Lake, winding through mountains, with a few small fishing boats - Alt text: Panoramic view of Song Tranh 2 Hydropower Lake, the heart of Tra Tan Commune]

According to the new administrative structure of Da Nang City, there are no longer district/huyện levels. Tra Tan 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 be located at the most convenient site within the resettlement areas. For accurate information, you should check the latest updates on the city's official information portal.

Comprehensive Exploration Handbook: The Rhythm of Life in the "Mountain Fishing Village"

From our experience, exploring Tra Tan is a journey to witness humanity's miraculous adaptation to nature and the homeland's transformation.

1. Song Tranh 2 Hydropower Lake – The Beauty of Sacrifice

This is the most important geographical entity, the "main character" in Tra Tan's story.

• A "Ha Long Bay" in the mountains: The vast lake with emerald water, surrounded by rolling mountains. What were once high mountain peaks are now small islands, creating a majestic landscape akin to a "lake-sea" or an "inland Ha Long Bay."
• Two-faced beauty: While offering a unique landscape and economic potential, the lake also holds memories of villages and fields now submerged under its waters. It is a beauty imbued with sacrifice, a trade-off for the nation's electricity.

2. Resettlement Life and Livelihood Transformation

The lives of the people of Tra Tan are an inspiring story of adaptation.

• From swidden to water: When the hill rice fields were deeply flooded, the people, mainly the Ca Dong ethnic group, had to learn a new profession: lake fishing.
• "Mountain fishermen": The image of small boats gliding on the lake in the early morning or late afternoon, and skillfully cast nets has become an indispensable part of life here. They have turned hardship into opportunity, creating a sustainable new livelihood.
• Life in resettlement areas: Villages have been re-planned, and houses built more spaciously. Although life has changed significantly, cultural identity with stilt houses and traditional festivals is still preserved by the people.

Economic Pulse "Revolving" Around the Lake

Tra Tan commune's economy has undergone a spectacular "pivot," from being entirely dependent on land and forest to being dependent on water and forest.

1. Freshwater aquaculture: This has become the key economic sector. Lake fish such as grass carp, silver carp, catfish, etc., are caught and farmed, becoming an important food source and providing primary income for the people.
2. Forestry: Protecting and developing headwater forests is not only a responsibility but also an important economic direction, helping to retain water for the lake and prevent erosion.
3. Agriculture: People still cultivate on the remaining land, growing cassava, corn, and other short-term crops.

Culinary Essence: Fresh Flavors from the Lake

Cuisine in Tra Tan is a unique experience, a combination of mountain and aquatic flavors.

• Lake fish: This is the "star" of the local cuisine. Freshly caught fish can be prepared into many delicious dishes such as grilled grass carp, sour fish soup with silver carp, catfish hotpot... The fish meat is firm and sweet because it lives in a clean natural water environment.
• Hill chickens, Wild pigs: Indispensable mountain specialties.
• Bamboo-tube rice, Wild vegetables: Bamboo-tube rice cooked from upland sticky rice in bamboo tubes, served with grilled lake fish, is a perfect combination.

[Image suggestion: A person paddling a coracle on Song Tranh 2 Lake to retrieve fishing nets - Alt text: Lake fishing activity, a new livelihood in Tra Tan commune]

Interacting with Locals: Understanding the Mountainous Quang Accent

The speech of Tra Tan locals carries the distinctive accent of Quang Nam, honest and sincere.

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

"Pocket" Experience for a Tra Tan Road Trip

• Transportation: The best vehicle is a sturdy motorbike. The road to Tra Tan is quite challenging, with many passes and steep hills.
• Timing: It's best to go during the dry season, when the lake water level is stable and the roads are dry.
• Must-try experiences: Try to join a local fisherman's boat to experience fishing on the lake. Camping overnight on a small island on the lake is also an unforgettable experience.
• Safety: This is an exploratory trip, requiring careful preparation in terms of health, vehicle, and necessary supplies. It's advisable to go in a group and have a local guide who knows the area well.

Quick Answers (FAQ) About Tra Tan Commune

1. Which communes were merged to form Tra Tan Commune?
   The new Tra Tan Commune was merged from two high-mountain communes: Tra Giac and the old Tra Tan.
2. Is the Song Tranh 2 Hydropower Plant located in Tra Tan Commune?
   Yes, a large part of the Song Tranh 2 Hydropower Lake is located within the new Tra Tan Commune.
3. Is life difficult for the people here?
   Life in the resettlement area still faces many difficulties, but the people are striving to adapt, finding new economic directions, especially by exploiting the advantages of the lake.
4. How far is Tra Tan Commune from Da Nang city center (Hai Chau ward)?
   The distance is very far, up to 120-130km, and travel time is very long due to mountainous roads.

Heartfelt Advice from LocalTrips.ORG

Tra Tan Commune is an inspiring story of rebirth and extraordinary human resilience. We have noticed that this is not just a destination for sightseeing, but also a place to learn and reflect on the relationship between development and preservation, between sacrifice and new opportunities. A practical lesson is that, from within difficulties, people can always find creative ways to rise. Come to Tra Tan to witness these unique "mountain fishing villages" and feel the vibrant life of this land.

Are you curious about the lives of these "mountain fishermen"? Leave a comment sharing your thoughts to explore more about this reborn land!