HÀ NỘI – Farm tourism, a unique blend of rural retreats and hands-on countryside experiences, is gaining traction across Việt Nam and beyond.

Local authorities, sensing a chance to cultivate green and sustainable tourism, are fanning the trend.

A return to nature

More than a decade ago, Dr. Ngô Kiều Oanh made a bold leap back to her rural roots in Ba Vì District on the outskirts of Hà Nội, transforming her vision into reality with the establishment of Đồng Quê farm. This eco-friendly site now beckons urbanites craving respite from the city hustle and bustle.

"To date, I still maintain the concept of an eco-farm combined with nature-based activities such as fishing, sowing rice seeds, and planting vegetables, and enjoying locally sourced cuisine”, Oanh said.

The Hà Nội Department of Tourism has clocked the surge, reporting that the capital now boasts 11 ecological farms and four agricultural cooperatives dedicated to this model. Standouts include the Long Việt agricultural park in Sóc Sơn District, about 30km from downtown Hanoi, Đồng Quê farm and Detrang farm, both in Ba Vì District, Vạn An School farm in Thanh Trì District, and the Phúc Thọ Hoa Bay ecological garden in Phúc Thọ District, each a portal to the pastoral.

These farms are not just destinations, they are gateways to unforgettable experiences. At a sprawling 5-ha organic grape vineyard in Vinh Ngọc Commune, Đông Anh District, visitors can plunge into the rhythm of viticulture, from planting to picking, guided by safe, sustainable practices. Detrang farm, meanwhile, feels like a storybook menagerie - goats, sheep, rabbits, spotted deer, even camels roam its fields, paired with a dizzying array of outdoor games.

Nguyễn Thị Hồng Anh, a resident of Ba Đình District, said farm tourism is particularly appealing to families with young children. Outdoor activities, touching animals and tending plants not only build kids’ character but also give them a refreshing break from textbooks.

Deputy Director of the Hà Nội Department of Tourism Trần Trung Hiếu noted that many farm models are thriving, pulling in numerous visitors, especially students and families.

Toward sustainable development

Across Việt Nam, many localities are leaning into farm tourism, merging agriculture with unique visitor experiences. In places like Lâm Đồng, Đồng Nai, Đà Lạt, and the northwest, vibrant models flourish, while others scramble to catch up. Trà Quế vegetable village in central Quảng Nam Province has become a siren call for foreigners, showing the best of what farm tourism can offer. Up north, Quảng Ninh Province’s Tuần Châu Farm and Bình Liêu Farmstay have experienced a surge in popularity, particularly during the recent Lunar New Year holiday.

Yet hurdles loom. Many farms grapple with seasonal slumps, lack distinctive flair, or fail to tap local agricultural riches fully.

Director of the Asia Tourism Development Institute Phạm Hải Quỳnh laid out the blueprint for long-term success: a robust infrastructure with sprawling farm areas, orchards, craft workshops, cultural festivals, distinctive dishes, and a fierce sense of place. “Local communities must be the heartbeat”, he insisted.

Oanh, meanwhile, called for teamwork. “Authorities, operators, residents - we need to link tours, market our story, keep the spotlight on,” she said.

According to the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 922/QD-TTg issued on August 2, 2022, rural tourism development is a key solution and priority within the National Target Programme on New Rural Building for the 2021-2025 period.

Hiếu saw farm stays and agricultural escapes as growth engines. Moving forward, Hà Nội plans to leverage its ecological, cultural, and craft village heritage, encourage localities to craft experiences that captivate and endure. “It’s about keeping visitors coming back,” he mused, “and building a future that doesn’t just grow, but lasts.” - VNA/VNS