Van Don is often introduced through: sea – islands – resorts – seafood. Yet venturing deeper inland, you will encounter an entirely different narrative: the San Diu community. In Vong Tre village, Van Don special zone, the San Diu Ethnic Cultural Village is being developed as a space for preserving and experiencing community culture. According to local 2026 data, the village has over 1,500 residents, with the San Diu ethnic group accounting for more than 85% of the population.
What is Soong co?
“Soong co” in the San Diu language means singing. This is an antiphonal folk singing genre in which song lyrics can express:
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Courting and romance.
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Confiding sentiments.
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Wishes and blessings.
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Weddings.
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Housewarmings.
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Longevity celebrations.
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Festivals and New Year occasions.
Official sources in Van Don describe each Soong co song as a poem utilized across numerous facets of communal life.
Do not confuse Soong co with Soong Co
The two names sound very similar but refer to distinct practices.
Soọng cô → the San Diu people.
Soóng Cọ → the San Chi people.
Specialized documentation from Quang Ninh clearly distinguishes these two folk singing traditions. This is an essential handbook detail to record accurately to prevent conflating the two communities.
What does Vong Tre village offer?
The village space is developed for visitors to explore:
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Traditional dwellings.
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Cuisine.
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Traditional attire.
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Customs and traditions.
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Community living practices.
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Folk arts.
In April 2026, the locality continued integrating this model into community tourism development orientations, aiming to tie cultural preservation closely with local livelihoods.
Dai Phan Festival
In 2026, Van Don continues organizing the Dai Phan Festival of the San Diu people featuring various rituals and performing arts activities, including Soong co singing and traditional delicacies. The religious rituals hold profound internal spiritual significance. Visitors should:
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Stand only in designated areas as directed.
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Refrain from stepping into ritual areas.
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Avoid mimicking ritual gestures for TikTok videos.
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Refrain from touching ritual and worship artifacts.
When listening to Soong co
You do not need to understand every single word to appreciate it. Pay attention to:
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The call-and-response dynamics between both sides.
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The rhythm of the exchange.
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The vocal nuances and tones.
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The interaction between the singers.
If you wish to record an entire performance, ask the organizers or artisans beforehand.
A meaningful way to experience
Instead of: arriving → dressing up → taking photos → leaving, try: listening to the introduction → observing daily life → tasting dishes → conversing → listening to Soong co → purchasing community products. You will remember Vong Tre for a much longer time.
Quick checklist
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Soọng cô = San Diu.
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Soóng Cọ = San Chi.
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Do not confuse the two communities.
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Ask for permission when photographing people.
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Show respect for rituals.
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Do not treat traditional garments as mere costumes.
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Purchase community products where suitable.
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Prioritize experiences hosted directly by local residents.
