Vietnam: 5 seasonal harvest experiences that attract visitors

From North to South: picking plums in Moc Chau 5-6, grapes in Ninh Thuan 8-9, harvesting rice in Northwest Vietnam 9-10, strawberries in Da Lat 1-3, and fruits from orchards in the Mekong Delta 6-8.

Picking ripe fruit yourself, walking under lush green grapevines, or joining the harvest season on terraced fields are seasonal agricultural tourism experiences that many tourists are seeking. Below are 5 distinctive harvest seasons across the country, along with the ideal times to plan your trip.

Moc Chau: Plum harvesting in May - June

Tourists experience plum picking with plum garden owners in Moc Chau. Photo: Quang Kien

From the end of May to the end of June, the Na Ka and Mu Nau plum valleys are in season. Visitors receive a bamboo basket and leisurely walk around the dozens of hectares of orchards, enjoying the sweet and sour taste of the plums with the white powder still intact under the canopy.

In addition to plum picking, many gardens allow camping, enjoying plum products such as dried plums, plum syrup, plum wine and taking photos with the mountain scenery. The cost of entering the garden is usually calculated per person; you can eat on the spot, only paying for the plums you bring home.

Ninh Thuan : grape bunch cutting in August - September

Ninh Thuan vineyards attract both domestic and international tourists thanks to the hands-on experience. Photo: Huyen Tran

Sunshine and wind create ideal conditions for grapes in Ninh Thuan, with the peak season falling around August and September. The vineyards in Phan Rang - Thap Cham and Ninh Phuoc district are shaded by trellises designed in a dome shape, sunlight filtering through the leaves and illuminating the plump green and red grape clusters, evoking the feeling of a miniature Mediterranean corner.

The experience goes beyond just taking photos: you can personally cut fresh grapes, listen to the vineyard owner share the grape growing and care process, and enjoy grape juice, wine, and other processed products right in the vineyard.

Northwest Vietnam: during the harvest season in September - October

A group of tourists and local people harvest rice during their stay in Ha Giang . Photo: Dao Minh Tuan

In autumn, the terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chai, Hoang Su Phi, and Y Ty turn a golden hue, attracting thousands of tourists and photographers. The harvest season journey is more than just sightseeing: it involves venturing deep into the villages, chatting with the H'Mong, Dao, and Thai people to understand how they cultivate wet rice on steep terrain.

With the locals’ permission, you can try cutting each heavy rice ear with a hand sickle, feeling the scent of straw and new rice swirling in the wind. The experience brings a connection to the farming culture and the value of rice.

Da Lat: Strawberry picking from January to March

Tourists come to Da Lat to take photos and experience strawberry picking in the garden. Photo: Quynh Tran

Early in the year, when the weather is cool from January to March, Dalat strawberries are in full bloom. Many farms apply high technology: bright greenhouses, strawberries grown on hydroponic racks at arm’s length, the fruit is clean and easy to harvest.

Visitors are often given boxes and scissors to help them pick each plump, red fruit. Some gardens serve drinks and desserts made from fresh strawberries such as smoothies, ice cream, and cakes, for a complete garden-to-table experience.

Western gardens: fruit season June - August

From June to August, the southwestern provinces enter the fruit season. A typical experience is sitting in a sampan through the interwoven canals, flanked by fruit-laden orchards stretching close to the water.

You can reach out and pick a bunch of bright red rambutan, admire the deep purple mangosteen or feel the strong aroma of durian right in the garden. Many gardeners organize "fruit buffets" with fixed tickets that allow you to eat as much as you want on the spot. The enthusiasm of the people and the abundance of nature make the journey memorable, truly the "fruit granary" of the whole country.

Quick seasonal suggestions

• Moc Chau – plum: May - June; bamboo basket available, eat on the spot, pay for takeaway.
• Ninh Thuan – grapes: August - September; walk under the trellis, cut your own bunches of grapes, taste honey and wine.
• Northwest Vietnam – harvest season: September - October; you can request to experience harvesting with a sickle and learn about the local way of life.
• Da Lat – strawberries: January - March; picked in greenhouses, hydroponically grown strawberries, strawberry-based food and drinks available.
• The Mekong Delta – fruit season: June - August; traditional sampan boats, navigating canals, "fruit buffet" at the orchards.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/viet-nam-5-trai-nghiem-thu-hoach-theo-mua-hut-khach-10314644.html