Explore Thai An Grape Village – A Serene Summer Escape in Ninh Thuan

Around 30km northeast of Phan Rang-Thap Cham city, a serene vineyard oasis awaits along the coastal road of Provincial Highway 702 to Vinh Hy Bay. Thai An grape village, a tranquil haven, boasts lush vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, with rows of vibrant green vines heavy with fruit.

Under the warm glow of the golden sun, Thai An’s grapevines are in their prime, their bountiful harvest creating a picturesque scene that captivates visitors. The village, bathed in sunlight, presents a stunning visual feast with its abundant grapes ready for picking.

Thai An grape village exudes peace and tranquility, with its lush vineyards stretching to the horizon. Photo: TTXVN

Thai An’s vineyards have become a welcoming destination for international guests, with local farmers embracing the opportunity to connect across languages and cultures. Despite the challenges they face, their dedication to their craft remains unwavering, and they take great pride in sharing their knowledge and hospitality with visitors from near and far.

Nguyen Khac Phong, Director of the Thai An Agricultural Service Cooperative, proudly shared that the community cultivates an array of grape varieties, including the NH01-152, Red Cardinal, and NH04-102 black finger grapes, each offering a unique flavor profile and experience.

To showcase the exceptional quality of their fresh grapes, the cooperative has dedicated nearly 20 hectares to the new NH01-152 variety. This particular grape variety boasts large, impressive clusters weighing between 0.5 and over 1.5 kg, with a thick skin, balanced sweetness, and a distinctive light aroma when ripe, complemented by a vibrant red hue.

The vibrant vineyards of Thai An, bathed in golden sunlight, showcase the beauty of the harvest season. Photo: Picasa

Through the skillful application of cutting techniques tailored to each grape variety, the gardeners of Thai An ensure a continuous supply of ripe grapes, inviting visitors to explore the vineyards throughout the season.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ninh Thuan province, renowned for its grape production, boasts over 1,000 hectares of vineyards, yielding an impressive annual output of 26,000 to 28,000 tonnes.

The province primarily cultivates two table grape varieties, Red Cardinal and NH 01-48, along with the wine grape variety Syrah, ensuring a diverse offering for consumers.

In recent years, Ninh Thuan has focused on enhancing the value of its grape production by adopting advanced farming techniques and adhering to Vietnamese and global good agricultural practices (VietGAP and GlobalGAP), as well as organic standards, to cultivate high-quality grapes.

Ninh Thuan, the country’s leading grape-producing province, showcases its vibrant vineyards and impressive annual output. Photo: Luhanhvietnam

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development highlights that approximately 31% of the grape-growing area in the province utilizes advanced techniques such as automatic irrigation and poly greenhouses, coupled with quality standards like VietGAP and GlobalGAP, to ensure the highest quality produce.

The local Nha Ho Research Institute for Cotton and Agriculture Development has played a pivotal role in the development of new grape varieties, including NH 01-152 and NH04-102, contributing to the province’s diverse and exceptional grape offerings.

The table grape variety NH 01-152, a standout among the province’s offerings, boasts an average weight of 500-800 grams per bunch, with a deep wine-red color and slightly sweet, crunchy flesh. This variety consistently delivers an impressive annual yield of 12-16 tonnes per hectare.

The institute actively supports farmers and cooperatives by providing access to this high-performing variety, encouraging the replacement of degenerated vines with this superior option.

Pham Thi Dung, a proud owner of a 4,000-square-meter grape orchard in Thai An village, shared that she cultivates four distinct table grape varieties to cater to the diverse preferences of her visitors.

In addition to fresh grapes, Dung also offers a range of value-added products, including raisins, syrups, wines, and juices, providing a comprehensive grape-themed experience for her customers.

“To ensure our grapes are not only delicious but also aesthetically pleasing and uniform in size, my family has adopted VietGAP standards,” she shared. “By reducing the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, we’ve created an environment where our grapevines thrive and produce abundant, high-quality yields.”

Thai An’s grape gardens open their doors to visitors from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, offering a captivating experience amidst the vines. Photo: Gody,vn

Thai An’s grape gardens warmly welcome guests from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Visitors are invited to explore the vineyards, capturing memorable photos amidst the lush vines, all free of charge.

Beyond the visual splendor, Thai An offers a multisensory experience, allowing visitors to indulge in the fresh taste of just-picked grapes, sample an array of grape-based products, learn about diverse grape varieties, and even receive guidance on grape-growing techniques from the passionate garden owners themselves.

According to Nguyen Van Hoa, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Ninh Thuan province, the eco-tourism model of visiting vineyards and grape farms in the area is flourishing in Ninh Hai, Ninh Phuoc, and Ninh Son districts. This model enriches the region’s tourism offerings, providing visitors with a unique and immersive experience that showcases the beauty of Ninh Thuan’s landscape and the warmth of its people.

Thai An Grape Village captivates nature lovers and grape enthusiasts alike, offering a serene escape amidst the vines. Photo: Vietgoing

To enhance the visitor experience, the tourism industry coordinates with local communities to offer short-term training in guest reception skills and service arrangement, ensuring that visitors receive a warm and informative welcome during their time in Thai An.

Thai An Grape Village, nestled amidst the golden sunlight and dry winds of Ninh Thuan, embodies the region’s inherent wild beauty, untouched by commercial tourism. This idyllic destination, approximately 350 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, presents a captivating escape, featuring breathtaking blue seas, magical white dunes, majestic mountains, vast steppes, and diverse ecosystems.

Ninh Thuan’s culinary scene is a unique fusion of Central Vietnamese cuisine and Cham cultural influences. A must-try dish is the hearty rice noodle soup with fried fish, enhanced with herbs, scallion, and a hint of black pepper—a flavor explosion that satisfies even the most discerning palates. This local specialty can be found on every street corner in Phan Rang City, inviting visitors to indulge in a true taste of the region.

“Banh can,” a native dish of Ninh Thuan, resembles the South’s “banh khot” in form but with a unique twist. Made with rice flour and filled with a variety of savory ingredients to suit individual tastes, this dish is best enjoyed with a roasted peanut sauce, expertly blended with tamarind, sugar, fried garlic, and onion, creating a rich and indulgent flavor profile.