Discovering the Van Kieu Culture When Visiting Klu Hot Spring

Klu Hot Spring lies along the legendary Dakrong River, on the East - West Economic Corridor, in Dakrong commune, Dakrong district, Quang Tri province. Hundreds of years ago, the Van Kieu and Pa Ko ethnic communities used this stream for resting, relaxing, and sourcing domestic water. In the Van Kieu language, "Klu" means "stop to rest," reflecting the gentle flow of the stream, making it suitable for bathing and relaxing.

Klu stream is special because it features both warm and cool water areas. In the summer, visitors can immerse themselves in the cool water to dispel the heat. In the winter, the warm thermal water with temperatures around 30-50°C provides a cozy and relaxing feeling. According to research, Klu stream water contains high levels of bicarbonate and calcium (300-400 mg/l) along with metasilicic acid (over 50 mg/l), helping to improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and benefit joint health.

Having once been a popular destination attracting nearly 40,000 visitors from 2018 to 2020, Klu Hot Spring generated over 2.2 billion VND for the local community. However, after the Covid-19 pandemic and the historic flood in 2020, the local infrastructure was severely damaged, leaving the area deserted. Despite this, local authorities and residents are making great efforts to restore Klu to bring it back as a prominent eco-tourism and cultural destination.

The Van Kieu people are one of the long-standing ethnic minorities living in the Truong Son mountain range, with customs, traditions, and a lifestyle that lives in harmony with nature. When coming to Klu Hot Spring, you can not only bathe in the stream but also have the opportunity to experience the unique cultural features of this community.

Stream Thanksgiving Ceremony

Every year, the Van Kieu people hold a stream thanksgiving ceremony at Klu stream to pray for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. They bring chickens and pigs to the stream to offer sacrifices, expressing gratitude to the mountain and tree spirits. According to the beliefs of the Van Kieu people, newborn children are bathed in Klu stream water to grow healthy, smart, and protected by nature when going to the forest or fields.

Visitors can participate in or witness these rituals (if visiting at the right time), gaining deep insights into the spiritual life of the indigenous people.

Folk Art

One of the unmissable experiences at Klu is immersing yourself in gong dances and bamboo pole dances with the Van Kieu people. The vibrant sounds of the gongs, combined with graceful dance movements, create a lively cultural space. Visitors can also join in singing and interacting with the local people, who are renowned for their hospitality and friendliness.

Traditional Craft Villages 

The Van Kieu people in Klu village have a tradition of brocade weaving and rattan weaving, creating exquisite handcrafted products such as scarves, bags, and decorative items. Visitors can visit villages near Klu stream, observe the brocade-making process, or even try their hand at these techniques. These handmade products serve not only as meaningful souvenirs but also as a way to preserve indigenous culture.

Unique Cuisine

Van Kieu cuisine is a highlight that cannot be missed when coming to Klu Hot Spring. Visitors can enjoy specialties such as:

• Doac wine and stem wine (ruou can): Made from wild leaf yeast, carrying the distinctive flavor of the mountains and forests.
• Cơm lam (Bamboo tube rice): Sticky rice grilled inside bamboo tubes, fragrant and flavorful.
• Grilled stream fish: Fresh fish caught from Klu stream, grilled over red embers, served with wild vegetables.
• Wild chicken and mountain bamboo shoots: Dishes prepared in traditional ways, preserving their natural sweetness.

Many visitors are captivated by the simple yet rich local meals prepared by the Van Kieu people themselves.

Traditional Stilt Houses

At Klu community tourism site, 15 stilt houses built from thatch, bamboo, and leaves reflect the traditional architecture of the Van Kieu people. Visitors can stay overnight here (free of charge if arranged in advance), experience life like a local, take commemorative photos, or learn more about daily lifestyle customs.

Klu Hot Spring is not only a place to relax but also a bridge bringing visitors closer to the culture and people of Van Kieu. From gong dances and mountain-flavored dishes to legendary tales about the stream, everything creates a unique community tourism experience. Although the tourism area is currently facing challenges in recovery, with efforts from the government and local community, Klu promises to soon return as an unmissable destination in Quang Tri.