VietNamNet Bridge – A Dong Tao rooster originating from Dong Tao Village in Khoai Chau district of Hung Yen province, about 1 year old and weighing 5 kg, can cost up to VND10 million ($500) or even $1,000 to $2,000. This is one of the hottest gifts for the upcoming Lunar New Year.

Over two months before the Lunar New Year 2016 (Tet holiday), Vietnamese people begin to seek special Tet gifts for their bosses and families.

Don Tao is a rare breed of chicken that is famous in Vietnam for its delicious meat which is exclusively served in restaurants that cater to affluent customers.

This unique type of chicken is also known for its imposing figure and stout legs covered with reddish scales. The male adult Dong Tao weighs about 6 kilograms and its legs are as thick as a human’s wrist.

Mr. Giang Tuan Truong, owner of a chicken farm in Dong Tao, said that the popular prices for a Dong Tao chicken is VND1.8 to VND2 million. However, the one with big feet can be sold for VND5-VND10 million, even up to VND20 million ($1,000). “My family's farm has several chickens that are priced at VND40 million ($2,000), the most expensive in Dong Tao."

The prices depend on how big the feet of chicken are, Truong said.

There are several thousand households in Dong Tao raising this special species of chicken, but only 100 of them own big chicken farms.

Some pictures of Dong Tao chickens:

Le Ha