Vietnam Post officially launched the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) service in Muong Ang Commune on September 21, incorporating drones into its logistics network to transport agricultural products in areas where difficult terrain limits road access.
Dien Bien's mountainous terrain, scattered population and remote farming areas pose significant transport challenges. Produce such as tea, coffee and macadamia nuts also needs to be collected and processed quickly after harvest.
In Muong Ang, some coffee and macadamia-growing areas are four to five kilometres from collection points. Steep terrain and narrow, winding and slippery roads make transport difficult, particularly in bad weather.
Under the new service, drones carry produce from farms to collection points before it is transported by road to cooperatives, buyers or processing facilities.
Each drone can carry up to 50 kilogrammes per trip. The model is expected to speed up the movement of produce from farming areas, reduce intermediate stages and improve connections to markets.
The drones are intended to complement rather than replace conventional transport, particularly on routes where road access is difficult.
Chu Quang Hao, general director of Vietnam Post, said UAVs could help modernise logistics, particularly in areas with difficult terrain and limited road access.
He said combining the company's existing network with UAV technology could help develop more efficient logistics services for residents, businesses and localities.
Drones are also being studied for other agricultural uses, including transporting harvested produce, spraying pesticides and applying fertilisers.
Following the Muong Ang rollout, Vietnam Post plans to expand the model to other areas and gradually use drones for intermediate stages of its logistics network.
The company also aims to develop services combining drone transport from harvesting sites with road transport, processing, packaging, storage, distribution and delivery.
Vietnam Post has previously tested drones for medical and postal deliveries as part of efforts to develop a broader low-altitude logistics ecosystem.
The Dien Bien service marks a further step in applying technology to address transport challenges in mountainous areas and improve links between agricultural production zones and markets.