Traveling the Mekong will bring unforgettable feelingsPHOTO: DINH DOI
In the face of the impact of the Covid-19epidemic, tourism in countries in the Mekong basin is changing every day to better suit the needs of tourists.
Tourism is one of the sectors hardest hit by the Covid-19 epidemic. In an article on The Mekong, author Jaffee Yee even described Covid-19 as a tsunami sweeping the tourism industry of Southeast Asian countries in general and countries and territories in the Mekong Sub-Region (GMS) in particular.
However, with efforts to adapt and innovate, the tourism industry is constantly transforming to survive in the midst of this difficult period. In particular, countries in the Mekong Sub-region such as Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and especially Vietnam are gradually changing the way of tourism business to prepare for the new normal period, when the facilities can return to normal activities but still have to remain on high vigilance with Covid-19.
That is why, Jaffee Yee affirmed that small-scale outdoor tourism will become a development trend, chosen by many tourists in the future. Here are 5 ideal options to consider in the Mekong Delta in the near future, according to The Mekong.
Ecological tourism
Mekong sub-region expands with pristine, beautiful nature, suitable for all kinds of ecological tourism such as mountaineering, river rafting, kayaking, scuba diving, windsurfing …Some of the famous activities that many tourists have participated in in the past can be mentioned climbing to catch the sunrise in Phu Chi Fa (Thailand), picnic at kuang si clear waterfall (Laos) or boating on the Mekong River.
 Take a boat to explore Ao Phang Nga Bay, ThailandPHOTO: N.H. |
Especially, when traveling to western Vietnam, you can visit the largest biosphere reserve in the world – U Minh Ha forest to see the lush nature on the forest ice, visit the base of the Resistance Mango Tang (Dong Thap) to weave between forests, canals and enjoy the typical dishes, rustic of the region. This will be an interesting choice for those who want to experience a new life, away from the hustle and gentlemen of the city.
Island tourism
Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam are among the world’s top-ranked beaches and archipelagos. Examples are Phuket, Lanta, Samui, Koh Chang, Koh Samet in Thailand; Phu Quoc, Con Dao in Vietnam. Some lesser-known areas can be mentioned Koh Rong in Cambodia or 800 islands large and small in the Mergui Islands in Myanmar.
 Vietnam’s beautiful coastlinePHOTO: LINH SAN |
Phu Quoc and Con Dao are two famous islands, invested in tourism in Vietnam. With beautiful nature, emerald green waters and tourist activities such as swimming, fishing, scuba diving, exploring fishing villages …Phu Quoc and Con Dao are suitable for those who want to have a vacation trip to enjoy life, relieve the straightness of daily life.
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 Phu Quoc attracts tourists by beautiful beachesPHOTO: DINH QUANG THIEU |
Agricultural tourism
In countries with developed coffee agriculture such as Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam, coffee tours are becoming increasingly popular. In particular, the coffee tour by Trung Nguyen coffee brand is known to many tourists.With this form of tourism, visitors not only enjoy delicious cups of coffee but also visit coffee farms, learn about the cultivation process, harvest like a real farmer.
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 Vietnam’s agricultural tourism will bring a different experience for touristsPHOTO: DUNG – NGUYEN TRUONG – DAI NGO |
Some other garden house experiences are also very popular in Vietnam in general and the provinces in the Mekong Delta region in particular because of the authenticity, closeness and rich emotions. Not only that, this is also a way to help farmers get income for daily life.
Spiritual tourism
In the face of the Covid-19 epidemic, people, especially young people tend to seek meditation, visiting temples to find spiritual well-being. Taking advantage of this, tourist facilities in the Mekong Delta can develop spiritual tours, even pilgrimage trips through temples.Only in Vietnam, we can mention Vinh Trang Pagoda (Tien Giang), Siamese Pagoda (Bac Lieu), Kh’leang Pagoda (Soc Trang), Bat Pagoda (Soc Trang) …With inherent resources, the Mekong Delta easily meets the needs of domestic and foreign tourists seeking peace and tranquility.
Cultural and artistic tourism
Culture and art are always topics that tourists are interested in. Gentle tours include activities such as visiting art galleries, artist’s studios, museums, ancient cultural heritages that are currently attracting young tourists, especially Western tourists looking to areas in the Mekong Delta.
 War Relics Museum (Ho Chi Minh City) Ho Chi Minh City) attracts touristsPHOTO: CHI NHAN |
Especially, unesco world heritage sites such as Sukhothai in Thailand, Vat Phou in Laos, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and My Son Sanctuary in Vietnam.Besides, food culture is also one of the characteristics that attract visitors to the Mekong Delta region.
In addition to local cuisine and street food, guests can also take cooking courses to prepare their own but typical regional dishes.Imagine the scenery of sitting on rafts going through the forest along the Mekong river or participating in floating markets to enjoy rustic but still extremely delicious dishes such as pancakes, fish sauce hot pot, melancholy salad where Long Xuyen, My Tho noodles … This must be an unforgettable experience.
Source:THANH NIÊN