Tropical Fruits in Vietnam: A Sweet Journey

Published August 21, 2025
Vietnam is a tropical country blessed with fertile soil and a warm climate, making it the perfect land for a wide variety of fruits. For many visitors, exploring Vietnamese fruits is just as exciting as exploring local dishes. Not only do fruits play an important role in daily life here, but many of them are also exported around the world.

Special fruits in Vietnam
Some fruits in Vietnam are considered rare and special, as they are not commonly found in other countries:
  • Mangosteen (Măng cụt): Known as the “queen of fruits,” mangosteen has a thick purple skin and soft, white, juicy flesh with a perfectly sweet and slightly sour taste.
  • Rambutan (Chôm chôm): With its hairy red skin, rambutan might look unusual at first, but inside it hides a sweet and refreshing white fruit.
  • Longan (Nhãn): Small, round, and translucent, longan is juicy and fragrant. Its name in Vietnamese means “dragon’s eye.”
  • Sapodilla (Sapoche): A sweet, brown-skinned fruit with a soft, caramel-like flavor that surprises first-time
  •  Star Apple (Vú sữa): A round fruit with smooth purple or green skin. When cut open, its white, milky flesh gives a creamy sweetness—Vietnamese people often call it “the milk fruit.”
Popular Fruits Loved by Locals
Besides the unique varieties, there are also tropical fruits that almost every Vietnamese person enjoys:
  • Mango (Xoài): Eaten green with chili salt, or ripe and sweet.
  • Dragon fruit (Thanh long): Beautiful pink skin with white or red flesh dotted with black seeds.
  • Durian (Sầu riêng): Famous for its strong smell but creamy, rich flavor—often called the “king of fruits.”
  • Lychee (Vải): A juicy, fragrant fruit with a perfect balance of sweetness.
Vietnamese Fruits Exported Worldwide
Vietnam is one of the top fruit exporters in Southeast Asia. Many tropical fruits grown here are now loved across the globe:
  • Dragon fruit: Exported to the U.S., Europe, and China.
  • Mango and lychee: Popular in Japan, Korea, and Australia.
  • Coconut and pomelo: Widely enjoyed in many countries for their refreshing taste.
A Taste of Culture
In Vietnam, fruits are more than just food. They are part of traditions, family gatherings, and even spiritual offerings at temples. Enjoying fruits in Vietnam is not only about taste, but also about experiencing culture.
If you come to Vietnam, don’t miss the chance to visit a local fruit market or tropical orchard. You’ll discover flavors that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.

Note: This article is based on collected information and cultural knowledge. Some details may not be 100% accurate, so please consult additional sources if necessary.
Back to all articles