High on the rugged mountains of Quang Nam, nestled at over 1,000 meters above sea level, lies Aur village — a remote yet pristine community known as Vietnam’s cleanest village.

Despite the challenge of a five to six-hour hike through dense forests to reach it, Aur has become an increasingly popular destination for adventurous travelers, thanks to its unique tradition of "communal guest hosting".

A clean and charming mountain village

Aur village is perched atop a mountain in A Vuong commune, Tay Giang district, Quang Nam province. It is home to 98 residents from 23 households, predominantly of the Co Tu ethnic group.

Despite its remote location, the village is renowned for its exceptional cleanliness and warm hospitality.

Tran Tan Tai, a Hai Phong-based YouTuber known for his channel focused on offbeat travel stories, described his journey to Aur as both strenuous and rewarding. A

ccompanied by Mai An, a local guide and resident, they embarked on a 20 km trek through the forest, crossing waterfalls and steep trails.

“The path to Aur was long and tiring,” Tai recalled, “but the welcoming atmosphere and the village’s remarkable cleanliness left me in awe.” The village, devoid of litter or debris, truly lives up to its reputation as “Vietnam’s cleanest village”, often nicknamed the “mini Singapore”.

An extraordinary culture of cleanliness

Aur’s cleanliness stems from the community’s collective commitment to maintaining a pristine environment. Every household takes responsibility for keeping their surroundings immaculate, and even the children are taught from a young age to dispose of waste properly.

Anyone caught littering is required to clean the entire village as a penalty. Additionally, livestock are kept away from residential areas to prevent fouling, and the village’s communal spaces remain spotless.

Beyond cleanliness, Aur’s lifestyle is refreshingly simple. There is no electricity, no internet connection, and no phone signal. Residents rely on solar-powered lamps after dark and use gasoline-powered tools when necessary.

There are no markets or health centers, and no roads for vehicles. The only way in and out of the village is the arduous forest path.

A tradition of communal guest hosting

One of Aur’s most fascinating customs is the "communal guest hosting" tradition. When visitors arrive, every household contributes a portion of a meal — from a bowl of rice to grilled fish or boiled chicken. These contributions are brought to the community house, where they are arranged into a welcoming feast.

“It’s a beautiful practice,” Tai said. “The entire village gathers to share food with the guests, reflecting the Co Tu people’s spirit of hospitality.”

During Tai’s visit, he experienced local delicacies such as boiled beef tongue, fried beef intestines, and grilled river fish.

He also witnessed the new rice ceremony, where villagers offered boiled chicken and hot rice to mark the end of the harvest and the beginning of enjoying the new crop.

After an evening of feasting and storytelling, Tài fell into a deep sleep, grateful for the village’s warmth and generosity.

A community bound by tradition

Aur’s traditions and hospitality leave a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to visit. “Every moment in Aur felt precious,” Tai said. “The people were welcoming and kind, and leaving was harder than I imagined.”

Despite its isolation and lack of modern amenities, Aur village exemplifies unity, cleanliness, and a deep respect for nature. The Co Tu people’s commitment to tradition not only preserves their cultural identity but also attracts visitors who seek authenticity and connection.

“I’ve visited many places,” Tai concluded, “but Aur village remains one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.”