The Magic of Mushroom Hunting in Da Lat’s Rainy Season

A vibrant spectacle of multicolored mushrooms emerges after the rainy season, as they push through the soil and flourish among the green pine trees of Da Lat City. This annual mushroom season, lasting from April to October, attracts throngs of tourists eager to embark on a unique “mushroom hunting” adventure across the lush pine-clad hills.

A myriad of colorful mushrooms emerge after the rainy season, thriving among the pine trees of Da Lat City. Photo: Bich Ngoc Bich

Mushroom enthusiasts often head to Pine Hill at the break of dawn, as the morning sunlight illuminates the forest. The diverse range of delicious mushrooms can be found in the pine trees surrounding Tuyen Lam Lake, Suoi Vang Lake, and Trai Mat Pine Forest, among other locations.

Forest mushrooms typically grow under pine trees, where the light filters through. Locating a tree stump with mushrooms is a telltale sign of finding other mushroom clusters nearby.

For tourists unfamiliar with mushrooms, booking a guided mushroom-picking tour with a reputable company or joining experienced locals is a safer option to explore this fascinating activity.

Mushroom enthusiasts often start their day at Pine Hill as the morning sun shines through. Photo: Bich Ngoc Bich

A plethora of mushroom varieties, categorized by shape and flavor, are commonly found, such as the yellow khaki mushroom, caesar mushroom, coral mushroom, boletus mushroom, and shiitake mushroom, to name a few. These mushrooms boast attractive colors that stand out against the verdant grass.

Additionally, it’s important to note that Da Lat’s pine hills can be quite slippery during the rainy season. Tourists embarking on mushroom-picking excursions should bring spare raincoats and wear long clothing to stay warm and protect themselves from mosquito and insect bites. Flat shoes or shoes with good grip are recommended, or even boots to prevent slipping on rocky terrain.

Those joining the mushroom-picking journey will spend the day immersed in Da Lat’s enchanting pine forest, learning to differentiate between edible and toxic mushrooms native to the area. They will then be guided on a mushroom-foraging expedition, after which they will choose a suitable campsite to rest and await a delectable mushroom-centric meal amidst the fragrant pine trees.

Tourists joining the mushroom-picking trip will spend the day exploring Da Lat’s pine forest, learning about local mushroom species. Photo: Mac My Nhan

Strolling through the forest, inhaling the scent of damp earth and pine resin, and witnessing the morning sunlight filtering through raindrops on the leaves will create unforgettable memories for visitors.

Mushroom picking requires a delicate technique. Tourists should use two fingers to firmly grasp the mushroom stem and gently push it to the side. This method ensures that the mushrooms retain their caps while also preserving the roots, allowing them to continue absorbing nutrients from the soil for future harvests.

For mushroom aficionados, a visit to the Mushroom Village in Da Lat is a must. This unique agricultural tourist destination, located about 10km from the city center, spans approximately 7 hectares. It serves as a hub for researching, cultivating, and experimenting with native and imported mushroom varieties, perfectly suited to Da Lat’s year-round cool and fresh climate. The village prides itself on its organic practices, producing nutritious and flavorful mushrooms that are revered by culinary enthusiasts.

Tourists can create lasting memories by wandering through the forest, picking mushrooms, and taking in the sights and scents of nature. Photo: Huong Giang

Beyond cultivation and production, Mushroom Village Da Lat has evolved into a tourist attraction, welcoming visitors to experience mushroom picking first-hand and indulge in fresh mushroom dishes and organic vegetable cuisine. The village also provides guidance on mushroom usage and offers direct sales of mushrooms to consumers.

The Mushroom Village resembles a whimsical fairy garden, with its abundance of tiny, adorable vegetables and mushrooms. The hustle and bustle of urban life seem to melt away, making way for a colorful and serene mushroom wonderland—an experience unlike any other.

This tourist area captivates visitors with its spacious and beautifully designed layout, featuring colorful flower beds that line the entrance, leading up to a giant mushroom tree that playfully greets guests at the welcome gate.

The tourist area impresses with its spacious design and colorful flower beds, with a giant mushroom tree at the welcome gate. Photo: Huong Giang

As one of the largest mushroom cultivation and production sites in Da Lat, the Mushroom Village offers a wealth of insights into professional mushroom farming and care. According to the garden owner, mushrooms are grown in a closed-loop system, adhering to stringent standards. Post-harvest, the mushrooms are carefully dried, packaged, and exported.