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 across the globe, highlighting just how much joy and comfort this beverage can bring.
Tea is a worldwide phenomenon and just about every country, from Argentina to Vietnam, has its own way of consuming it. From the rich past of Chinese green tea to the vibrant mint leaves of Morocco, discover the exciting destinations behind the drinks as compiled by Booking.com. With 60% of Vietnamese travelers keen to try places for food and drink on their next trip, International Tea Day is the perfect excuse to travel to locations naturally steeped in history and beauty.
This mountainous city with misty skies and a centerpiece lake is home to colorful rainforests and an array of tea estates. It’s where the first tea was planted in Sri Lanka and now has a flourishing economy with over 600 tea estates stretched across the region. Explore the area with a Tea Plantation Cycling Tour and discover the wonders of the city; starting at the Ceylon Tea Museum in Kandy, then cycling 55km through lush tea plantations where travelers can stop and speak to tea pickers and learn about local varieties. Try the refreshing Ceylon tea, each leaf carefully handpicked to ensure its quality – enjoyed warm or over ice.
Meknes, Morocco: Maghrebi Mint Tea
Moroccan mint tea or maghrebi as they call it, is the national drink of choice in Morocco. Per tradition, the sweet tea is served in ornate silver teapots and poured at least one foot above the cup. Various blends are made across the country, but the vibrant mint leaves from the scenic hilltop city of Meknes are said to be the best. A UNESCO-stamped ancient medina, meander around the old town to discover everything from specialist souks selling beautiful crafts and textiles to teahouses in secret courtyards and even the odd donkey strolling around.
Harrogate, UK: English Breakfast Tea
Brits are known for their love of Tea. English breakfast tea is a British staple, which has expanded over the years to include a variety of brews including decaf and gold standard. The quaint 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 flavor. Take a trip to the nearby city of York and enjoy a delightful Afternoon Tea Boat Cruise along the picturesque River Ouse, where visitors will discover the city’s medieval history. Iconic sites include York Minster, one of the largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world.
Hanoi, Vietnam: Lotus Tea
Through thousands of years of growing and drinking tea, Vietnamese have built a tea culture that is both diverse and unique and now an essential part of daily life. Lotus tea is recognised to be one of the most ancient teas of Vietnam which is produced by following the old and traditional process. The tea makers of Hanoi have mastered the art of flavoring green tea with lotus fragrance to give it a crisp, vanilla hinted flavor with the scent of lotus flower lingering in the mouth. In Hanoi, you can try the Street Food walking tour, and explore different eateries in the Old Quarter Area. Along with food and drinks, get a glimpse of the local lifestyle and culture
Longjing Village, China: Green Tea
With a long history stretching through multiple centuries and cultures, tea is one of China’s greatest treasures and an integral part of their culture. Longjing Village, dubbed ‘the holy land of green tea’ – and also known as Dragon Well – is situated in Hangzhou’s beautiful West Lake district. Rising to prominence during the Huang Dynasty, the tea has a vibrant emerald color and aromatic sweet flavor. Discover the natural beauty of Longjing Village with its secluded hiking trails, hidden caves and family-run tea shops.
Misiones, Argentina: Yerba Mate
Said to have the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea and the joy of chocolate, the herbal tea Yerba Mate is Argentina’s national drink, and enjoyed for its energy-boosting qualities. It is prepared and enjoyed from a hollow gourd with a metal straw that strains leftover leaf particles. The leaves are grown in the rich rainforests of the northeastern province of Misiones, famed for its red earth and papaya fields. Within Misiones lies the Iguazú National Park, home to the magical Iguazú Falls – the world’s largest waterfall – where visitors can spot bright-billed toucans and colorful butterflies.
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