To transform Can Tho’s tourism sector into a key economic pillar and position the city as a welcoming, attractive destination, many businesses have put forward solutions focused on diversifying tourism products, developing the night-time economy, and fostering a civilized tourism environment.

Visitors at Bay Bon fish farm on Con Son Islet. Photo: KIEU MAI

Developing the night-time economy and building a civilized, welcoming tourism environment

In the first 10 months of 2026, Can Tho welcomed over 12.6 million visitors, including more than 600,000 international tourists. Total tourism revenue reached over 11.1 trillion VND. Nevertheless, increasing overnight stays and boosting visitor spending on tourism products and services remains a key challenge that requires attention.

Tran Vu Truong, General Director of Event Soha Travel and International Travel Joint Stock Company, noted that his firm frequently brings tour groups to Can Tho and Mekong Delta region, including large groups staying for several days. However, the city currently offers limited options for night-time entertainment, restricting oppotunities for visitors to spend more. 

Mr. Truong suggests exploring the development of additional night-time tourism products. Furthermore, he proposes reviewing and adjusting vehicle load restrictions on key routes to ensure large vehicles -such as 45-seater buses - can access major attractions easily. For instance, the road leading to the Hung Kings Temple, a major point of interest, currently has weight restrictions that ban such vehicles.

Sharing this perspective, Truong Van Vinh, Director of the Can Tho branch of Ido Travel, suggests developing the night-time economy to create more leisure and entertainment spaces, thereby encouraging visitors to extend their stay and spend more.

"We must curate distinct events - spanning culture, cuisine, street activities, music and sports - that are compelling enough to persuade visitors to stay an extra night", says Truong Van Vinh.

While Can Tho has recently hosted an increasing number of events and festivals, each one needs to establish its own unique identity. This would allow travel agencies to design tailored experiential tours around specific events.

Beyond product development, businesses are also concerned with maintaining the destination's image. Le Thi Be Bay, an advisor to Con Son Agricultural Tourism Cooperative, notes that as the year-end approaches - a period when Can Tho hosts numerous events and festivals that draw in visitors - enhancing the city's tourism image is more critical than ever.

She urges the city’s tourism sector take prompt action in restoring order at key destinations, such as Cai Rang Floating Market and Con Son Islet, through a more structured and professional approach to project a civilized, welcoming image.

Promoting tourism through events and festivals

In response to proposals from businesses, Sam Long Giang, Deputy Director of the Can Tho Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that the Department has been working with the People’s Committees of Binh Thuy and Cai Rang wards, as well as other relevant entities, to regulate tourism activities in areas such as Con Son Islet and Cai Rang Floating Market. The Department is also collaborating with local authorities to implement measures to curb the solicitation of tourists, while simultaneously addressing the challenges and obstacles faced by tourism businesses.

Regarding the development of the night-time economy in connection with tourism, the city is planning to introduce a wider range of suitable offerings. In the immediate term, the Department is working with various partners to develop artistic performances and shows for visitors in Ninh Kieu and Cai Rang wards, with operations expected to begin in mid-November 2026.

Notably, in the final months of the year, the city will host several major events and festivals, including: the 2nd International Vietnam Rice Industry Festival - Can Tho 2026 (November 23-26) at Song Hau Park and surrounding areas; activities marking Vietnam Culture Day (November 24); the 2026 Occ Om Boc Festival and Ngo Boat Race at Bach Dang Square; and the 2nd River Culture Festival 2026 (December 30, 2026 - January 4, 2027) along Cai Khe Canal and and surrounding areas. The city encourages businesses to partner in organizing these activities and to ensure they are well-prepared to welcome visitors. Mr. Tran Thanh Thai, a representative of the Can Tho Tourism Association, stated: “In preparation for the year-end influx of visitors - particularly international tourists who have a strong interest in local events and festivals - the Association has been working with festival organizers to develop integrated tourism products”. Specifically, for the 2026 Can Tho Ooc Om Boc Festival and Ngo Boat Race, the organizers have designated a separate viewing area for tourists participating in festival-experience tours arranged by travel agencies.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Kieu Duyen, Director of the Can Tho Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Center, the Center is collaborating with various departments and sectors to prepare a range of promotional activities centered around year-end events and festivals. Notably, the Center is partnering with Vietnam Airlines to host a "famtrip" (familiarization trip) for approximately 30 Thai tourism enterprises who will attend Vietnam International Rice Industry Festival and Ooc Om Boc Festival and Ngo Boat Race. This serves as an opportunity for these businesses to survey tourism products, establish connections, and foster collaboration to develop tourism between Thailand, Can Tho and the Mekong Delta. Furthermore, the Center will host a promotional conference to showcase and market Can Tho’s tourism offerings to both domestic and international delegates.

AI LAM (Translated by Thanh Truc)