If you thought ginseng was just another root tucked away in health store shelves, think again. Deep in the misty highlands of Vietnam, something magical is happening. Picture this: hundreds of ancient ginseng plants, nurtured with care, competing in a vibrant cultural festival that blends tradition, science, and community spirit. Welcome to the Ngọc Linh Ginseng Festival—a celebration of nature’s treasure and the passionate growers behind it.
What’s Really Going On?
Every year, in the beautiful Nam Trà My district near Đà Nẵng City, local governments and farmers come together to host a one-of-a-kind event: the Ngọc Linh Ginseng Contest. This isn’t just a local fair—it’s a full-blown tribute to one of Vietnam’s most precious medicinal plants, long revered for its healing properties and now recognized as a national product.
This year’s event, held on August 1st, saw nearly 70 individuals, organizations, and businesses from across Nam Trà My bringing their finest ginseng specimens to the stage. The goal? Showcasing high-quality, organically grown roots in all their glory.
Meet the Stars: 200 Ginseng Plants, Years in the Making
These aren’t just any random roots dug out of the ground. We’re talking about meticulously selected ginseng plants aged from five to over fifteen years old. The festival judges were looking for the crème de la crème—ginseng with the most impressive stems, leaves, flowers, and, of course, roots.
Each competing plant had to have a verified origin—no mysteries here! No artificial fertilizers, no questionable sources. Only the real deal, attested to by local authorities.
Age Categories & Judging Criteria
There were four main age groups for the competition:
- 5–7 years
- 8–10 years
- 11–14 years
- 15+ years
Judges evaluated each plant on physical beauty, vitality, and documented origin. Sick or chemically treated plants? Disqualified.
More Than a Competition: A Celebration of Culture & Sustainability
Beyond the awards and accolades, the Ngọc Linh Ginseng Festival is about fostering connection. It’s a melting pot of knowledge-sharing between growers—swapping tips, learning new techniques, and joining forces to protect a native treasure.
The event also plays a key role in promoting Ngọc Linh ginseng to both local and international markets, reaffirming Nam Trà My’s position as the ginseng capital of Vietnam.
“This is a moment to honor those who protect and cultivate Ngọc Linh ginseng across the southwestern communities of Đà Nẵng.” — Festival Organizers
Giving Back: From Roots to Relief
There’s a heartwarming twist to all of this. Owners of winning ginseng plants can choose to auction off their prized roots, with proceeds going toward poverty relief efforts in the region. It’s a powerful reminder that this isn’t just about prestige—it’s about people.
Why Ngọc Linh Ginseng Truly Matters
Ngọc Linh ginseng isn’t your average herb. It’s been officially recognized as a national product by the Vietnamese government thanks to its rare medicinal properties. The authorities in Quảng Nam province have set aside a whopping 15,000 hectares specifically for its cultivation and preservation.
Today, over 4,700 households and 365 ginseng-growing collectives are cultivating more than 5,000 hectares of pristine Ngọc Linh ginseng forests. This plant has become a cornerstone of local life and a symbol of sustainable, community-driven development.
Looking Ahead: A Global Vision for Vietnamese Ginseng
Vietnam isn’t just preserving tradition—it’s aiming for the future. A new government-approved development program targets long-term growth for Vietnamese ginseng through 2030, with a vision stretching all the way to 2045. The dream? To turn Ngọc Linh into a global contender, bringing Vietnamese herbal excellence to the international market.
Whether you’re a botanist, a natural healing enthusiast, or someone passionate about sustainable farming, the Ngọc Linh Ginseng Festival is a testament to what communities can accomplish with a bit of earth, a lot of heart, and an unshakable belief in the future.
Want to experience it for yourself? Mark your calendar for next August—because some roots grow deeper than just soil. They grow into the very soul of a culture.
📷 All photos courtesy of Danang Fantasticity
🔗 Learn more: https://danang.gov.vn
✨ Let us know—Would you attend the Ginseng Festival? Have you tried Ngọc Linh ginseng before? Drop your thoughts in the comments!