Prospects for attracting international visitors to Can Tho

Since September, our country's tourism has entered the season of welcoming international tourists. The West in general and Can Tho in particular are destinations chosen by many foreign tourists. Many local tourism businesses have renewed and improved the quality of products and services to serve this market...

Ms. Cao Thien Ly, Sales Director of MDC Travel, said: “Since September, the international tourist season has started with many positive signals. We have received many booking requests and advised customers about experiences in Can Tho , the West. In fact, the experiences in the Mekong Delta are very suitable for the current choice of international tourists: green space, not too crowded and diverse local culture”.

Accordingly, to prepare for this year's international tourist season, MDC Travel has also surveyed many routes with the aim of meeting the diverse needs of tourists. Specifically, at MDC Travel, the main customer stream is small groups of families and friends from European markets such as England, France, Italy, etc., requiring deep but authentic experiences of the culture and people of the destination. Therefore, MDC Travel prepares tour products lasting 4-5 days instead of just 1-2 days, so that international visitors can approach local people and stay longer.

Living with the locals, learning about the customs and practices in the countryside, and cooking meals together are common activities in the international visitors' journey with MDC Travel. Ms. Cao Thien Ly, Sales Director of MDC Travel, said: "Our goal is to give visitors the most authentic experiences, while connecting with the locals. Therefore, in addition to international tour guides, we also have local tour guides accompanying us, so that we can best convey the story and the exchange between the host and the guests, not just conveying information but also sharing emotions."

Sharing the same view, Ms. Huynh Thi Bich Tuyen, owner of Mekong Silt Ecologe, also said: “Indigenous culture is an important factor to attract international visitors to Can Tho and the West. Most visitors when coming here want to learn about the lives of the people, enjoy local delicacies, and join in community activities such as death anniversaries, weddings... like the locals.”

Representatives of Mekong Silt Ecologe also shared that international visitors have been increasing steadily over the years, and their stay has also been getting longer. Specifically, during this year's international visitor season, visitors to Mekong Silt Ecologe often stay and experience for up to 10 days.

International visitors experience cycling around the countryside. Photo: Mekong Silt Ecologe

Ms. Huynh Thi Bich Tuyen, owner of Mekong Silt Ecologe, commented: “European market visitors often choose to go to Can Tho or the Mekong Delta because the green space here is suitable for relaxation and good for health. In addition, the local people are very friendly and hospitable. Visitors here only need to cycle around the village a bit and return to have fruits and delicious dishes to bring home. Some visitors therefore linger and stay a few more days.”

Accordingly, to prepare to welcome international guests, Mekong Silt Ecologe also has many unique local experience programs, including experiences related to the local lifestyle with themes such as: weddings, death anniversaries, or full moon festivals...

In the first 9 months of 2025, Vietnam tourism welcomed more than 15.4 million international visitors, an increase of 21.5% over the same period last year. Of which, visitors from the European market in the first 3 quarters of the year increased dramatically with nearly 1.91 million, an increase of 34.9% over the same period in 2024. Notably, in the third quarter, there were 568,370 visitors from Europe to Vietnam, an increase of more than 60% over the same period last year. This shows that the trend of international visitors choosing Vietnam is increasing, especially visitors from the European market. This is the result of the tourism stimulus process, visa policies to create growth from the markets, while localities are also making efforts to build products and services to attract visitors.

In Can Tho, businesses are also improving the quality of their products and services to increase their appeal to international markets. Ms. Pham Thi Thanh, Director of TTC Can Tho, said: “We take care of every service, from the space to the culinary experiences and the reception of the staff, so that visitors can feel the culture of the West and the friendliness of the people here. The hotel is also expanding its set menus of local cuisine so that visitors can have impressive experiences.”

TTC Can Tho also surveyed and linked destinations: Cai Rang floating market, traditional craft villages, Son islet... to introduce to tourists the most authentic local experiences.

Meanwhile, Victoria Can Tho Resort also has many experience programs for international tourists: Mekong Princess cruise to explore the peaceful beauty of the Mekong Delta or cycling to explore traditional craft villages, green rice fields, fruit-laden orchards...

It can be seen that tourism and travel businesses in Can Tho are ready with many programs and products to welcome the international tourist season, hoping to open up growth in foreign visitors at the end of the year.

AI LAM

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/trien-vong-thu-hut-khach-quoc-te-ve-can-tho-a192067.html