Buffalo riding in Hoi An rice fields captivates visitors

A unique experience

In the rice fields of Hoi An, Da Nang, the image of well-groomed, glossy-coated buffaloes has become increasingly familiar to both locals and tourists.

Not only are they involved in agricultural work, buffaloes are now part of a distinctive tourism experience where tourists can ride and take photos with them.

In recent years, buffalo-riding and photography services have developed in the outskirts of Hoi An. Visitors are delighted to sit on the backs of buffaloes and stroll through the rice fields.

For international travelers, the buffalo, an animal deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, presents a novel and memorable experience. Many are excited to touch, ride, and capture joyful moments with buffaloes that they previously only saw on the internet.

In addition to foreign tourists, the buffalo riding experience services are also appealing to domestic tourists, especially those raised in urban areas who rarely have the chance to interact with buffaloes. The services offer them an interesting experience as well as provide a refreshing and engaging escape from city life.

Creating new livelihoods for locals

According to local residents, buffalo riding services have developed strongly over the past few years, driven by growing demand from international visitors seeking authentic, close-to-nature experiences.

Each ride allows visitors to freely interact with and photograph the buffaloes, with fees typically based on customer satisfaction and paid directly to the owners.

To give tourists the best experience, buffalo owners must raise and "train" the buffaloes so they are gentle and familiar with scents such as perfume. The buffaloes are bathed regularly with soap to maintain clean, shiny coats, enhancing their appeal to visitors.

Thanks to the services, many Hoi An residents have secured an additional and stable source of income.

Mr. Tran Van Ha, 60, shared that when international tourists began seeking local lifestyle experiences, he and several households decided to turn their buffaloes into tourism assets.

Initially, the services were just an experiment, but unexpectedly, they attracted a large number of tourists, helping him earn extra income to support his family.

“On days with visitors, I can earn a few hundred thousand VND. Compared to farming or construction work, this job offers more stable income and is less physically demanding. I also enjoy meeting and interacting with tourists” he added.

Translated by MAI DUNG