Dakjung City, Sekong

Dakjung City, Sekong: The undiscovered gem on the Laos-Vietnam border

When talking about Sekong Province in Laos, many may know about Thatang or Taman towns, but forDakjung Cityalso confusedly called Dakjung, Dakjung, or Dakjung, I, mr.hotsia, can say it is another hidden gem that few have known or experienced firsthand.

Dakjung City is located next to the Vietnam border, about 100 kilometers from Taman town. Previously, the route to this city was very difficult, requiring several days on foot or horseback. But today, the road is expected to be completed within a few years (estimated completion in 2016), making travel much easier, only 4-5 hours. For me, visiting this city before the road was finished was a valuable experience because I got to experience a lifestyle and nature that remain largely untouched.

Travel and Atmosphere in Dakjung

My journey started from Sekong city, the main city of Sekong Province. I recommend staying here for a night before continuing because the route to Dakjung is still challenging, especially in the rainy season, which is risky due to slippery roads and landslides. I tried riding a jumbo or three-wheeled taxi from Tabak, about 3 kilometers from the bus station, costing around 60 baht. The border checkpoint at Dakjung is called 'Tao Checkpoint,' opened as an international checkpoint since 2009, allowing passport holders to cross into Vietnam. This route is a shortcut from Ubon Ratchathani to Da Nang, Vietnam, only 300 kilometers, considered an important strategic route for the future.

The atmosphere in Dakjung remains natural. Most local houses are simple wooden homes. There is a small market and local restaurants selling pho, a delicious Vietnamese dish. I ate sticky rice, the staple food of the Tay ethnic group here, different from the sticky rice favored by lowland Lao people. There are also small made-to-order food stalls offering a variety of choices.

The Tay Ethnic Group and Local Culture

What fascinates me most about Dakjung is the uniqueness of the Tay ethnic group (pronounced Ta-riang), the largest indigenous group in Sekong Province, especially in Dakjung, where almost all residents are Tay. They speak Dakgang language, which has some words similar to Thai but is difficult to understand immediately.

I had the opportunity to visit Dak Suang village, a Tay village about 4 kilometers from Dakjung city, with assistance from the Dakjung City Public Relations and Culture Office. Dak Suang is a small village with about 30 households and several hundred people. It has a clear natural water source vital to the community. I walked around to observe their lifestyle and talked with very kind villagers. This is an experience not easily found in typical tourist spots.Read about the Tay ethnic group in Dakjungto get to know them more deeply

Nature and Attractions Yet to be Discovered

Dakjung is not only a tribal community but also has many beautiful waterfalls and natural sites still largely undiscovered. I believe there are many more waterfalls because this city has only recently opened to tourists. The environment remains pure and peaceful, perfect for those who love adventure and raw nature.

Nearby is the Setaman Dam, built by Vietnam, which is an interesting tourist site and makes this area economically and touristically important in the future.

Daily Life at the Market and Local Restaurants

In the morning, I stopped by a small market in Dakjung city. Here, people come to buy fresh goods and daily necessities. The market is not as large as in big cities but is full of color and the simple lifestyle of local people.

Most restaurants are small and affordable, like the pho place I visited. The food was delicious and suited my Thai taste very well. There are also made-to-order food stalls selling sticky rice like the Tay people eat, similar to Japanese rice, with a unique and tasty flavor.

Travel Tips

If you want to visit Dakjung, mr.hotsia recommends preparing well, especially if traveling in the rainy season. Avoid it because roads are slippery and some sections may require overnight stays in the forest. Also, upon arrival in Dakjung, you must request permission for photography and tourism at the Public Relations and Culture Office, a step I followed and received great assistance.

Accommodation in town includes local homestays costing about 100 baht per night, reasonably comfortable. For more convenience, you might stay in Sekong city first and then travel to Dakjung.

Connecting Routes and the Future of Dakjung

The road from Taman to Dakjung is expected to be completed within a few years, and this city is likely to become the main city of Sekong Province and an important connection point between Laos and Vietnam. This route will greatly facilitate transportation and tourism, especially travel to Da Nang, Vietnam, without passing through the complicated routes like the Klong Toey port or others.

I believe Dakjung will become a new destination for travelers who love adventure and exploring authentic tribal cultures. If you enjoy deep travel and want to see places few have visited, mr.hotsia recommends visiting before the road is finished and tourists start flooding in.

For more travel information and route details, you can readTraveling from Sekong to DakjungAnd if you are interested in the lifestyle and culture of the Tay ethnic group here,click to read about the Tay ethnic group in Dakjungto better prepare and understand this city.

mr.hotsia
December 2010