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"The Ba River flows down to the Da Rang River."
"No one loves Dak Lak as much as Phu Yen..."
With an impressive length of over 400 km, the Ba River is not only one of the largest rivers in Central Vietnam but also a historical witness, an invisible thread connecting space and time across the S-shaped landmass. Originating in the majestic Central Highlands, where vast primeval forests embrace age-old mysteries, the tireless flow of the Ba River has forged a vibrant journey.
Blood flow
Originating from Ngoc Ro peak (Kon Tum) at an altitude of 1,549 m, this 388 km long river meanders through three provinces: Kon Tum, Gia Lai, and Phu Yen, before merging into the East Sea at Da Dien estuary (Tuy Hoa City). The journey of the Ba River is a vibrant epic, where history and culture intertwine, creating a colorful tapestry of the people and land of this region.
The famous river in Phu Yen, originating in Kon Tum and flowing for 380km, is likened to a river that never grows old.
From its very name, the Ba River tells stories of the close connection between people and its flow. In its upper reaches, the river is called Ea Pa and then La Pa, which in the Ba Na language means "abundant water, large stream" – reflecting its grandeur and abundant water resources. As it flows downstream, to the Dong Cam dam area (Hoa Hoi commune, Phu Hoa district), the river is called Da Rang, derived from the Cham name Ea Drang, meaning "river of reeds".
These names are not just place names but also evidence of the presence of indigenous cultures, reflecting people's understanding and respect for the mother river. With a vast drainage basin of 13,900 km² and an average water flow of 257 m³/second at Cung Son (Son Hoa, Phu Yen), the Ba River is truly the lifeblood of the vast forests, bringing prosperity to the land and sustaining millions of people for generations.
The journey from the forest to the sea connects the vibrant cultural and historical narratives and unique identities of the communities living along the riverbanks.
Historically, the Ba River has played an extremely important role in the formation and development of ancient civilizations. Evidence of this can be seen in the remaining Cham relics such as Dong Mieu, Thanh Ho, and Thap Nhan on the banks of the Ba River in Phu Yen, demonstrating the prosperity and importance of the river to the economic, cultural, and spiritual life of ancient inhabitants. Furthermore, the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the ethnic groups living along both banks of the river is deeply imbued with the spirit and inspiration of the Ba River.
Originating in the vast forests of the Central Highlands, the Ba River has nurtured civilizations and shaped unique customs and traditions.
The Ba River is not only a natural lifeline but also a crucial waterway throughout history. Under the Champa and Nguyen dynasties, this river served as a strategic route, connecting and promoting the economic development of the sea and forests, creating a bustling trading space. In particular, the folk verse, "Tell the people upstream to send down young jackfruit and send up flying fish," has become vivid evidence of the close trade and strong bond between the mountain and lowland inhabitants, sharing the same river and the same historical context.
Enchanted by the place where the Ba River meets the sea.
Along the cool, clear streams in the heart of the Central Highlands, which flow into the Ba River, lie vast primeval forests. The river is not only a lifeline sustaining countless plant and animal species, creating a rich ecosystem with hundreds of rare and ancient trees such as ironwood and rosewood, as well as valuable medicinal plants, but it is also a symbol of community cohesion.
The river is the lifeblood that sustains countless species of plants and animals, creating a symbol of community connection.
As the Ba River meanders through the valleys, it becomes a gathering place for ethnic communities. Since ancient times, they have settled along its banks, seeking food, water, and natural resources. Daily activities such as fishing and farming are closely tied to the river. Following its course through the provinces of Dak Lak, Gia Lai, and Phu Yen, one can clearly see the value of community cohesion that the river brings. The Ba River has nurtured many ethnic groups such as the Ede, Ba Na, and Gia Rai in Dak Lak, and the Kinh and Cham in Phu Yen. The people here are intimately connected to the river, from fishing to using its water for daily life. Small boats glide gently across the water, carrying diligent fishermen, creating a serene and peaceful scene of life amidst the mountains and forests.
As the Ba River meanders through the valleys, it becomes a gathering place for ethnic communities.
In the past, the Ba River was an important trade route, a hub for the exchange of agricultural and aquatic products. Villages along the river were built and developed thanks to the abundant water resources and rich natural resources. The communities living along the Ba River formed a strong network of cultural, economic, and social connections.
Each ethnic group has its own unique customs, festivals, and art, but they all share a common belief: they always regard the Ba River as their mother river, providing sustenance and embodying their spiritual life. Therefore, every year, the villages organize festivals to worship the river's source, praying for the river to remain clean and for a bountiful harvest.
The people here are closely connected to the river, from fishing to using its water for daily life…
During the festival season at the Ba River, visitors feel as if they have stepped into a world of diverse and colorful cultures, from vibrant costumes to the majestic sounds of gongs echoing through the mountains. At this time, communities gather on the riverbanks, performing traditional dances, sharing and blending their unique customs and traditions, creating a cultural space rich in identity.
Along the banks of the Ba River lie cultural heritage sites created and preserved over time. From majestic communal houses, stilt houses, and longhouses with unique architecture of ethnic minorities to ancient villages nestled along the riverbanks in the lowlands.
As you travel downstream, countless cultural stories unfold before your eyes.
Traveling downstream, anyone can recognize the lushness and abundance of the Tuy Hoa delta, home to the largest rice granary in Central Vietnam, enriched by the alluvial deposits of the Ba River every year. The flower villages along the riverbanks, meticulously cultivated year-round, create a peaceful and romantic scene. Where the Ba River meets the sea, the intermingling of saltwater and freshwater creates a diverse ecosystem suitable for aquatic life, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy rustic dishes with rich, flavorful tastes.
Developing experiential tourism along the Ba River, from the Central Highlands down to the coast, not only brings significant economic benefits but also helps preserve and promote the unique cultural heritage of this region. The harmonious connection between the forest and the sea via the Ba River creates a stunning natural landscape and reflects the close and sustainable relationship between humans and the environment, transforming the Ba River into a precious gem of Central Vietnam.
