Co To: Experience the golden harvest season on the island instead of the blue sea

Discover a different Co To through the experience of being a farmer. International tourists are excited to go to the fields to harvest rice, plow the fields and enjoy a rustic meal with the islanders.

A different Co To beyond the blue sea and white sand

When mentioning Co To, many people often think of clear blue beaches and fine white sand. However, this island in Quang Ninh province also possesses another attraction, especially in the low tourist season: the golden color of the ripe rice fields along the coast. Instead of resorting, many tourists, especially international visitors, are looking for the experience of "a day as a farmer" to feel the authentic life of the local people.

On a day in early November, two French tourists, Loic Pesquerl and Antoine Habert, had a memorable trip to Hai Tien village. They temporarily put aside their activities at sea to go down to the fields, directly participating in the harvest with the farmers.

Two French tourists experience rice harvesting with locals in Hai Tien village, Co To.

Authentic experience from the fields

Despite being a bit clumsy, Loic Pesquerl could not hide his excitement. "The experience of being a farmer on Co To Island was amazing! I got to hold a sickle to harvest rice, carry rice on my shoulder and feel the simple life of the people here. This feeling is better than any tour I have ever participated in!" he shared.

Not only learning how to harvest rice, Loic and Antoine were also instructed on how to plow the fields with buffalo, a traditional agricultural activity that is deeply imbued with Vietnamese cultural identity. Amidst the smell of new straw and the sound of the sea breeze, the laughter of tourists mixed with the bustling rhythm of labor, creating a simple and vibrant scene.

Visitors are shown how to use traditional farming tools.

Ms. Bui Thi Phuong, a resident of Hai Tien village, said: "Seeing the foreigners harvesting in the fields, I was both surprised and happy. They were clumsy but very hard-working, and even asked how to do it properly. They looked very excited to experience being a farmer."

From the fields to the dinner table with the rich taste of the sea and islands

The seasonal tourism model in Co To is a combination of sightseeing, working and enjoying local cuisine . After a working day in the fields, visitors can participate in other activities such as clam digging, snail catching, or fishing.

Plowing with buffaloes offers a unique experience for tourists.

The biggest reward is a rustic meal prepared from the island’s freshest ingredients. A meal usually includes refreshing clam soup, crispy pickled eggplant, green vegetables picked from the garden and a rich sour fish dish. This is an opportunity for visitors to fully experience the flavors of life of the Co To people.

The attraction of community tourism

Nguyen Minh Hue, owner of a homestay in Hai Tien village, explained that today's tourists not only want to see the scenery but also crave to immerse themselves in local life. "We always encourage tourists to participate in those simple activities, because it is the simplicity and sincerity that keeps them coming back," she said.

According to Ms. Hue, this model helps international tourists understand more deeply about Vietnamese culture. "When Western tourists hold a sickle to harvest rice, fish, catch snails or sit down to eat with the host family, they say they feel like they are living a day in a real Vietnamese story," she shared.

Moments of work and exchange help visitors better understand life on the island.

Through homestays, islanders not only provide accommodation services but also become "cultural ambassadors", introducing the identity of their homeland's islands. These simple but authentic experiences are gradually becoming a unique tourism product, helping Co To attract visitors all year round and leaving unforgettable memories in everyone's heart.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/co-to-trai-nghiem-mua-gat-vang-tren-dao-thay-vi-bien-xanh-3310744.html