Discover the exciting destinations behind this tea, from the one and only Tan Cuong green tea in Vietnam to the energy-boosting herbal teas of Argentina.
Ah, tea. The comforting brew that most people can’t get enough of. International Tea Day on the 21st May celebrates the cultural and economic significance of tea around the world and emphasizes how much joy and comfort this drink can bring.
Booking.com marks the occasion with an overview of six destinations for tea lovers around the world. With 60% of Vietnamese travelers eager to try the best places to eat and drink on their next trip,* International Tea Day is the perfect excuse to travel to locations that are naturally steeped in history and beauty.
6 must-visit destinations around the world for travelers to dive into the historical and cultural values of tea:
- Darjeeling, India – birthplace of the famous Darjeeling tea
- Harrogate, UK – the home of English breakfast tea
- Meknes, Morocco – the land of refreshing mint tea
- Misiones, Argentina – Home of the Iconic Yerba Mate Herbal Tea
- Cameron Highlands, Malaysia – the tea land of Cameron Valley
- Thai Nguyen, Vietnam – land of the one and only Tan Cuong green tea
The Darjeeling district of West Bengal is known for its abundance of tea gardens, with over 80 stretching across acres of land. Located in the foothills of the mountains, the emerald-green Darjeeling Tea Garden produces tea with such an intense aroma and spicy taste that it is often referred to as the ‘champagne of tea’. When visitors aren’t admiring the majestic Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world, they can visit Buddhist monasteries and take a ride on the 140-year-old stream Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Darjeeling, India @ GettyImages
Where to stay: The blissful hillside resort Mayfair Darjeeling, with spectacular views across the valley, is a peaceful spot with easy access to the Darjeeling Tea Garden. Classic Indian rooms exude old world charm and elegance with carved wood furnishings and colorful prints. The hotel features a spa, state-of-the-art gym, swimming pool and tea boutique. Wake up to birdsong and spend the day exploring the beautiful tea gardens.
English breakfast tea is a British staple, expanding over the years to include a variety of brews, including decaf and gold standard. The scenic spa town of Harrogate is home to one of the UK’s most popular Yorkshire tea brands, where it blends tea leaves from Assam and East Africa to create unique combinations bursting with flavour. Take a trip to the nearby city of York and enjoy a delicious Afternoon Tea Boat Cruise along the picturesque River Ouse, where visitors will discover the town’s medieval history. Iconic locations include York Minster, one of the largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world.
Harrogate, United Kingdom
Where to stay: The Chapel Boutique Bed & BreakfastSituated in the heart of the city, it is ideally located near local attractions such as the Harrogate Turkish Baths, Royal Hall Theater and Royal Pump Room Museum, as well as the famous Bettys Café Tea Rooms, serving delicious afternoon tea in Harrogate since 1919. Monumental Chapel Conversion features luxurious rooms with an eccentric and eclectic mix of styles. After a day of sightseeing and tea tasting, relax on the large balcony overlooking the lush gardens.
Refreshing mint tea is the national drink of choice in Morocco. Various blends are made across the country, but the vibrant mint leaves of the scenic hilltop town of Meknes are said to be the best. A UNESCO-listed old medina, meander through the old town to discover everything from specialist souks selling beautiful crafts and textiles to teahouses in secret courtyards and even the odd donkey roaming around.
Where to stay: Stay in the heart of Meknes in the impressive Riad Mama H&K† The hotel is traditionally decorated with authentic Moroccan architecture, including hand-carved wood and geometric tiles. It also features a nice outdoor terrace. Discover local dishes from mandarins to seafood in all their richness and variety in the hotel restaurant, or relax by the fireplace with a soothing mint tea.
The herbal tea Yerba Mate, said to have the power of coffee, the health benefits of tea and the joy of chocolate, is Argentina’s national drink and is enjoyed for its energy-boosting properties. The leaves are grown in the rich rainforests of the northeastern province of Misiones, famous for its red soil and papaya fields. Within Misiones is Iguazú National Park, home to the magical Iguazú Falls – the world’s largest waterfall – where visitors can spot bright-beaked toucans and colorful butterflies.
Misiones, Argentina
Where to stay: Self-contained bungalows Cabanas Doralia in the town of Oberá feature a well-equipped kitchen, a barbecue terrace, an outdoor pool and beautiful garden views. The comfortable accommodation is located near La Ruta Del Tean Argentine teahouse where travelers can learn from fourth-generation tea producers and try Yerba Mate sweetened with agave and served with pastries for an afternoon treat.
Steeped in rich tea traditions, the Cameron Highlands is known for its impressive emerald green tea plantations and stunning mountain views. The Bharat Tea Estate produces some of the world’s favorite tea labels, including Cameroon Valley, which takes its flavor inspiration from Sri Lanka and South India. Visitors can quench their thirst in the estate’s tea house with a special high tea, and wander the lush hilly grounds of moss-covered trees, rich flora and fauna, and exotic plants.
Cameron Highlands, Malaysia @ Getty Images
Where to stay: Located a short drive from the Bharat Tea Estate is high body temperature, a kitschy vintage guest house with modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy activities around the Cameron Highlands, such as hiking and biking in the Mossy Forest, home to Rafflesia – the largest flowers in the world. Between trekking and tea culture, it is easy to relax in the evening on the beautiful riverside terrace.
The northern city of Thai Nguyen, steeped in impressive emerald green tea plantations and stunning mountain views, is known for its hundred years of aromatic tea cultivation. Among the various teas, Tan Cuong tea grown in the Tan Cuong – Cong River area is the most famous and beloved. With each sip, it leaves a wonderfully bitter taste on the tip of the tongue, after which it slowly sweetens in the throat. Visitors can discover Thai Nguyen’s rich tea-growing tradition in the tea villages of Trai Cai and La Bang, or luxurious tea estates in Phuc Thuan, Thanh Cong, and Song Cau. Meander through the lush hilly terrain with moss-covered trees and discover the rich flora and fauna and exotic plants.
Tan Cuong Tea Farm in Vietnam’s Nguyen City, Thailand
Where to stay: Levent Tam Dao is a lovely rustic guest house with modern amenities, located half an hour’s drive from the center of Thai Nguyen. Visitors can enjoy activities around the highlands of Thai Nguyen and Vinh Phuc, such as hiking and biking in the forest, or visiting villages and teahouses. Between trekking and tea culture, it is easy to relax in the evening on the beautiful terrace overlooking the mountains.
For those inspired to discover the destinations behind their favorite teas, Booking.com shares it Getaway Deals for travelers to use when booking their next trip. Discounts start at 15 percent and are valid for stays between April 4 and September 30, 2022. In addition, Booking.com is bringing the amazing value of its Genius program to even more customers by giving all account holders access to the Level 1 benefits of the program , with no minimum number of previous bookings to qualify, including access to exclusive 10% discounts at hundreds of thousands of participating properties worldwide. Travelers simply need to download the Booking.com app, log in and look for the Genius logo to identify the associated benefits, discounts and perks.
