English
French
Spanish
ItalianBom Bo Village
Bom Bo Village, more commonly known as Soc Bom Bo, Sok Bom Bo, is a village steeped in the history of the Vietnam War. The village wholeheartedly supported the North Vietnamese army with food, shelter, and refused to cooperate with the US military, despite being located in South Vietnam. Many Vietnamese remember its name from the song “The Sound of rice pounder in Soc Bom Bo” (Tieng chay tren Soc Bom Bo).
The welcoming gate of Bom Bo Village. Photo: Thanh Nien
Today, Bom Bo Village is a famous historical and cultural site in Binh Phuoc Province. Visitors can explore war-era artifacts or immerse themselves in the cultural experiences of the local ethnic minorities. Join Asia King Travel and discover this historical village.
Bom Bo Village is located in Bu Dang District, Binh Phuoc Province. Although the province is part of the Southeast region, its northern border adjoins the Central Highlands, therefore the culture and lifestyle are similar to the people there. Bom Bo Village is an example of this.
Bom Bo village has more characteristics of Central Highlands than the Southern region. Photo: Binh Phuoc Province Web Portal
Located approximately 170 kilometers from both Ho Chi Minh City and Buon Ma Thuot, the village is easily accessible by road. You can start your journey from either of these two major cities. The route is along the national highway, making travel very convenient.
Starting from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Truong Chinh Street), head to Ha Noi Boulevard then get to Le Van Khuong Street. Follow the street to Huynh Van Cu Street in Thu Dau Mot City (Binh Duong Province).
Here, you will see an intersection with National Highway 13 (Cach Mang Thang 8 Road). Keep following the national road until you reach Chon Thanh - Duc Hoa Expressway. The expressway will lead you to Dong Xoai City, then Bom Bo Village after turning left at Provincial Road 760.
It is easier to navigate if you start from Buon Ma Thuot. At the city center, keep following National Highway 14 to the south. Turn into Provincial Road 760 and you will arrive.
Suggested for you: Ho Chi Minh Mui Ne Da Lat Tour 4 Days: Southern Vietnam Explorer
Most of the residents of Bom Bo Village are ethnic Stieng people. Around 1962 - 1963, the US Army and South Vietnamese forces implemented a strategic hamlet program, aiming to isolate Viet Cong from the people. Nevertheless, the villagers resolutely refused to relocate to these hamlets. Some even moved out and built a guerilla base.
In 1965 during the Dong Xoai campaign, when some units of the South Liberation Army faced a rice shortage, the elders called on the village to pound rice to support the troops. Day and night, the villagers lit torches and pounded rice to supply the soldiers. This act inspired the song “The Sound of rice pounder in Soc Bom Bo” to be created.
A photo of villagers pounding rice in the Vietnam War. Photo: Binh Phuoc Online
After the war, the Vietnamese government developed Bom Bo Village into a cultural and historical preservation area. Notably, it has modern amenities such as banks, power stations, sports centers, shopping malls, clinics, schools at all levels, posts, and a clean water treatment plant. The transportation system is well-connected to major roads.
The weather in the highlands is typically quite dry, making the village a great destination to visit year-round. Spring, from early in the year to April, and the festival season around November are especially lively, with more events and festivals of the Stieng people for you to experience.
The conservation area is designed based on the Steng culture, featuring two traditional longhouses and a traditional village showcasing handicrafts such as weaving and blacksmithing. Additionally, there are communal areas, an accommodation area, a parking lot, and other facilities.
They hollowed out tree trunks into multiple mortars to increase the amount of rice they could pound. Photo: Lao dong
Stepping into the exhibition hall, you will be immediately drawn to the fascinating collection of artifacts. You'll spot right away the rice pounding mortar made from a tree trunk, a piece of history in itself. Alongside it are everyday items such as hunting crossbows, brocade fabrics, and musical instruments like lithophones and gongs.
The villagers still maintain the tradition of pounding rice with pestles and mortars, preserving it as a cultural and historical practice. To experience it firsthand, you should visit during festival occasions to join the exciting rice-pounding competitions organized by the locals.
Brocade weaving is a traditional craft of the Stieng people, preserved through many generations. The village women will patiently guide you in weaving brocade fabric, but creating intricate patterns on the fabric is no easy task. These women are truly artisans!
Villagers cook tubes of bamboo rice on a flame. Photo: Bu Dang District
Bamboo rice and fermented rice wine are two must-haves at every meal. It's worth noting that the people of Bom Bo Village have a unique way of brewing wine that is unlike any other ethnic group. Bamboo rice is cooked in long bamboo tubes. Both make great gifts to bring home.
Bom Bo Village is renowned as the best outdoor picnic spot in Binh Phuoc Province. If you're looking for peace, try camping and staying overnight here. Gather with friends for a BBQ, sing songs, and try traditional dishes. You will both enjoy delicious food and listen to the lively gong music at night.
Fully equipped stilt-house-style homestays. Photo: Bu Dang District
If you're looking for a place that combines cultural charm with historical landmarks, don't miss Bom Bo Village. Whether you're traveling from the Central Highlands to the South or vice versa, make a stop at this village to witness the blend of two regions. Contact Asia King Travel now to create an unforgettable trip here!
Suggested for you: Vietnam Veteran Tour 11 days: South & Centre of Vietnam War Memory
