Van Dai Lotus Cooperative: Check-in point for young people

The lotus flowers at Van Dai lotus cooperative seem to want to hold tourists' feet.

Cool green space in the middle of a peaceful village

Coming to Van Dai lotus area, visitors can return to a peaceful, relaxed feeling amidst the pure pink color and gentle fragrance in the airy countryside space. Not only is it a traditional lotus growing area, this place is becoming an attractive destination, especially attracting a large number of young people to visit, experience and enjoy unique lotus products. About 30km from the center of Thai Binh city, Van Dai lotus cooperative is a model formed and developed since 2021. Not only aiming at economic development from lotus plants, the model also builds a unique ecological space serving tourism and experiences, contributing to renewing the appearance of the countryside. The first impression for visitors when coming to Van Dai lotus cooperative is the fresh air, clean concrete paths and surrounded by the pink, white, purple colors of rare lotus and water lily varieties in bloom. Each plot here is planted with a separate lotus variety: flower variety, shoot variety, root variety, seed variety... both serving production and creating a highlight for tourists. Ms. Nguyen Thi Chien, Deputy Director of Van Dai Lotus Cooperative, said: The cooperative currently grows more than a dozen different lotus and water lily varieties, with a black net system to protect visitors from the sun and rain. In addition to coming to take photos and check-in, visitors can also enjoy lotus products such as lotus tea, young lotus milk, lotus shoots, lotus seeds and especially, admission is completely free. Not only a destination for tourists, Van Dai Lotus Cooperative also creates regular jobs for 30 local workers, especially rural women. Ms. Le Thi Tam, working at the cooperative, shared: I have been working here for 5 years. Every lotus blooming season, there is more joy when seeing many people come to admire the lotus, take photos, and even ask to buy lotus shoots and lotus seeds as gifts.

Attractive experience, associated with ecotourism development

It can be said that the lotus flower is not only a cultural symbol associated with the Vietnamese soul, but also a "bridge" to bring the Thai Binh countryside closer to visitors from near and far. The fresh air, the gentle lotus scent, the brilliant colors of the flowers under the golden sunlight... All create an ideal space for young people to capture memorable moments. This summer, if you are looking for a place to check-in, relax and love the beauty of your homeland, do not miss the Van Dai lotus field. Coming here, you will be immersed in a memorable corner of the countryside, a place that touches the youthful emotions of many people. These days, the lotus pond welcomes hundreds, even thousands of visitors every day, mainly students and young families. Doan Thi Thanh Liem, a medical student studying in Hanoi, shared: Every summer, I go to Van Dai lotus pond with my friends to take pictures and enjoy lotus milk. The peaceful space, the blooming flowers are very relaxing. I feel very proud that my hometown has such a beautiful and meaningful place. Tran Thi Huong Giang, a 12th grade student in Thai Binh city, said: This is the third time I have been to Van Dai lotus pond. Every time I come, I feel very excited, especially when I can immerse myself in the lotus pond and take beautiful photos to preserve the summer. Not only older young people, but also young children share the same excitement when their parents take them on a tour. Nguyen Phuong Linh, an 8th grade student at Ky Ba Secondary School, Thai Binh city, was excited: The lotus here is very beautiful and fragrant. I have taken many photos to send to my classmates. Nguyen Thanh Ha, a 4th grade student at Ky Ba Primary School, excitedly shared: This is the first time I have been to the lotus pond. What I like most is drinking lotus milk and sitting and taking photos next to the flowers.

With the orientation of developing agriculture associated with tourism, Hoa Sen Van Dai Cooperative is gradually affirming the economic, cultural and ecological value of lotus, opening a new direction in building a model new countryside in Hung Ha. No need to go far, just come to Van Dai lotus, visitors can find a rustic but poetic countryside, a peaceful but also very modern space, a place where traditional agricultural production intersects with new cultural tourism experiences.