Turning fruit orchards into tourism specialties

In recent years, many young farmers in Dong Nai City have boldly applied high-tech agricultural practices to cultivate specialty fruits with high economic value.

Visitors enjoy taking photos in the golden watermelon garden at Nha Cua Bo Farm in Bau Sam Quarter, Long Khanh Ward.

Beyond producing clean, high-quality agricultural products, orchard owners are increasingly combining farming with experiential tourism, creating new opportunities to increase value on the same area of cultivated land.

Starting a business with specialty fruits

Dang Phi Hoang, owner of Nha Cua Bo Farm in Long Khanh Ward, is among the young entrepreneurs who returned to their hometown to pursue high-tech agriculture. Beginning with greenhouse-grown muskmelons, oriental melons, and golden watermelons cultivated under organic practices, he initially faced challenges expanding his market because his products were priced higher than conventional produce.

To increase value, Hoang began developing eco-tourism services several years ago, adding dining and recreational activities for visitors. Rather than charging an entrance fee, the farm charges visitors only for the services they use. As the farm gained popularity as a tourist destination, sales of fruit directly from the orchard increased significantly, providing a stable market for its produce.

Dang Phi Hoang introduces his organically cultivated muskmelon garden, which attracts visitors willing to pay premium prices for fresh fruit straight from the farm.

Meanwhile, Cham Hill Science Farm in Hang Gon Ward was developed from the outset with eco-tourism in mind. Covering approximately seven hectares, nearly three hectares are planted with specialty fruits such as mandarin oranges, rambutan, rose apples, and imported grape varieties, including Shine Muscat grapes, finger grapes, and Bali grapes.

According to the farm owner, cultivating a diverse range of fruit trees helps meet visitors’ demand for orchard tours and fresh fruit experiences. All crops are grown using safe and organic farming methods to create a green environment and enhance visitor experiences. The farm currently welcomes around 100 visitors per day to participate in agricultural activities and enjoy fresh fruit on-site.

In Tri An Ward, Nguyen Duc Toan is among the pioneering farmers who shifted from low-profit mango cultivation to apple farming. From the beginning, he invested in net-house cultivation, applied scientific and technological solutions, and consistently followed organic farming methods.

Thanks to selecting suitable varieties, implementing proper cultivation techniques, and taking advantage of favorable soil and water conditions, his apple orchard has achieved high yields and excellent fruit quality. In a region traditionally known for mango and pomelo cultivation, the specialty apple orchard has become an attractive destination for visitors seeking photo opportunities and clean agricultural products. Although there is no entrance fee, direct fruit sales to visitors provide a stable income and higher profit margins than wholesale distribution.

According to orchard owners, eco-tourism and experiential tourism have become effective channels for promoting and marketing high-value specialty fruits. Combining agriculture with tourism not only expands market access but also creates additional service-based revenue streams, increasing overall returns from agricultural land.

Increasing the value of agricultural land

By capitalizing on specialty orchards and experiential tourism, farmers are gradually building multi-value production models that generate income from both agricultural products and tourism services.

Nha Cua Bo Farm has expanded beyond greenhouse cultivation to include plum orchards, grazing areas for sheep, flower gardens, children's playgrounds, and numerous themed landscapes for visitors. Through crop rotation and the application of advanced technologies, the farm maintains a year-round supply of fresh fruit for visitors to enjoy and purchase as gifts. Today, specialty fruit sales remain one of the farm’s primary sources of income.

Cham Hill Science Farm cultivates various imported grape varieties that are marketed as premium specialty products.

Truong Dinh Khanh, owner of Cham Hill Science Farm, explained that because most fruits are seasonal, the farm prioritizes specialty crops that can be harvested year-round, ensuring visitors always have products to experience regardless of the season. The model has benefited from local support through technical training and guidance on safe agricultural production.

According to Khanh, the farm’s long-term strategy is to develop organic agriculture integrated with eco-tourism, taking advantage of its proximity to Long Thanh International Airport. With its hilly landscape, irrigation lakes, and strategic location, the area holds significant potential for community-based tourism that can attract both domestic and international visitors.

Alongside adopting advanced production technologies, orchard owners are also accelerating digital transformation efforts in farm management, marketing, and product sales. In the long run, stronger collaboration among orchard operators, combined with investments in storage facilities, packaging systems, and integrated supply chains, will further enhance the value of local agricultural products.

These specialty fruit cultivation models, linked to experiential tourism, are already demonstrating clear benefits by increasing farmers’ incomes and creating distinctive tourism products, thereby contributing to sustainable rural economic development.

By Binh Nguyen – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho