Explore one working day of a Vietnamese farmer

Have you ever been curious about a typical day in the daily life of rice farmer and the laborious process of rice farming?

As you can see, rice is the staple diet in many Asia countries in general, and not except Vietnam. Perhaps, you have seen rice paddy fields in most of Asia countries. However, you do not know the sequence of rice cultivation in Vietnam, especially if you're a Westerner. Even for many Vietnamese people, they do not know this sequence when a bowl of rice is just a simple walk to the nearest market.

Vietnam is an agricultural country with about 67% of Vietnamese people live in the rural areas. So, rice is considered as a golden food of Vietnam. Take a tour to the countryside will bring you peaceful feeling, interesting experiences, vivid atmosphere in the regions where the farmers live.
Passing by and watching locals, you may think life of a farmer really relaxing and boring. Although, there isn't much to do on the trip to the countryside, you can try to take a tour to the rural area, and it is certain that you will immerse yourself in the beautiful nature and see the unique activites when learning about the daily life of the local people at here. Surely, you'll also change your point of view.
In rural area, both men and women work on the fields. Every day, they wake up early to get started on their work, normally before the sun comes up. The fields are near their houses, so they often walk to the fields to work. The entire family helps out during planting and harvest. Each family member has certain tasks to do. Men do heavy labor like plowing and digging. Women work around the house, and help with the harvest, planning and weeding. The elderly do light labor. Children, if not going to school, will help the house chores. Girls clean, cook, and work in the vegetable garden; while boys carry water, and help the men in the field. In the countryside, almost every house has a garden to grow vegetbles, fruits for family demand or selling for more incomes. Besides growing vegetables, they also keep cattle, pigs and poultry. The day ends up with a family meal together. It’s a great time for all family members to share their stories and get closer to each other.
In Vietnam, and throughout much of Asia, water buffalo have long been a typical livestock for many families as they are very helpful in farming. Water buffalo are actually quite gentle and patient. Traditionally, buffalo were a major source of wealth for Vietnamesefamilies as saying "Con trâu là đầu cơ nghiệp". The water buffalos can move through the deep, sticky mud fields. They help plow the fields and move heavy objects such as timber. For Vietnamese, owning a water buffalo is the equivalent of owning a BMW in Western countries. The image of a young boy on the back of a water buffalo is an iconic image of Vietnamese culture. So, when coming across the unique opportunity to experience riding a water buffalo throught the lush green rice fields, don't miss it!
Attend in an agriculture practising tour, you'll have chance to visit a local family and their houses. First, you'll dress like them. Typical clothes are loose pants and shirts that can be easily rolled up and kept out of water and mud. On the flooded field, people go barefoot. All over Vietnam, people wear conical shaped hats called “Non la” to protect them from the scalding sun and heavy rains. Then try your hands on sowing rice seedlings follow the instruction of your host, ploughing or harrowing on soil... It's not easy as its look but really fun. Don't worry about the mud!
In the middle of the heat of the day, Vietnamese farmer have a break. Farmers often go home for lunch or have lunch right near the field. This is quite interesting for foreigners who have little exposure to the natural environment due to the modern working life. After a few hours working hard on the field, you feel tired and hungry, it's time for having a homely lunch with your host family. The meal may be simple with just a few dishes but you will totally enjoy it.

Experiencing the hardships of Vietnamese farmers, you'll learn that you are very lucky and respect your daily food. Vietnamese farmers’ incomes are still too low. Your trip will be even more meaningful if you know that you're helping them so much. So, if you love the nature and the rural life of locals at here, try to taking a tour to this region to explore it and look for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.



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