Preserving Memories in Da Lat’s Century-Old Persimmon Garden

Ancient Persimmon Trees Tell Stories of Time

Some gardens captivate visitors not through elaborate services, but through the sense of tranquility they offer as guests walk among old trees and listen to the owners recount stories of land that has been part of their families for generations. In the Cau Dat area, Le Phuc Persimmon Garden, owned by the family of Le Phuc Duy, welcomes visitors with precisely these simple experiences.

As the fourth generation of his family to care for the persimmon garden, Le Phuc Duy decided to develop tourism after recognizing the many advantages of the land where he lives. Its cool climate, elevation, scenic landscape and long-established orchards give this area on the outskirts of Da Lat a distinctive character.

“Within our family garden, ancient persimmon trees, coffee plants, avocado trees and plum trees have continued to grow over the years. I believe these authentic values are what invite visitors to embark on a journey through the garden and experience its four agricultural seasons,” Duy said.

Together with his family, Duy began renovating the garden and designing spaces to welcome visitors. In 2024, the site was recognized by the Provincial People’s Committee as an agricultural tourism destination.

For Duy, the priority was not to make the garden look different, but to preserve what was already there. Hundreds of old persimmon trees continue to be cared for, including around 200 trees that are nearly 100 years old.

One of the things that makes Duy happiest is the change in his parents' attitudes. Initially opposed to developing tourism, they have now become the most enthusiastic hosts when visitors arrive.

His mother, Nguyen Thi Khanh My, recalled: “At that time, I thought this was just a rural area. What could possibly be attractive enough to bring tourists here?”

As the garden gradually began attracting visitors, her life also changed. Beneath the familiar persimmon trees, My found new joy in meeting and talking with visitors, sharing stories about the land and the garden, as well as agricultural knowledge and experience accumulated over many years.

Experiencing Nature Through Four Seasons

According to Le Phuc Duy, the name Persimmon Garden serves as its distinctive identity, but the destination's appeal extends far beyond the fruit season.

After the persimmons have been harvested, the trees begin shedding their leaves, while coffee cherries ripen to a deep red beneath the canopy. In spring, cherry blossoms and plum trees burst into bloom, while persimmon trees produce new shoots and leaves. With the first rains of early summer, coffee flowers blanket the hillsides in white. Autumn is when the persimmons ripen in abundance, making it the garden's most beautiful season and offering visitors a variety of experiences.

Making use of its existing natural and agricultural resources, Le Phuc Persimmon Garden has developed a range of experiences, from sightseeing and gardening to harvesting and processing agricultural products, as well as enjoying coffee and local specialties.

Visitors can also go cloud hunting, watch the sunset, stay overnight, enjoy a retreat, organize campfires and barbecues, and socialize in the garden setting.

Without offering a wide range of bustling entertainment activities, the destination is particularly suited to those seeking time to relax, stroll among the trees and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Tran Duy Anh, a visitor from Hanoi, said he had enjoyed a distinctive autumn experience. Although he had visited Da Lat many times, he was still captivated by the beauty of the ripe persimmons and the peaceful atmosphere of the garden.

“Some guests have returned as many as seven times, staying for around one week to 10 days on each visit. That has given me even more motivation to continue preserving the garden's most authentic values,” Duy said.

Hong Tham