What is Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm?
Location & Setting
Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm is located in Phong Dien District, about 12 kilometers from the center of Can Tho. The farm sits in a quiet corner of the Mekong Delta, surrounded by fruit orchards, canals, and small villages. It feels far removed from the bustle of the city, making it an ideal countryside stop for travelers looking to experience local agriculture.
History of the Farm
The farm has a long history dating back to the early 1960s, when Mr. Cuong’s father first brought cacao seeds from Malaysia to Vietnam. At a time when most farmers abandoned cacao trees because they did not know how to use the fruit, the Cuong family experimented with traditional recipes and slowly mastered the process of turning beans into chocolate. Their perseverance made the farm one of the first places in Vietnam to grow and process cacao successfully, long before chocolate became a familiar product in the country.
The Owner – Mr. Muoi Cuong (a.k.a. Mr. Bean)
The farm is now run by Mr. Muoi Cuong, often nicknamed “Mr. Bean” by visitors. He has dedicated his life to cacao cultivation, overcoming decades of fluctuating demand and government programs that sometimes favored other crops. What makes him stand out is not only his expertise but also his enthusiasm for sharing knowledge. Unlike many farmers in the region, he speaks English well, allowing him to explain the history of cacao and the traditional processing methods directly to international visitors. His warm personality and passion are a big part of what makes the visit memorable.
The Farm Today
Today, Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm covers roughly one hectare (10,000 m²) with around 2,000 cacao trees. The trees produce fruit year-round, harvested every 10 days. The farm follows organic methods, avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which makes it attractive for travelers interested in sustainable agriculture.
While the family continues to produce cacao products for sale, the farm has also become a small-scale tourism site. Visitors can walk among the trees, learn about traditional chocolate-making, and taste unique cacao-based drinks and snacks prepared on site.
Highlights of visiting Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm
1. Walking through the Cacao Garden
The visit begins with a stroll among the cacao trees. Depending on the season, you’ll see pods in different colors—green, red, and yellow when ripe—hanging directly from the trunks. The setting is small but charming, and Mr. Cuong explains how the trees are cultivated without chemicals or pesticides. It gives you a clear picture of how cacao grows in the Mekong Delta’s soil and climate.
2. Learning the Chocolate-Making process
One of the main draws of the farm is seeing how cacao beans are transformed into chocolate using traditional, manual methods.
The process is explained step by step: harvesting the pods, fermenting the beans, drying them in the sun, roasting, grinding, and finally molding the chocolate.
Unlike large-scale factories, this is a hands-on demonstration of how chocolate was made in Vietnam decades ago. It’s simple, a bit rustic, and all the more interesting because of its authenticity.
3. Chocolate & Cacao Tastings
Every tour ends with a tasting, and it’s often the highlight for visitors. You can try a glass of hot or iced cacao, sample handmade chocolate candy, and taste other creations such as cacao butter, powder, and roasted nibs. For the adventurous, there’s even cacao cider or wine—unique products rarely found outside this farm. The flavors range from slightly bitter to rich and creamy, offering a true farm-to-cup experience.
4. Meeting Mr. Bean
What makes the visit memorable is not just the chocolate, but the chance to meet Mr. Cuong, affectionately nicknamed “Mr. Bean.” He shares stories about how his family kept growing cacao when others abandoned it, and the struggles of maintaining the farm over the decades. His English is surprisingly good, which makes the conversation personal and engaging. Many visitors say his warm welcome and passion for cacao are the best parts of the tour.
5. Buying local Cacao Products
Before leaving, you can purchase cacao products directly from the farm. Options include chocolate bars, cacao powder, butter, nibs, and even bottles of cacao cider. The prices are modest, and buying here supports the family’s work directly. It’s also one of the few places in Vietnam where you can take home truly local, handmade chocolate as a souvenir.
Location & Getting there
Where is Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm?
Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm is located in Phong Dien District, about 12 kilometers southwest of Can Tho city. The area is known for its fruit orchards, quiet canals, and small rural roads, making the journey itself part of the experience. The farm is not far from several other attractions in the countryside, so it can be combined easily into a half-day or full-day trip.
Visiting by tour
The cacao farm is not included in every standard Can Tho tour, but many local operators can add it to a customized itinerary. Some cycling and countryside tours stop here, often in combination with visits to rice noodle workshops, fruit gardens, or nearby markets. If you are arranging a private car, motorbike tour, or boat trip, you can request a stop at the farm—it’s small but fits nicely into a rural Mekong Delta itinerary.
Visiting independently
It’s also easy to reach Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm on your own if you prefer flexibility.
- Cycling: Many homestays in the Can Tho countryside offer free bicycles, and the flat terrain makes for a pleasant ride. If you’re staying nearby, the farm can be just a short cycle away. Even from Can Tho city, it’s manageable if you enjoy longer rides through rural scenery.
- Motorbike: Renting a motorbike gives you freedom to explore the area and combine the farm with other sights at your own pace.
- Taxi or private car: A quick option from the city, but taxis are hard to find in this rural area for the return trip. It’s best to ask the driver to wait for you, or hire a car with a driver for a half-day or full-day outing if you plan to explore more places.
Practical visiting information & Tips
Opening hours
The farm is open daily from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM. In some cases, visits can be arranged in the afternoon if you contact the owner in advance, but mornings are the most reliable time.
Entrance fee
The entrance fee is around 80,000 VND per person (about 3 USD). This price includes a short tour of the farm and a complimentary chocolate drink.
Best time to visit
Morning is the best time to visit, as the weather is cooler and tours are more active. Arriving earlier also means fewer crowds and more time to chat with the owner.
Duration needed
Most visits last about one hour. This gives enough time to walk around the garden, see the chocolate-making process, and enjoy the tasting.
Languages
One of the highlights of the visit is that the owner speaks good English. This makes the explanations clear and personal, without the need for a separate tour guide.
Facilities
The farm has a small shop selling cacao products, simple seating areas where you can enjoy drinks, and a parking space that can even accommodate cars and small buses. Facilities are basic but sufficient for a short stop.
Tips
- Bring cash: Credit cards are not accepted, and you may want to buy products to support the farm.
- Mosquito repellent: The farm is surrounded by orchards and canals, so mosquitoes are common.
Nearby sights to combine Your Visit
Visiting Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm rarely takes more than an hour, so it’s easy to combine with other attractions in the Can Tho countryside. The farm sits in an area full of orchards, workshops, and small canals, making it ideal for half-day or full-day trips by bike, motorbike, or boat. Here are some good options nearby:
Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery
Located less than a kilometer from the cacao farm, Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Mekong Delta. Its peaceful grounds, lotus ponds, and impressive wooden architecture make it a worthwhile stop before or after your farm visit.
Phong Dien countryside
The wider Phong Dien District is known for its fertile orchards and rural markets. While the traditional floating market here has declined, the area still offers plenty of charm with fruit gardens, land markets, and quiet backroads perfect for cycling.
Rice Noodle Workshops & Rice Paper Villages
Several small family-run workshops in the area demonstrate how rice noodles and rice paper are made by hand. These visits pair nicely with the cacao farm, as both highlight traditional local food production.
Cai Rang Floating Market
About 30 minutes away by boat, Cai Rang is the most famous floating market in Vietnam. Visiting the market early in the morning and then heading to the cacao farm later in the morning makes a great combination.
Cycling or boat trips on the small canals
The countryside around the farm is crisscrossed with canals and narrow village lanes. You can rent a bicycle or join a boat trip to see daily life along the waterways, passing orchards, stilt houses, and small workshops along the way.
Is Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm worth visiting?
Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm is a unique stop in Can Tho and one of the few places in Vietnam where you can see how chocolate is made the traditional way. The visit is short but educational, and it directly supports a local farmer who has dedicated his life to cacao cultivation. Meeting Mr. Cuong, hearing his story, and tasting his homemade chocolate are experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the Mekong Delta.
That said, the farm is small and facilities are basic. It’s not a polished attraction, and travelers expecting something large-scale or touristy may find it underwhelming. The charm lies in its authenticity, not in modern displays or professional staging.
In short, it’s an excellent stop for travelers interested in local culture, food production, and authentic rural life, but probably not a must-see for those focused only on Can Tho’s big-ticket sights.
