At Tra Que Vegetable Village, you can fully engage in the local culture with cooking classes, picturesque bicycle tours, and dining experiences focused on fresh produce from the farm. Situated just 3 km from Hoi An, the village offers an ideal combination of tranquility and authentic Vietnamese cuisine, with dining options such as Jessica’s Kitchen and Reu Restaurant, as well as invigorating bicycle tours and delightful farm-to-table dining.
How to get there from Hoi An Ancient Town
From Hoi An Ancient Town, you have several options to get to Tra Que village:
- Bicycle: Perhaps the most immersive way to reach Tra Que is by bicycle. The ride takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on pace. You will pedal through picturesque countryside, passing rice paddies and local homes. It’s a flat, easy ride suitable for most fitness levels.
- Motorbike: If you’re comfortable riding a motorbike, this is another great option. The journey takes about 15 minutes and allows you to cover more ground during your visit.
- Taxi or Grab: Taxi and ride-hailing services like Grab are readily available for those who prefer a more comfortable ride.
Useful information
- Entrance fees: There’s no official entrance fee to the village, but some organized tours may include a small fee for activities.
- Opening hours: The village is accessible daily from sunrise to sunset. However, for the best experience, I recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperature is cooler and the light is perfect for photos.
- Suitable for: Tra Que Village is ideal for all types of travelers – families, couples, solo adventurers, and even those seeking a tranquil retreat from the city.
Best things to do in Tra Que Village
Farming experience
One of the highlights of visiting Tra Que is the opportunity to become a farmer for a day. You can work alongside local farmers, learning their traditional techniques for cultivating the village’s famous herbs and vegetables.
Participants don conical hats and help till the soil, plant seedlings, and water the crops using time-honored methods. The farmers are known for their patience and welcoming smiles, always ready to demonstrate their techniques. It’s a hands-on experience that gives you a deep appreciation for the hard work that goes into producing the fresh, flavorful ingredients used in Vietnamese cuisine.
Bicycle tours
Exploring Tra Que and its surroundings by bicycle offers an immersive experience of the local landscape. Guided tours take you through winding paths between herb gardens, past water buffalo lounging in muddy fields, and alongside picturesque canals.
Local guides share fascinating insights into the area’s history and agricultural practices. Frequent stops allow for chats with farmers, sampling freshly picked herbs, and capturing photos of the stunning landscape. The gentle pace of cycling allows travelers to truly immerse themselves in the peaceful atmosphere of rural Vietnam.
For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, self-guided tours are an excellent option. Bicycles can be rented easily in Hoi An or at some guesthouses in Tra Que. A basic map of the area is usually provided with rentals, highlighting points of interest and suggested routes.
Whether guided or self-guided, the gentle pace of cycling allows travelers to truly immerse themselves in the peaceful atmosphere of rural Vietnam. It’s an opportunity to discover hidden corners of the village, stumble upon picturesque photo opportunities, and experience the daily rhythms of local life.
Cooking classes
Tra Que Village is home to several excellent cooking schools, each offering a unique culinary experience. As my advice, you can choose to join the cooking class at Jessica’s Kitchen or Reu Restaurant. Those are our trusted partners for cooking classes and are highly recommended by our clients. Led by expert chefs, you will learn the art of crafting flavorful dishes in a lively kitchen ambiance.
Whether you’re a novice or a culinary enthusiast, you’re in for a memorable, hands-on experience full of fun and delicious discoveries! Get ready to have a great time learning how to make authentic Vietnamese food using fresh vegetables, herbs, pork, shrimp, and fruit. Reu Restaurant is known for its commitment to zero-waste cooking and innovative use of local ingredients. The restaurant’s open-air design allows diners to eat surrounded by the very gardens that supply their meal.
Choosing to attend the cooking class in Jessica’s Kitchen, a local home, rather than at a restaurant, made this experience very special and intimate.
Make rice paper
Rice paper is an important staple in Vietnamese cuisine. It is used in most spring rolls dishes as the wrapper. If you are interested, you can make some yourself in Tra Que Village. The villagers will teach you how, from grinding the rice, boiling it, and stretching to drying it. Rice paper won’t be finished in just one day, but just involving yourself in the process of making it is fun enough.
Traveling to Tra Que Herb Village is a really nice side trip from Hoi An. If you want to try something new for one day or to get an insight into Hoi An’s local way of life, there is no better way than visiting this beautiful village.
Explore Tra Que’s Natural Surroundings
While the village itself is captivating, the beautiful natural surroundings are also worth exploring. Just a short ride away, visitors can find some of Hoi An’s most stunning beaches. After a day in the fields, the nearby shores offer a refreshing change of scenery.
An Bang Beach, with its golden sands and laid-back atmosphere, is a top recommendation. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset and reflect on the day in Tra Que. Several beachside cafes offer comfortable loungers and fresh coconuts – an ideal way to round off a rural Vietnamese adventure.
Suggested one-day itinerary in Tra Que Village
To make the most of a visit, here’s a suggested itinerary:
- Start early with a bicycle ride from Hoi An to Tra Que, arriving around 8 AM.
- Join a farming experience for a couple of hours, learning about local agriculture.
- Take a cooking class, preparing lunch with the vegetables harvested.
- After lunch, explore the village by bike, stopping to chat with locals and take photos.
- Visit Reu Restaurant for a refreshing herbal tea and to learn about their sustainable practices.
- Before getting back to your hotel, visit An Bang beach for relaxation and sip a coffee.
The above itinerary is our recommended day tour to Tra Que village. You can explore our selection of Vietnam tour packages for more travel ideas in the central region or other parts of Vietnam.
Tra Que Village offers a unique glimpse into rural Vietnamese life. With its lush fields, friendly locals, and farm-to-table experiences, it’s a must-visit destination near Hoi An. Whether you’re farming, cooking, cycling, or dining, Tra Que Village provides authentic encounters with Vietnam’s agricultural heritage. Make time for this peaceful retreat – it’s sure to be a highlight of your journey.
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