As a country where agriculture takes up most national production, Vietnam has great potential for agro-tourism. Yet the potential remains untapped with no legal framework available for its development.

Venues for kids to learn about farming and the environment have become popular among parents, especially urban ones. So instead of merely workplaces, farms are now destinations for weekend getaways.

Nguyen Van Tuan, Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said "Vietnam has resources and favourable conditions to develop agro-tourism in terms of landscapes and environment, rural living style, cultivation practices and farm produce."

According to the tourism sector’s calculation, average tourist arrivals to each farm to experience rural lifestyle are in the hundreds, mostly in southeastern and southwestern Vietnam, areas home to large fruit tree gardens.

Nguyen Hong Dang Khoa of Nha Nguyen Co., Ltd said "Tourists to farms will have a chance to experience farmers’ lives. They can enjoy instantly what they have collected in the farm. It’s quite fascinating for urban visitors."

Despite the potential, there is still a gap between supply and demand as many farms still have to accomodate tourist arrivals beyond their capacity. Tourist overcrowding has sometimes made the service fall short of expectation.

According to Nguyen Thi Hung Thuy, Tourism agent’s member, what they worry the most when taking tourists to farms are places for siesta, restrooms andf food hygiene and safety."

For places successful in agro-tourism like Taiwan and Japan, farms need to register with relevant authorities before welcoming visitors.

Vietnam has a lot to do in order to boost agro-tourism. Experts say, there should be a legal framework for practice of the tourism product soon.-VNA