Ako Dhong Village

Ako Dhong Village (or Co Thon), is two kilometers north of Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province. It has 300 inhabitants; all of the villagers are the E De and the Mi Nong people.

"Ako" means the original source in the E Dies language, and "Dhong" means Valley, the Valley of the original source of Ea Nhon Spring. This is a village famous for its prosperity, and is often called "The village of tile-roofed houses" or "Ama Rin Village".

Formerly Ako Dhong was a jungle. Ama Rin, the owner of the village, a native of Ea Mlai Village in Mi Drak District, was among the first people who came here to set up the village. All the villagers shared a big well, and cultivated 12ha of coffee.

The villagers self-sufficient livelihood was based on cooperative working method and average distribution. From 1975 towards, together with the governments policy on settlement, Ako Dhong villagers had households of smaller scale formed and a village school set up.

Today, Ako Dhong Village has seen many changes. Chief Ama Rin usually holds many festivals, featuring activities of singing, music performance, and traditional dances. Ama Rin also intends to develop sidelines for villagers in order to promote their living standards. However, he and villagers hope that Ako Dhongs culture and handicraft will be preserved and developed well. The best things in Ako Dhong Village are glad to see visitors.