
Ready to welcome tourists
At key entertainment hubs in Đồng Tháp Province, such as Tràm Chim National Park, Xẻo Quýt Relic Site, Southern Culture Area, Nguyễn Sinh Sắc Mausoleum, and Gáo Giồng Eco-tourism Area, efforts are underway to beautify the premises and add new scenic features for visitors to enjoy the festive season. In Sa Đéc Flower Village, with around 2,000 different flower species, production is in full swing to meet both Tet demand and the influx of visitors coming to take photos and experience the vibrant atmosphere.
Mr. Phạm Thành Tâm, owner of the Rose Garden Tourism Site in Tân Quy Đông Ward, Sa Đéc City, shared, “Recently, we’ve been busy tending to over 6,000 rose plants, setting up rest areas and scenic spots for visitors to relax, take photos, and enjoy beverages made from roses, such as rose tea and rose syrup. This is part of our effort to promote the rose brand, which has long been associated with Sa Đéc Flower Village.”
Meanwhile, at a six-hectare orchard in Long Hậu Commune, Lai Vung District, Mr. Đoàn Anh Kiệt, owner of the Hai Kiệt Tangerine Orchard, revealed that Lai Vung's specialty tangerines are a seasonal fruit ripening beautifully just in time for Tet. Over the past few years, tourism operators and farmers have collaborated to open numerous orchards for visitors to explore, take photos, and handpick and savor the fruit. “From December through Tet, we welcome many visitors here to experience the tangerine orchards,” Mr. Kiệt added.
In Cần Thơ City, Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Hoàng, Deputy Director of the Mỹ Khánh Ecotourism Village in Phong Điền District, said, “We’ve recently launched the Mỹ Khánh Royal Cruise, which accommodates about 300 passengers. The cruise offers a unique nighttime experience, taking visitors to famous spots like Cái Răng Floating Market, Ninh Kiều Wharf, and Can Tho Bridge while enjoying local delicacies and đờn ca tài tử performances. This Tet, we have a wide range of entertainment and dining programs to attract tourists to stay longer in Tây Đô.”
Local authorities in Cần Thơ are also coordinating efforts to upgrade tourism infrastructure, launch new products, and organize Tet highlights such as four firework shows, a flower street, artistic light displays, and a spring flower market.
Phú Quốc City (Kiên Giang) is in the season of welcoming foreign tourists.
In Phú Quốc City (Kiên Giang), the "pearl island" is gearing up for its peak tourist season, particularly welcoming international visitors. Major tourism corporations on the island have enhanced recreational facilities and introduced new offerings, ensuring competitive service prices to attract both domestic and international guests.
Toward sustainable development
An Giang Province, known for the majestic Seven Mountains and the recently UNESCO-recognized Vía Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, draws millions of visitors annually. According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, efforts are being made to cater to the large influx of pilgrims and tourists during the Lunar New Year period.
Although An Giang recorded 9 million visitors and tourism revenues of 10.25 trillion VND in 2024, local officials expressed concerns about low overnight stays and spending. To address this, the province is developing comprehensive tour routes that link with other Mekong Delta localities, Ho Chi Minh City, and Southeast Asian countries to diversify tourism offerings and encourage longer stays.
In Cà Mau, the southernmost point of Vietnam, tourism potential remains underutilized due to remote accessibility and limited infrastructure. Mr. Trần Hiếu Hùng, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, stated that the province is implementing community-based tourism policies and digital innovations, such as online and smart tourism, to attract visitors. Events and programs like “Cà Mau - A Destination” aim to position the province as a must-visit destination by 2030.
Innovating for regional appeal
According to Đồng Tháp’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the province focuses on infrastructure and unique tourism products. Leveraging its agricultural strengths, Đồng Tháp prioritizes eco-tourism and agricultural tourism. With around 100 agricultural tourism sites, many of which are certified OCOP products (3-4 stars), Đồng Tháp aims to attract 5 million visitors and generate 2.1 trillion VND in revenue by 2025.
Ms. Lê Đình Minh Thy, Director of Vietravel’s Cần Thơ branch, observed that the Mekong Delta has made significant strides in diversifying its tourism products. However, nighttime activities, large-scale cultural and entertainment events, and upscale accommodations remain underdeveloped, making it less of a resort destination and resulting in lower return visitor rates.
Enhancing the visitor experience
To enhance the overall visitor experience, it is essential to standardize tourism facilities. These include ensuring proper infrastructure, transparent pricing, certified food safety, dedicated restrooms for visitors, uniformed staff, and multilingual communication capabilities.
Cuisine, an integral part of any travel experience, is another area with untapped potential. The Mekong Delta lacks a centralized culinary hub to showcase its rich gastronomic heritage. Establishing a culinary center would not only refresh regional tourism but also highlight iconic dishes such as lẩu mắm, lẩu chua, braised and caramelized fish, and various flower salads, alongside traditional cakes like bánh bò, bánh đúc, and banana cakes.
Ultimately, creating unique, culturally rich experiences that integrate local cuisine, sports, and festivals will make the Mekong Delta a standout destination, enticing visitors to return for more.
Source: Cantho News - Translated by Hoang Dat