Colors of the Western Region

Following the merger, the administrative boundaries of the provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta region underwent significant changes, and consequently, the tourism landscape also transformed. Tourism in the Mekong Delta has taken on a new character with diverse resources, forming many unique and interconnected experiential routes.

Tourists experience exploring the forest in Ca Mau. Photo: Kieu Mai

After merging with Soc Trang and Hau Giang, Can Tho City became a prominent regional center with strengths in economy , culture, education, healthcare, technology, etc. This created favorable conditions for Can Tho to become the leading tourism hub of the region.

Building upon its diverse resources, the city's tourism sector is gradually developing a rich, unique, and attractive system of products. Among these, the riverine culture stands out, offering distinct experiences as it extends westward across the Mekong Delta and out to sea: the largest floating markets in the region (Cai Rang floating market, Nga Bay floating market, Nga Nam floating market), the diverse ecosystem of islets and sandbanks (freshwater, brackish, and saltwater); the unique canal and waterway system, recognized internationally; and the system of seaports and deep-water ports… all contributing to the creation of numerous tourism products to meet the diverse needs of visitors. Furthermore, the area is home to ethnic groups such as the Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer, each with their own distinct cultural identities, offering diverse experiences in cuisine , architecture, and performing arts.

With its natural conditions and existing infrastructure, Can Tho stands out as a riverside city, offering visitors a complete experience of the civilized garden life of the Mekong Delta amidst modern life.

Meanwhile, after the merger, Vinh Long province has formed a distinct ecological identity of its orchards and gardens. The new Vinh Long is a convergence point of Ben Tre's coconut culture, Tra Vinh's Khmer culture, and Vinh Long's traditional orchard culture. Besides the system of green islets and many centuries-old craft villages such as flower villages, pottery villages, brick-making villages, and rice cracker villages, this land also boasts new flavors from the seas of Thanh Phu and Ba Dong… This has created a unique cultural and historical tourism experience with a strong ecological and agricultural focus in Vinh Long.

An Giang, after merging with Kien Giang, became a region that combined the beauty of beach, mountain, and spiritual tourism. Its marine ecosystem is quite unique, with the Rach Gia - Ha Tien - Phu Quoc fishing grounds being a prominent feature of the marine economy. The southwestern sea region, with its many unique scenic spots and destinations, creates a strong attraction for tourism in the Mekong Delta. Notable among these are Phu Quoc, Hai Tac Island, Nam Du Archipelago, Kien Hai Island cluster, and Kien Luong - Ha Tien, which have created many tourism products with a distinct local marine character. Simultaneously, the mountain range, including Mount Sam, Mount Cam, and Phuong Hoang Son, creates the unique and mysterious "Seven Mountains" region.

Spiritual tourism in An Giang is also prominent with its system of temples and shrines, especially the Ba Chua Xu Temple at Sam Mountain. In addition, the Kinh-Hoa-Khmer-Cham cultural landscape in this region brings unique colors to border tourism: Tri Ton, Tinh Bien, Ha Tien... It can be said that An Giang tourism after the merger has a blend of beliefs, nature, and cultural identity, suitable for creating beach, spiritual, and cultural tourism products in the border region.

With the merger of Tien Giang and Dong Thap provinces, Dong Thap now possesses a unique advantage: a 234km long riverfront along the Tien River. This natural condition makes Dong Thap an important gateway, playing a crucial role in connecting waterways between the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City. Furthermore, the combination with Tien Giang allows Dong Thap to connect prominent ecological destinations such as Tram Chim National Park, Sa Dec flower village, Cai Be floating market, and Thoi Son islet, creating a unique ecological space for tourists to experience. In addition, this area is famous for many traditional craft villages with their own unique characteristics: Dinh Yen mat weaving village, Lai Vung boat building village, Sa Dec ornamental flower village, Lai Vung fermented pork sausage village, My Tho noodle and rice noodle making village, Chau Thanh palm leaf hat weaving village, Go Cong shrimp paste making village, Cai Be puffed rice cake making village… offering tourists experiences exploring traditional craft villages with the distinctive cultural colors of the Southwestern region of Vietnam.

The merger of Ca Mau and Bac Lieu into Ca Mau has created a route where tourists can combine ecotourism with a deep exploration of the culture and history of the pioneering efforts in the South. U Minh Ha Forest, Ca Mau Cape, the Bac Lieu Prince's House, Cao Van Lau Theater… all hold unique stories connected to the history of the old Southern region. The cultural essence of that pioneering era is still preserved in these real destinations, offering tourists unique cultural and historical experiences, such as forest trekking or experiencing the traditional Cai Luong and Don Ca Tai Tu music. This southernmost region of Vietnam also excels in the fisheries industry, with its specialties of shrimp and crab, creating unique experiences of exploring high-tech agriculture and culinary tourism.

When merged, the provinces and cities all possess numerous advantages in tourism resources, most notably the formation of unique regional tourism product routes. This has contributed to the development of new tourism colors for the Mekong Delta.

AI LAM

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/sac-mau-mien-tay-a193911.html