A Glimpse into the Enchanting Tra Que Village

Tra Que Village is located approximately 3 kilometers from the ancient town of Hoi An and has a centuries-old tradition of cultivating vegetables. The village, with its lush and fragrant vegetable gardens, is renowned as an agricultural symbol in Hoi An and is beloved by both domestic and international tourists.

The history of Tra Que Village

Tra Que Village is situated in the administrative area of Cam Ha commune, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province. It is located approximately 3 kilometers northeast of the center of Hoi An’s ancient town. The village is surrounded by the serene De Vong River, fertile land, and its residents are friendly and down-to-earth.

When researching the Tra Que area, archaeologists have discovered numerous pieces of evidence indicating the presence of the Sa Huynh culture dating back 2000 years. Nowadays, when you visit Tra Que Village, you can see an ancient stone well built by the Cham people thousands of years ago, serving as proof that the village has been inhabited since very early times.

Over three centuries ago, the Tra Que region saw the arrival of the first Vietnamese settlers. They belonged to various Vietnamese family lineages such as Pham, Mai, Nguyen, Le, Tran, and Ho.

The De Vong River

At that time, the De Vong River served as a vital source of sustenance for the village’s residents. During the process of preparing meals, people noticed that cooking shrimp and fish caught from the De Vong River, with the various herbs and vegetables native to the area enhanced the unique and delicious flavors of their dishes. This discovery prompted the villagers to start collecting and cultivating these herbs, marking the beginning of the tradition of vegetable cultivation in Tra Que Village.

At first, vegetable cultivation was a simple endeavor meant to meet the food needs of individual families. Over time, the local community expanded the cultivated land and transitioned to producing vegetables for neighboring regions. Thanks to the distinctive and delicious flavors, Tra Que vegetables gained fame throughout the area.

The origin of the name Tra Que

Folklore has it that around the 18th century, when traveling on the De Vong River, a king made a stop here. The villagers offered him their most delicious vegetables, and upon tasting them, he was particularly impressed by a type of vegetable with a flavor reminiscent of tea (Tra) and a hint of cinnamon (Que). Upon returning to the capital, the king issued a decree to rename the village Tra Que.

Prominent Features of Vegetables in Tra Que Village

The Tra Que vegetables are regarded by both the local residents and visitors from near and far as having a delightful, distinctive flavor that is unparalleled. According to statistics, Tra Que Village boasts 55 varieties of vegetables, with the majority being indigenous strains carefully preserved by the local community for hundreds of years.

In terms of size: Tra Que vegetables have a distinctive size compared to vegetables from other regions. They are characterized by their shorter stature, sturdy stems, small, and thick leaves.

In terms of flavor: Tra Que vegetables are not only aromatic but also possess a rich taste. When you savor them, you’ll experience a unique harmony of five tastes: spicy, sweet, bitter, sour, and astringent, creating a distinct culinary experience for your palate.

Due to its distinctive flavor, Tra Que vegetables are an indispensable ingredient in local specialty dishes like Quang noodles, Cao Lau, and Tam Huu.

Tam huu dish, a specialty of Tra Que Village, uses Tra Que vegetables as its main ingredient. (Photo: Baoquangnam)

What contributes to the deliciousness of Tra Que vegetables

There are three main factors that make Tra Que vegetables famously delicious.

1. Indigenous strains preserved for hundreds of years

The local community has preserved native seeds for hundreds of years. These seeds are known for being small and sturdy.

For the vegetable varieties propagated using branches or stems, they have sturdy plant stems, a small size, and a very fragrant aroma.

These traditional plant varieties are not only delicious but also well-suited to the soil, resistant to pests and diseases, and provide stable yields. This has been maintained and passed down from one generation to the next for hundreds of years.

2. Farmers in Tra Que place special emphasis on soil preparation and taking care of the vegetables.

The residents use green algae collected from the Tra Que ponds and the De Vong River to fertilize the plants.

These are considered the two most important steps in the vegetable cultivation process in Tra Que Village.

The land is meticulously cared for by the locals, who use clean water sources and specialized tools to ensure that the soil reaches the desired level of richness and crumbliness. Particularly, the villagers use green algae as fertilizer, collected from the ponds in Tra Que and the nearby De Vong River, which is one of the key factors that contribute to the renowned unique and delicious flavor of Tra Que vegetables.

3. Vegetable cultivation techniques accumulated over many generations.

With a centuries-old tradition of vegetable cultivation, the farmers of Tra Que Village have developed an optimized farming process. From selecting seeds, preservation, sowing, caring for the crops, harvesting, to consumption, the people of Tra Que have built and accumulated a priceless wealth of experience.

They continuously adjust their methods and production processes to ensure that their vegetable products meet quality standards, are safe for consumers, and are efficient in terms of production time

Tra Que Village is a famous green tourism destination in Hoi An.

A trip to Hoi An wouldn’t be complete without visiting Tra Que Village. A leisurely bike ride along the peaceful village lanes takes you to this famous countryside village.”

Once you arrive here, you’ll have the opportunity to admire lush green vegetable fields, engage in farming activities with the locals, and savor delicious dishes made from Tra Que vegetables.

1. A memorable bicycle journey

Photo: Baoquangnam.vn 

The bicycle ride from Hoi An’s ancient town to Tra Que Village is approximately 3 kilometers. It will be an enjoyable journey as you pass through peaceful village roads with vast rice paddies stretching out on both sides.

Upon arriving in Tra Que Village, you will be pleasantly surprised by the beauty of lush vegetable gardens and the gentle fragrance emanating from various types of vegetables. The atmosphere is filled with tranquility, creating a soothing feeling as you immerse yourself in the serene natural beauty of this peaceful countryside.

2. Experience farming with the locals.

Photo: Baoquangnam.vn –LINH TUẤN

When you visit Tra Que Village, you can’t miss the opportunity to experience the life of a farmer. The local people will guide you through each step, from plowing the soil, sowing seeds, watering the plants, to harvesting vegetables.

While in Tra Que Village, don’t pass up the chance to immerse yourself in the life of a farmer. The local people will guide you through each step, from plowing the soil, sowing seeds, watering the plants, to harvesting vegetables.

3. Learn to cook with professional chefs.

Photo: Baoquangnam.vn – V.L

In Tra Que Village, you have the opportunity to participate in some very interesting cooking classes. Here, skilled chefs will guide you on how to select fresh ingredients and prepare Hoi An’s specialty dishes, such as banh xeo, mi Quang, or tam huu. What’s more, the ingredients are sourced locally, with delicious shrimp caught from the De Vong River, and fresh vegetables harvested directly from the Tra Que vegetable fields.

This is a fantastic opportunity to savor not only the distinctive flavors of Tra Que vegetables but also the entire process of creating Hoi An’s specialty dishes.