Discover sustainable tourism in Thoi Son Island.

Nestled amidst the tranquil Tien River, Thoi Son Island is becoming a prime example of community-based tourism in the Mekong Delta, attracting visitors with authentic rural experiences, improved local products, and a sustainable development model integrated with nature, culture, and the livelihoods of the local people.

Improve product quality

Thoi Son Island (Con Lan) has long been a familiar stop on river tours in Tien Giang (now part of Dong Thap province). The island's beauty comes from its lush green surroundings, fresh air, and peaceful way of life. In recent years, Thoi Son has focused on developing community-based tourism products, improving quality and linking them with local resources.

Visitors to Thoi Son islet must travel by boat on the Tien River.

The journey of discovery takes visitors to the characteristic ecological gardens of Thoi Son: From Hai Phuong pomelo garden with the experience of touring the orchards, enjoying pomelos and the famous pomelo chicken salad; to Thanh Thuy mushroom garden where visitors can learn about the mushroom cultivation process; and then to Minh Dat stingless bee farm to see firsthand how the locals harvest honey manually.

The simplicity and authenticity of each destination bring a sense of relaxation, helping visitors clearly appreciate the tranquil beauty of the Mekong Delta region.

Tourists are being introduced to the Green Island Tourist Area, a destination for young people who enjoy immersing themselves in nature on Thoi Son Island.

Ms. Minh Thu ( Ho Chi Minh City) shared: “I’ve been to Thoi Son a few times before, but this trip was truly different. The activities were rich and varied, especially the coconut jam-making class; it felt like going back to my childhood.”

Besides its scenic advantages, Thoi Son is also located near the Rach Gam - Xoai Mut historical site, commemorating the victory of hero Nguyen Hue in 1785. From Thoi Son, tourists can easily combine visiting the site by land or waterway. The transportation infrastructure is increasingly improved, especially after the Rach Mieu 1 and 2 bridges were put into operation, creating favorable conditions for businesses in Ho Chi Minh City to develop many new tours: half-day tours, 1-2 day tours, tours experiencing traditional crafts, culinary tours, and accommodation amidst green spaces.

In Thoi Son, visitors can also enjoy and pick climbing potatoes.

Additionally, when visiting Thoi Son islet, tourists can also experience the Cu Lao Xanh community tourism area to feel the youthful and energetic atmosphere of the place. Here, visitors can camp amidst lush green coconut groves, watch beekeeping at Co Sau Non's garden, try making beeswax candles, or visit a traditional distillery to learn about the handcrafted distillation process.

Furthermore, on this island, visitors can enjoy rustic yet creative dishes served amidst the characteristic waterways of the Mekong Delta. Another noteworthy experience is visiting Ngoc Lan Farm, where freshwater pearl oysters are raised. This is a new model being developed on the island to harmoniously combine tourism and green livelihoods for the local people.

Tourists experience candle-making at Thoi Son Island.

Mr. Xuan Hong (a tourist visiting Ho Chi Minh City) expressed: “My favorite place is Thoi Son Island because it offers both experiential activities and many beautiful photo spots. The food here is also very special, especially the clam-filled banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake) and bitter snail-filled banh khot (miniature savory pancakes). These simple yet unique dishes make me want to return with my family next time.”

Mr. Xuan Hong, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, experiences making coconut jam using the traditional method.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan Mai, Vice Chairwoman of Thoi Son Ward, in recent years, the people of Thoi Son have boldly improved community tourism, from renovating gardens and expanding living spaces to upgrading food and beverage services and building traditional craft experience points. This proactive approach has helped diversify products, extend the length of stay, and create more activities to encourage tourists to stay longer and experience more. This is a crucial driving force for Thoi Son to move towards a sustainable community tourism model, closely linking the livelihoods of the people and the satisfaction of tourists.

Establishing a sustainable tourism ecosystem.

According to Ms. Xuan Mai, the community tourism project currently being implemented by the Thoi Son Ward People's Committee focuses on connecting people, nature, and traditional crafts into a sustainable tourism ecosystem. Locals are trained in hospitality skills, local storytelling, operating tourist attractions, and developing unique products in the spirit of "New Experiences - New Quality." This proactive approach and professionalization from the community itself is the foundation for Thoi Son to create its own distinct identity.

Tourists experience making banh bo (Vietnamese steamed rice cakes) at a household participating in community tourism in Thoi Son.

"For long-term development, Thoi Son has identified key products including traditional crafts, local cuisine, green agricultural experiences, and routes connected to the Rach Gam - Xoai Mut historical site. Thanks to the consensus of the people and support from the government, Thoi Son is capable of welcoming diverse groups of visitors, from experiential tourists to those attending seminars and short-term vacations," Ms. Xuan Mai added.

The food in Thoi Son is made by hand by the locals. Desserts such as coconut jelly and coconut jam are all handmade to preserve the traditional flavor of the dishes.

From the perspective of a tourism expert in the Mekong Delta, Mr. Phan Dinh Hue, Director of Vietnam Circle Tourism Company, believes that the greatest value of Thoi Son tourism lies not only in the diversity of its products but also in the simple, gentle spirit and the professionalism that is gradually developing within the local community. This friendly yet systematic, rustic yet modern approach has created a unique and sustainable vitality for the Thoi Son community tourism model.

Locals make savory pancakes filled with bitter snails for tourists to enjoy. Bitter snails are a type of snail caught by locals in the Tien River.

According to Mr. Phan Dinh Hue, recently, six travel businesses from Ho Chi Minh City, after experiencing the community-based tourism products offered, have signed cooperation agreements with the local authorities. This is a positive sign, opening up opportunities to bring Thoi Son closer to the large tourist market, especially from Ho Chi Minh City, a dynamic and powerful tourism hub. Through cooperation, businesses from Ho Chi Minh City will support the local authorities in developing professional tours, standardizing services, promoting products, and connecting destinations.

Clam-filled banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancake) and bitter snail-filled banh khot (mini savory pancakes) are dishes that leave a lasting impression on tourists because of their unique and delicious taste.

"This is considered a key solution to help Thoi Son expand its market, diversify experiences, and improve service quality, thereby attracting new tourist groups and extending their length of stay. This linkage also lays the foundation for the formation of an inter-regional community tourism network, creating a strong impetus for Thoi Son tourism in the coming period," Mr. Phan Dinh Hue added.

According to tourism experts in Ho Chi Minh City, Thoi Son is attractive because of its novel experiences, the warmth of its people, and its increasingly complete ecosystem of tourism products. Here, visitors not only "admire" the scenery but also "feel" the warmth and identity of this alluvial land. With a sustainable development orientation and the unity of the community, Thoi Son islet is gradually becoming a model destination for community tourism in the Southwestern region of Vietnam, a place that visitors will love and become attached to every time they return.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/du-lich/kham-pha-du-lich-ben-vung-tai-cu-lao-thoi-son-20251118162352542.htm