Ako Dhong Village

Ako Dhong Village, also called Buon Ako Dhong, is a traditional Ede ethnic village located in Tan Loi Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province. Situated about 2 km from the city center, it is notable for preserving authentic Ede longhouses (nha dai) within an urban setting. The village offers insight into Central Highlands indigenous architecture, matrilineal culture, and community life, and remains inhabited by Ede families.

Visitors can expect a small, inhabited village with traditional Ede longhouses built on stilts from wood, bamboo and thatch, set along quiet lanes with gardens and coffee trees. The setting is residential and tranquil, contrasting with the nearby city center. Visitors can walk through the village, view longhouse architecture and communal houses, observe weaving and handicraft displays, visit souvenir and coffee shops, and interact with residents. Some longhouses operate as homestays and cultural exhibits.

Ako Dhong is one of the few remaining traditional Ede villages preserved inside Buon Ma Thuot urban area, representing the indigenous settlement pattern of the Central Highlands prior to modern urban expansion. Its longhouses illustrate generations-old construction techniques and community organization of the Ede people.

The village is a cultural center for the Ede (Rhade) ethnic group, showcasing matrilineal family structure, traditional longhouse architecture, gong culture, brocade weaving, and community rituals. It functions as a living heritage site where cultural practices are maintained by local families for visitors to learn about Central Highlands ethnic traditions.