A Wild Forest Retreat: Experience the "Thatched Stilt Houses" of Vietnam’s Co Tu Ethnic Group

▲% Experience the wild charm of spending a night in a stilt house in Bho Hoong Village.

Reported and photographed by Peng Huaiyu / Vietnam

Spending a night in a stilt house is a truly unique experience. In the “Bho Hoong” village in central Vietnam, five stilt houses constructed from wood, rattan, and thatch represent the traditional architecture of the Co Tu, a Central Vietnamese ethnic minority. Built entirely from natural materials, these structures bear no signs of human artifice, making them a hidden paradise for nature enthusiasts.

▲ These stilt houses, built mostly from wood, rattan, and thatch, showcase the traditional architectural style of the Co Tu ethnic minority.

Far from the hustle and bustle of Vietnam’s cities, located about 65 kilometers from Da Nang Airport and approximately 80 kilometers west of the ancient town of Hoi An, “Bho Hoong” sits in the Truong Son Mountains alongside the tranquil Kon River. Access requires crossing a narrow suspension bridge on foot. Despite the inconvenience, it continues to attract deep-travel-loving tourists from Europe and America who journey from afar.

▲ No honking horns—just a symphony of insect chirps, even mantises, geckos, and moths join in the fun.

“Bho Hoong” offers accommodations in five standalone stilt houses, which can host up to 16 people. The rooms have semi-open layouts with excellent ventilation. Even with the windows closed, a gentle breeze flows through. There are no honking horns, just a chorus of insects. Mantises, geckos, and moths even fly into the rooms to join the party, allowing city dwellers to experience what true “nature lodging” is all about.

▲ The rooms feature private balconies where you can sit on wooden chairs and overlook the peaceful Kon River, letting your mind wander amid the sounds of nature.

Each room has a door leading to a private balcony. Sit on a wooden chair, stargaze at night, or gaze at the Kon River during the day, all while letting the sounds of insects and roosters relax your body and mind, helping you forget worldly worries. If you're lucky, you might enjoy a traditional dance performance by the Co Tu in the evening. Join them around the campfire for a dance and experience a holiday vibe completely different from the city. The double room rate is around NT$2,000 per night.

▲ For those longing to merge seamlessly with nature and enjoy its untamed charm, “Bho Hoong” might be the perfect choice.

It’s worth mentioning that “Bho Hoong” is better suited for travelers who love in-depth exploration and are willing to try new things. Those accustomed to luxury may need to think twice. But if you’re tired of hotels and yearn for an unspoiled connection with nature, this could be a great option.

Take a four-star Vietnam Airlines flight from Taipei / Kaohsiung to Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), then transfer to a domestic flight direct to Da Nang (DAD).

Bho Hoong Official Website

Vietnam Airlines

▲% Staying a night at the Bho Hoong retreat costs around NT$2,000.