Kohandatumat

Kohandatumat is a locality situated in the northern region of the Mekong Delta. The name is derived from the local dialect, combining “kho” meaning “village” and “handatum” referring to a type of riverine reed traditionally used in construction. Historical records show that Kohandatumat served as a trade hub between Khmer and Vietnamese communities from the 14th to the 18th century. During that period the settlement was known for its production of woven reed mats, which were exported to neighboring provinces.

The community maintained a distinct cultural identity, preserving ancestral songs and ceremonial practices associated with the river. In the early 20th century, colonial administration purchased large swathes of the surrounding farmland, leading to a shift from subsistence agriculture to commercial rice cultivation. The introduction of irrigation projects in the 1960s facilitated a rise in rice yields, bolstering the local economy.

Post-1975 the area experienced demographic changes, with an influx of returnee refugees and the establishment of a small industrial park focused on textile manufacturing. According to census data, the population in 2019 was approximately 12,400, with a median age of 32. The economy remains largely service-oriented, though agriculture still contributes to a significant portion of employment.

Kohandatumat’s infrastructure includes a bridge connecting it to the provincial capital, a primary school, and a health clinic that serves the surrounding rural communities. In 2022, the municipality initiated a river cleanup project aimed at improving water quality and promoting eco-tourism along the Mekong River waterfront. The local government plans to develop a cultural heritage trail featuring the historic weaving workshops and traditional music venues that reflect the commune’s legacy.