Three most expensive teas in Vietnam

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The tea-drinking tradition in Vietnam dates back to as early as the 9th century. Sipping fragrant, delicious tea has long become an indispensable part of the daily life of many Vietnamese.

Shan tuyet tea

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

Shan tuyet tea is considered the "most famous tea brand in Vietnam." Shan tuyet tree is a wild plant mainly found in the high mountains in Northwest Vietnam.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

Growing at an altitude of over 1,000 to 2,800 meters above sea level where the weather is cold and foggy year-round, shan tuyet tree often grows slower than other types of tea.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

The plant usually has a long life from 100 to 200 years old, partly thanks to the fresh, untouched environment. Many tea experts consider shan tuyet is the No.1 tea of choice in Vietnam.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

Currently, in Vietnam, there are only six mountainous provinces in the Northwest have shan tuyet tree, which are Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Son La, Dien Bien and Hoa Binh. Each region grows a different variety of Shan Tuyet tea.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

Usually, the price of ancient Shan Tuyet tea ranges from VND 60,000 - 280,000 (US$ 2.61 - 12.19) per gram.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

Thai Nguyen tea

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

Thai Nguyen tea is a specialty of the northern midland region. It is an indispensable drink for many Vietnamese people.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

Thai Nguyen tea leaves are dark green, small, and boast a white line on the surface. Thai Nguyen tea when brewed gives a sweet aroma of young rice, slightly green liquid, rather bitter taste and sweet aftertaste.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

Thai Nguyen tea doesn't have a fixed price, depending on seasonality and distribution.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

The most delicious and expensive teas of Tan Cuong tea area (Thai Nguyen) include: Moc Cau tea, Non Tom tea, Dinh Ngoc tea.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

The normal price of Tan Cuong Thai Nguyen tea ranges from US$ 4.3 - 21.5 per kg.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

Bac Hac tea is likened to the soul of Tan Cuong Thai Cuong tea. The ancient tea is sold at 128.99 - 214.98 per kg.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

Lotus tea

Lotus tea is flavored with lotus - Vietnam's national flower. It is one of the most expensive and delicious teas in the country.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

The first key step to have a delicious lotus teapot is choosing the right tea buds that still retain drops of water on the pedals. The tea buds will then kept in an earthen jar and incubated for 20 or 30 days.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

The lotus must be picked at dawn when it's still wet with morning dew. Tea markers will then extract the lotus stamens and mix them with the dried tea leaves.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

The intricated tea-making steps create a delicious Vietnamese tea product and widely known not only among Vietnamese people but also foreigners.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

To make 1 kg of lotus-scented tea, the artisans need from 1,000 - 1,400 lotus flowers.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

1 kg of lotus tea is sold at US$ 301 - 430.

(Photo: Vietnamnet)

The tea marinated in lotus flower is more expensive, at around US$ 129 - 172 per kg.

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