A Sustainable Tourism Model in Central Vietnam
Only 3 kilometers from central Hoi An, Tra Que is more than just a farming village—it’s a living showcase of traditional Vietnamese agriculture. Since its organic farming practices were recognized as part of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage in 2022, Tra Que has become a model for sustainable rural tourism.
The village thrives on two core pillars:
- Eco-friendly agriculture: Farmers use no chemicals—just well water and natural algae-based compost. Tra Que herbs are famous for their vibrant flavor, and supply many of Hoi An’s top restaurants. It’s no surprise the village is often called the “salad basket of Central Vietnam”.
- Green tourism: From hands-on farming workshops and Vietnamese cooking classes to local homestays and organic seed shops, Tra Que invites travelers to reconnect with nature and community.
In 2024, Tra Que was honored as one of the “Best Tourism Villages in the World”, recognizing not just its charm but also its positive social and environmental impact. Tourism here supports local schools, improves village infrastructure, and inspires young people to remain and grow their community.
Why Visit Tra Que During Your Stay in Hoi An?
Just a stone’s throw from Hoi An’s bustling Old Town, Tra Que Vegetable Village offers a refreshing change of pace—where timeless rural life, organic farming, and heartfelt hospitality come together. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your itinerary:
🌿 It’s Incredibly Close
Located only 3 kilometers from Hoi An’s center, Tra Que is easily reachable by bicycle or motorbike. It’s also just a short ride from An Bang Beach, making it perfect for a peaceful half-day countryside escape between historical exploration and beach lounging.
🌾 A Haven of Calm
As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice the change: clean air, rustling leaves, and the scent of fresh herbs. Walk or cycle through neat rows of mint, coriander, Thai basil, and purple shiso, as dragonflies flit between rows and farmers tend their crops. It’s a world away from tourist crowds, yet just minutes from the city.
🥬 100% Organic Farming
Tra Que is renowned for its chemical-free, traditional farming methods. Instead of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, locals use natural seaweed compost from a nearby lagoon. This sustainable approach yields herbs that are not only healthier but also more fragrant and flavorful—a favorite among Hoi An’s best chefs.
👩🌾 Authentic, Warm Encounters
More than just a pretty place, Tra Que is a community of open-hearted people. Villagers welcome guests with genuine warmth, often inviting them to:
- Join in on farming tasks like planting, watering, or harvesting
- Take part in cooking classes using herbs you helped pick
- Share home-cooked meals that taste as nourishing as they feel
- Listen to stories of village life passed down through generations
Whether you’re a food lover, a photographer, or just someone seeking a quieter side of Vietnam, Tra Que offers a beautiful, meaningful slice of rural life—sustainably preserved and generously shared.
🌾 A haven of calm
Away from tourist crowds, you’ll breathe in fresh air, hear birdsong, and stroll through fields of mint, coriander, basil, and shiso.
🥬 100% organic farming
No chemicals. Just seaweed-rich compost and traditional know-how. The result? Healthier, tastier herbs loved by local chefs.
👩🌾 Authentic, warm encounters
Locals greet visitors with genuine smiles, happy to share stories, traditions, and home-cooked meals.
Who Will Love Tra Que?
🌱 Families with Children
Tra Que is a fantastic spot for kids to learn through play. They can:
- Dress up like traditional farmers
- Try watering plants using bamboo shoulder buckets
- Explore herb gardens and learn where food really comes from
It’s a hands-on, safe, and educational environment that’s as fun as it is memorable.
🍲 Food Lovers and Culinary Travelers
If you’re passionate about food, Tra Que is a must. Visitors can:
- Join interactive cooking classes
- Harvest herbs directly from the garden
- Learn to make iconic dishes like bánh xèo (crispy pancakes) and mì Quảng (turmeric noodles)
You’ll not only taste the difference that fresh, organic herbs make—you’ll also understand the deep connection between the land and Vietnamese cuisine.
Activities at Tra Que: From Garden to Table
Tra Que offers a truly immersive experience where you don’t just observe—you participate. Here’s what a typical visit includes:
🧵 Dress Like a Traditional Farmer
Start your day by slipping into a brown tunic and a pair of rubber sandals—your uniform for working in the garden, just like the locals.
🌱 Prepare the Soil
Get your hands dirty as you learn to dig, loosen, and aerate the earth using age-old tools and techniques passed down for generations.
🌿 Sow Seeds and Plant Herbs
With guidance from your host, plant rows of fragrant herbs like mint, basil, and coriander. These are the same herbs used in Hoi An’s best dishes.
🚶 Water the Crops the Old-Fashioned Way
Balance two metal watering cans on a bamboo pole slung over your shoulders. It’s a traditional and surprisingly tricky method—but it makes for great photos and laughter.
🌿 Harvest Your Herbs
Once the work is done, collect a basket of fresh herbs straight from the soil. The vibrant scent alone is worth the effort.
🍽️ Cook and Share a Farm-Fresh Meal
After the garden work, head to a nearby kitchen and learn to prepare a traditional Vietnamese meal using your just-picked ingredients. Typical dishes include:
- Bánh xèo: Crispy rice pancakes with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts
- Mì Quảng: Turmeric noodles with herbs and savory broth
- Fresh garden salad: Tossed with homemade dressing, using herbs you harvested yourself
Suggested Itinerary: A Day in Hoi An with a Stop in Tra Que
8:00 AM – Start your day with breakfast in Hoi An Old Town
Grab a bowl of Cao Lau noodles or enjoy a bánh mì and Vietnamese iced coffee at one of the charming cafes along the river. The streets are peaceful in the early morning—perfect for a quiet stroll.
9:00 AM – Cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village
Rent a bicycle and enjoy a scenic 10-minute ride through the rice fields. The path to Tra Que is flat, peaceful, and filled with countryside charm.
9:30 AM – Explore the village and take part in farming activities
Meet your local hosts, change into a farmer’s outfit, and dive into hands-on activities—soil preparation, planting, watering, and harvesting. It’s an interactive and fun way to connect with Vietnam’s agricultural traditions.
11:00 AM – Join a cooking class and make your own lunch
Using freshly picked herbs, learn to cook classic dishes like bánh xèo and mì Quảng. Enjoy your delicious farm-to-table meal with your hosts in a tranquil garden setting.
1:00 PM – Relax in the garden or nap in a hammock
After lunch, unwind in the shade, sip herbal tea, or take a nap in a breezy hammock while listening to birdsong and the rustling of leaves.
3:00 PM – Head to An Bang Beach for a swim
Cycle or take a short taxi ride to An Bang Beach. Cool off in the ocean, enjoy a fresh coconut by the shore, or relax until sunset.
Practical Tips for Visiting Tra Que
- Go early: Mornings (before 10 AM) are cooler and less crowded, perfect for exploring and taking photos in soft natural light.
- Dress comfortably: Wear light, breathable clothing suitable for outdoor and gardening activities. A hat and sunscreen are also helpful.
- Bring cash: Small bills are handy for buying organic seeds, herbal drinks, snacks, or leaving a tip for your host.
- Book in advance: Reserve farming or cooking workshops ahead of time through your hotel or homestay—spaces can fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
- Be respectful: Tra Que is a working village. Greet locals warmly, ask permission before taking close-up photos, and treat the gardens with care.
How to Get to Tra Que
- By bicycle: This is the most enjoyable and eco-friendly way to reach Tra Que. The 3 km ride from Hoi An’s Old Town takes about 10 minutes and passes through rice fields, small villages, and quiet country roads.
- By scooter: A quicker option, taking just 5–7 minutes. Scooters can be rented easily in Hoi An, and parking is available near the garden entrance.
- On foot: If you enjoy walking, it’s about 40–45 minutes from Hoi An Old Town, though not ideal during hot midday hours.
Final Thoughts
Tra Que Vegetable Village is more than a destination—it’s a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and meet the heartwarming people who grow the herbs that flavor Hoi An’s iconic cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie, a family, or a curious traveler, Tra Que offers a truly enriching countryside experience.
