In early December, orange orchards across several communes in Bac Ninh - formerly part of Bac Giang province - such as Chu, Nam Duong, Kien Lao, and Phuong Son, are bustling with visitors eager to experience the peak of the citrus harvest.

These farms offer more than just fruit picking. Visitors can savor juicy oranges straight from the tree, snap Instagram-worthy photos among rows of fruit-laden branches, and even take home fresh produce as gifts.

Lang Van Toan, a 25-year-old man from Luc Nam district (also part of former Bac Giang), recently traveled about 20 kilometers to visit the orange orchard in Bang Cong hamlet, Kien Lao commune.

“This is my third time here, and I never get tired of it,” he said. “I love the ripe, juicy oranges, the beautiful setting, and being able to watch locals harvest the fruit. It’s a complete experience.”

Toan observed that the farm is expansive and mainly grows Vinh oranges. The harvest season lasts from November through January, drawing a significant number of visitors from neighboring provinces.

For the best experience, Toan recommends visiting in the morning or between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when the weather is pleasant and the sunlight is soft - ideal for fruit picking and outdoor photos.

Thanks to favorable weather and modern cultivation techniques, the orchards are heavily laden with fruit, producing consistent quality across the board.

Admission is priced at around 30,000 VND (about $1.25) per adult, with free entry for children. Visitors can purchase fresh oranges to take home at prices ranging from 30,000 to 35,000 VND per kilogram (approximately $1.25 to $1.45).

“I’ve tasted the oranges here and they’re incredibly sweet and juicy - perfect for gifting or sharing with family,” Toan added.

Vu Thi Tan, owner of the orchard Toan visited, shared that her family farm spans over four hectares and sits adjacent to the Bau Tien ecological tourism area, offering a cool, green, and airy atmosphere.

In addition to selling fruit, the orchard opens its gates to tourists for activities like orange picking, photo-taking, and on-site fruit tasting. This not only boosts income but also promotes local produce and culture.

To ensure high yields and quality produce, the family follows VietGAP standards, uses organic fertilizers, and minimizes pesticide use. As a result, the orange trees are healthy, with lush canopies and consistently vibrant, juicy fruit.

When fully ripe, the oranges display a golden-yellow hue, thin skin, and a signature sweet, delicate flavor.

Visitors to the orchard can also take time to explore the nearby Bau Tien eco-tourism area, which offers a range of outdoor activities. And don’t forget to sample some of the region’s unique dishes and specialties while you’re there.

Thao Trinh