Introduction

Beside Ancient Town, Hoi An is also home to Tra Que Vegetable Village – a humble community with a centuries-old tradition of vegetable farming. Locals recount a tale from the 18th century when a king sampled a unique herb with a cinnamon-like spice and a delicate tea-like aroma. So impressed, he renamed the village Tra Que, a blend of 'tea' (tra) and 'cinnamon' (que).

Roads in Tra Que Vegetable Village are named after the vegetables grown there

Roads in Tra Que Vegetable Village are named after the vegetables grown there

More than just a source of fresh produce, Tra Que is a haven for travelers who love the greenery of the countryside. Here, visitors can savor delicious dishes prepared with vegetables picked straight from the garden. Wait no longer, let’s take a tour around the village with Asia King Travel.

Where is Tra Que Vegetable Village

Tra Que Vegetable Village can be found in Tra Que Village, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province. Situated just 3 kilometers northeast of Hoi An's Ancient Town, it's a convenient addition to your travel plans. So make sure to include this charming spot in your Hoi An adventure.

Suggested for you: Rural Life of Central Vietnam

How to get there

Given its proximity to the Ancient Town, visitors often choose to travel to Tra Que Vegetable Village by motorbike or bicycle. Cycling is the most perfect choice, allowing travelers to meander along peaceful paths and relish the refreshing air. Simply cycle from Hai Ba Trung Street out of the town, cross Thu Bon River, and you will arrive at Tra Que Vegetable Village.

Tra Que Vegetable Village is only a 15-minute bike ride from Hoi An's Ancient Town!

Tra Que Vegetable Village is only a 15-minute bike ride from Hoi An's Ancient Town!

For those arriving by plane in Da Nang, another option is to take the scenic coastal road to Hoi An. Upon reaching Lac Long Quan Street, turn left onto Hai Ba Trung Street. This route is both convenient and picturesque with stunning sea views on the way.

Best time to visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

As outdoor activities are the main focus at Tra Que Vegetable Village, the best time to visit is between February and April or September and December each year, when the weather is typically dry and mild.

Pack a hat as it's usually sunny in Quang Nam. Source: Quang Nam Newspaper

Pack a hat as it's usually sunny in Quang Nam. Source: Quang Nam Newspaper

For a pleasant experience, better to visit in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is gentle and the temperatures are cooler. Around this time, you can also interact with the locals by talking to them and even taking a swing at farming while they tend to their gardens.

Why Tra Que Vegetable Village’s produce so special

Tra Que cultivates over 40 vegetable varieties, notably an assortment of herbs. Although these may appear to be common greens, Tra Que's produce has a distinct aroma and taste unlike any other. 

Tra Que Vegetable Village still maintains the traditional method of organic vegetable cultivation. The greens here are grown on the fertile land between Tra Que Lagoon and De Vong River. Irrigation water is a clean source of underground. Additionally, the locals use algae collected from Co Co River to fertilize the vegetables. 

Tra Que farmers still water the vegetables by hand. Source: Thanh Nien

Tra Que farmers still water the vegetables by hand. Source: Thanh Nien

Nowadays, by combining traditional practices with modern agricultural techniques. Thanks to this approach, vegetable cultivation here produces exceptionally clean vegetables through a closed process that doesn't harm the environment, protecting consumers' health.

What to do in Tra Que Vegetable Village

Being a farmer

Drop your luggage and pick up a watering can. At Tra Que Vegetable Village, you'll get to tend to the vegetable beds like real farmers. You'll receive detailed instructions from the locals on how to grow vegetables, from carrying water and fertilizing to even harvesting.

Be a farmer, help farmers, fun with farmers. Source: Toquoc.vn

Be a farmer, help farmers, fun with farmers. Source: Toquoc.vn

This work may be a bit tiring, but the satisfaction of working outdoors and the unforgettable experience make it worthwhile. Seeing how much effort goes into harvesting each vegetable bed, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the farmers growing them. 

Attend in a cooking class

You can prepare delicious dishes in the cooking class using freshly harvested vegetables. Locals will guide you through selecting ingredients and creating Quang Nam specialties like banh xeo (savory pancakes) and Quang noodles, which you can savor right after cooking. The dishes you make yourself are always the most satisfying to eat. 

Anyone can cook

Anyone can cook

Foods in Tra Que Vegetable Village

Banh xeo

Banh xeo is a familiar and beloved dish in Central Vietnam, especially in Hoi An. The pancake has a golden, crispy crust filled with shrimp, meat, and bean sprouts. It's served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. The dish wouldn't be complete without fresh Tra Que herbs to balance the oily of the pancake. 

Tam Huu

Tra Que Vegetable Village's specialty is "tam huu" (three friends) rolls. This dish consists of three main ingredients: shrimp, pork, and fragrant herbs, served with sweet and sour fish sauce. Though simple, these rolls are only truly delicious in Tra Que.

Tam Huu spring rolls taste best when made with Tra Que herbs

Tam Huu spring rolls taste best when made with Tra Que herbs

The secret lies in the distinct aroma of the herbs, the pork raised on Tra Que vegetables, and the shrimp caught from De Vong River. These elements combine to create the village's flavorful "tam huu," a taste of the countryside that leaves a lasting impression. 

Quang noodles

How could we miss out on Quang Nam’s specialty combined with the clean greens of Tra Que Vegetable Village? Fragrant and chewy Quang noodles, paired with shrimp, meat, and fresh vegetables picked straight from the garden, are simply unbeatable. 

Conclusion

Tra Que Vegetable Village people have worked tirelessly day and night to preserve ancestors' centuries-old traditions. Leave behind the suffocating urban life and visit Tra Que to be embraced by nature’s hand. Contact Asia King Travel and try to become a real farmer!

Suggested for you: Tra Que Cooking Class