A grape orchard in An Giang Province has recently emerged as a popular weekend getaway destination for youngsters across Vietnam thanks to its innovative tourism model.

According to the observation of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters, the grape orchard of Nguyen Van Men, a 73-year-old farmer, in Long Kien Ward, Cho Moi District, An Giang Province attracted nearly 100 visitors on Sunday.

The entrance fee is merely VND20,000 (US$0.86) per person for forty minutes of grape garden exploration.

As the first grape vineyard in An Giang to welcome tourists, the garden has attracted a large number of curious visitors.

Nguyen Thi Thuy Trang, a resident of Cho Moi District, claimed that the combination of garden ecology and tourism is a service that has the potential to boost gardeners' revenue. 

The service provides children and adults with a unique opportunity to spend a relaxed weekend with their families.

Nguyen Thanh Hai, a tourist from the provincial city of Long Xuyen, was astonished to discover that grapes could be successfully cultivated in An Giang, a Mekong Delta province, when he visited this magnet orchard. 

“This can be regarded as a new development for local farmers due to its innovative nature and tourism potential. My children really enjoy visiting the garden,” Hai said.

According to Nguyen Van Men, owner of the grape orchard, his garden boasts 300 grape trees sourced from the south-central province of Ninh Thuan, known as the 'kingdom of the fruit' in Vietnam.

“I was initially concerned about spending more than VND30 million [$1,290] on a seedling since I didn't know how efficient it was," Men said.

“However, the seedling supplier taught me planting techniques. The materials were also reasonably priced, and I simply needed to take care of the trees.

“Five months later, the vines began to blossom. The fruits required an additional three and a half months to mature. 

“As this is my first harvest, I don't care much about yield.

"Each plant produces approximately 2.5 kilograms of grapes.  

“The entire garden is expected to yield 650 kilograms, with market values per kilogram ranging from VND80,000 [$3.4] to VND100,000 [$4.3]. 

“Due to the imperfect appearance and quality of the grapes, I will not sell them.

"Therefore, I only allow visitors to admire the garden."

Men's grape garden has been open to visitors for over two weeks.

The orchard receives more than 100 visitors every day on average, with a fivefold number of tourists on weekends.

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