The Mystical Smoke-Veiled Hamlet of K’Long K’Lanh in Dalat’s Heart

K’Long K’Lanh, a charming name for a bridge, a forest ranger station, and a village nestled in Da Chais commune (Lac Duong), evokes a sense of enchantment. The locals affectionately refer to it as “Long Lanh,” capturing its dreamy and serene essence, often veiled in a blanket of clouds and mist.

K’Long K’Lanh village, shrouded in a mystical fog. Photo: ntrungtris

This village offers visitors a glimpse into the unique culture of the K’Ho people, whose lives revolve around farming and animal husbandry. It presents a rustic and tranquil tableau, a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The traditional stilt houses of the K’Ho people, constructed from wood and thatched roofs, are a sight to behold. Adorned with distinctive motifs, these homes reflect the ethnic group’s philosophy and outlook on life.

K’Long K’Lanh, a village enveloped in a dreamy mist. Photo: 123 Tadi

The village’s allure has not gone unnoticed, as it has served as a breathtaking backdrop for several Vietnamese films, captivating the hearts of many young people. Additionally, its cool climate, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 22 degrees, offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

For those embarking from Dalat, a scenic drive along Highway 27C to Nha Trang reveals a winding road that leads to K’Long K’Lanh village, approximately 1 to 2 hours away.

K’Long K’Lanh, a village nestled amidst wild and majestic nature. Photo: Nguyen Khanh Vu Khoa

Upon entering the village, one is instantly transported to a fairy tale-like realm, a world apart from the frenetic pace of city life. It is a hidden gem nestled among vast mountains, lush forests, and verdant valleys.

The pièce de résistance of K’Long K’Lanh is the ethereal sea of floating clouds that often graces the village in the early morning or evening. This spectacle is a dream come true for cloud enthusiasts and those who revel in cloud-hunting during the summer months.

The sight of white clouds enveloping the entire valley is nothing short of poetic, akin to a scene from a fairy tale. These ethereal clouds wind their way around the mountains and idyllic houses, captivating the hearts of nature lovers.

A sea of clouds envelops the valley, creating a romantic and ethereal atmosphere. Photo: ntrungtris

The K’Ho people, an ethnic minority group with a rich cultural heritage, reside in various regions across Vietnam, including the southern Central Highlands, Lam Dong Province, and mountainous areas of Binh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Dak Lak, and Dong Nai provinces.

According to scholars, the K’ho people are descendants of the Indonesian race and share ownership of the Sa Huynh Culture. With a history spanning around 2,500 years, they are the oldest local group in the Central Highlands.

As per a 2019 survey of 53 ethnic minority groups, the K’ho ethnic group numbers 200,800 individuals, comprising 98,569 men and 102,231 women. On average, each household has 4.5 members, and a significant proportion, 88.9%, reside in rural areas.

K’Long K’Lanh, a village that promises unforgettable experiences. Photo: Ky Anh Nguyen

The K’ho people’s spiritual beliefs revolve around the concept of supernatural forces governing all aspects of life. In their worldview, there are two opposing forces: yang, represented by benevolent gods who bestow blessings, and cha, represented by malevolent spirits who bring misfortune.

In terms of attire, K’ho men typically wear loincloths, while women don short dresses. The loincloth is a broad piece of cloth, measuring 1.5 to 2 meters in length, adorned with patterns along vertical strips. The dress, on the other hand, is a simple piece of cloth wrapped around the body, usually black with strips of white patterns. During colder weather, an additional layer in the form of a blanket provides warmth.

Visitors also have the opportunity to partake in traditional K’Ho festivals, such as the new rice festival, which is a joyous occasion for the local community to come together, celebrate, and express gratitude to their ancestors.