Connecting "green islands", awakening the potential of sustainable tourism

Along the gentle Tien River, which has been associated with the lives of many generations of people in the West, the islands emerge like “green gems” in the middle of the vast river. After the merger of Dong Thap and Tien Giang provinces, this river now connects a seamless chain of ecological spaces, opening up great opportunities for sustainable community tourism development with its own unique identity. This is not only a story about new lands, but also a journey to awaken tourism potential from the core values ​​of gardens, craft villages and hospitality.

FROM THE "GREEN ISLAND" RIVER THAT CAPTIVATES TOURISTS...

On the current tourism map of Dong Thap, from the upper reaches of Hong Nguy to the lower reaches of Go Cong, names like Long Khanh Island, Tan Long Island, Tan Thuan Dong Island, Thoi Son Island… are no longer isolated destinations, but are gradually forming a unique ecological and cultural chain. Each island can be likened to a "island of identity," contributing to a complete river tourism experience.

Tourists are excited to experience rowing a boat amidst the shady coconut trees on Thoi Son islet.

The strategic vision for developing island tourism clusters on the Tien River was once affirmed by Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan: "Downstream to the sea, we have a chain of islands. The space surrounded by water is the idea behind developing models of 'green islands,' 'craft village islands,' and 'ecological islands'."

Each islet will create its own unique brand, offering enriching experiences. What we need is not isolated destinations, but a connected journey where visitors can explore the entire culture of the Tien River region.”

That space doesn't need massive man-made structures, but rather needs to preserve the true essence of the Mekong Delta: abundant fruit trees, vibrant traditional crafts, generous people, and a friendly, open lifestyle. These are the core values ​​that the community-based tourism model is strongly promoting on the islets. Along the journey of discovery, each islet possesses its own unique characteristics, rich in rural spirit and a spirit of innovation.

Long Khánh Island (formerly Hồng Ngự District) is the starting point of the journey, notable for its long stretches of golden natural sand dunes and cool, refreshing air. Here, visitors can not only enjoy swimming in the sand dunes but also visit the century-old traditional scarf weaving village in Long Khánh A, Long Khánh Commune. The sounds of the looms, the skillful hands of the artisans, and the vibrant colors of the scarves are a vivid embodiment of a "silent heritage" being revived alongside tourism.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan once emphasized: "Rural tourism is not about sightseeing and then leaving, but about retaining tourists through authentic experiences and long-term engagement. This model helps people confidently and proactively introduce their local culture, transforming the simplest things into unique tourism products with a strong personal touch."

Further south towards Cao Lanh ward, Tan Thuan Dong islet impresses with its "Weekend Countryside Market" model. Every Saturday afternoon, the village road on the islet becomes bustling and vibrant with stalls selling grilled banana cakes, fish noodle soup, fresh garden vegetables, and more, interspersed with simple folk music performances.

The lively yet friendly atmosphere makes many tourists want to return again and again. The rural market consists of 35 stalls, with nearly 70 vendors, mostly locals. They utilize readily available local produce to serve tourists.

Ms. Dang Thi Biet, residing in Tan Thuan Dong commune, said that previously, her family only made steamed glutinous rice cakes and sold them at the market, selling about 100 cakes a day and earning about 100,000 VND. Since the establishment of the local market, she has focused on weekends, increasing the number of cakes to 200-300, thus increasing her income.

Since its first market day (March 2022), Tan Thuan Dong rural market has contributed to increasing people's income and providing employment for some unemployed people in the area. To encourage local people to develop sustainable tourism, the government has provided support by strengthening security and hygiene, and especially by encouraging the use of environmentally friendly packaging and limiting the use of plastic bottles and bags.

Downstream on the Tien River, Thoi Son islet emerges as a gentle strip of land, covered in the green of orchards, coconut groves, and the melodious sounds of traditional folk music emanating from simple thatched roofs. The special thing about Thoi Son islet is its green and peaceful atmosphere – something many city dwellers crave. Just a 15-minute boat ride from My Tho ward's pier, visitors enter another world: no car horns, only the sound of oars splashing in the water, birdsong, and the rustling of the wind through the longan, rambutan, and sapodilla orchards…

Ms. Le Thi Yen, from Hanoi, shared that during her trip from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, she was invited by a friend to visit Thoi Son islet and had an unforgettable experience. "What impressed me most was the genuine, simple, and enthusiastic nature of the local people."

"Not only did I get to admire the peaceful countryside scenery, but I also directly participated in traditional activities such as making puffed rice by roasting it on sand, or making rice paper myself under the dedicated guidance of skilled artisans. Each experience brought back childhood memories, a feeling both strange and familiar, like returning to a part of my past that seemed long gone. Especially, what touched me most was the genuine hospitality of the people of the Mekong Delta," said Ms. Le Thi Yen.

Visitors to Thoi Son not only get to enjoy banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake), drink honey tea, and listen to traditional folk music, but can also try their hand at making coconut candy, rice paper, and more. Each product tells a story, a part of the memories of the riverine region being revived by a love of the craft and a desire for a better life.

TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM MODEL

Tourism development on these islets doesn't rely on large-scale investment, but rather on the active participation of the community. Each resident is a "local guide," each house a stopover, and each dish a cultural story. Community-based tourism is not simply about serving tourists, but about living alongside them, creating economic value, emotional experiences, and lasting connections.

Tourists are delighted when locals in Long Khánh A shawl weaving village show them how to make a shawl.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Chieu, a long-time shawl weaver in Long Khanh islet, said: “Thanks to the local government promoting tourism, in recent years, many international and domestic tourist groups have come to visit and experience the craft village. Through the development of the tourism model, not only do we introduce the unique cultural features of the craft village to tourists, but we, the villagers, also sell more products.”

The eco-tourism, community-based tourism, and traditional craft village model in the delta region not only helps increase income but also brings pride to the people. Each woven scarf, each cup of honey tea, each traditional folk song... becomes a cultural bridge connecting the Southern region to other parts of the country and abroad.

The "green island" strategy is not just about tourism development, but about sustainable development of the land, preserving culture, maintaining ecology, and empowering the community. Step by step, organic production models, traditional crafts, and small homestay services linked to experiential tours are helping the islands thrive.

In the flow of alluvial soil, the islets are no longer just "floating land" in the middle of the river, but are becoming a new cultural and economic lifeline for the newly established Dong Thap province. Each person, each product, each story is contributing to creating a unique tourism identity, a place where visitors not only explore but also relax and connect.

And when each islet becomes a unique tourism product linked together in a chain, empowered by the community, then it is not just a destination, but a place where aspirations for a better life originate amidst the fertile riverine landscape.

MY LY

Source: https://baoapbac.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/202508/ket-noi-nhung-cu-lao-xanh-danh-thuc-tiem-nang-du-lich-ben-vung-1047998/