K’Tu community tourism village

Many years ago, the lives of the people in Kon K’Tu village were still very difficult. Since the former Kon Tum province approved and implemented the community tourism Village model in 2020, a major “leap forward” has been created in the development of household economies, while simultaneously preserving unique cultural identity.

Kon K’Tu possesses many advantages in terms of natural conditions, with diverse topography, rivers, waterfalls, long stretches of sandbanks along the riverbanks surrounding the village, several fertile alluvial plains deposited over the years and forests that are constantly regenerating and developing. These conditions are favorable for experiential tourism, exploration, camping and trekking activities…

Today, visitors to Kon K’Tu immediately sense the village’s unique character. The village has preserved its original architecture, with traditional stilt houses accounting for over 50% of the buildings. At the centre of the village stands the majestic communal house, constructed from wood, bamboo and leaves. Surrounding the communal house are traditional stilt houses, creating a fairytale atmosphere where time seems to stand still. Preserving and conserving these ancient stilt houses is a key factor in attracting tourists. The community tourism model in Kon K’Tu village is built on the principle of “integration without assimilation”, focusing on authentic cultural experiences carried out and provided by the local people themselves, specifically:

Staying experience (Homestay): Many households have boldly invested in upgrading their homes and building new stilt houses to serve as accommodation, allowing tourists to stay and live with the Ba Na people. Through this, tourists gain a better understanding of the customs, simplicity and daily life of the community.

Gong and Xoang Dance Cultural Space: Visitors can immerse themselves in the gong culture and enjoy the traditional Xoang dance of the Ba Na people. This is a unique cultural activity that offers a profound and captivating emotional experience.

Experience traditional crafts: Ba Na women in Kon K’Tu diligently practice weaving. Visitors can participate in weaving and basketry workshops, learning about the process of creating fabrics with patterns that tell stories about the life of the village.

Dak Bla River Tourism: Its unique location along the picturesque Dak Bla River allows the village to develop additional nature-based sports activities such as SUP paddling or dugout canoeing.

Since the implementation of the community tourism model in mid 2020, many households have invested in building infrastructure and organizing all-inclusive tours that include gong performances, local cuisine (bamboo rice, rice wine) and visits to traditional crafts. Kon K’Tu village was recognized as a community tourism village by the People’s Committee of Kon Tum province (formerly) in 2020. This development has not eroded the ancient culture, on the contrary, the people’s traditional way of life has been preserved; the people still carry goods to the fields, women weave brocade, and sunsets still witness dugout canoes gliding gently on the Dak Bla River. Furthermore, the village has actively promoted the use of social media to advertise and showcase its culture and attract tourists, demonstrating the community’s proactive approach to tourism.

The transformation of Kon K’Tu community tourism village is a vivid testament to the fact that sustainable tourism is not only about economic development but also the most effective way to honor and preserve the cultural identity of the Ba Na ethnic people./.