Tourism in the Mekong Delta is poised for a breakthrough during the 2026 national holiday.

(Chinhphu.vn) - During the two recent national holidays, tourism in the Mekong Delta region recorded impressive growth, especially in the cultural and experiential tourism segment. Many localities achieved high revenue and a significant increase in visitor numbers, demonstrating the growing appeal of products associated with the unique identity of the riverine region.

Many games and tourist activities in Phu Quoc offer diverse experiences for visitors - Photo: VGP/LS

An Giang enjoys a bumper harvest, Vinh Long is thriving.

This year's extended holiday period has given a clear boost to the tourism industry in many localities in the Mekong Delta region, with An Giang emerging as a bright spot with outstanding growth in both the number of visitors and revenue.

According to the An Giang Provincial Department of Tourism, during the two holiday periods of Hung Kings' Commemoration Day and April 30th - May 1st, the province welcomed 1,082,057 visitors, an increase of 33.2% compared to the same period last year. Of these, international visitors accounted for 84,178, an increase of 85.3%; domestic visitors reached 997,879, an increase of 39.3%. The number of visitors to tourist areas and attractions reached 850,739, an increase of 30.8%, while the number of overnight stays reached 231,318, an increase of 43.1%.

Notably, the province's total tourism revenue reached 2,338 billion VND, a significant increase of 60.9% compared to the same period last year. Occupancy rates in the 4-5 star hotel segment exceeded 90%, while other segments remained at 65-70%, indicating a strong increase in accommodation demand during the holiday season.

Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone alone is estimated to have welcomed 309,597 visitors, an increase of 34.0%, including 82,084 international visitors, an increase of 89.9%; and 129,354 overnight visitors, an increase of 69.5%. This is a significant growth rate, reflecting the attractiveness of this island destination combining relaxation and experiences.

According to the An Giang Provincial Department of Tourism, preparations for serving tourists have been implemented comprehensively and effectively. Localities and businesses have proactively upgraded products, added new services, and organized many recreational activities, contributing to creating a vibrant and attractive atmosphere for tourists.

Inspection and supervision efforts have been strengthened to prevent price gouging and harassment of tourists. Security and order are ensured, contributing to enhancing the image of the destination as friendly and safe.

In Vinh Long , tourism also recorded positive signs. During the holiday period, the locality estimated it welcomed over 85,000 visitors, with revenue exceeding 60 billion VND. Occupancy rates at accommodation establishments, especially homestays in island areas such as An Binh and Binh Hoa Phuoc, reached 70% to 80%, and in some places even 100% during peak days.

Popular destinations such as An Binh islet, Vinh Sang Tourist Area, Vinh Long Museum, and the Vo Van Kiet Memorial Area attract a large number of tourists. In addition, the red ceramic and flower-lined road continues to be an attractive check-in spot, contributing to the diversification of local tourism products.

Ca Mau leverages its advantages in cultural and spiritual tourism.

Not only the aforementioned localities, but Ca Mau – the southernmost region of the country – also recorded positive growth during this year's grand celebration, especially in cultural tourism associated with history and spirituality.

According to statistics up to May 3rd, 2026, the total number of visitors to tourist areas, attractions, and historical sites in the province reached 397,200, including 1,970 international visitors, an increase of 7.8% compared to the same period in 2025 (368,487 visitors). Total tourism revenue is estimated at 372.2 billion VND, an increase of 19.4% compared to the same period last year (311.8 billion VND).

These figures reflect the effectiveness of tourism organization, promotion, and demand stimulation efforts, and demonstrate Ca Mau's enduring appeal on the national tourism map.

Beyond its natural beauty, Ca Mau is gradually asserting its role in cultural tourism, with well-organized and professional activities catering to visitors. Products linked to local history and identity are being prioritized, providing a more complete experience for tourists.

Tens of thousands of tourists participated in the 13th Southern Vietnam Traditional Cake Festival in Can Tho - Photo: VGP/LS

Can Tho and Dong Thap provinces achieve breakthroughs thanks to festivals.

Alongside other localities in the region, Can Tho City continues to affirm its position as the tourism center of the Mekong Delta with a series of unique cultural and festival activities.

Over six days, from April 26th to May 1st, the city welcomed approximately 650,000 visitors, with the highlight being the 13th Southern Vietnam Traditional Cake Festival in 2026.

This is an annual event organized by the People's Committee of Can Tho City, now in its 13th year, and increasingly establishing its brand. Organizing the festival in conjunction with the Hung Kings Commemoration Day has created a unique characteristic, contributing to its attractiveness to tourists.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City, over the years, traditional folk cakes have not only been preserved but also creatively adapted, maintaining traditional features while remaining in line with modern trends. The festival not only honors culinary values ​​but also provides opportunities for visitors to directly participate in and experience the cake-making process, thereby increasing interaction and cultural depth.

After six days, the festival concluded on the evening of May 1st at Binh Thuy Square, leaving many positive impressions on locals and tourists alike.

In Dong Thap province, tourism also recorded strong growth. According to a report dated May 4, 2026, from the Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, during the two holiday periods, the province welcomed over 669,000 visitors, an increase of 110% compared to the same period last year. International visitors increased by 17%, and total tourism revenue reached 240 billion VND, an increase of 95%.

Localities throughout the province have organized a series of cultural, artistic, sports, and tourism activities, creating a joyful, safe, and effective atmosphere. Cultural and artistic programs at the grassroots level are regularly maintained, contributing to the formation of vibrant community spaces that attract tourists and local people.

Cultural tourism: A driver of sustainable growth.

Outstanding results from various localities show that cultural tourism not only contributes to preserving traditional values ​​but also becomes an important driving force for economic growth and enhances the destination's status in the region.

Tourism experts believe that, thanks to the long holiday period and good preparation by localities and businesses, tourism activities have been positive. In particular, green tourism and cultural tourism continue to be two key product lines, playing a crucial role in attracting tourists.

It can be seen that the strong growth during the April 30th and May 1st holidays in 2026 not only reflects the recovery of the tourism industry after a difficult period, but also opens up opportunities for localities in the region to continue investing in and developing products in a professional, high-quality, and distinctive manner.

In the context of increasing demand for cultural experiences, effectively leveraging traditional values, combined with product innovation and improved service quality, will be key to the sustainable development of tourism in the Mekong Delta in the future.

Le Son

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/du-lich-dong-bang-song-cuu-long-but-pha-dip-dai-le-2026-102260504094532732.htm