The yellow-fleshed longan is a specialty crop of the Phuoc Hai coastal sandy region. Local government is supporting brand development to enhance the value of the longan trees, ensuring farmers enjoy bountiful harvests and sweet returns.
Government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers
In the early days of August, winding along concrete paths shaded by wildflowers into An Hoa, Long May, and Hoi May Hamlets in Phuoc Hai Ward, it is easy to encounter longan orchards laden with fruit. The gentle fragrance of ripe fruit and the laughter of visitors create a vibrant rural landscape for Phuoc Hai during the peak longan season. Behind these sweet harvests lies a persistent journey by farmers alongside local Government to preserve the brand of the yellow-fleshed longan—a fruit that has become the pride of this coastal land.
Having dedicated nearly three decades to longan cultivation, owner Truong Phuong Thanh of Thanh Chuong Longan Orchard in An Hoa Hamlet, Phuoc Hai Ward, currently tends to more than 4.2 hectares of longan. On this coastal sandy soil, alongside Bao Cong (large-fruited) longan and Ba Ria - Vung Tau cabbage longan, she continues to prioritize the yellow-fleshed longan. The owner shared that this coastal sandy soil is well-suited for longan cultivation.
Today, after more than 30 years of farming, the orchard features over 1,000 trees of various types, providing a stable income of approximately VND300 million to VND400 million per year.
According to Chairwoman Huynh Thi Ngoc Diep of the Phuoc Hai Ward Farmers' Association, the locality currently has nearly 50 hectares of longans cultivated by 47 farming households. This crop provides a stable income and serves as raw material for developing OCOP products, agricultural tourism, and on-site orchard experiences. The ward authority is working closely with farmers, not only on production planning but also on building a value chain for the longan fruit.
Training sessions on VietGAP standards, guidance on digital technology applications, QR code traceability, and business partnerships for product consumption are regularly organized. The goal is not only to sell the fruit but also to elevate the value of the entire specialized farming region.
"This harvest, the longans ripened simultaneously beyond farmers' expectations, causing a sudden surge in supply at the same time. Local Government proactively coordinated with departments, sectors, businesses, cooperatives, and charity organizations to connect consumption and promote products on digital platforms. In the first days of August, aside from the longans sold directly at orchards and through traders, Phuoc Hai Ward assisted farmers in consuming 3 to 4 tons of longans, helping to alleviate the pressure of unharvested ripe fruit for orchard owners," Diep stated.
Recognizing the tourism potential during the longan harvest season, the People's Committee of Phuoc Hai Commune launched a model in 2026 combining agricultural production with community-based longan orchard tourism.
Currently, 14 longan-growing households are participating in organizing activities such as orchard tours, photography, and on-site fruit tasting. This initiative has already generated additional service revenue, promoted the specialty yellow-fleshed longan brand, and boosted product sales.
Longan orchard is a destination for visitors
While previous harvest seasons saw only traders entering and leaving the orchards, numerous visitors now arrive to tour and experience the farms. At Hoa Thuan Longan Orchard owned by Truong Thi Bay, groups of visitors from Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring localities come to taste longans and enjoy the peaceful rural atmosphere.
Beyond selling fruit, residents are also selling the unique experiences of this coastal sandy region. Ngoc Chau, a visitor from Dong Nai Province, shared: "With an admission fee of VND50,000 per person, we were able to tour and enjoy fresh longans right in the orchard. What excited me most was hearing the orchard owner share the journey of tending to each tree, and how the seasons of rain and sunshine shape the quality of every cluster of fruit. These stories from the gardeners create a distinct charm for the experience here".
Natural conditions featuring sandy soil, abundant sunshine, and a slight sea breeze impart a distinctive flavor to Phuoc Hai longans such as large fruit, thick flesh, and a refreshing sweetness.
In 2026, approximately 35 hectares of longans in Phuoc Hai Ward are entering the harvest, with output estimated at 230 metric tons. With prices ranging from VND30,000 to VND150,000 per kilogram depending on the variety, the longan crop yields an estimated production value of VND12 billion to VND20 billion per season, reaffirming its role as a key crop that generates livelihoods and stable income for many local households.
Additionally, longan growers earn supplementary income from tourism activities, allowing visitors to tour, experience, and use services within the orchards.
