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J
ust 30 minutes from Hanoi in
Dong Mo, Son Tay town, a se-
ries of houses are being built,
each showcasing the lifestyle of
one of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities.
This ethnic village is the first stage of
the state owned Vietnam National Vil-
lage for Ethnic Culture and Tourism
(Vinaculto) project, which is set to cost
VND9,300 billion ($445 million).
Six other key aspects are waiting
for social investment: the culture and
recreation center, the world heritage
area, a tourism service, a park and ma-
rina, and the Dong Mo Lake and admin-
istration and management area.
Dong Mo was selected as the pro-
ject site for its terrain of hills, valleys,
plains and lakes. This landscape means
the houses of the 54 ethnic communi-
ties can be built on land that reflects
where they traditionally stand.
The 54 ethnic peoples are grouped
into four clusters, depending on their
location in Vietnam. The first one com-
prises the typical cultural sites and land-
scapes of the 28 ethnic groups, such
as the Tay, Dzao, Muong, Thai, and
H’mong, from the mountainous, valley
and midland areas of northwest and
the central north regions. The second
is dedicated to the 18 ethnic communi-
ties from highland areas, including the
Truong Son ranges and Central High-
lands provinces. Minorities that live in
these areas include the Xtieng, Hre, Xe
Dang, Co Tu, Mnong and many more.
The third one showcases four
groups that live on the mixed terrain
of mountain, plains, hill, highland and
river areas in the central region, south
highlands and southern Vietnam, in-
cluding the Champa and Khmer peo-
ple. The remaining cluster comprises
four groups: the Kinh, San Diu, Hoa
and Ngai.
This means it will be possible for
visitors to view the imposing stilt hous-
es of the Xtieng or Ede people, the plain
earthen cottages of the H’mong and the
tiny thatched cottage of Khmer people,
all on one site.
Despite the simplicity of the Khmer
homers, they use very sophisticated,
stunning architecture and design for
their splendid golden temples. They are
designed with a pyramid shape, repre-
It will be possible
for visitors to
view the impos-
ing stilt houses of
the Xtieng or Ede people,
the plain earthen
cottages of the H’mong
and the tiny thatched
cottage of Khmer people,
all on one site.
DESTINATION
The multi-cultural village
Vietnam’s latest cultural attraction means there is no need to travel miles to
witness a colourful Red Dzao wedding or the H’mong people’s spring
festival – these and more are being showcased at the Vietnam National Village
for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, writes
Anne Nguyen
A recreated Central Highlands village