Thai Nguyen - The Cradle of Vietnamese Tea

When discussing tea and the finest tea products in Vietnam, Thai Nguyen is often the first destination that comes to mind for many Vietnamese.

Photo : tintuc.vn

This highland region has been renowned in Vietnam for its centuries-old tradition of aromatic tea cultivation. The exact reasons behind the enchanting qualities of tea from this region remain a topic of debate: some credit the unique climate, others point to the rich soil, while many highlight the expertise of local farmers in creating these exceptional brews. Nevertheless, tea drinkers throughout Vietnam prioritize one thing: enjoying a steaming pot of authentic Thai Nguyen tea and relishing every sip of its fragrant essence.

History of Thai Nguyen Tea

The history of tea production in Thai Nguyen is closely tied to the broader history of tea in Vietnam. Before 1882, local farmers cultivated tea organically in the highlands and valleys surrounding towering mountains. At that time, approximately half of the tea leaves harvested in Thai Nguyen were consumed as beverages, with the remaining portion processed and preserved for later use.

Photo : baothainguyen.vn

The arrival of French scientists in Thai Nguyen in 1882 marked a turning point in tea production. In addition to the existing small tea farms, large-scale plantations were established, incorporating modern machinery and techniques that significantly increased production. During this time, two new types of industrial tea were introduced: black tea for the Western European market and green tea for the Northern African market.

Following the victory in the resistance against French colonial rule, the government of North Vietnam implemented key policies to support tea production and unlock new opportunities for cultivation in Thai Nguyen. This led to the establishment of national tea plantations and cooperatives, which have since been transformed into numerous private tea gardens and tea joint-stock companies.

Famous Tea Regions In Thai Nguyen

The most celebrated tea from Thai Nguyen is Tan Cuong Tea. Hailing from the Tan Cuong – Cong River region, this unique product boasts an exquisitely rich flavor that can captivate even the most discerning tea enthusiasts. Each sip of hot Tan Cuong tea begins with a slight bitterness on the tongue, which quickly transitions into a profound sweetness as it flows down the throat.

Photo : trithucvn.org

In recent years, new tea regions have emerged, offering a variety of unique products to cater to a wide range of customers. Notable among these are the Trai Cai and La Bang tea villages, along with premium tea plantations in Phuc Thuan, Thanh Cong, and Song Cau.

Thai Nguyen's Terrain and Climate: Ideal for Tea Cultivation

Most experts agree that the terrain and climate of Thai Nguyen play a critical role in producing high-quality tea. Generally, tea gardens are located in valleys or on hills surrounded by majestic mountains such as Tam Dao and Than Lan. These mountains provide a natural shield against the harsh summer sunlight as well as the biting winter winds, creating an environment that is especially conducive to tea cultivation, with an average temperature of 22 to 23°C year-round. Thai Nguyen's humidity also contributes to this suitability, boasting annual rainfall levels between 2,000 to 2,500 mm.

Photo : vnexpress.net

Furthermore, the water source in this region is another essential element that enhances the superb flavor of Thai Nguyen tea. The water used to irrigate the expansive tea plantations comes from the Cong River and Nui Coc Lake, which flow through rocky terrain and underground aquifers, enriching the water with minerals that nourish these lush green tea plants.

Related Readings:

• International Tea Festival to be held in Thai Nguyen this year (latest news)
• A Vietnam Epitome in International Tea Festival (insight and commentary)
• Vietnam Tea Culture (part of the Tea and Vietnam featured series)
• 3 Most Popular Tea Varieties in Vietnam (Best of Vietnam)