For all travelers who look to learn more about Vietnam Rice Culture, a visit to traditional rice husking mill will be an ideal experience. Especially after the harvest time or out of the main rice crop (September to November), this activity will help travelers understand all processes of rice farming, without putting a foot on the field
Traditionally, local farmers used to thresh and pound the rice grain by hand, but it was very labor and time consuming process. Thanks to urbanization and modernization, Vietnamese farmers and Hue’s villagers in particular can make use of rice husking machine to leverage the efficiency. However, they do not do it one time per year nor rely on huge factory, local farmers prefer entrusting this business to a modest rice husking mill in the vicinity once a month or several times a year. There are some fun facts why they practice this until today, below are just a few:
Some fun fact about Vietnam rice culture:
With a bamboo basket and stick, they cannot carry much paddy or go far to get husked at a time. Today, bicycles or motorbikes can help but still some dozens of kilos a time is at best. Vietnamese prefer eating “fresh” rice, thus they will not keep many husked rice in stock. With basic conditions and humidity, insects, they are afraid that rice will loose quality. Thirdly, they don’t just get back husked and clean rice but all kind of by-products related: broken rice, rice screenings for feeding livestock and rice husk for burning or fertilizers. The whole rice value chain goes on as sustainable farming. Thus they go for rice husking mill regularly and relevantly to their other needs. Last but not least, the rice husking mill is a social meeting place, where they meet, greet and chat with each other about many aspect of daily life.
Therefore, when visiting a rice husking mill during they cycling tours from Hue, guests feel very surprised and excited to learn more about Vietnam Rice Culture through a single process. People line up their rice, in basket or bag and take a sit or gather under the shade while waiting for their turn. No hustle, bustle. They meet, chat and drink tea at each occasion. This builds up the village cohesion and hospitality.
Where can you visit rice husking mill?
During our day trip from Hue, “Kim Long longevity secrets” in Kim Long, there is fascinating rice husking stop with a lovely owner. Mrs Gạo, a charming lady with light face traits and beautiful smile. She learned to greet no-affaire guests with big “Hello” and manage her body language to showcase what all means for us. Despite being very occupied she is always friendly and happy to show varied of products and explain foreign travelers in a very hands-on manner. Rice is husked one time, two time, different colors for different quality and needs. And no by-product is left behind. She makes her ordinary job extraordinary highlight for many tourists and this short moment of encountering memorable. Many has written us feedbacks with thanks and excitement
Customers’ testimonials
“Highlight: Meeting local people. The rice lady was especially charming. Local people were very charming and engaging. Food was excellent as well.” (Mr & Mrs Horner, UK – 25.Dec.2019)
“A privilege to join in a family meal. Really feel we have experience real-life Vietnam way of life. Delicious food. Very much enjoyed the tour. Very interesting to see the rice factory.” (Mrs. Taylor & Mr. Thackray, UK – 13.Feb.2020)
Beside learning one of important part of Vietnam Rice Culture, seeing how rice and other produce are made can help you appreciate other local delicacies, famous broken rice for example or other kind of Hue special cakes that you may try during other cycling tours from Hue or evening foodie cyclo tour . If you want to try husking rice once in your lifetime, you are cordially invited.
