Explore the Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden, a pioneer of artisan chocolate-making in Can Tho with a legacy dating back to the 1960s. This Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden guide takes you through the traditional “bean-to-bar” process, the story of its founder Mr. Muoi Cuong, and practical tips for a sensory journey into the Mekong’s agricultural wisdom. Join Mekong Smile to support regenerative farming and taste the authentic soul of Vietnam’s cocoa heritage.
At Mekong Smile, we believe that the true essence of the Mekong Delta is found in the resilience of its farmers and the richness of its soil. Located in the lush Phong Dien District, Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden (Vườn Cacao Mười Cương) is a premier destination for travelers seeking a transformative cultural journey that connects the palate with centuries-old agricultural traditions.
Lastest update by Mr Jimmy at Mekong Smile | Official Can Tho Travel Guide
Overview of Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden
A Glance at Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden
- Location: 275 My Ai Hamlet, My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien District, Can Tho City.
- Site Type: Agricultural Heritage Site and Artisan “Bean-to-Bar” Workshop.
- Significance: One of the oldest and most successful family-run cacao farms in Southern Vietnam.
- Atmosphere: A fragrant, shaded canopy of cacao trees where the air is filled with the aroma of roasting cocoa beans.
- Size: Over 1.2 hectares of organic cacao groves interspersed with tropical fruit trees.
- Key Highlights: Tasting fresh cacao pulp, witnessing the traditional fermentation and roasting process, and sampling artisan cacao wine.
- Average Visit Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours (best enjoyed as a morning experience).
Understanding Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden: A Legacy of Ingenuity
The story of Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden is a testament to the “timeless spirit” of the Mekong people. It began in the 1960s when Mr. Lam The Cuong (familiarly known as Muoi Cuong) inherited his father’s passion for this unique crop. While many neighbors transitioned to more profitable fruits, Mr. Cuong remained loyal to his cacao trees, teaching himself the complex science of chocolate making using handmade machinery and traditional French techniques. Today, his garden is a living museum of agricultural wisdom, where the family preserves the entire production cycle—from planting and harvesting to crafting fine chocolate bars and cocoa butter.
Video: The Artisan Soul of Mekong Cacao
To witness the rhythmic process of transforming a raw cacao pod into a smooth chocolate bar, watch a short cinematic journey through the Muoi Cuong estate:
What Makes Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden Special?
Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden is the soul of artisan agriculture in the Delta. It is not a factory; it is a family home where the “bean-to-bar” philosophy is practiced with zero industrial intervention.
Today, it stands as a symbol of the Delta’s economic resilience. Visitors can see over 2,000 cacao trees of different varieties, some over 40 years old. Unlike modern industrial chocolate, the products here retain the unique terroir of the Mekong soil—a complex profile of fruity, nutty, and floral notes. Observing the transition from a colorful pod to a dark, rich powder highlights the deep connection between the farmer’s hand and the traveler’s experience.
Planning Your Visit to Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden
Location
The garden is located in a quiet, rural area of Phong Dien, making it a perfect escape from the city’s frenzy.
- Exact Address: 275 My Ai Hamlet, My Khanh, Phong Dien, Can Tho.
- Distance: Approximately 10km from Ninh Kieu Wharf (Can Tho city center).
How to Get There
- By Boat: The most “transformative” arrival. You can take a boat from Ninh Kieu or Phong Dien Floating Market, drifting along small canals shaded by water coconuts to reach the garden’s private pier.
- By Bicycle: For active travelers, a 45-minute cycle from the city center through rural paths offers an intimate look at local life and fruit orchards.
- The Mekong Smile Way: We integrate this visit into our “Cai Rang Floating Market Tour“, ensuring a low-carbon footprint while supporting the local paths that large buses cannot reach.
Best Time to Visit
- Operating Hours: 07:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Daily).
- The Morning Ritual: Arriving between 08:00 and 10:00 AM is ideal, as this is when the artisans are most active in harvesting or roasting, and the garden remains cool and breezy.
- Peak Harvest: November to January, when the trees are heavy with colorful pods in shades of yellow, red, and purple.
The Experience at Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden
The Fresh Pulp Tasting
Before the chocolate, there is the fruit. Your journey begins by tasting the fresh, white pulp of a raw cacao pod. Unexpectedly sweet and tangy—reminiscent of mangosteen or soursop—this rare treat is a sensory surprise for those only familiar with the bitter finished product.
Traditional Fermentation & Drying
Witness the patience required for quality. You will see the beans fermenting in wooden boxes covered by banana leaves—a crucial step for developing flavor—and then drying on bamboo mats under the Mekong sun.
The Artisan Roasting Room
Experience the heart of the workshop. Step into the roasting area where beans are toasted in small batches. The crackling sound of the shells and the intoxicating aroma of warm cocoa create a “stork symphony” of the culinary world.
Handmade Processing Tools
Observe the family’s ingenuity through their machinery. Much of the equipment, from the winnowing machines to the stone grinders, has been modified or built by Mr. Cuong himself to suit the artisanal scale of the farm.
Sampling the Harvest
Conclude your visit with a tasting session. Sip on hot organic cocoa, try a piece of artisan chocolate, or sample the rare Cacao Wine—a potent, aromatic spirit fermented from the fruit’s juice that embodies the “resilience and spirit” of Southern Vietnam.
Product & Service Pricing
| Item / Service | Estimated Price (VND) | Estimated Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance & Tasting Fee | 50,000 VND | $2.00 |
| Pure Cocoa Powder (250g) | 120,000 - 150,000 VND | $5.00 - $6.50 |
| Cacao Butter (Natural) | 100,000 - 180,000 VND | $4.00 - $7.50 |
| Artisan Cacao Wine (Bottle) | 250,000 - 450,000 VND | $10.00 - $18.00 |
Note: Prices support fair-trade practices and go directly to the Muoi Cuong family. For a stable, all-inclusive rate, we recommend our Cai Rang Floating Market Tour.
Combining Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden with Can Tho’s Hidden Gems
Phong Dien is the “green lung” of Can Tho, offering numerous attractions that complement your cacao journey. Start your morning at the Phong Dien Floating Market, which remains more intimate and authentic than its larger counterparts. From there, you can visit the Sau Hoai Rice Noodle Factory to see “rice noodle pizza” being made, or explore the Gian Gua Relic, a giant, ancient Banyan tree complex.
Nature lovers can head to Son Islet (Con Son) to see “flying fish,” while history enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery. This combination ensures a journey that captures the full spectrum of the Delta’s agricultural and spiritual heritage.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden
Why should I visit Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden with Mekong Smile™?
Booking with Mekong Smile ensures an ethical experience that prioritizes the artisan over mass tourism. Our guides help translate the complex technical wisdom of Mr. Muoi Cuong, allowing you to ask deep questions about regenerative farming and the history of cacao in Vietnam.
Is the chocolate at Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden vegan-friendly?
Yes! The traditional dark chocolate and pure cocoa powder produced here are 100% plant-based. However, Mekong Smile recommends double-checking with the family if you are purchasing specialty candies that might contain milk.
Can I buy products at Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden to take home?
Absolutely. The products are vacuum-sealed or packaged to be travel-friendly. Mekong Smile guests often find that these make the most meaningful souvenirs, as they directly support local agricultural preservation.
Is the Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden suitable for children?
It is an excellent educational experience for kids. They can see where chocolate “comes from” and participate in the simple steps of the process.
What if it rains during my visit Muoi Cuong Cacao Garden?
The workshop area is fully covered, and the canopy of cacao trees provides natural shelter. Mekong Smile provides umbrellas and ponchos to ensure your journey continues comfortably.
Does Mekong Smile offer private workshops?
Yes, we can arrange private “Bean-to-Bar” sessions for those who want to spend more time learning the specific ratios and techniques of Mr. Muoi Cuong.
