Located about 50 kilometers to the north of Pleiku Town, the Kon So Lal Village, in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai, is a beauty in danger of being totally forgotten.

Empty, Yet Memories Live What used to be a village that is home to original architectures and a unique traditional dance is now totally abandoned after its villagers were relocated beginning in 2002. According to the local authorities who initiated the relocation, the area around 4 kilometers away would provide the locals with better living conditions with the presence of power, decent roads and education facilities. The village became deserted as a result of the relocation with only five elderly people who chose to stay behind. When visitors arrive to the village, the elderly eagerly invite them for warm drinks and share their stories about how colorful and bustline the village used to be. Around 50 traditional stilt houses that used to be occupied by nearly 100 Ba Na ethnic minority families became quiet and still. Now, almost no sound can be heard except the chirping of birds, the grunting of pigs and hens cackling. Once in a while, several of the previous villagers come by to feed the livestock.

Keeping the Tradition Alive Though the previous Kon So Lal residents have moved to the newer and more modern village, they still observe their customs and are working hard on keeping their traditions alive. When coming to the village on festival season, you will be able to witness performances by the potual (clowns) who dance and make fun during all Ba Na’s festivals as well as other cultural events. There are, however, many concerns on how much longer they can keep their traditions alive, especially recently where the old village is itself is fast moving to the brink of oblivion.

Traditional Villages Disappearing Currently, there are numerous traditional villages sharing the same fate with Kon So Lal, all slowly disappearing through efforts to modernize and industrialize. Improvements are always a welcome change. Sadly, villages as authentic as Kon So Lal are turning to rare sights.