Experience Cu Lao Gieng Island

From centuries-old religious structures to lush green orchards, riverside ecotourism, and the distinctive culture of the riverine region, Cu Lao Gieng is offering visitors many new and exciting experiences amidst the Tien River.

Tourists experience ecotourism on Cu Lao Gieng island. Photo: LE TRUNG HIEU

A green island in the middle of the Tien River

Cu Lao Gieng has long been likened to a green island in the tranquil Tien River. This land attracts tourists with the peacefulness of its tree-lined village roads, orchards laden with fruit, and the slow pace of life of the people living along the river. In Cu Lao Gieng, visitors can leisurely stroll through the gardens, enjoy seasonal fruits, and experience the rustic cuisine of the region. Local specialties such as pickled mangoes and pickled starfruit, with their unique flavors, always leave a lasting impression.

Besides its lush green natural landscapes, Cu Lao Gieng is also famous for its many unique religious and spiritual architectural works such as Cu Lao Gieng Church, the Convent of Divine Providence, the Franciscan Convent, Thanh Hoa Pagoda, Phuoc Thanh Pagoda, Rach Sau Church, and Tan My communal house. Particularly noteworthy is Cu Lao Gieng Church, built in 1879, one of the oldest churches in Southern Vietnam. The building bears the strong imprint of French architecture with its towering bell tower, interconnected columns, and harmoniously designed ventilation openings and small towers. After nearly a century and a half, the church remains almost perfectly preserved, becoming an attractive destination for tourists from near and far.

One must-see attraction is Phuoc Thanh Pagoda, also known locally as Chim Pagoda (Bird Pagoda). This is a famous spiritual tourist destination featuring a 39-meter-tall statue of Amitabha Buddha and a complex of 48 Bodhisattva statues arranged along the pagoda's entrance. This structure has been recognized as a Vietnamese record holder for having the largest complex of Amitabha Buddha statues and 48 Bodhisattva statues in the country.

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Besides cultural and spiritual tourist attractions, Cu Lao Gieng also offers fascinating ecological experiences. The Con En ecological tourist site impresses with its unique world of agarwood sculptures and many beautiful miniature landscapes. Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Yen, Director of the Con En ecological tourist site, said: “Here, visitors can admire unique sculptures, miniature landscapes, and bonsai gardens. In addition, visitors can experience swimming in the river in a beach-style manner, participate in folk games, and enjoy seasonal cuisine typical of the Mekong Delta.”

During a summer trip to the Mekong Delta with his family, Mr. Duong Chi Hao, residing in Ba Ria ward (Ho Chi Minh City), said that Cu Lao Gieng was a destination that left many beautiful impressions. Mr. Hao shared: “In Cu Lao Gieng, my family and I really enjoyed wandering along the village roads, exploring ancient architectural structures, visiting fruit orchards, and savoring the local specialties of the Mekong Delta.”

Reorganizing tourism spaces

In recent years, along with developing its existing potential, Cu Lao Gieng commune has gradually invested in infrastructure, preserved cultural and historical values, and promoted the local image. As a result, the number of visitors has increased steadily. From the beginning of 2026 to the present, the commune has welcomed more than 27,200 tourists; including approximately 1,400 international visitors.

However, tourism still has much room for development. Current attractions mainly operate independently, tourism products are not truly diverse, and there is a lack of linkage to form complete experiential itineraries. Transportation on the island, although receiving investment, still needs further upgrading to better serve the needs of tourists.

According to Tran Phan Nhu Y, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Cu Lao Gieng commune, based on an assessment of the local potential and current situation, the commune is orienting its tourism space towards greater diversity and richer experiences. Simultaneously, it is developing distinctive products associated with the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values. In addition, Cu Lao Gieng continues to promote its tourism image, improve service quality, and strengthen linkages between tours and routes with destinations within and outside the province. Support for garden owners in beautifying the landscape, developing ecotourism, and building attractions in traditional craft villages is also being prioritized to create new products for tourists.

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With its tourism potential, Cu Lao Gieng is gradually establishing itself as an attractive destination on the An Giang tourism map. It offers visitors not only experiences close to nature but also a journey to discover the rich cultural and historical values ​​of the Southwestern region of Vietnam.

LE TRUNG HIEU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/trai-nghiem-cu-lao-gieng-a489936.html