For a long time, the profession of making white rice has become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the Khmer people in Phu Tan commune (Chau Thanh district, former Soc Trang province) now Thuan Hoa commune, Can Tho city. This is a traditional dish associated with the Oc Om Boc Festival and many important holidays of the year.
However, due to the changes in modern life, the green rice making profession has faced the risk of decomposing once the young have left the village, while the elderly are not qualified to consume the product.
The transformation only really began when the Project "Conservation and promotion of good traditional cultural values of ethnic minorities associated with tourism development" was implemented. In particular, the establishment of the Traditional Green ricepink Scraping introduce Club is a highlight.
The club not only connects with those who keep the profession but also opens up experience space for domestic and foreign tourists.
Here, visitors can directly witness the traditional process of making green rice with a green rice ball, from picking sticky rice, roasting, pounding toatat green rice with a handful. They can also participate in each stage themselves to better understand the meticulousness and ingenuity of the craftsman.
Mr. Huynh Van Chien, a tourist from Can Tho City, shared: "Can kho is a dish I have known for a long time, but this is the first time I have seen the process of making it with my own eyes. This experience helps me appreciate the hard work of those who keep the profession even more".
Ms. Susan Way, a tourist from the UK, also expressed her excitement: "I have never been involved in any realistic activity like this. Green rice made by hand is even more delicious. I am very impressed with the Khmer culture".
Ms. Thach Thi Huong, a member of the Club, said that linking traditional crafts with tourism activities has helped people earn more income from selling products, guiding experiences and cultural performances. More importantly, this is a sustainable way to preserve the profession.
Also in Thuan Hoa commune, the traditional weaving profession of the Khmer people is "changing the world" thanks to the dynamism of Ms. Truong Thi Bach Thuy, founder of Thuy Tuyet Rattan and Bamboo Cooperative.
Currently, the cooperative produces about 700 items of all kinds from household items, decorations to products for tourism and export. Not only improving economic value, the cooperative also creates stable jobs for 32 members and more than 60 female members in the surrounding area, with an average income of 7-10 million VND/month.
Ms. Thuy also proactively connects the community tourism model, bringing visitors to experience the Khmer-rich cultural space. Bamboo products are used to design resorts, exhibition rooms and craft spaces.
Tourists coming here not only visit the craft village but also enjoy Rom Vong dance, Khmer cuisine and experience making green rice to create a vibrant exchange between two typical craft villages.
Ms. Thuy shared: "I want customers to come here to support the craft villagers, not me personally. Each person who comes to experience will be the most natural and effective promoter of Khmer culture".
Ms. Thuy informed that the Cooperative operates on the principle of transparency and publicity. When a group of guests arrived, Ms. Thuy connected with the members to make green riceep and perform dances. For each working session, the women can divide their income by 150,000 - 200,000 VND. Thanks to that, people can both keep their profession, travel and increase their income without having to leave their hometown.
