The place that preserves the essence of the "finest tea" of Thai Nguyen province.

Beyond simply producing and commercializing tea products, the Hao Dat Tea Cooperative has proactively embraced a new trend: combining tea culture with experiential tourism. In recent years, it has gradually become a favorite destination for tourists visiting Thai Nguyen – especially those who want to slow down, immerse themselves in nature, and learn about Vietnamese tea culture.

From the center of Thai Nguyen city, it only takes about 20 minutes to reach the renowned tea-growing region in Nam Dong hamlet, Tan Cuong commune. The cooperative's space is harmoniously planned, blending nature with production and tourism activities. The straight, undulating tea hills stretching to the horizon are not only a valuable source of raw materials but also an ideal backdrop for experiential activities.

The Hao Dat Tea Cooperative was officially established in 2016, originating from a small but determined cooperative with unwavering faith in the value of its local tea plants. Leading the cooperative is artisan Dao Thanh Hao, a woman who has dedicated her youth to the craft, from the tender tea buds to the fragrant, hand-processed tea leaves.

Ms. Dao Thanh Hao, Director of Hao Dat Tea Cooperative, always keeps in mind: "Developing tourism requires investment and a long-term vision, along with constant innovation and creativity to create products that attract tourists."

Here, visitors can enjoy completely free experiential activities: from learning about the history of tea, touring tea gardens, learning how to distinguish different tea varieties, to personally picking tea leaves, hand-processing tea, packaging tea, and especially brewing and enjoying tea in the traditional style.

Amidst the hazy smoke rising from freshly roasted tea leaves, and the gentle aroma emanating from a freshly brewed cup, one is transported back to the memories of a peaceful countryside, where tea has become ingrained in the lives and culture of its people.

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The space at Hao Dat Tea Cooperative is intimate and deeply rooted in local culture, with its bright red tiled roof, small rooms displaying products and documentary photos, and the scenery of tea hills stretching at the foot of the mountain. It is this simplicity and sincerity that makes visitors feel relaxed, comfortable, and fulfilled.

Whenever Thai Nguyen is mentioned, people not only remember the refreshing, mildly astringent, and sweet aftertaste of Tan Cuong tea, but also the people who have dedicated their lives to tea cultivation, turning tea making into their livelihood and source of pride.

Leading the way in technology application - elevating traditional products.

Artisan Dao Thanh Hao constantly researches, improves techniques, and enhances product quality. She not only teaches her colleagues traditional tea roasting and brewing methods but also boldly embraces science and technology to create a modern, safe, and efficient production process. As a result, her products are increasingly popular both domestically and internationally, meeting the standards for export to demanding markets such as Japan, South Korea, and the EU.

Among them, the "Shrimp Bud Tea," made from the youngest tea buds, has outstandingly become the only 5-star national OCOP product of Thai Nguyen province. This is clear evidence of the superior quality, rigorous production process, and cultural value that Hao Dat brings. In addition, other product lines such as hook-shaped tea and nail-shaped tea from the cooperative also achieved 4-star OCOP standards, and the Hao Dat tea brand has been honored with the national recognition of a typical rural industrial product - a title not every unit can achieve.

In the context of agriculture facing numerous challenges, from climate change to stringent market demands, Hao Dat Tea Cooperative has boldly pioneered the application of high technology and digital transformation to improve productivity, product quality, and management efficiency.

The entire process, from tea cultivation to processing, is modernized with an automated tea irrigation monitoring system, ensuring that the tea plants receive water precisely according to their growth needs; a gas-powered drying system saves energy and preserves the natural flavor of the tea; and an automatic tea packaging machine ensures consistent quality and product packaging.

The journey of preserving the soul of tea.

Hao Dat Tea Cooperative is not just a production facility, but also a space for preserving and spreading cultural values ​​associated with the Thai Nguyen tea region. Each tea bud here is the result of a combination of natural conditions, the hard work of the laborers, and a deep commitment to the traditional craft.

Throughout this process, artisan Dao Thanh Hao and his colleagues played a connecting and sharing role, from technical training and experience sharing to creating an environment where young tea growers could become attached to tea as part of their identity. These transfers were quiet but persistent, contributing to nurturing the next generation, who not only know how to make tea but also understand and appreciate their own tea culture.

Hao Dat Tea Cooperative is one of the organizations contributing to bringing Tan Cuong tea beyond the confines of Nam Dong village, making it available on tea tables in major cities like Tokyo, Paris, and New York. Their story inspires much thought about the direction of sustainable agriculture, where tradition and modernity find common ground, and simple values ​​are preserved as a lasting belief.

Among the countless destinations associated with Thai Nguyen's tea culture, this place stands out as a distinct example, not only because of its lush green tea hills and traditional tea-making techniques, but also because of the way the local farmers create experiences with profound cultural depth. Those who have visited often leave with more than just a fragrant packet of tea: a sense of purity, simplicity, and resilience—qualities that seem to have deeply permeated the land and people of Tan Cuong.

Text and photos: Hoang Anh