Vietnamese 'thiều' lychee: season, sizes, classes and Brix
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Short answer. Vietnamese 'thiều' lychee is harvested from late May to July in Luc Ngan (Bac Ninh province) and Thanh Ha (Hai Phong city). Early varieties come from late May to mid June, and the main crop runs through June and July. Fruit is usually 28–33 mm across and about 18–21 °Brix, so most lots are Codex Class I.
When is lychee in season?
| Period | Crop (indicative) |
|---|---|
| Late May to mid June | Early lychee varieties, on request |
| June to July | Main 'thiều' crop |
| August to April | No fresh lychee |
The 2026 harvest in Bac Ninh ran from about 20 May to 20 July. Dates move by 1–2 weeks with the weather, so each crop is confirmed in the spring.
Where is it grown?
In Luc Ngan, Tan Yen and Yen The (former Bac Giang, now Bac Ninh province), and in Thanh Ha and Chi Linh (former Hai Duong, now Hai Phong city).
Which classes apply?
| Codex class | Minimum diameter | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Extra | 33 mm | 5 % |
| Class I | 20 mm | 10 % |
| Class II | 20 mm; skin blemishes at most 0.5 cm² | 10 % |
The reference is Codex CXS 196-1995. Size is the maximum equatorial diameter, and fruit in one package may differ by at most 10 mm. 'Thiều' fruit is usually about 28–33 mm, so most lots are Class I. Extra, at 33 mm and over, is selected on request.
How does the fruit arrive?
As loose fruit with short stalks, or in small bunches. The peel is bright red at harvest. Lychee does not ripen after harvest.
Frequently asked questions
How sweet is 'thiều' lychee?
Usually about 18–21 °Brix at harvest. Brix is measured on sample fruit per lot and sent with the packing photos.
Can I order lychee outside May–July?
No. Fresh lychee is a short seasonal crop.
When are harvest dates known?
Each crop is confirmed in the spring, because the weather moves the dates by 1–2 weeks.
Packing, treatment and cold chain are in shipping lychee: air cartons, cold chain and SO₂. Full specifications are on the lychee page; for a price, use the lychee quotation form.
Sources
Last reviewed 12 November 2026 by VIET FARM EXPORT COMPANY LIMITED, Ho Chi Minh City. Figures come from our lychee specification; they are indicative and confirmed with each quotation.