Exploring Cacao Farming in Can Tho: A Sustainable Mekong Delta Experience

Can Tho City, the vibrant hub of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is renowned for its floating markets, lush orchards, and thriving agricultural heritage. Following the merger of Soc Trang and Hau Giang, Can Tho has become Vietnam’s largest city by landmass, drawing millions to its cultural landmarks and sustainable tourism initiatives. Among its unique attractions, cacao farming stands out, offering an immersive experience into the Delta’s eco-friendly agricultural practices. The Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm, a family-run gem in Phong Dien Ward, provides a hands-on journey into chocolate-making, showcasing sustainable farming and local traditions. Aligned with Can Tho’s “Green Delta” sustainability goals, visiting a cacao farm is a perfect complement to eco-conscious travel. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours bring this agricultural adventure to life—book your tour via the links throughout this guide

Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, specializes in sustainable Southeast Asia adventures. Our Can Tho tours feature low-impact transport—bicycles, electric boats, and eco-taxis—guided by local experts who share the Delta’s cultural and environmental heritage. Supporting farmers in Phong Dien and Ninh Kieu Wards, we align with Can Tho’s eco-vision. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless journey. Contact us at sales@legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp +84825862222 to book eco-tours and explore Can Tho responsibly!

Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has merged Soc Trang and Hau Giang into Can Tho City, with Ninh Kieu as the central hub. District-level units are now wards or communes, enhancing access to attractions like Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm. Supported by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric ferries, and a VND800 billion flood mitigation project—Can Tho offers seamless exploration of its eco-tourism sites.

Located approximately 6 km from Can Tho’s city center in My Ai Hamlet, My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien Ward, Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm is a 1.2-hectare eco-tourism destination established in the 1960s by Lam The Cuong’s family. This organic farm, one of Vietnam’s pioneering cacao producers, cultivates green and red cacao varieties, yielding high-quality beans for handmade chocolate, cocoa powder, and beverages. Supported by initiatives like Denmark’s Danida program in 2012, the farm integrates sustainable farming with tourism, offering educational tours and homestays. Its commitment to preserving traditional methods and organic practices makes it a model of eco-friendly agriculture, attracting visitors eager to learn about cacao’s journey from bean to bar.

Key Features:

• Location: My Ai Hamlet, My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien Ward, Can Tho City.

• Established: 1960s, with tourism since 2012.

• Area: 1.2 hectares of organic cacao cultivation.

• Significance: A pioneer in Vietnam’s cacao industry, promoting sustainable tourism.

Tip: Combine your farm visit with Cai Rang Floating Market, included in our Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75).

1. Educational Chocolate-Making Experience

Learn the meticulous process of cacao production, from harvesting pods to fermenting, drying, and crafting chocolate. Guided by the Cuong family, who speak English and French, visitors explore each step, tasting pure chocolate, cocoa drinks, and cacao liquor. The farm’s hands-on workshops reveal the art of traditional chocolate-making, rooted in a French recipe from 1963.

• Cost: Farm tour $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND); workshops $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Tip: Try the 100% pure chocolate, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

2. Sustainable and Organic Farming

Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm champions organic practices, avoiding chemical fertilizers and preserving the Delta’s ecosystem. The farm’s sustainable model, supported by international programs, generates 300 million VND annually, benefiting local communities. Visitors witness eco-friendly techniques, fostering appreciation for responsible agriculture.

• Tip: Support sustainability by purchasing cocoa products ($2–$10 or 50,000–250,000 VND), included in our Mekong Delta Immersion Tour ($250–$400).

3. Authentic Homestay Experience

Stay overnight in rustic homestays at Mien Tay Homestay, offering fan-cooled rooms and meals featuring local dishes like grilled snakehead fish. Experience Delta life with activities like gardening or fishing, guided by the hospitable Cuong family.

• Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) per person, including dinner and breakfast.

• Tip: Book homestays early for peak season, included in our Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80).

4. Cultural and Historical Insights

Hear passionate stories from Lam The Cuong, a self-taught cacao expert fluent in foreign languages, about the farm’s 60-year legacy and its role in Can Tho’s agricultural history. The farm’s integration with eco-tourism reflects the Delta’s shift toward sustainable development.

• Tip: Engage with Cuong’s storytelling, included in our Can Tho Heritage Tour ($50–$70).

Top Activities

• Cacao Farm Tour: Walk through the 1.2-hectare garden, learning about cacao cultivation and harvesting.

• Chocolate-Making Workshop: Process cacao beans into chocolate, guided by the Cuong family.

• Tasting Session: Sample cocoa drinks, pure chocolate, and cacao liquor.

• Homestay Activities: Garden, fish, or cook local dishes like bún riêu ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

• Shopping: Purchase handmade chocolate bars, cocoa powder, or cacao nibs ($2–$10 or 50,000–250,000 VND).

Pricing:

• Farm Tour: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND, 1–2 hours).

• Workshop: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND, 1 hour).

• Homestay: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) per person, including meals.

• Combo Packages: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) for tour, workshop, and lunch.

Tip: Opt for a combo package for savings, included in our Mekong Delta Immersion Tour ($250–$400).

Nearby Attractions

• Cai Rang Floating Market (6 km): Explore the Delta’s largest wholesale market ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND boat tour).

• My Khanh Eco-Tourism Village (3 km): Enjoy fruit-picking and folk games ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND entry).

• Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary (15 km): Observe thousands of storks ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND entry).

• Tip: Combine with the farm visit, included in our Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80).

• Location: My Ai Hamlet, My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien Ward, Can Tho City (6 km from city center).

• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM; tours by appointment.

• Admission: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND); free for children under 5.

• Accessibility: Paved paths; limited wheelchair access due to garden terrain.

• Contact: Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm (+84 292 386 0866); Legend Travel Group for tours (+84825862222).

Getting to Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm

• By Road: From Can Tho city center, follow Ba Thang Hai Street along the Can Tho River, turn right at DT923, and continue 6 km to My Ai Hamlet (15–20 minutes).

  • Taxi/Grab: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND).

  • Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND), scenic 30-minute ride.

• By Guided Tour: Book with Legend Travel Group for eco-friendly transfers, including cycling options.

  • Cost: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) for guided transport.

• Tip: Cycle for an eco-friendly approach, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

• Dry Season (January–May): Sunny mornings (25–36°C or 77–96.8°F) are ideal for farm tours and outdoor activities, with clear skies for cycling.

• Rainy Season (June–December): Cooler temperatures (22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F) and lush greenery enhance the farm’s beauty, though bring rain gear for showers.

• Cacao Harvest Season (October–March): Optimal time to see ripe cacao pods and active processing.

• Tip: Visit early morning (7:00–9:00 AM) for cooler weather; check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.

• Book Tours Early: Reserve eco-tours via Legend Travel Group (sales@legendtravelgroup.com, WhatsApp +84825862222) 2–3 weeks in advance, especially for January–May.

• Dress Code: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes; bring a hat and sunscreen for garden walks.

• Sustainability: Purchase farm products to support organic practices; avoid plastic waste.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) for My Khanh Commune.

• Safety: Secure valuables; follow guide instructions in the garden.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); respect the family’s workspace.

• Health: Carry mosquito repellent and bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).

Our sustainable tours pair Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm with Can Tho’s top attractions:

• Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Cacao farm, Cai Rang Floating Market, cooking class. Includes eco-transfers, meals, and guide.

• Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75/person): Cai Rang Floating Market, cacao farm, canal cruise. Includes electric boat and guide.

• Can Tho City Explorer ($45–$65/person): Cacao farm, Ninh Kieu Wharf, Ong Pagoda. Includes bike rentals and snacks.

• Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80/person): Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, cacao farm, orchards. Includes boat rides and eco-transfers.

• Mekong Delta Immersion ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): Cacao farm, floating markets, homestays ($10–$25/night). Includes transfers, meals, and activities.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and entrance fees. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book now via links around this page!

Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm in Can Tho City offers a unique blend of sustainable agriculture, cultural immersion, and hands-on chocolate-making, making it a standout Mekong Delta experience. From learning cacao processing to staying in a rustic homestay, this eco-friendly destination showcases the Delta’s commitment to green tourism. Legend Travel Group’s Can Tho Tours pair the farm with Can Tho’s floating markets, orchards, and heritage sites, ensuring a meaningful, sustainable Can Tho Travel journey. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Can Tho adventure today!
Ready to explore Can Tho’s cacao heritage? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and savor the flavors of the Mekong Delta!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group