“Journey to Cai Rang” is an experience tour that Special Life Travel has just exploited. The highlight of this itinerary is the indigenous cultural element that is strongly introduced to visitors. For example, discovering the life on the river of small traders in the floating market, learning about craft villages and the process of making noodles, visiting orchards depending on seasons (eco-tour), stopping by Hiep Thien Cung – a construction work that has unique architecture and expresses the cultural beliefs of Cai Rang, enjoying diverse and mouthwatering vegetarian food at Hakia Garden, etc. Mr. Pham Hai Viet, Director of Special Life Travel, said: “As a local in Cai Rang, I would like to introduce the beauty of my hometown to visitors near and far every time they visit Can Tho with a new perspective. Visitors will be guided by local people to visit and experience activities close to the Cai Rang people's life”.

Another hallmark of the journey is the experience of staying in a house with bamboo walls and thatched roof. 1.5km from Cai Rang floating market, Special Life Homestay is located in the city center, but it is very quiet and completely separate from the bustling and noisy life of the city. The thatched roof houses are nestled under the canopy of mango and pomelo trees, therefore it looks really fresh and green when staying in those houses. Moreover, these cottages are designed right on the fish pond where sometimes the fish swimming very lively under the water, thus bringing a peaceful, tranquil countryside feeling for guests. “Once a foreign tourist could not help but jump into the pond to catch fish. Some guests stayed only one day, but then changed their mind and stayed for 4-5 days”, said the owner of the homestay. Homestay has a fairly affordable price, only from 350,000 VND/ a day for a single room and 500,000-600,000 VND/ a day for a double room. Homestay guests often roam in the garden, make “bánh xèo” (Vietnamese pancakes) or sometimes cycle around for sightseeing. The homestay is only about 1km from Cai Rang traditional market. Besides, there are many interesting destinations for visitors to discover such as Que Toi noodle factory, Hiep Thien Cung, Hakia Garden. A new tour being built by Special Life Travel is a journey to Cai Rang floating market which explores the traditional craft villages, Yen Ha wooden basket village, and experience culinary, team building at Hakia Garden.

Promoting indigenous cultural elements in tourism is a trend that many tourism operators such as Haiau Tourist, Can Tho Ecolodge, Hung Homestay, Làng Xanh (Green Village), Hometravel Mekong Cantho ... are doing very effectively. In particular, Haiau Tourist exploits new products of Bao Gia Farm & Camping and Bao Gia manor resort. There are also some outstanding activities such as visiting traditional markets (Cai Chanh market), visiting the traditional craft villages of weaving mat and knitting baskets, etc. Meanwhile, Can Tho Ecolodge cooperates with the garden owners so that visitors can experience the eco-tours to explore the unique indigenous culture. For example, visitors can cycle around country roads, visit orchards, traditional craft villages, or a 3-generation family to learn about the customs and habits of the locals. As for Hung Homestay, visitors can visit the rice field, the flower field, wade in the ditches to catch fish, or row the boat to catch fireflies, etc.

Each travel company has its own way of exploiting experiences and operating programs, but its purpose is still the same. They all aim at showing tourists the indigenous cultural values which are the stories and the simple life of Cai Rang people. It is the key element to develop Cai Rang tourism in particular and Can Tho tourism in general, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the tourism industry.