Tra Que herbs are famous because they're fertilised with river seaweed – and you can hoe the soil, water the beds and then cook a dish with the greens you've grown.
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Tra Que vegetable village lies beside Tra Que lagoon, about 3 km from Hoi An Ancient Town. Its herbs (basil, mint, coriander, Vietnamese balm…) are especially fragrant thanks to sandy soil and fertiliser made from algae scooped from the lagoon – essential in Hoi An's cao lau and mi Quang.
Experiences
- Put on a traditional shirt and conical hat, hoe, sow seeds and water the beds with shoulder-pole cans.
- Cooking class with freshly picked greens: banh xeo, fresh rolls, Tam Huu rolls.
- Herbal foot soak, farmer-style relaxation.
- Cycle through rice paddies from the old town to the village.
Tips
- Go early morning or late afternoon; bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Rent a bicycle in the old town – 15–20 minutes' ride.
- Book ahead if you want a cooking class.
Combine Tra Que with the Bay Mau coconut forest – Hoi An tour or the Marble Mountains – coconut forest – Hoi An tour, and spend a night in Hoi An for an easy morning bike ride.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Tra Que from Hoi An Ancient Town?
About 3 km, a 15–20 minute bike ride through rice fields.
What makes Tra Que herbs special?
They grow in sandy soil fertilised with algae from the lagoon, giving them a distinctive aroma used in cao lau and mi Quang.
Are there cooking classes in Tra Que?
Yes, many households offer farming experiences combined with cooking classes; book in advance.
