One day working as a farmer in Sapa

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

One day working as a farmer in Sapa
Photo by Vietnam Typical Tours
Rice is the staple diet in many Asian 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, a bowl of rice is just a simple walk to the nearest market but rarely do they think about the production of daily food they eat. Have you ever been curious about a typical day in the life of a farmer and their laborious process?

Vietnam is an agricultural country and about 67% of Vietnamese people live in the rural areas. In the cities, heavy traffic, construction equipment and modern-day skyscrapers reflect Vietnam’s rapid urbanization. But the countryside tells a different story. Deep in the rural areas that occupy a majority of the country live tight-knitted communities deeply rooted in traditions of family and fellowship. A trip to the countryside can help you find a low-key life, feel the sense of peace and recharge my soul. There isn’t much to do but that’s really the point – this is about taking in the views, soaking up the atmosphere and seriously reducing the pace of your modern lifestyle. But "not many things to do"? Passing by and watching locals, you may think life of a farmer really relaxing and boring. Spend a day change yourselves into real farmers working on fields, you'll also change your point of view. Now read this article, we will show you a day of a Vietnamese farmer.

One day working as a farmer in Sapa 1
Photo by Vietnam Typical Tours
Both men and women work on the fields. Rural women in Vietnam typically do hard outdoor physical labor, which keeps them physically fit and strong. Everyday, 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 field. 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.

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!

One day working as a farmer in Sapa 2
Photo by Vietnam Typical Tours
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. 

If you have tried Vietnamese food you might notice the use of lots of vegetables and fresh herbs in cooking process. That is the reason why Vietnamese cuisine has alwways considered as one of healthiest in the world. Why don't you follow your host to their garden and discover what they grow for daily meal. And you can join the farmers in preparing the soil, watering or picking vegetables and many other gardening activities. This would remind your childhood memory. When you were a child, you liked to play in the garden, did you not?

Are you ready to act as a real farmer during our Sapa trip? Contact us directly for details and get specific directions: http://vietnamtypicaltours.com/contact-us/

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