Thing to do
Hoi An Memories Show
A large outdoor show with more than 500 performers that tells 400 years of Hoi An's history without dialogue, staged most evenings at Hoi An Impression…
Tra Que Vegetable Village
A centuries-old vegetable and herb growing village about 2.5 km north of the old town, where visitors can try traditional farming and cook with the harvest.
At a glance
- Type
- Farming village experience
- Area
- Cam Ha, Hoi An, Vietnam
- Official site
- hoianworldheritage.org.vn
Good to know
- Hands-on farming
- Cooking with village vegetables
- Entrance ticket supports the village
Why we recommend it
Tra Que is a vegetable-growing village in Cam Ha, about 2.5 km north of the centre of Hoi An, and it is one of the easiest ways to see the countryside that surrounds the old town. The village was formed in the 16th century, and over the centuries communities with roots in the Sa Huynh, Champa and Dai Viet cultures have farmed this land. The village is known for its green vegetables and herbs, which are at the heart of its farming heritage.
The village's way of farming has been formally recognised. In 2016 Tra Que became a traditional occupation village of the province, and on 4 April 2022 the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism listed Tra Que vegetable farming as National Intangible Cultural Heritage. One of the distinctive features is the use of algae from the area as a natural fertiliser.
Visitors can take part in a programme the heritage office calls A Day as a Farmer. You can hoe the soil, spread algae fertiliser, water the beds by hand with the traditional watering buckets and plant Tra Que vegetables yourself. Afterwards you can cook and eat simple rustic dishes made with the village's greens and try a basil seed drink. It is a hands-on, low-key experience that works well for families with children as well as adults who enjoy food and gardening.
Around the fields there are a few small heritage sites worth a look: the Five Elements Shrine, the Land Genie Shrine, the tomb of Nguyen Van Dien and the old stone well of Tra Que. The village asks visitors to buy an entrance ticket, and the money goes towards preserving the traditional occupation village and its way of life.
The village is close enough to the old town to reach by bicycle, which many hotels lend to guests, and it makes a good half-day outing combined with lunch. Almanity Hoi An, for example, describes the village as about seven minutes from the resort. Information is available from the Hoi An Office of Tourist Services, which is listed as the contact on the heritage centre's page. Bring sun protection, as most of the experience takes place in open fields.
Tra Que Vegetable Village FAQs
Where is Tra Que village?
In Cam Ha, about 2.5 km north of the centre of Hoi An.
What can you do there?
Try traditional farming, from hoeing and fertilising with algae to watering by hand, then cook and eat dishes made with the village greens.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, visitors are asked to buy an entrance ticket, which helps preserve the traditional occupation village.
Why is Tra Que farming special?
It was recognised as National Intangible Cultural Heritage on 4 April 2022.
How old is the village?
It was formed in the 16th century.
Can children take part?
Yes, the hands-on farming and cooking activities suit families.
How do you get there?
By bicycle or taxi from the old town, which is about 2.5 km away.
Who do you contact for information?
The Hoi An Office of Tourist Services at 8 Hoang Dieu Street, hotline 084 342 8888.