Ho Van Lau: A Cacao Legacy in the Mekong Delta

Ho Van Lau – From a Chocolate Dream to a Cacao Legacy in the Mekong Delta

In the heart of the Mekong Delta, Ho Van Lau turned a simple love for chocolate into a lifelong journey with cacao. Starting from his small farm in Tien Giang, he built one of Vietnam’s most inspiring agricultural stories, shaped by patience, innovation, and local pride.

At Mr. Lau’s farm, guests can follow his journey from tree to chocolate, seeing how passion and skill come together in every step.

1. Mr Lau’s Story: From a Childhood Gift to a Passion for Cacao

Mr. Ho Van Lau’s story began with a simple gift – a bar of chocolate from an American soldier when he was a boy in the Mekong Delta. He still remembers that taste and has spent his life growing his own beans.

In the 1980s, when many farmers gave up after their cacao crops failed, Mr. Lau stayed. He kept learning, testing new methods, and discovered how to make these trees thrive in the Mekong’s tropical soil.

After more than 15 years, his farm now produces around 25 tons of fruit each year, earning about 130 million VND in profit, plus another 70 million VND from fermented beans. Recognized as one of Vietnam’s top cacao fermenters, he even received an award in Paris, turning a childhood taste into an international success.

Exploring the cacao farm of Mr. Lau

2. Experience Mr. Lau’s Farm in Tien Giang

A visit to Mr. Lau’s farm lets travelers see farming up close. Stroll through the orchard, open fresh cacao pods, and taste the sweet pulp. Learn the traditional methods and the care needed to cultivate cacao successfully in the Mekong Delta.

This hands-on experience connects visitors to the local agriculture and the story behind every chocolate bar.

Hands-on experience at Mr. Lau’s cacao farm.

3. Try Cacao Farming for Yourself

Guests can take part in real activities:

Shelling Cacao Pods: Break open pods to see the beans inside and taste the fresh pulp.
Fermentation & Drying: Observe how beans are carefully fermented and dried, the steps that give chocolate its unique flavor.
Learn from Mr. Lau: Hear about his techniques, challenges, and how he transformed a childhood passion into an award-winning cacao.
Appreciate the Craft: Understand the history, dedication, and craftsmanship behind each batch of beans, connecting visitors directly with local farming traditions.

Learn cacao farming techniques directly from Mr. Lau

These activities immerse travelers in the cacao-making process, offering a direct, memorable experience of Vietnam’s chocolate heritage.

For convenient access and easy exploration of the region, travelers should choose a suitable place to stay. Victoria Can Tho Resort is an ideal choice, just a short distance from Tien Giang. The resort offers elegant boutique-style design, modern high-end amenities, and a peaceful riverside setting, making it perfect for a comfortable and memorable stay.

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Victoria Can Tho Resort

Visiting Mr. Ho Van Lau’s farm lets you see the beans grown from start to finish. Taste the fresh cacao, see how the beans are fermented and dried, and understand how his childhood passion became award-winning chocolate.