Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta Provinces Collaborate on High-Quality River Tourism Development

Cai Rang Floating Market a renowned destination

for waterway tourism in the Mekong Delta

The potential of Vietnam’s southern river systems as a premier tourism destination took center stage during a recent seminar held in Can Tho City. The event, organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and Can Tho’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, focused on the development of high-quality river tourism products. It also marked the announcement of a new river tourism route linking Ho Chi Minh City with various provinces and cities within the Mekong Delta.

Unlocking the Potential of the Southern River Region

At the seminar, Nguyen Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, highlighted the unique strengths of the Southern river region, which boasts an extensive 28,000 km river system. The network of rivers plays a vital role in shaping the daily lives, agriculture, and culture of the people in this area, making it an essential component of the tourism landscape.

The Vice Chairman emphasized the great potential the Mekong Delta holds for river tourism, noting the opportunity for Ho Chi Minh City to connect with the Southwest region through its own river systems, including the Dong Nai River, Saigon River, and Nha Be River, which all link with the Mekong Delta provinces. This interconnected river network lays the groundwork for the creation of high-quality river tourism routes that could attract global visitors.

Creating World-Class River Tourism Experiences

A key focus of the seminar was on Ho Chi Minh City’s efforts to map out new river tourism routes and improve connections between the city and the Mekong Delta. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism has already conducted a survey assessing river routes and destinations in provinces such as Long An, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, An Giang, Can Tho, Tra Vinh, and Ben Tre. The goal is to enhance tourism infrastructure and services across these regions, ensuring that the river tourism experience aligns with international standards.

River tourism, an iconic part of Vietnamese culture, is poised to become a core part of the regional tourism offerings, bringing together the culture, heritage, and natural beauty of the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City. Some stakeholders at the seminar suggested that the Mekong Delta’s river tourism routes could extend to connect with sea-based destinations such as the islands of Phu Quoc, Con Dao, and Nam Du, which could provide a breakthrough in building a cohesive regional tourism network.

A Harmonious Blend of Culture, Conservation, and Commerce

As river tourism expands, participants agreed on the necessity of integrating culture, conservation, and commerce into development plans. Sustainable tourism practices that protect the environment while preserving the region’s traditional values are crucial for the future of the industry. The focus should be on creating experiences that highlight the local culture while ensuring economic sustainability.

Investing in strong infrastructure and developing riverside service areas were identified as critical steps toward achieving these goals. By connecting neighboring provinces and cities within the Mekong Delta, the region can create a unified river tourism experience that allows travelers to visit multiple sites along the same river route, enhancing the overall appeal for tourists.

Trade Tourism Week and the Unveiling of 50 New Tourist Destinations

As part of the ongoing effort to enhance tourism in the Mekong Delta, the Trade Tourism Week was held, featuring participation from Ho Chi Minh City and the 13 provinces and cities of the Mekong Delta. The event spotlighted 50 appealing tourist destinations within both Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta region, offering a broad spectrum of attractions for both local residents and international visitors.

In addition, from November 30 to December 2, the People’s Committee of Cai Rang District (Can Tho City) organized the 8th Can Tho City Tourism Festival 2024. The festival, themed “Cai Rang Floating Market Culture,” showcased the region’s rich heritage, with performances, food stalls, and cultural exhibitions celebrating the famed floating market culture of the Mekong Delta.

Looking Ahead to the Future of River Tourism

With the cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta provinces gaining momentum, the future of river tourism looks bright. The newly proposed tourism routes promise to offer an unforgettable experience for visitors, blending the natural beauty of Vietnam’s rivers with the unique cultural heritage of the region. As the initiative progresses, it’s clear that both the local economy and the tourism sector stand to benefit from the growth of river tourism, as Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta work together to create sustainable, high-quality travel experiences for the global market.

As Vietnam continues to establish itself as a top travel destination in Southeast Asia, the development of river tourism will undoubtedly play a significant role in showcasing the beauty, culture, and natural wonder of the country’s southern regions.