Experience Xi Thoai Brocade Weaving in Dak Lak

(TITC) – Nestled in the Central Highlands, Dak Lak is a land of lush forests, coffee plantations, and rich ethnic traditions. Among its many cultural treasures, the brocade weaving of Xi Thoai village in Xuan Lanh commune stands out as a living heritage of the Ba Na people. Here, weaving is not simply the creation of cloth but a way of telling stories – of life, love, nature, and ancestral memory.

The art of brocade weaving in Xi Thoai dates back to before 1945, when it was an inseparable part of daily life. For decades, women in the village passed down the skill from mother to daughter. Over time, however, the practice waned and nearly disappeared. In 2000, a group of 16 households came together to revive the craft, determined not to let it vanish. Their efforts paid off: today, more than 40 families actively weave, ensuring the survival of this treasured tradition while opening doors for cultural tourism and local livelihoods.

Xi Thoai brocade is renowned for its intricate, entirely handwoven patterns. Every piece reflects the Ba Na worldview, with designs inspired by nature, daily life, and spirituality. The fabrics are defined by three traditional colors: red, white, and black. Red symbolizes vitality and aspiration, white embodies purity and spirituality, while black represents the land and ancestral roots. Combined, they create more than beautiful textiles – they form a symbolic language that carries stories and beliefs across generations.

To a visitor, these motifs reveal the soul of the Ba Na people. The bold yet balanced patterns echo their harmony with nature, while the interplay of colors mirrors their philosophy of life.

Originally, Xi Thoai artisans focused on producing skirts, shirts, scarves, and blankets for their community. In recent years, however, they have adapted to changing markets by creating more than 20 new products, from handbags and wallets to keychains and decorative items. Prices range from 15,000 VND for small souvenirs to 3 million VND for finely crafted pieces. This innovation has not only expanded income opportunities but also introduced Ba Na brocade to a wider audience of domestic and international visitors.

What makes these products especially appealing is their authenticity. Each carries a story, each is made by hand, and each embodies a cultural value. For travelers, taking home a brocade item is like bringing back a piece of the Central Highlands itself.

Visiting Xi Thoai offers more than just shopping. Travelers can watch artisans at work, listen to their stories, and even try their hand at weaving simple patterns under the guidance of skilled craftswomen. This immersive experience brings visitors closer to the rhythm of daily life in the village.

Plans are underway to develop dedicated demonstration and experience spaces, combining brocade weaving with nearby attractions to create a distinctive cultural tourism product. At the same time, the tradition remains closely tied to the Ba Na’s intangible heritage of “Double Drums, Three-Wheel Gongs, Five-Wheel Gongs,” forming a cultural landscape rich in sound, color, and meaning.

Recognizing its importance, local authorities have identified brocade weaving as a key cultural industry for the 2025–2030 period. Beyond its role in income generation, Xi Thoai brocade serves as a proud symbol of ethnic identity. In every fabric, there is resilience, philosophy, and a profound respect for tradition.

For those who seek more than sightseeing, Xi Thoai offers an unforgettable journey. To touch the cloth, to see the patterns take shape, to join in the weaving itself is to connect – thread by thread – with the living soul of the Ba Na people.

Tourism Information Technology Center