Sharing the same Lac Hong bloodline: Bringing village culture to the world.

Nestled in the vast forests west of Da Nang, the village of Bhơ Hôồng (Sông Kôn commune), once a land of hardship, has now undergone a transformation, becoming a vibrant community-based tourism destination.

Báo Thanh niên•28/04/2026

Behind this revival lies the dedication of Ms. Dinh Thi Thin , who has persistently "awakened" indigenous cultural values, transforming each house and dance into a bridge connecting the Co Tu villages to the world .

The man who "awakened" the village

Located about 70 km from the center of Da Nang city, Bhơ Hôồng village in Sông Kôn commune (formerly Đông Giang district, Quảng Nam province, now Da Nang city) appears like a fairytale painting hidden amidst the lush green mountain slopes. Although the road leading to the village is still difficult to navigate, this very isolation acts as a "fortress" protecting the rare, pristine beauty of the place. Traditional Gươl houses sit peacefully under the forest canopy, the smoke from the kitchen fires blending with the sound of babbling streams and the lively rhythm of gongs and drums echoing from the village square.

Ms. Dinh Thi Thin (wearing traditional clothing) poses for a photo with tourists at Acu homestay & Tours.

PHOTO: MANH CUONG

Few people know that Bhơ Hôồng was once a village struggling with poverty. About 50 households with over 700 inhabitants depended entirely on slash-and-burn agriculture, growing rice and cassava. Hunger and poverty haunted generations. However, that story is now a thing of the past. Today, Bhơ Hôồng has truly transformed. More spacious stilt houses, cleaner village roads, and especially the laughter and chatter of international tourists blending with the rhythm of life of the Cơ Tu people create a new, vibrant way of life. In this story of change, the mark of Ms. Đinh Thị Thìn is particularly significant.

Born in 1989, a graduate of Vietnamese Studies (Dong A College of Technology, Quang Nam), Ms. Thin had many options to stay in the city. However, in 2013, she decided to return to Bho Hoong, bringing with her knowledge and the aspiration to do something for her homeland. In the early days, her journey was not easy at all.

At that time, community-based tourism was a foreign concept to the local people. However, for Thin, tourism was not simply about selling services, but about selling "cultural experiences." To achieve this, she started with the smallest things: welcoming guests herself, giving tours using her self-taught foreign language skills (she later graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English from Hanoi Open University in 2021), acting as an interpreter, and even cooking... Not only that, she persistently persuaded the villagers to participate, from preparing accommodation and cooking to communicating with tourists.

She also personally guided the villagers on how to decorate their houses to preserve traditional features while still providing enough amenities for visitors from afar, and how to communicate in basic English. She also worked tirelessly with paperwork, cost estimates, applications for support, and connecting with travel agencies to put Bhơ Hôồng on the tourism map. "I want the villagers to understand that their culture is a valuable asset. If they know how to preserve and promote it, it will bring them a sustainable livelihood," Ms. Thìn shared.

What sets Bhơ Hôồng apart is its authentic cultural values. Here, visitors don't just "come to see," but "come to live." In 2023, the establishment of Acu Homestay & Tours marked a milestone in Thìn's professional approach to tourism. Visitors to Bhơ Hôồng are taught how to shoot crossbows, climb mountains, weave brocade, learn to speak the Cơ Tu language , and immerse themselves in the tung tung - da dá dance. This connection has transformed Bhơ Hôồng into a "fairy tale village" amidst the vast forest.

Tourists experience the Co Tu culture at Bho Hoong village.

PHOTO: MANH CUONG

The simple yet flavorful meals, from bamboo-cooked rice and grilled meat to wild vegetables, leave a lasting impression on visitors. Everything is prepared with sincerity and simplicity, a quality many international tourists consider an "authentic experience." And above all, it's the hospitality – a cultural trait deeply ingrained in the Cơ Tu people – that Ms. Thìn has subtly fostered and promoted.

Farid Hamka, a tourist from Indonesia, left a small note before departing: "Thank you, Thin, for giving us such a wonderful experience. Everything here was impressive." Farid wasn't alone; many groups of tourists from Australia also expressed admiration for the traditional village atmosphere and the energetic group dances. "We didn't just come here for tourism, but also to understand how the Co Tu people live, to feel the strong community bond that is rarely found elsewhere," one tourist shared.

WHEN THE VILLAGE "OPENS ITS DOORS" TO THE WORLD

Currently, Bhơ Hôồng receives an average of about 150 visitors per month, with approximately 90% being international tourists. While not a large number, it's enough to create a significant change. What's noteworthy is that instead of chasing quantity, Bhơ Hôồng has chosen a slow but steady approach to development. Every visitor is welcomed like family, given a profound experience rather than just a fleeting glimpse. "I don't want this place to become a noisy tourist destination. What I hope for is to maintain its tranquility, so that each visitor leaves with a beautiful memory of the Cơ Tu people," Ms. Thìn shared.

Elder Bling Bloó, considered the "living dictionary" of the village, spoke about the changes in Bhơ Hôồng with pride shining in his eyes. He said that in the past, the villagers only knew how to cultivate fields, and hunger was a frequent occurrence. Now, thanks to Thìn bringing tourists here, the village has changed. "He's young, but he's accomplished great things. He knows how to preserve his roots while still learning new things. Thanks to him, our village hasn't lost its identity. More importantly, he helps our children understand that the culture of our ancestors is a precious asset," Elder Bling Bloó shared.

"Seeing Western tourists come to the village, learn the tung tung - da da dance, and then praise its beauty, makes our villagers very happy. Instead of just knowing how to do agriculture, nowadays the lives of the people are improving and becoming more stable, and our children are getting a proper education. This great achievement is all thanks to Thin," the old man confided.

Tourists can experience immersing themselves in nature in Song Kon commune.

PHOTO: MANH CUONG

Mr. Do Huu Tung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Song Kon commune , highly appreciated the community tourism model in Bho Hoong. According to him, this is a suitable direction for the local conditions. Bho Hoong does not have the advantage of modern infrastructure, but it possesses very unique cultural and natural resources. Developing tourism based on these values is a sustainable approach.

Mr. Tung also emphasized the pioneering role of Ms. Dinh Thi Thin, not only as a tourism professional but also as a bridge between the community and the outside world. From attracting tourists and training local people in skills to promoting the community's image, her influence is evident in all aspects. "Thin's model is not only a shining example of economic development but also a role model for preserving community culture. What's great about Thin is her sustainable approach, which doesn't disrupt the village structure but makes it more vibrant. We expect Bho Hoong to become a model to be replicated in other villages, helping highland people become economically self-sufficient using their own cultural strengths," Mr. Tung stressed.

Amidst the vast, verdant forest, Bhơ Hôồng today is not just a place to visit, but also a place to feel, to understand, and to remember. And there, Ms. Dinh Thi Thin is quietly continuing her story by bringing the village culture to the world, so that seemingly small values can spread powerfully and lastingly.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chung-dong-mau-lac-hong-dua-van-hoa-lang-ra-the-gioi-185260428190833381.htm