Van Don is often introduced through: sea – islands – resorts – seafood. But venture farther inland and you will encounter a completely different story: the San Diu community. In Vong Tre Hamlet, 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 sources in 2026, the hamlet has more than 1,500 residents, of whom the San Diu account for over 85% of the population.
What is Soọng cô?
“Soọng cô” means singing in the San Diu language. It is a form of antiphonal folk singing, in which the lyrics may express:
-
Courtship.
-
Personal feelings.
-
Good wishes.
-
Wedding activities.
-
Housewarming celebrations.
-
Longevity blessings.
-
Festive occasions.
Van Don’s official sources describe each Soọng cô song as a poem used in many contexts of community life.
Do not confuse Soọng cô with Soóng Cọ
The two names are very similar, but they do not refer to the same practice.
Soọng cô → the San Diu people.
Soóng Cọ → the San Chi people.
Quang Ninh’s specialist materials also clearly distinguish these two forms of folk singing. This is a handbook detail that should be written accurately to avoid conflating the two communities.
What does Vong Tre Village offer?
The village space is being developed for visitors to learn about:
-
Homes.
-
Cuisine.
-
Traditional clothing.
-
Customs.
-
Community activities.
-
Folk arts.
In April 2026, the local authorities continued to incorporate this model into their community tourism development plans, with the goal of preserving culture while supporting livelihoods.
The Dai Phan Festival
In 2026, Van Don continued to organize the Dai Phan Festival of the San Diu people, with numerous rituals and performance activities, including Soọng cô singing and traditional dishes. The religious rituals hold deep significance within the community. Visitors should:
-
Stand in the designated place as instructed.
-
Do not enter the ritual area.
-
Do not imitate ritual movements to make TikTok videos.
-
Do not touch ritual objects.
When listening to Soọng cô
You do not need to understand every word to appreciate it. Pay attention to:
-
The two sides singing in response to each other.
-
The rhythm of the exchange.
-
The tone of the voices.
-
The interaction between the singers.
If you want to film the entire performance, ask the organizers or artisans first.
A better way to experience it
Instead of: arrive → put on the clothes → take photos → leave, try: listen to the introduction → observe daily activities → sample the food → chat → listen to Soọng cô → buy community products. You will remember Vong Tre for much longer.
Quick checklist
-
Soọng cô = San Diu.
-
Soóng Cọ = San Chi.
-
Do not confuse the two communities.
-
Ask permission before photographing people.
-
Respect the rituals.
-
Do not treat traditional clothing as a costume.
-
Buy community products if appropriate.
-
Prioritize experiences organized by local residents themselves.
