In May, the festive atmosphere is spreading throughout Da Nang city with many vibrant cultural, tourism, and entertainment activities. Amidst this bustling flow, Trà Leng – the mountainous region west of the city – is gradually becoming an attractive destination for tourists thanks to its majestic natural landscapes, distinctive products, and the unique cultural identity of the highland people.
A new destination amidst the vast mountains
Located in a high mountainous area at an altitude of about 1,500m above sea level, Trà Leng is known as a land rich in natural resources and traditional culture. Not only does it possess the characteristic climate of the highlands, but it is also famous for its vast cinnamon forests and Sâm Ngọc Linh – a precious medicinal herb considered a “national treasure” of Vietnam.
Among them, Quế Trà Leng is one of the typical products of the mountainous region of Quảng Nam, granted geographical indication in 2011 thanks to its distinctive aroma and high essential oil content. Along with Sâm Ngọc Linh, these products are gradually asserting their value in the market and becoming a potential for developing experiential tourism and community-based tourism.
A cultural space rich in identity
Not only prominent with local products, Trà Leng is also a place that preserves many unique cultural values of the Ca Dong, Xơ Đăng, and Mơ Nông ethnic groups – communities that account for nearly 98% of the local population. The resounding gongs and gongs in the mountains, the colorful brocade fabrics, or the jar of rượu cần (rice wine) during festivals have become familiar images of community life here.
Traditional cultural values are still preserved by the people through many generations as an indispensable part of their spiritual life. Besides, the story of the revival of the Bằng La residential area after the natural disaster also left many imprints on the spirit of solidarity and resilience of the highland people. From difficulties, the people here are gradually stabilizing their lives, developing production, and preserving the traditional culture of their ethnic group.
Connecting tourism and community development
According to local orientation, Trà Leng is gradually developing tourism associated with cultural experiences, OCOP products, and mountain ecology. Cultural activities, festivals, and tourism promotion in Da Nang in May are considered opportunities to promote the image of Trà Leng closer to tourists and investors. Through connection programs, the locality hopes to attract more resources to develop socio-economics, expand the market for OCOP products, and create more livelihoods for mountainous people.
From the vibrant festive atmosphere of the coastal city to the peaceful beauty amidst the vast mountains, Trà Leng is gradually opening up a new journey of discovery for tourists – where nature, culture, and people blend together to create the unique charm of Da Nang's highlands today.