(TITC) – In the journey to elevate Vietnam’s agricultural and rural tourism, ST25 rice carries within it the story of intelligence, resilience and pride of Mekong Delta farmers. Since earning the title of “World’s Best Rice,” ST25 has become more than a high-quality agricultural product – it is now a source of inspiration for localities seeking to build distinctive agricultural tourism models, offering visitors immersive experiences in green farming, river-based culture and the heritage of Southern Vietnam.
ST25 – A Vietnamese Rice Brand Reaching the Global Stage
Developed by engineer Ho Quang Cua and his team, ST25 rice is known for its delicate fragrance, long glossy grains, soft texture and high nutritional value. More than a celebrated product, ST25 symbolizes Vietnam’s aspiration to upgrade the global value of its rice industry. It has become a “cultural ambassador,” representing the ingenuity and dedication of Vietnamese farmers.
Today, ST25 is not only a staple in domestic cuisine but has also emerged as a new tourism resource. Many provinces are turning this iconic rice into inspiration for tours, themed routes and experiential models in agricultural and rural tourism.
ST25 Fields – A Green Space for Agricultural Experiences
Across the Mekong Delta, several communities have introduced tourism activities in ST25 cultivation areas, especially those developed under organic farming methods, ecological rice systems or rice–shrimp rotation models. These fields offer an appealing combination of lush landscapes and sustainable agricultural practices.
Visitors can experience traditional farming activities such as sowing, transplanting and harvesting rice by hand; learn about clean rice production that meets international standards; and admire picturesque vistas of golden or emerald paddies stretching across the horizon – an emblematic scene of the Delta’s countryside. Farmers also share the inspiring story behind ST25’s rise to global recognition, offering tourists deeper insight into the region’s agricultural identity.
These authentic interactions allow visitors to gain a holistic understanding of rice cultivation – a livelihood intertwined with the culture, lifestyle and spirit of Southern Vietnam for centuries.
Rice Processing Villages – Adding Value Along the Production Chain
In addition to the rice fields, well-planned ST25 processing villages are becoming new attractions. Visitors can explore modern milling lines, participate in packaging rice as souvenirs, view exhibitions of specialty rice varieties and discover the techniques that contribute to creating the world’s finest rice.
Several cooperatives have gone further by developing agricultural education tours (agri-edutourism), targeting students and international guests. This model meets rising global demand for educational, hands-on travel while creating opportunities to showcase Vietnam’s agricultural innovation.
ST25 Cuisine – Turning Rice Grains into Culinary Stories
ST25 is also inspiring a vibrant culinary scene. Tourist destinations, restaurants and homestays have crafted unique dishes featuring ST25 rice, such as coconut-water rice, pineapple rice, bánh tét, bánh dừa, bánh ít, and processed products including noodles, vermicelli and phở made from ST25.
Thanks to the rice’s superior quality, these dishes are elevated into memorable culinary experiences, reflecting the flavors of the Mekong Delta’s alluvial lands. Each plate tells a story – about craftsmanship, about farmers’ dedication and about the region’s deep cultural identity.
Linking ST25 Development with OCOP and New Rural Tourism
Many ST25-related products are being developed as 4–5 star OCOP items, providing high-quality goods for tourists and strengthening local value chains. This contributes to improving farmers’ incomes, forming distinct local souvenir lines, and promoting an image of modern, eco-friendly Vietnamese agriculture.
The integration of ST25 into new rural tourism programs also plays a vital role in shaping sustainable community development and diversifying tourism offerings across the Delta.
Building the “ST25 Tour” – A New Highlight for Western Vietnam
Several tour operators are designing ST25-themed itineraries that connect ST25 fields, rice processing villages, culinary spaces and OCOP specialty stores. These routes can easily be combined with floating markets, fruit orchards, traditional craft villages or eco-tourism zones along the riverbanks. The result is a comprehensive tourism product that matches growing visitor demand for green, experiential and educational travel.
Tourism Information Technology Center
