Foreign tourists explore farming practices in 400-year-old vegetable village in central Vietnam

Located in Hoi An Tay Ward, about two kilometers from the historic town, Tra Que Vegetable Village was recognized by the World Tourism Organization last year as one of the world’s best tourism villages.

It has since become a popular stop for foreign tour groups seeking a deeper connection with rural Vietnamese life.

Rather than observing from the sidelines, visitors are encouraged to take part in daily farm work, from digging soil and sowing seeds to watering vegetable beds and tending fish ponds, under the close guidance of local farmers.

For many travelers, the experience provides a rare and immersive glimpse into traditional Vietnamese agricultural practices.

Timothy Wadell, a tourist from Australia, said this was his first visit to Vietnam and that he was keen to learn about local daily life and traditional farming methods.

He said the experience allowed him to work closely with local farmers and gain a better understanding of traditional agricultural practices.

“I feel very happy and excited to take part in farm work myself. Everything is new and interesting,” Wadell said.

According to Vo Huu Sinh, a local tour guide, demand among international tourists for agricultural and eco-tourism experiences in and around Hoi An Ancient Town, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1999, has risen noticeably.

Many visitors, he said, are drawn to the area’s peaceful atmosphere and community-based tourism models that emphasize authentic local culture over commercial attractions.

Visitors often express delight at wearing brown farming clothes and conical hats, watering rows of lush green vegetables, and immersing themselves in the tranquil rural setting surrounding the village.

Local farmers have welcomed the growing interest.

Mai Ban, a farmer in Tra Que Vegetable Village, said the presence of tourists has made daily farm work more enjoyable while providing an additional source of income for local households.

He added that the village does not charge a fixed fee for farming experiences, allowing visitors to contribute according to their means.

This approach, Ban said, helps foster goodwill while promoting the image of Vietnam’s countryside to international visitors.

Although income from experiential tourism is not stable, many households say it has helped improve their livelihoods while contributing to the preservation of the village’s traditional farming heritage.

Despite rapid urban development in nearby areas, local farmers have continued to preserve traditional cultivation methods passed down through generations.

Vegetables grown in Tra Que are produced without chemical fertilizers and follow organic-oriented practices.

Farmers enrich the soil using riverweed and animal manure collected locally, helping maintain a healthy ecosystem in the village, which dates back more than 400 years.

Today, Tra Que vegetables are supplied daily to supermarkets and food stores across Da Nang City as well as neighboring provinces, allowing the village’s centuries-old farming traditions to continue thriving in modern markets.