Tra Que Village, Vietnam: Ancient Harvest Rituals and Global Honours at the Four Hundred Year Old Cau Bong Festival

The 400-year-old Tra Que village officially kicked off its annual Cau Bong Festival on Sunday, bringing the soil of central Vietnam to life. In a vibrant display of communal gratitude, the ancient grounds were transformed into a stage where history and agriculture met. This traditional ceremony is held every year on the seventh day of the lunar new year, serving as a spiritual bridge between the current community and previous generations. This festival is used to express gratitude to the heavens, local deities, and the village’s original founders, as well as to pray for favourable weather and abundant harvests in the coming seasons.

The Prestige of Global Recognition

While the festival remains a local heartbeat, the village itself has garnered significant international acclaim. Located approximately three kilometres northeast of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An Ancient Town, Tra Que was distinguished as one of the world’s best tourism villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2024. Notably, it stood as the sole representative from Vietnam to be honoured with this prestigious title during that year. This global accolade reflects the village’s unique ability to maintain its traditional charm while integrating into the modern tourism landscape. Furthermore, the meticulous craft of vegetable cultivation in Tra Que was officially recognized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2022, when it was added to the national list of intangible cultural heritage.

Rituals, Processions, and the Spirit of the Land

The festival’s atmosphere was defined by a series of deeply symbolic activities designed to honour the land. Ritual offerings were meticulously prepared, and a ceremonial procession was conducted through the lush green fields. Incense rites were performed by village elders, creating a solemn yet celebratory environment. Beyond the spiritual formalities, the cultural identity of the region was further showcased through energetic lion dances and a variety of traditional folk games. These events serve not only as entertainment but also as a preservation of the community’s ancestral traditions, ensuring that the cultural fabric of Tra Que remains intact for future generations.

An Immersive Journey into Traditional Farming

One of the most captivating aspects of the Cau Bong Festival is the invitation extended to visitors to move beyond the role of a mere spectator. During the festivities, travellers from around the world were encouraged to join local farmers in the physical labour of tilling the soil and planting fresh vegetables. The art of traditional watering—using the iconic twin watering cans carried on a shoulder pole—was demonstrated and practised by guests under the guidance of seasoned cultivators. These demonstrations of traditional farming are essential to the festival’s mission, as they promote the community’s dedication to sustainable agricultural practices that have remained largely unchanged for four centuries.

The Economic and Ecological Heart of the Region

Tra Que is more than a tourist destination; it is a functioning agricultural powerhouse. Currently, the village is home to over 200 households that collectively manage 18 hectares of fertile farmland. The labor is carried out by approximately 330 dedicated workers who specialize in the cultivation of aromatic herbs and high-quality produce. This harvest is essential to the local economy, as the majority of the herbs and vegetables grown here are supplied directly to the renowned restaurants and eateries within Hoi An. By maintaining this closed-loop system of local production and consumption, the village serves as a primary example of how ecotourism and traditional industry can flourish side by side.

A Growing Destination for Global Travelers

The allure of Tra Que’s green landscapes and authentic lifestyle continues to draw massive crowds. Tens of thousands of domestic and international visitors are welcomed to the village annually. In 2025 alone, a staggering 40,000 tourists were recorded as having visited the fields. The rise in visitor numbers is attributed to the village’s reputation as a premier ecotourism destination where the pace of life slows down. The success of Tra Que lies in its ability to offer an “organic” experience in every sense of the word—from the chemical-free fertilizers used in the soil (traditionally seaweed from the nearby lagoon) to the genuine hospitality of the farming families.

Preserving the Future Through the Past

As the Cau Bong Festival came to a close, Tra Que’s enduring message was clear: cultural identity preservation is the foundation of long-term development. By promoting their heritage through tourism, Tra Que residents ensure that their 400-year-old legacy is not lost to modernisation. The festival exemplifies the Vietnamese spirit’s resilience and profound respect for nature. A visit to Tra Que during the Lunar New Year provides the modern traveller with more than just a photo opportunity; it is a rare opportunity to touch the earth and participate in a lineage of labour and gratitude that has sustained this community for centuries.

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