Dong Thap attracts tourists with its rustic, natural beauty.

Dong Thap province has been implementing various solutions to develop tourism and preserve its unique cultural identity to attract tourists.

Many tourists flocked to the recreated Tan Thuan Dong rural market in Cao Laanh City.

PHOTO: TRAN NGOC

Unique rural market by the sand dune

Visiting the local market on Tan Thuan Dong islet (Cao Laanh City, Dong Thap province), which takes place from noon to afternoon every Saturday, tourists will experience the simple, endearing, and rustic charm in Dong Thap province's approach to tourism .

The market space is devoid of luxury goods. There are only a few vegetables, fruits, fish, and snails caught in the locals' gardens, offered to tourists. There are countless types of traditional cakes, such as banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake) and banh chuoi (banana cake), prepared on the spot, hot and fragrant… Many items cost less than 10,000 dong, and both buyers and sellers are friendly, without haggling. Nearby the market is a space for cultural exchange and performances of traditional folk music, Dong Thap folk songs, and many fun and meaningful folk games… making it an attractive destination for tourists visiting the lotus land on weekends.

Tourists participate in experiential activities at Phuong Nam Cultural Tourism Area (Lap Vo District, Dong Thap Province).

PHOTO: TRAN NGOC

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan (51 years old, residing in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City) shared: "I've heard about this rural market on the islet in Dong Thap for a long time, but only now have my family had the chance to experience it. The market is very peaceful and orderly, and the people are very hospitable. I really enjoy coming here for tourism."

To find a unique model reflecting the distinctive character of the Mekong Delta, since December 2022, Cao Lanh City has created a rural market space on Tan Thuan Tay islet, recreating the scene of an old market. The rustic and charming atmosphere of the rural market on Tan Thuan Dong islet has attracted a large number of domestic and international visitors.

Ms. Hong Xuong (70 years old, residing in Tan Thuan Dong commune, Cao Laanh city) said: "Every day, I sell vegetables in the morning at the market. Thanks to this tourist rural market, every Saturday afternoon I have extra income from selling vegetables to tourists. I am very happy."

From the Tan Thuan Dong rural market, Dong Thap has now developed many similar rural tourism market models, each with its own unique characteristics: Go Thap (Thap Muoi District), Long Thuan islet (Hong Nguy District), Tram Chim (Tam Nong District), Xom Ray market (Cao Lanh District)... These models not only contribute to improving economic efficiency but also enrich the community tourism ecosystem in the locality.

"Dong Thap tourism: Pure as the soul of the lotus"

PHOTO: TRAN NGOC

A green, eco-friendly, and sustainable destination.

With the motto "Dong Thap, pure as the soul of the lotus," characteristic destinations such as Sa Dec flower village, Xeo Quyt, Gao Giong, Tram Chim National Park, etc., are effectively exploited, linked with ecological conservation. Traditional craft villages associated with distinctive local cultural values ​​are being developed for tourism purposes, such as Dinh Yen communal house recreating the space of Dinh Yen mat market (Lap Vo District), and the shawl weaving village (Hong Nguy District). The province is forming an integrated tourism model of "agriculture - ecology - experience," creating a unique identity and gradually affirming Dong Thap as a "green," friendly, and sustainable destination.

To develop tourism into a key economic sector, Dong Thap has gradually exploited its potential and advantages in terms of natural conditions, historical and cultural relics, ancient houses, traditional craft villages, etc., to develop tourism. As a result, the total number of tourists in the period 2021-2024 is estimated to reach over 18.5 million, an average increase of 26% per year, including 110,000 international tourists, and total tourism revenue is estimated to reach over 8,500 billion VND.

Tourists visiting Sa Dec flower village.

PHOTO: TRAN NGOC

According to Ms. Huynh Thi Hoai Thu, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dong Thap province, in 2025, the province has proactively implemented a comprehensive set of tasks and solutions to develop tourism with the goal of welcoming 5 million visitors, including 60,000 international visitors, and achieving a total tourism revenue of 2,416 billion VND. In the first six months of the year, Dong Thap's tourism sector is estimated to have welcomed approximately 2.62 million visitors, an increase of 11.5% compared to the same period last year, with estimated tourism revenue reaching 1,440 billion VND, an increase of 27.4% compared to the same period last year.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dong-thap-thu-hut-du-khach-boi-net-dep-moc-mac-tu-nhien-18525061716051204.htm