Điện Biên sees positive signs from agritourism

ĐBP - Once known primarily for its heroic historical landmarks, Điện Biên is now donning a fresh, vibrant image with the emergence of agritourism models. Lush grape gardens and immersive “farmer for a day” experiences are opening up a promising new path for the province’s tourism industry.

In recent days, locals and visitors in Điện Biên have been buzzing about a new and captivating destination: the vineyard of the Thảo Nguyên High-Quality Agricultural Cooperative, located in Mường Thanh ward. On a 6,000-square-meter plot, 600 grapevines are being cultivated according to VietGAP standards and are currently in harvest season. The garden’s fresh greenery and picturesque setting attract hundreds of visitors each day, especially on weekends. Groups of visitors stroll joyfully under the heavy grape trellises, picking and tasting sweet, plump grapes straight from the vine. The peaceful, pristine setting and inviting fruit-laden vines have turned this spot into a natural film set where everyone can capture memorable check-in photos.

A representative from the Thảo Nguyên High-Quality Agricultural Cooperative inspects grape clusters before harvest.

What’s especially noteworthy is that admission is completely free. Lương Đức Sơn, the vineyard’s owner, shared: “Growing grapes was just a retirement hobby for me, I never intended to make it a tourist spot. But seeing people enjoy visiting and supporting us makes me really happy. That’s why I don’t charge an entrance fee. Anyone who wants to buy our products to support the family is more than welcome.”

This simplicity and sincerity are what keep visitors coming back. In addition to serving on-site guests, Sơn’s vineyard supplies hundreds of kilograms of grapes daily to clean fruit stores in Hanoi, further confirming the quality and economic value of this model. Sơn also revealed that the cooperative is using more than one hectare of remaining land to grow Thai pears and large jujubes, promising even more high-quality produce and exciting destinations in the future.

Visitors taking photos at the milk grape vineyard.

Recognizing the undeniable appeal of agritourism, travel companies are beginning to get involved professionally. Recently, Tâm Tâm Travel partnered with an international travel agency to pioneer a unique agricultural tour, immersing tourists in the daily agricultural life of Điện Biên residents.

This special tour journey includes not only familiar historical sites but also vibrant agricultural production models. Visitors, including international groups, have had unforgettable experiences visiting organic vegetable farms in Noong Luống commune, meeting the “cherry blossom king” of Mường Phăng, and witnessing the process of making silky miến dong (arrowroot noodles). Guests also visited black chicken farms, velvet antler deer farms, and enjoyed the aroma of Arabica coffee from Mường Ảng. The most impressive part for many was digging up sweet, honey-like Thanh An sweet potatoes with their own hands, a truly hands-on and exciting activity.

The Tâm Tâm Travel takes guests to visit a black chicken farm in Kê Nênh village, Điện Biên Phủ ward.

Nguyễn Xuân Quyết, Director of the Tâm Tâm Travel, said: “Besides its strength in historical tourism, Điện Biên has enormous untapped potential for agritourism. We collaborated with an international travel agency to run a pilot tour for over ten European guests. The results were surprising, everyone was very satisfied and delighted with the entire journey. They were especially impressed with being able to harvest produce and take part in coffee processing themselves. These authentic experiences are simply irreplaceable. The success of the trial run is a very positive signal that gives us confidence to continue developing this type of tour.”

Foreign tourists experience harvesting Thanh An sweet potatoes.

Agritourism is no longer a foreign concept globally. In Vietnam, this model has already flourished in provinces like Lâm Đồng, Sóc Trăng, and Hà Giang. Although still in its early stages, Điện Biên’s budding farms, like Sơn’s vineyard, Thanh Yên’s organic vegetables, or the Mường Ảng coffee plantations, are sending strong signals for a promising new direction. Điện Biên’s advantage lies in its pristine and rustic charm, offering visitors peace in nature, a chance to slow down, and to witness the deep bond between people and the land. Additionally, native agricultural products such as Arabica coffee, Thanh An sweet potatoes, black chicken, organic milk grapes, and miến dong (arrowroot noodles) serve as “specialties” that can attract visitors and help build a unique tourism brand for the province.

Visitors pose with cornfields in Tủa Thàng commune.

From heartfelt self-started models to professional initiatives by travel companies, agritourism is gradually affirming its place as a new and engaging “spiritual dish” on the tourism map of Điện Biên. This direction promises to diversify tourism offerings, encourage longer visitor stays, and enhance the value of local agricultural products, ultimately creating sustainable livelihoods for farmers.

Visitors check in at the black grape vineyard in Mường Phăng commune.

However, for agritourism in Điện Biên to develop sustainably, there must be coordinated efforts from local government, businesses, and residents. Transportation infrastructure connecting production areas needs improvement. Agricultural models must meet quality standards and food safety requirements. Most importantly, a well-planned communication strategy is essential to promote the image of Điện Biên not only as a place of heroic history but also as a land of sweet harvests, kind smiles, and unforgettable experiences.

Diệp Chi
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'The turning point at the Westernmost land of the nation

    The turning point at the Westernmost land of the nation

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - In the nation’s development journey, every locality carries its own historical mission and political responsibility. For Điện Biên - a land rich in revolutionary tradition and forever tied to the victory that “resounded across five continents and shook the world” - that mission is even more sacred, as it stands as a steadfast “frontier stronghold” at the westernmost edge of the Fatherland.
  • 'Điện Biên people enjoy Independence Festival

    Điện Biên people enjoy Independence Festival

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - In the historic August days, as the whole nation joyfully celebrates the 80th Anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2), localities across Điện Biên province are once again filled with the sounds of khèn, sáo, laughter, and vibrant gatherings of ethnic communities.
  • 'The lifeblood of the nation

    The lifeblood of the nation

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - On September 2, 1945, at the historic Ba Đình Square, President Hồ Chí Minh proclaimed the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. From that emotional moment when our country officially took its place on the world map, every Vietnamese has carried the responsibility to defend each inch of land and unify the nation. The Fatherland is not only the heroic pages of history but also the strength of great national unity, so that today every Vietnamese can proudly declare: “I am Vietnamese.”
  • 'Officials should not wait for the people to come

    Officials should not wait for the people to come

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Since the two-tier local government system came into operation, officials across Điện Biên province have actively gone to the people instead of waiting for the people to come to them. By staying close to the grassroots, listening, and working side by side with citizens, they have demonstrated responsibility and a spirit of service, strengthening public trust in the leadership of the Party and the government.
  • 'Xa Dung: Steadfast in overcoming hardship

    Xa Dung: Steadfast in overcoming hardship

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Once a revolutionary base during the resistance war against the French, Xa Dung commune, Điện Biên province has endured many historical hardships and challenges, forging an unyielding tradition of resilience. Building on that legacy, the Party Committee, authorities, and people of Xa Dung have remained united, determined to overcome difficulties and promote socio-economic development. From a revolutionary base in the past to a community striving for prosperity today, Xa Dung stands as living testimony to steadfast spirit and the aspiration for a better, sustainable future.
  • 'Improving population quality in ethnic minority and mountainous areas

    Improving population quality in ethnic minority and mountainous areas

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Enhancing population quality in ethnic minority and mountainous regions is a key objective within the socio-economic development strategy. In recent years, Điện Biên province’s health sector has implemented a range of coordinated measures, particularly programs on pre-marital counseling and health checks, as well as screening, diagnosis, and treatment for certain prenatal and neonatal conditions. These efforts have produced practical results, contributing to improved community health and stronger future generations.
  • 'Mobilizing resources for sustainable growth in Điện Biên

    Mobilizing resources for sustainable growth in Điện Biên

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Mobilizing and effectively using resources plays a vital role in socio-economic development. With that in mind, Điện Biên province has prioritized investment in essential infrastructure, production support, and gradual improvements in people’s living standards. These efforts have transformed rural areas and laid a solid foundation for sustainable development in the years ahead.
  • 'Điện Biên cares for the lives of ethnic minority communities

    Điện Biên cares for the lives of ethnic minority communities

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - In recent years, Điện Biên province has actively implemented the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2021-2025 period. Through settlement planning, resettlement, livelihood support, and job conversion, local residents have been given opportunities to improve their livelihoods and escape poverty.
  • 'Bringing the studying and following of President Hồ Chí Minh’s example into depth

    Bringing the studying and following of President Hồ Chí Minh’s example into depth

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - In recent years, the implementation of Directive No.05-CT/TW of the Politburo on “Promoting the studying and following of Hồ Chí Minh’s thought, morality, and style” has deeply permeated political and social life across Điện Biên Province. Learning from and following Uncle Hồ has become a regular, self-motivated practice, spreading widely throughout the political system and among the people. The results achieved have brought about positive changes in the thinking and actions of officials and Party members, contributing significantly to Party building, socio-economic development, and the safeguarding of national defense and security in the province.
  • 'A new school in Si Pa Phìn

    A new school in Si Pa Phìn

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - At the end of July, a special event took place on the borderland of Si Pa Phìn in Điện Biên province: the groundbreaking ceremony for Si Pa Phìn Primary and Secondary School. This modern educational complex, the largest of its kind ever built in this remote border area, is expected to open doors of knowledge and nurture the dreams of thousands of children.
  • 'Clear thinking, determined action

    Clear thinking, determined action

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - With the implementation of the two-tier local government model, many officials have been assigned to new positions, working far from their families in remote, mountainous, and border communes. Difficult travel conditions, limited facilities, and inconveniences in daily life have posed significant challenges. Ensuring both material and spiritual support for these officials has become an important “pillar,” helping them stay confident, overcome difficulties, and remain committed to their duties long term.
  • 'Ensuring personnel work for the upcoming Điện Biên provincial Party Congress

    Ensuring personnel work for the upcoming Điện Biên provincial Party Congress

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Recognizing that personnel preparation for the 15th Điện Biên provincial Party Congress, 2025-2030 term, is a decisive and central task, the provincial Party Committee has focused on reviewing standards and conditions for officials expected to be re-elected and for those eligible to join the Party Committee and the Inspection Commission for the first time in the new term. Up to now, personnel preparations have been carried out in line with the plan, ensuring compliance with Party regulations and the Party Charter.