Achievements from simple things
Before the concept of "humans are the sum of social relationships", humans were creatures in the midst of nature. Therefore, human existence is always closely linked to, and inseparable from, the natural environment. No matter how much evolution and changes in living conditions and advanced living environments occur, deep down, humans still want to be close to nature and blend into nature. Therefore, the concept of "sustainable development" in the current digital age always aims at protecting the environment, harmonizing with nature, and balancing multiple goals. This is also proven by the investment and socio-economic development trends of countries around the world.
In Vietnam, many economic models in localities also aim for sustainable development, environmental protection, and the Net Zero goal. This is most evident in the tourism industry. Traveling, relaxing, enjoying delicious food, and convenient accommodation are no longer attractive to international tourists and even to domestic people. Tourists now always "demand" much more. That is, they must have more experiences, return to nature, and discover something different - even though those are images that have been familiar in the life and production activities of the countryside and rural areas of Vietnam for generations. Therefore, not only tours to visit handicraft villages have developed and attracted visitors, but also rice fields in the countryside, lotus ponds in the mountain corners, and simple vegetable gardens... have become popular.
For the above reasons, the "flood center" of Tan Hoa, Quang Binh province is the only village in Vietnam to be voted "The best tourist village in the world" by the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) in 2023. The best is because the villagers know how to be creative, adaptable and live in harmony with nature. Although they are always deeply flooded every year, and their houses are submerged in floods, people have known how to adapt, survive and live well on the spot. They even know how to take advantage of this "weakness" to do tourism, attract visitors and develop the economy in a breakthrough way.
It is for this reason that Tra Que vegetable village, Hoi An continues to be honored by UN Tourism as "The best tourist village in the world" in 2024. Tra Que vegetable village, Hoi An once again proves the success in combining tourism and agriculture.
Located just a few kilometers from Hoi An ancient town, Tra Que vegetable village is a lush green oasis, surrounded by Co Co river and Tra Que lagoon. With special soil of sandy alluvial soil, the local people have developed organic vegetable growing since the 16th century. Not only a place to provide clean vegetables for the locality, Tra Que has transformed strongly, becoming an attractive tourist destination, bringing visitors unique experiences.
The fact that Tra Que was honored by UN Tourism as the "World's Best Tourist Village" in 2024 based on 9 strict criteria is a clear testament to Hoi An's efforts and success. From natural resources, culture, to economic, social and environmental sustainability, Tra Que has met all the highest requirements. Visitors coming here can not only admire the lush green vegetable fields, but also participate in experiential activities such as being a farmer, learning to cook specialties from Tra Que vegetables, or exploring traditional cultural features such as the Tho Than temple, Ngu Hanh temple, and the Cau Bong worship custom...
Development associated with environmental protection
Tra Que’s success is not accidental. Hoi An has taken strategic steps in exploiting the tourism potential of agricultural land. Not only stopping at agricultural production, land is also used for multiple purposes, creating unique tourism products, attracting tourists. Homestay and farmstay models are built on agricultural land, bringing experiences close to nature and local culture.
This model is currently developing strongly in many rural areas of Quang Nam, in the Central region and throughout the coastal areas, up to the Central Highlands. Thanks to that, everywhere, the face of rural Vietnam has changed day by day. Green, clean, beautiful and in harmony with nature, friendly to the environment.
In the context of growing agricultural tourism, the 2024 Land Law plays an important role, creating new opportunities to exploit the potential of agricultural land. Accordingly, the use of agricultural land is no longer limited to agricultural production but is also expanded to other purposes such as tourism, resorts, and rural real estate. This change not only promotes the development of the agricultural sector but also serves as a lever for the sustainable development of rural areas.
(Article from the Central Highlands - Central Spring Labor publication 2025)
