Nestled just a short ride from Hoi An, Tra Que Vegetable Village is a tranquil haven where farming traditions have thrived for over 300 years. Travelers come to taste organic herbs, try hands-on gardening, and glimpse authentic countryside life.
Introduction To Tra Que Vegetable Village
Tra Que Vegetable Village, located 3 kilometers northeast of the Hoi An Ancient Town, can be pictorialized as a small patch of neat beds adjacent to a still lagoon. Its cultivators have long been selling herbs and salad greens to the markets of the city in order to enrich the soil with the algae of the rivers picked inadvertently during the low tide. Along dingy footways, along columns of mint, basil, perilla, and coriander, the scent was blended with the scent of green leaves.
And now, for the traveler, it’s not just about the views, but the whole routine that they get to participate in. With a conical hat on one’s head, guests balance the yoke, water the rows in slow rhythm, then enter a kitchen to prepare with the herbs one has just cultivated, ending the day with a simple herbal foot soak. A tranquil hands-on respite from the chaotic activity of Hoi An streets, and an uncomplicated journey to meet the custodians of the town’s flavors.
History Of Tra Que Vegetable Village
Tra Que Vegetable Village dates its history to over three hundred years ago, when the villages of farmers lived along the river De Vong. The fertile alluvial soil and the unlimited supply of water made a heavenly land of cultivation. The seaweed that was collected in the river and employed as natural fertilizer was what made Tra Que really stand out, as the fruits it produced had a scent and taste that could not be found anywhere in Vietnam.
Tra Que eventually became the green pantry of Hoi An. Its vegetables and herbs became the main ingredients in local delights, which would not be the same without the appropriate greens. To this day, we continue to find the herbs of Tra Que listed proudly on the menus throughout town, a sign of quality herbs that the local residents and tourists know well. The village also has acquired a new role, where visitors are invited to spend time in the village and enjoy the farming culture, enjoy their cooking, and experience the warm hospitality of a community that has preserved its craft over the generations.
Top 5 Iconic Attractions Around Tra Que Vegetable Village
Although Tra Que Vegetable Village is popularly recognized as a silent village of farmers, it has an advantage because it is conveniently positioned to visit Hoi An on a short trip. In a day, travelers can enjoy historic streets, cultural landmarks and even the coast. The following are the most iconic locations that you can comfortably visit together with Tra Que.
Hoi An Ancient Town
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Hoi An Ancient Town, is only a ten-minute drive from the village, yet it has not diminished in its appeal over the centuries. Wooden assembly halls, yellow-lined narrow streets and marketplaces along the rivers are characteristic of a special mixture of traditions of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese. The town is illuminated by thousands of lanterns during the night, which gives one of the most magical scenes in all entire Vietnam.
An Bang Beach
An Bang Beach is only 3 kilometers away, and is a soft golden sand and relaxed atmosphere beach. It is the perfect place after a morning in vegetable fields to relax, sunbathe, or eat freshly grilled seafood in beachfront restaurants. Many tourists prefer to visit Tra Que and An Bang together and have a day in the unity with nature and the open sea.
Cam Thanh Coconut Village
Beautiful nipa palm forest, and still take a boat basket during movement in Cam Thanh Coconut Village is a short distance from the town. They are carried through winding water passages by local fisherman who reveals to them the traditional fishing methods. It’s very family and friendyyyy and some fun activities:) makes it a good, relaxing atmosphere.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Ceramics Thanh Ha Pottery Village is 7 km away from Tra Que, and has been producing pottery by hand for over 500 years. People can watch artisans pot-lathing and try their own hand at pot-moulding. There is also a village pottery museum, which exhibits the creative art of the local potters.
Cua Dai Beach
Cua Dai Beach is a beach that goes on for a few minutes next to An Bang. With its calm water and long sandy beach, it’s great for bike rides from Tra Que. If you want to see the local fishermen coming in with their catch of the day, get there early in the morning. It’s a cool peek into coastal life.
4 Special Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss In Tra Que Vegetable Village
What makes Tra Que Vegetable Village unique is more than just the beauty of the fields; however, it’s the opportunity to delve into rural life every day. These memories of culture that they carry with them long after they are gone, make a regular stop an unforgettable experience for a traveler.
Farming Like A Local
One of the most fun ways to spend any morning in the village is to be a farmer. With a conical hat perched on your head and bamboo watering cans resting on your shoulders, you soon learn to loosen the soil, plant seedlings, and tend to rows of vegetables. It can be a hands-on, muddy affair, but it is always rewarding, offering travelers laughs and a deep appreciation for the work that goes into Hoi An’s famous dishes.
Learn To Make Traditional Fertilizer With Seaweed
One of the specialties of the Tra Que farm is the seaweed that is collected from the nearby waterway and used as organic fertilizer. Farmers also drive around to gather, mix and apply this compost around the beds where the vegetables are growing, and it is a practice that has occurred for some time. This shows why fragrant herbs grow here not tasting like they do in the rest of Vietnam.
Join A Cooking Class
The cooking lessons at Tra Que begin in the garden, where a few handfuls of basil, mint or coriander are picked, and end up in a humble village kitchen. Next, local hosts introduce you to a walk through time of classic dishes, beginning with banh xeo (crispy pancakes) and spring rolls. The possibility of preparing the dish using the materials acquired recently makes the food particularly memorable and brings about a taste of the countryside of Hoi An.
Relax With A Herbal Foot Soak
After time in the fields or on a bicycle, few things are more welcome than a warm basin of water infused with fresh herbs. Local families prepare mixtures of aromatic leaves believed to ease fatigue and restore energy. The simple ritual blends the rhythms of farm life with gentle wellness, leaving visitors both relaxed and refreshed.
Entrance Fee
Visiting Tra Que Vegetable Village requires only a small entrance fee, a contribution that helps maintain the gardens and supports the farming community. The cost is modest, making it easy for travelers to enjoy the scenery and explore the cultural experiences offered here.
| Ticket Type | Price (VND) | Notes |
| Adult Visitor | 30,000 – 35,000 | Includes entry to the vegetable gardens and a contribution to the community. |
| Farming Tours | 150,000 – 300,000 | Price depends on the activity package and duration |
| Cycling Tour with Guide | 600,000 – 650,000 | Includes bicycle rental and guided visit |
The basic ticket allows guests to move through the vegetable plots and interact with the working farmers. For guests who want more, activity ‘add-ons’ offer even greater involvement, such as immersive experiences like planting and harvesting, cooking local dishes, or guided cycling around the lanes. Such experiences are often organized by homestays or community associations, and include small ‘extras’ like local snacks or herbal tea.
Opening Hours
Tra Que Vegetable Village is open on a daily basis, starting early in the morning and continuing until late afternoon. When the farmers are in the fields watering, harvesting, and cutting fresh bundles of herbs to take to the markets in Hoi An, the village is most active at daybreak. It is also earlier in the year, therefore cooler, light is softer, and an opportunity to capture some of the best shots of the countryside.
February to April and September to November are the most favorable times to visit Hoi An and Tra Que because the weather is clear and the temperature is not too hot. It is the best time to go cycling between the fields, attend farming classes, or outdoor cooking classes, which do not make you feel uncomfortable in fierce rain or hot summer weather. Toward the end of the day, when the sun sets, the gardens are full of warm, golden light, and the entire village is serene and eternal.
How To Get To Tra Que Vegetable Village
Tra Que Vegetable Village is situated approximately 3 kilometers NNE of Hoi An Ancient Town and can be reached by various modes of transport. The adventurous backpackers can choose to hire bicycles or motorbikes, and the family and groups can take taxis or personal cars. Before they venture out into the countryside, many travelers like to take an early morning walk through the markets of Hoi An.
| Transportation Mode | Travel Time (from Hoi An center) | Estimated Price (VND) | Best For |
| Bicycle | 15 – 20 minutes | 25,000 – 30,000/day | Budget travelers, eco-friendly ride |
| Motorbike Rental | 10 – 15 minutes | 120,000 – 250,000/day | Flexible schedule, adventure seekers |
| Taxi/Grab | 5 – 10 minutes | 30,000 – 50,000/ride | Families, small groups, quick trips |
| Private Car | 5 – 10 minutes | 200,000 – 800,000/half day | Comfort, larger groups, guided tours |
Cycling and walking remain the most popular ways to arrive, as the route is flat and lined with rice fields and village homes. Travelers visiting in the hot season should aim for the early morning or late afternoon, when the air is cooler and the light is soft. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, setting the mood before stepping into the gardens of Tra Que.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Tra Que Vegetable Village
Visiting Tra Que will be more enjoyable and rewarding if you consider a few pieces of local knowledge. These useful tips come from local villagers and fellow travelers to make your visit more seamless and engaging.
- Farming activities typically begin in the morning as early as 8:00 am, and as such, when you come a bit earlier, you can join the activities right at the start.
- The aisles between the vegetable beds are usually narrow and even muddy, hence closed shoes or strappy sandals are much safer than flip-flops.
- The majority of cooking classes will have a short market tour of Hoi An, and as such, make sure to be informed of the activities on the day beforehand to avoid missing it.
- An herbal foot soak after cycling or farming is a warm and comfortable experience, and some homestays may even provide it at no cost with other activities.
- Tet is a season when certain activities can be on hiatus; it is also the season when they show the family customs, as every village has its own rites.
- The sunsets in the fields are beautiful scenes, as well as prone to the invasion of mosquitoes. Consequently, having light long sleeves will not only make you comfortable but also allow you to see the view.
Final Thoughts: Is Tra Que Vegetable Village Worth Visiting?
Tra Que Vegetable Village is more than a farmland outside Hoi An; it is a living showcase of traditional agriculture and authentic Vietnamese culture. For any traveler considering whether it deserves a place on their Vietnam itinerary, the answer is certainly yes. If you are planning a trip and would like advice on tours or tailor-made experiences, Seni World is ready to help make your visit smooth and unforgettable.
