(TITC) – Nestled in the heart of the Sa Huynh cultural space, Go Co Village in Duc Pho Ward, Quang Ngai Province, is a hidden gem that still preserves the rustic charm of Vietnam’s coastal life. With its simple traditional houses, ancient rock formations, pristine landscapes, and cultural vestiges of the Cham people, the village offers visitors both a step back in time and a refreshing escape from modern life.
But Go Co is more than a scenic coastal village. It is also a land of history and resilience, where generations of villagers stood steadfast during two resistance wars to protect their homeland. Today, Go Co is embracing a new identity as Go Co Village Heritage Park—a unique blend of geology, history, culture, and community, recognized as a 3-star OCOP product of Quang Ngai.
A Living Museum of Culture and Nature
Often described as an outdoor “living museum,” Go Co preserves relics of the Sa Huynh culture dating back more than 2,500 years. The journey into the village takes visitors along winding bamboo-lined paths to modest houses nestled against the mountains, gazing out over the sea. The peaceful, almost untouched atmosphere is rare in the bustling Central Vietnam coastline, making Go Co a sanctuary for those seeking authenticity and tranquility.
What makes the village especially distinctive is its community-based tourism model. The people of Go Co are the heart of its heritage, and their hospitality gives the park its soul. Locals have transformed their homes into rustic homestays built from bamboo, wood, and palm leaves. Staying here feels less like booking accommodation and more like becoming part of the community.
Immersive Village Experiences
Life in Go Co flows with the rhythm of the sea. Visitors can join fishermen in weaving nets, savor freshly caught seafood, or cook simple dishes infused with the salty taste of the coast. In the evenings, a walk along the rocky beach at sunset, watching the sun disappear behind dramatic cliffs, leaves travelers with lasting impressions of peace and wonder.
Beyond fishing traditions, guests can also participate in farming activities, play folk games, or enjoy cultural exchanges with villagers. These experiences go beyond sightseeing, fostering genuine connections between visitors and the community while ensuring tourism remains sustainable and inclusive.
Nature at Its Purest
Go Co is blessed with pristine natural beauty. From the village, it is only a short walk to golden sandy beaches, unique rock formations, and groves of coconut and casuarina trees. This setting provides the perfect backdrop for eco-tourism activities such as camping, picnics, and nature exploration. For many travelers, Go Co feels like the ultimate “escape from the city”—a place where modern pressures fade, replaced by the harmony of people and nature.
Building a Community Tourism Brand
Recognizing the village’s potential, local authorities have invested in infrastructure, supported residents in promoting OCOP products, and encouraged homestay services while ensuring cultural preservation. This strong partnership between government and community is laying the foundation for Go Co to emerge as one of Quang Ngai’s signature tourism brands.
The achievements are impressive: Go Co Village now boasts 22 homestays ready to welcome guests, 5 bamboo boats for nearshore excursions, and 8 households offering food and beverage services. In December 2020, it became the first community tourism destination in Quang Ngai to be recognized as a 3-star OCOP product.
A Destination to Return to Simplicity
In today’s fast-paced world, Go Co Village offers something rare and precious: the chance to return to simplicity, to a place where humans and nature coexist in harmony. Whether it’s exploring cultural heritage, enjoying authentic local life, or simply breathing in the fresh sea air, Go Co leaves visitors with both memorable experiences and a renewed sense of balance.
With the right strategic direction and the continued cooperation of the community and local authorities, Go Co Village Heritage Park is steadily carving out its place on the tourism map of Quang Ngai and Central Vietnam.
Tourism Information Technology Center
