Elevating Agro-Tourism

(DTO) Leveraging its natural advantages, diverse local specialties, and unique cultural identity, Dong Thap Province has identified agro-tourism as a strategic pathway toward economic growth and sustainable new-style rural development.

THE COMPETITIVE EDGE OF AGRO-TOURISM

In recent years, Dong Thap’s tourism sector has prioritized immersive experiences centered on local agricultural products.

The province currently boasts 91 travel agencies, 455 accommodation providers, and 106 tourist sites integrated with farming, community activities, and traditional craft villages. Notably, 32 sites have been officially recognized by the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee as tourist destinations under the standards of the 2017 Law on Tourism.

Embracing the spirit of "opening orchard gates to guests," Hoa Long and Lai Vung communes now host approximately 10 attractions, including citrus orchards tailored for tourism.

Mr. Nguyen Van Day, owner of the Lan Anh pink mandarin orchard (Hoa Long Commune), shared: "In the past, we focused solely on cultivation and sales. There was little focus on creating added value for this potential specialty."

"Recently, I pivoted to tourism by tapping into our agricultural heritage, which helps promote our locality’s unique strengths," he added.

A typical model of this agro-tourism model is the Sa Dec Flower Village. Recently, the Sa Dec Ward People’s Committee has encouraged businesses in the village to invest in facilities and establish effective amusement services combined with sightseeing, such as: Flower Frog House Homestay, Phong - LeVent Homestay, the Flower Observation Deck, the Rose Field, and the Happy Land Hung Thy amusement area.

Even during off-peak seasons, the Rose Field (Sa Dec Ward) remains a magnet for visitors and taking photos. This 5-hectare site dedicates 2 hectares specifically to tourism, while the rest remains a working nursery for Sa Dec’s signature ornamental plants. 

Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the local riverine lifestyle, boarding traditional sampans to witness the vibrant trade of flowers and plants.

DEVELOPING TOURISM IN HARMONY WITH ECOLOGICAL PRESERVATION

According to the Dong Thap Provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the sector’s 2025–2030 strategy focuses on development integrated with cultural preservation and environmental protection. Eco-tourism, agro-tourism, and community-based models will remain the province’s "signature," centered on its iconic lotuses, mangoes, and flowers, as well as the authentic hospitality of the Dong Thap people.

Dong Thap aims to solidify tourism as a key economic pillar and a top-tier destination in the Mekong Delta. 

The province is prioritizing high-quality, branded, and competitive tourism products while strengthening its strategic partnership with Ho Chi Minh City and other regional localities to implement signed tourism cooperation and linkage programs.

New signature experiences are being curated, including the “Pink Lotus Land Heritage Journey,” the “Royal Tomb Night Tour,” and the “Rach Gam – Xoai Mut Epic Show.” Efforts are also underway to refine cross-border routes such as “Borderland Colors” and the “Three Localities, One Destination” circuit.

Furthermore, the province is calling for investment to establish 4–5 star accommodation facilities, specialty restaurants, and high-quality, large-scale accompanying services to meet regional demands. Efforts are also being directed toward developing specialized tourism products, including river-based, agricultural, and rural tourism integrated with provincial OCOP (One Commune, One Product) products.

At the recent seminar "The Professional Farmer – The Subject of Modern Agricultural Development," former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan remarked: "The story of flower and ornamental plant growers in Sa Dec, Dong Thap, shows that professionalism stems not only from production scale but also from the capacity for technical innovation and creativity."

"Researching, testing, and successfully cultivating multi-colored flower varieties helps enhance product value and creates a unique local signature. Additionally, agro-tourism models and development projects on riverine islands demonstrate a new direction where farmers do not just produce, but also know how to exploit experiential value, combining agriculture with tourism. 

This is a testament to expanding the farming mindset toward multi-value orientation," he added.

By NAM PHONG
Translated by X.QUANG