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Beneath the thick fog and characteristic cold, the entire plateau seems to awaken, bustling with the laughter and chatter of the Xơ Đăng and Mơ Nâm people. The harvest season is not just an agricultural activity, but also a vibrant and inspiring picture of human connection and the indomitable spirit of the Măng Đen plateau.
Despite the biting cold of early winter, the people of Mang Den still diligently harvest each coffee bean.
The story of resilient farmers
Dodo, a photographer who has lived and worked in Mang Den for nearly four years, shared: “Up here, the community spirit is very strong. People go coffee picking together, including the elderly and children. The weather is harsh, with a lot of rain and cold this season, but people still wear raincoats and hats, wading through the water to harvest because they are afraid the coffee will ripen too much and fall off.”
Many times, he was moved to see children, just a few years old, toddling after their parents to pick bunches of fruit. In another corner, elderly people quietly picked ripe red coffee berries from the ground, their faces weathered but their eyes always full of determination.
Innocent eyes follow their mother up to the fields.
What's special is that the coffee plantations in Mang Den are often located on high hills, with muddy, slippery roads after every rain. Dodo said, "I had to carry an umbrella, and the cold was unbearable. But the villagers still carried heavy sacks of coffee down from the hills. I really admire their endurance and willpower."
The taste of hard work and love for Mother Earth.
Coffee harvesting in Mang Den is not simply about picking the fruit, but also a story of perseverance and hope. Dodo recounts that this year the coffee prices are high, and everyone is delighted. But to obtain coffee beans that meet the standards, the farmers must meticulously select each ripe red berry, ensuring high quality.
According to Dodo, households also need support in adopting more scientific methods of cultivation and harvesting, as many people are still practicing these methods haphazardly.
For tourists, the coffee harvest season is an opportunity to immerse themselves in the lives of the local people.
For tourists, the coffee harvest season is an opportunity to immerse themselves in the lives of the local people, listening to simple yet inspiring stories. The scenery in Mang Den at this time is picturesque, with fog blanketing the lush green hills.
Dodo shared: “During the coffee harvest season, Mang Den is not only cold and rainy, but also filled with the warmth of smiles and hospitality from the locals. Life here is simple yet peaceful and happy.”
Those who have ever experienced the feeling of walking through a coffee plantation, hearing the joyful laughter and watching the sweat roll down the faces of the farmers will never forget this memory.
Carefully gathering every precious gem from heaven and earth.
Connecting through each coffee bean
Each cup of Mang Den coffee not only boasts a rich flavor but also symbolizes the perseverance, love of work, and faith of the highland people. From the moment the coffee beans are on the tree until they become a fragrant espresso, they carry within them the story of a land, a community, and an indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.
Visiting Mang Den and experiencing coffee harvesting with the locals will be a memorable experience.
Come to Mang Den during the coffee harvest season, not only to enjoy the sweet taste of the red gem of beans but also to listen to heartwarming stories amidst the cold of the highlands. There, you will find your heart filled with unforgettable emotions.
