Trà Quế, the vegetable village in Hội An for a green interlude

By bike, between the old town of Hoi An and An Bàng beach, we cross a peaceful countryside before seeing the first plots of Trà Quế. This village is known for its vegetable and herb crops, grown using traditional methods.
Here, the inhabitants work mainly by hand, barefoot in the earth, using well water and natural algae-based fertilizers. The atmosphere is simple, authentic, and you can stop there to observe the daily work of the market gardeners, or take part in practical workshops organised for visitors.

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)

Updated on Jun 23, 2025

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Table of contents

Overview of Trà Quế: a model of sustainable tourism that inspires
Why include Tra Que in your stay in Hoi An?
For whom?
An agricultural immersion between simple gestures and shared moments
Suggested itinerary: a day in Hoi An with a getaway to Tra Que
How to get there from central Hoi An

Overview of Trà Quế: a model of sustainable tourism that inspires

Located just three kilometres from the historic centre of Hoi An, the village of Trà Quế is an ideal stopover to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while discovering agricultural know-how that has been passed down for generations.

Since its agricultural practices were inscribed on Vietnam's Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022, Trà Quế has embodied a success story based on a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation. The village is based on two complementary economic pillars:

An environmentally friendly agriculture, with organic production recognized far beyond the region. This sustainable model has earned Trà Quế the nickname "salad basket" of Central Vietnam
Booming green tourism, driven by participatory workshops, cooking classes, family stays (homestays) and a local organic seed shop.

tra que village

In 2024, Trà Quế was named "Best Tourist Village in the World", a title that salutes both its charm and its concrete impact. The income generated by tourism makes it possible to maintain the infrastructure, support the village school and offer prospects to the younger generations, more and more of whom are choosing to stay and get involved in local life.

Why include Tra Que in your stay in Hoi An?

A nearby getaway: three kilometres – or ten minutes of pedalling – separate the old town from the first rows of coriander. Two more kilometers and your wheels will already touch the white sands of An Bàng.
A haven of tranquillity: far from the hustle and bustle of the shopping streets, the fields infuse a feeling of absolute calm. The grasses quiver gently, buffaloes graze silently, and the few engines you hear are those of the fishermen on the river.
Clean agriculture: zero chemical pesticides: only fresh seaweed compost enriches the sandy soil, guaranteeing a slightly sweet taste that has become the signature of Hoi An cuisines.
Sincere encounters: the villagers gladly welcome visitors to share sowing secrets and family recipes. Smiles guaranteed, singing accent as a bonus.

For whom?

Trà Quế is for everyone, but it is a particularly rewarding experience for certain categories of travellers.

Families with children will appreciate the fun and educational side: the youngest can put on the traditional outfit, water the plants with a bamboo watering can and discover the life of a farmer in a good mood.
Fans of Vietnamese cuisine will be delighted to be able to harvest the fresh herbs themselves, then take part in an on-site culinary workshop, in a friendly and authentic atmosphere.

An agricultural immersion between simple gestures and shared moments

In Trà Quế, discovery is not limited to observation. Here are some of the activities that you can experience on site, for a morning or a full day, as close as possible to the daily life of the inhabitants.

🥕 Put on a local outfit: A light brown tunic, rope sandals: we equip you like the local farmers. The cotton breathes, the movements are free - ideal for anchoring oneself in the rhythm of the village.

🌽 Prepare the land like a villager: With a spade, you turn over a soft and living soil, naturally enriched by algae. No machine, just the gesture, the breath, the earth - and the intuition of those who have always worked with it.

🌶️ Sow according to your host's advice: A few straight furrows, a handful of seeds, an attentive look: you learn quickly, between precision and simplicity, carried by the experience of those who know.

🥦 Try traditional watering: Two watering cans suspended from a pole on the shoulder, about fifteen liters to balance: the exercise requires a little coordination, and often triggers shared laughter.

🍅 Harvest herbs from the garden: Mint, coriander, shiso... The freshly picked leaves smell like a touch of the skin. From the garden to the basket, the scents awaken under your fingers.

🌿 Participate in the preparation of a homemade lunch with your hosts:

Bánh xèo, crispy pancake stuffed with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts, to be wrapped in aromatic herb leaves,
Mì Quảng, colorful noodles from Central Vietnam, topped with meat or shrimp, crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs,
And a simple and tasty garden salad that celebrates the freshness of the morning's harvest.

Suggested itinerary: a day in Hoi An with a getaway to Tra Que

Start the day early with a light breakfast in central Hoi An, then hop on a bike to the village of Trà Quế, just a few kilometers away. Once there, take the time to visit the vegetable gardens, observe the gestures of the growers, and why not, take part in a discovery activity: learn how to work the land, water in the traditional way or harvest fresh herbs.

The morning continues with a Vietnamese cooking workshop, where you prepare your meal from the vegetables you have just picked. After lunch, stay in the surrounding area to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village until early afternoon.

tra que village

In the mid-afternoon, hop back on the bike towards An Bang Beach, just 10 minutes away. It's the perfect time to relax with your feet in the sand before watching the sunset. The day ends gently with a leisurely drive back to the Old Town.

Tips: Opt for an early morning visit to enjoy the freshness, the golden light on the vegetable gardens and the peaceful atmosphere of the village.
Avoid wearing white clothes or delicate shoes: some activities in the fields can easily get them dirty.

🔎 Good to know

To participate in immersive activities (gardening, cooking, etc.), it is necessary to go through an agency or an organized tour. You can book easily through platforms like Klook or GetYourGuide, or simply ask your hotel: most will be able to recommend a tour that includes these experiences.

If you just want to visit the village on your own, simply buy an entrance ticket at 35,000 VND per person.

How to get there from central Hoi An

By bike: the most pleasant way to reach Trà Quế. About 10 minutes ride through rice fields and peaceful paths. Renting a bike is easy in the city
By scooter: Faster, the journey takes 5 to 7 minutes. You can rent a scooter for the day in the center of Hoi An, giving you plenty of freedom to explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Our last words,

Trà Quế is not just a vegetable field, it is a living lesson in harmony between man and nature. By pedalling to this haven of peace, we support respectful agriculture and often leave with a bouquet of fragrant souvenirs. During a visit to Hoi An, stopping in Trà Quế is to offer your body a breath, and your mind a welcome break from the rhythm of the seasons.