Tra Doc - a place that preserves the soul of the vast forests west of Da Nang.

From the terraced rice fields of Xa Ro village and the gong sounds of the Ca Dong people to the picturesque Song Tranh 2 lake, Tra Doc commune (Da Nang city) is gradually emerging as a land rich in identity, preserving the pristine beauty of the vast forest and aspiring to develop from its inherent cultural and natural values.

From the center of Da Nang city, after traveling over 130 km, the mountainous commune of Tra Doc emerges amidst the vast green expanse of the mountains west of the city. This newly established area, formed by merging the two communes of Tra Bui and Tra Doc, not only possesses potential for economic development but also boasts unique cultural values ​​and a pristine natural landscape.

Tra Doc is home to many ethnic communities. Each ethnic group brings its own unique cultural colors, contributing to the diverse and rich cultural landscape of this region.

One early morning in Xa Ro village, white clouds still lingered around the mountain slopes. The terraced rice fields, though not as vast as those in famous tourist destinations in the Northwest, possessed a unique beauty characteristic of the mountainous western region of Da Nang. During the rice harvest season, the golden hues covered the hillsides, blending with the green of the mountains and forests to create a peaceful and captivating natural landscape. The local people still preserve many unique traditional cultural features.

The terraced rice fields winding along the mountain slopes are a unique beauty of the Tra Doc highlands.

PHOTO: XUAN TRUC

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If culture is the soul, then nature in Tra Doc is the priceless gift that creation has bestowed upon this land. The majority of the commune's area consists of hills and mountains with a rich forest ecosystem and many rivers, streams, and waterfalls that retain their pristine beauty. Places like Suoi Tri Waterfall and Ba No Waterfall have long been familiar destinations for locals every summer. The clear water cascading down from the headwater forests creates a cool, refreshing atmosphere amidst the vast wilderness. The sound of flowing water mingling with the chirping of forest birds brings a rare sense of peace, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Another unique potential of Tra Doc lies in the reservoir of the Song Tranh 2 hydroelectric power plant. The vast lake stretches between towering mountain ranges, creating a picturesque landscape. In spring, when the lake is full, its emerald green surface reflects fluffy white clouds and lingering morning mist, creating a scene reminiscent of a traditional ink painting. Besides its scenic value, the reservoir is also a place where locals develop cage fish farming, opening up opportunities for combining production with experiential tourism in the future.

Expectations for community-based tourism

When mentioning Tra Doc, one cannot fail to mention cinnamon – one of the crops that offers hope for poverty alleviation to the local people. Many cinnamon-growing areas are concentrated with trees aged 2-3 decades, covering the mountain slopes in lush greenery. The warm, pungent aroma of cinnamon spreads throughout the mountains and forests, becoming a unique characteristic of this region. The local government's investment in on-site cinnamon essential oil distillation not only enhances the product's value but also opens up a sustainable economic development path for the people.

Mr. Phan Duy Hung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Tra Doc commune, said that the locality has determined that economic development must be linked to the preservation of traditional culture and the conservation of the natural ecosystem. The unique values ​​of the ethnic minorities, along with the pristine landscape of the mountains and forests, waterfalls, and ancient cinnamon growing areas, are advantages for Tra Doc to develop community tourism and experiential tourism in the future. "We hope to build Tra Doc into an attractive destination in the western region of Da Nang, where tourists can not only admire the natural beauty but also experience the local culture, enjoy traditional cuisine , and feel the hospitality of the ethnic minorities," Mr. Hung emphasized.

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Despite remaining challenges due to transportation, the unique cultural values, pristine natural landscapes, and well-preserved community identity are creating distinct advantages for Tra Doc on its development journey.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tra-doc-noi-giu-hon-dai-ngan-phia-tay-da-nang-185260617132619258.htm