During a nearly month-long cross-country trip, a group of tourists including herbal collectors and traditional medicine experts from Korea, Japan, Germany and the United States had the opportunity to set foot on Ngoc Linh Mountain in the majestic Truong Son range – a land of sunshine and wind, but hidden deep within it are the wonders of Vietnamese herbs. Among the most special experiences, the encounter with Ngoc Linh ginseng – a medicinal herb known as the “national treasure” of Vietnam – left a deep impression and an unexpected sense of amazement in the hearts of international visitors.
An unexpected discovery
Initially, most tourists only know Vietnam through stories of cuisine, cultural heritage or famous beaches. Herbs are not the first thing they think of. But when the journey goes deep into the Central Highlands provinces, especially the border areas between Kon Tum and Quang Nam – where Ngoc Linh mountain towers in the mist – a name begins to be mentioned over and over again with growing curiosity: Ngoc Linh Ginseng.
They heard about a type of ginseng that only grows at an altitude of over 1,000m, in the primeval forest, with individuals planted decades ago by the Xe Dang and K’Dong people – communities closely connected to the mountains and forests. Ngoc Linh ginseng is not only rare because of its special natural conditions, but also because of its proven medicinal value: it contains up to 52 saponin compounds, far surpassing many other famous ginsengs.
A gentle comparison – a multi-dimensional perspective
During a discussion at a ginseng exhibition center, Japanese expert Kato Hiroshi frankly shared: “We are familiar with Japanese ginseng (Panax japonicus), which is mainly used in folk medicine with the effect of improving digestion and fighting fatigue. Japanese ginseng is light, clear, suitable for the elderly. But when I tried Ngoc Linh ginseng extract, I clearly felt the richness, complexity of taste and effects on the body. It feels like there is something very lively in each drop of extract”.
A doctor of Oriental medicine from Seoul gently compared: “In Korea, Korean ginseng is a symbol. It is strong, clear, and creates a feeling of alertness immediately. Ngoc Linh ginseng is softer at first, but the effect lasts longer, and causes less heat in the body. I think it is suitable for people with weak constitutions or who need deep recovery.”
These comments are not confrontational but suggest something worth pondering: each type of ginseng has a regional identity – and Ngoc Linh ginseng is a symbol of a very unique Vietnam: not noisy, not sharp, but deep and enduring.
When gifts go beyond material value
One of the special moments during the trip was when each group of guests was given a Ngoc Linh ginseng product – packaged in a small wooden box, engraved with traditional patterns, accompanied by a handwritten letter in their mother tongue. A German expert laughed and said: “I thought I would be given a conical hat. I did not expect the gift to contain an entire ecosystem of the mountains and forests, a national past, and a modern spirit.”
Ngoc Linh ginseng is not just a health product. In the eyes of tourists, it is the crystallization of nature, people and Vietnamese culture. They bring back not only a pure product, but also the story of ginseng growers in the forest, the journey to preserve rare genetic resources, and the quiet but powerful pride of the Vietnamese people.
From a destination – to an international brand
After the trip, many guests proactively introduced Ngoc Linh ginseng to the professional community in their countries. Some also proposed organizing seminars and exhibitions in Japan, Korea, and Germany with the theme: “Vietnam – the destination of precious medicinal herbs”. Among those proposals, Ngoc Linh ginseng is the most prominent representative.
From a visit to a remote highland, Ngoc Linh ginseng gradually entered the world herbal map, not through loud media, but through real-life experiences and fair comparisons from international visitors. A humble but proud journey – true to the spirit of this ginseng species itself.
