Fruits of Vietnam: names, seasons and taking them home
Dragon fruit, coconut and papaya are available all year in Vietnam; the main tropical fruit season is May to August — durian, mangosteen, rambutan, longan and lychee. Pomelo runs August to December. Vietnam Airlines only takes durian in checked baggage.
Dragon fruit, coconuts and papaya are sold all year in Vietnam, while the main tropical fruit season is May to August: durian, mangosteen, rambutan, longan and lychee. Pomelo ripens from August to December. Vietnam Airlines only carries durian in checked baggage, sealed. Check your home country's rules before packing fruit.
| Fruit | Vietnamese | Where it grows | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durian | sầu riêng | Mekong Delta, Southeast, Central Highlands | April–October, varies by province |
| Mangosteen | măng cụt | Mekong Delta | May–August |
| Rambutan | chôm chôm | Mekong Delta | May–August |
| Longan | nhãn | north and Mekong Delta | June–August |
| Lychee | vải | Bac Giang (north) | late May–July |
| Pomelo | bưởi | Ben Tre (south) and north | August–December |
| Dragon fruit | thanh long | Binh Thuan, Long An | all year |
| Coconut | dừa | Ben Tre, Tra Vinh | all year |
| Papaya | đu đủ | Mekong Delta | all year |
| Mango | xoài | Tien Giang, Dong Nai | different months in different provinces |
| Jackfruit | mít | south | mostly spring |
| Star apple | vú sữa | Mekong Delta | autumn–winter |
| Sugar apple | mãng cầu na | Tay Ninh, south | different months in different provinces |
| Soursop | mãng cầu xiêm | south | all year |
Which fruits are available all year in Vietnam?
Dragon fruit (thanh long) — grown mainly in Binh Thuan province, next to Mui Ne — plus coconuts (dừa), papaya (đu đủ) and soursop (mãng cầu xiêm) are available every month at any market or supermarket. Where to shop in Nha Trang: Nha Trang markets and malls and the markets section.
When is durian season in Vietnam?
Durian (sầu riêng) is harvested from April to October: spring in the Mekong Delta, May–July in the Southeast and August–October in the Central Highlands. Markets have the most durian in summer, May to August. Durian smells strong — ask at reception before bringing it into your hotel.
When are mangosteen, rambutan and lychee in season?
Mangosteen (măng cụt) and rambutan (chôm chôm) run May to August, both from the Mekong Delta. Longan (nhãn) is June to August. Lychee (vải) comes from Bac Giang province in the north: the early harvest starts in late May and the main one runs from mid-June to late July. In winter you'll find little or none of these.
What fruits are in season in winter?
From November to February markets have pomelo (bưởi, in season August to December), dragon fruit, coconuts, papaya, soursop and star apple (vú sữa). Mango and sugar apple are harvested in different months in different provinces, so they often turn up too. Durian, mangosteen, rambutan and lychee are summer fruits.
Can you fly with durian?
On Vietnam Airlines only in checked baggage, up to 5 kg per passenger, sealed in plastic; it isn't recommended in the cabin, and the rule doesn't apply on ATR72 flights. Other airlines have their own rules — Finnair, for example, doesn't carry durian at all. For what else to take home, see what to bring back from Vietnam.
FAQ
What fruits grow in Vietnam? Dragon fruit, coconut, papaya, mango, pomelo, durian, mangosteen, rambutan, longan, lychee, jackfruit, star apple, sugar apple and soursop.
When is fruit season in Vietnam? The main tropical season is May to August; dragon fruit, coconut and papaya are year-round.
Can I take durian on a plane? On Vietnam Airlines, only in checked baggage, up to 5 kg, sealed.