Ancient tea gardens in Vietnam's Quảng Trị province linked to King Hàm Nghi's decree

In the Cam Lộ commune of Vietnam's Quảng Trị province, ancient tea gardens dating back one to two centuries stand as living testaments to history. These venerable trees, with their gnarled, moss-covered trunks, create a serene atmosphere in local homes, where residents like Hoàng Thị Thoại, 76, continue the tradition of harvesting fresh tea leaves daily.

These tea gardens hold deep historical significance, having been present when King Hàm Nghi issued the Cần Vương decree in 1885. Local lore suggests the tea from this region was served to the king and his retinue. Today, the area is home to the Temple of King Hàm Nghi and Cần Vương loyalists, preserving the memory of that era.

Recognizing their unique heritage, local authorities are developing plans to integrate these ancient tea gardens into eco-tourism initiatives. The goal is to promote agricultural development alongside tourism, highlighting the tea as a signature product. Efforts are underway to identify and protect the most beautiful and oldest tea gardens, linking them with historical sites like the King Hàm Nghi Temple and ancient wells.

Beyond tourism, there's a push to enhance the value of the tea through processing. Research is exploring avenues such as medicinal tea products, tea bags, and OCOP-certified goods. Simultaneously, residents are encouraged to preserve the old trees and intercrop them with other plants to diversify income. This initiative seeks to balance conservation with economic development, ensuring the legacy of these ancient tea gardens endures.