Have you ever dreamed of escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, immersing yourself in the green space of fields, personally caring for plants, and experiencing the life of a real farmer? Farmstays in Vietnam will turn that dream into reality, offering you unforgettable memories and meaningful lessons about Vietnamese agriculture, culture, and people.
Farmstay tourism is becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam, not only because of its closeness to nature but also because of the real-life experiences it offers. However, to have a truly meaningful and fulfilling trip, let’s explore the secrets and useful information about learning to be a farmer at farmstays in Vietnam.
What is a Farmstay? Overview of Agri-tourism Model
A farmstay, also known as agritourism, is a unique combination of agriculture and tourism. Here, visitors not only get to rest and relax in a green space but also have the opportunity to participate in agricultural production activities, learn about the process of planting, raising livestock, and processing agricultural products.
Definition of Farmstay
A farmstay is a type of tourism associated with agricultural farms, providing services for tourists, including accommodation. It is an experiential form of tourism where visitors can participate in daily agricultural activities, explore the life of farmers, and learn about local culture.
Types of Farmstays
Farmstays can be classified based on the type of farm they are associated with, including:
- Crop farmstay: Growing seasonal crops, short-term crops, annual crops, perennial crops, industrial crops, ornamental plants, etc.
- Livestock farmstay: Raising livestock, poultry, and specific terrestrial animals such as sheep, goats, deer, etc.
- Forestry farmstay: Planting, caring for, and exploiting forest trees or non-timber forest products from forests on planned land.
- Aquaculture farmstay: Producing and farming aquatic products and seafood in ponds, lakes, rivers, dams, bays, lagoons, fishing villages, etc.
- Integrated farmstay: Combining various agricultural production activities, including crop farming, livestock breeding, and aquaculture.
- “Farm and homestay” combined farmstay: Homestay model expanding in scale, developing additional tourism services exploited according to the farm model on existing agricultural land or newly purchased agricultural land.
Characteristics of Farmstays
- Purpose and operational form: Farmstays operate based on pre-existing farms, exploiting additional tourism services.
- Location: Often found in rural areas, mountainous regions, midland areas, or suburban areas of cities.
- Landscape design: Usually designed simply, harmoniously with nature, and environmentally friendly.
- Main products and services: Accommodation, experiencing farming, caring for animals, harvesting crops, farm tours, entertainment, enjoying cuisine, etc.
- Main target audience: People born and raised in cities, students, families, foreign visitors who want to explore and experience activities on farms.
A lush green corner at a farmstay in Vietnam
The diversity in farmstay types offers many choices for visitors, depending on their preferences and desired experiences. You can choose an organic vegetable farm to learn about the clean food production process, or a livestock farm to get acquainted with adorable sheep and goats.
Learning to Be a Farmer: Exciting Experiences at Farmstays
Coming to a farmstay, you will have the opportunity to become a real farmer, participating in daily agricultural production activities.
Planting and Caring for Crops
You will be guided on how to sow seeds, plant trees, water, fertilize, and weed. This is a great opportunity for you to learn about different types of plants and their growth and development processes.
Raising and Caring for Animals
If you love animals, don’t miss the opportunity to care for livestock such as chickens, ducks, pigs, cows, etc. You will learn how to feed them, clean their pens, and learn about their living habits.
Harvesting Farm Produce
This is one of the most popular activities at farmstays. You will personally harvest fresh and delicious vegetables, tubers, and fruits, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Processing Farm Produce
You will learn how to process specialty dishes from fresh farm produce. This is an opportunity for you to discover unique cooking secrets and enjoy the delicious flavors of local cuisine.
Benefits of Learning to Be a Farmer at Farmstays
- Connect with nature: Escape the noisy city life and immerse yourself in the green space of the farm.
- Reduce stress: Agricultural activities help you relax, reduce stress, and rejuvenate.
- Learn about agriculture: Enhance your knowledge of agricultural production processes, the value of food, and the importance of sustainable agriculture.
- Experience local culture: Learn about local customs, the life of farmers, and enjoy local cuisine.
- Create memorable moments: Have unique and meaningful experiences, creating unforgettable memories.
Suggested Famous Farmstays in Vietnam
- Dong Thap: Viet Mekong Farmstay
- An Giang: Phan Nam Farm
- Ninh Thuan: Làng Cừu Farmstay, Tiên Tiến Farm & Zoo
- Lam Dong: Bunny Hill Farm, Da Lat Noah Farm, Avocado Farm
Notes When Choosing a Farmstay
- Define your trip goals: What do you want to experience at the farmstay? (Planting, raising animals, relaxation, etc.)
- Learn carefully about the farmstay: Read reviews, view photos, and videos to understand the farmstay clearly.
- Contact the farmstay directly: Ask clearly about activities, services, prices, and policies.
- Prepare appropriate clothing: You should bring comfortable, easy-to-move clothes and shoes suitable for agricultural activities.
- Learn about the weather: To prepare appropriate clothing and plan to participate in suitable activities.
Conclusion
Learning to be a farmer at farmstays in Vietnam is a unique and meaningful travel experience. You will not only immerse yourself in nature and reduce stress but also have the opportunity to learn about agriculture, local culture, and create memorable moments. Plan your trip today and discover the exciting things that farmstays in Vietnam have to offer!