Ngu Long Cong Chua: Discover the Distinctive Culture of the Raglai People
“Culture is always a continuous current, flowing through the historical ups and downs of every people.” More and more travelers are seeking out cultural regions to explore. That makes each journey more colorful, fresh, and rich in experiences. The Raglai are a unique ethnic community. You can learn about the distinctive culture of the Raglai people on the Ngu Long Cong Chua tour with To Ong. At the same time, you will conquer the nature of Ninh Thuan and immerse yourself in a landscape of mountains, forests, and sea.
The Ngu Long Cong Chua route and Raglai culture
Ngu Long Cong Chua is an exploration route that makes many hearts restless because the scenery is so beautiful. The terrain is diverse, from streams and waterfalls hidden beneath old forest canopies to challenging rocky slopes. From sweeping views of Ninh Thuan from above to the rolling waves of deep blue Binh Hung.
In particular, this place has a campsite called Gia Son Coc. It would not be an exaggeration to say this is one of the most beautiful campsites you may ever set foot in.
You can enjoy activities such as bathing in the stream, stand-up paddleboarding, catching fish, or simply letting yourself relax in fresh nature. Enjoy a rustic and appealing dinner, then look up to see stars glittering across the night sky.
Learning about Raglai culture
On the Ngu Long Cong Chua hike, you will feel the warmth of the Raglai people. They are hospitable and enthusiastic, even if you have a thousand questions. Their sincerity and simplicity are proof that, wherever you go, life still holds beautiful things and close human bonds. The Raglai community values affection and loyalty, worships spirits, and often expresses gratitude to their ancestors.
During the tour, you can listen to local porters share stories about their people. You can also talk with residents and enjoy Raglai specialties during lunch at a local home. As you pass through fields and villages, you may hear the sound of the chapi instrument echoing in the distance and see local people busy with their daily work.
Ngu Long Cong Chua tour – learning about the origins and home of the Raglai people
The Raglai people live across more than 14 provinces and cities nationwide. They are mainly concentrated in Ninh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, Binh Thuan, and Lam Dong.
Raglai is the official name used by the state for this ethnic group. Previously, they were also known by other names such as Ra Giay, Hai, or Nouna.
Their mother tongue is Raglai, a language in the Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family. Today, however, most people in the village can also speak Vietnamese.
The Raglai people live together in small villages. The Ngu Long Cong Chua tour route takes you past their homes, where you can observe unique stilt houses with their own architecture. The house body is made from wooden planks, while the roof is thatched with straw. Perhaps this reflects the Raglai way of life: close and deeply connected with nature.
Ngu Long Cong Chua tour – discovering distinctive Raglai cultural traits
Throughout Raglai history, the people have worshipped spirits, overcome countless natural disasters and difficulties, and maintained their lives while preserving their own culture. The Raglai people also contributed to Vietnam’s resistance history against France and the United States. Over a long flow of time, they have built a rich culture that includes epics, stories, music, folk songs, and traditional instruments.
The handicrafts made by the Raglai people mainly serve daily life within their community. You can easily see them when visiting a village on the Ngu Long Cong Chua hike. They also have many rich and distinctive folk festivals, such as ceremonies praying for favorable weather, grave-leaving ceremonies, new rice harvest festivals, and sowing ceremonies. These have become special cultural features of the Raglai community.
Ngu Long Cong Chua tour – learning about Raglai music and instruments
Most Raglai traditional instruments are closely connected with nature, matching their view of life. These include lithophones, gongs, drums, horns, and bamboo instruments such as the Talakung flute, jaw harp, Gadet horn, Chapi instrument, Sarakel gourd horn, and Kupoat gourd horn.
The Raglai believe that natural materials create realistic tones that express the echo of nature. Their music is not only for entertainment after a tiring day of work or for sharing feelings with a life partner, but also for guarding fields and driving away wild animals.
This system of instruments is still passed down today. During the tour, when visiting local homes, you may see a few types of instruments. Do not hesitate to ask about them if you want to learn more.
Ngu Long Cong Chua tour – enjoying Raglai cuisine
Everyday Raglai meals are quite simple. Basic dishes may include rice, rice porridge, or stewed corn porridge, along with light vegetable soup or sour soup. Some meals also include fish, meat, and other dishes, especially when hosting guests.
During their festivals and rituals, they often prepare offerings from agricultural products as a way to thank the spirits. In particular, ruou can, or jar wine, is a specialty used in daily life, spirit worship, and community festivals.
At noon on the Ngu Long Cong Chua tour, the group stops to rest at a local home. After a morning of walking, you will be treated to simple traditional Raglai dishes. Though humble, they are delicious, full of the unique culinary character of the region, and leave a lingering impression.
Final thoughts
Every culture has its own colors, giving us new knowledge and meaningful lessons. Try hiking Ngu Long Cong Chua once, discover the distinctive culture of the Raglai people, and feel the warmth in their way of life. Travel with To Ong.
