OPENING THE DOORS TO A "SAFE" WAVE OF TOURISM

Recently, Wanderlust, a leading British travel magazine, selected Vietnam as one of the top 20 destinations for March, suggesting long trips, wildlife exploration, festival season, and flower viewing. This is an encouraging sign that international tourists are pleased with the quality of services and have confidence in Vietnam’s safety measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

This recommendation is particularly relevant as Vietnam fully reopened to international tourists on March 15.

A New Rising Travel Spot in An Giang Draws Crowds

Seizing the Opportunity

In March, the mild climate, stable temperatures, and little rain make it ideal for tourists to explore the scenic roads of An Giang on foot or by bicycle. International visitors are particularly drawn to cultural and historical tours that showcase the unique heritage of the local mountain people.

This is also the season for the Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam festival, which attracts millions of pilgrims who come to pay their respects and express their faith in the sacred powers of Bà Chúa Xứ, as reflected in the saying: “Pray and you shall receive, give and you will be blessed, dreams come true.” During the festival, tourists can immerse themselves in lively cultural activities, artistic performances, parades, and lion dances.

Tourists come to offer incense at the Bà Chúa Xứ Shrine on Sam Mountain.

The Bà Chúa Xứ Núi Sam festival lasts four days, from April 22 to April 27 (lunar calendar). However, visitors often arrive earlier to explore other nearby tourist attractions. Therefore, An Giang Tourism JSC has been upgrading its accommodations, offering attractive service packages, and preparing resources to provide the best hospitality. In addition, the company closely follows the directives of the Provincial People’s Committee, ensuring readiness to welcome the upcoming "wave" of tourists.

An Giang’s Bustling Tourism Season

The design of spiritual tours through Thất Sơn connects with other appealing destinations like Trà Sư Melaleuca Forest, Tức Dụp Hill, and Cấm Mountain. A highlight not to be missed is the An Hảo Solar Power Tourist Area, a high-tech energy project softened by unique artistic designs that stand out in the Mekong Delta.

Visitors can witness the magnificent process of "harvesting the sun," transforming the once sun-scorched, barren land into vibrant scenery. Thanks to the creativity of tourism professionals, the once-serene landscape now shines brightly with beauty, blending modernity with youthfulness. Guests can enjoy environmentally friendly experiences, from strolling around Hồ Thiên Cảnh, watching fish swim through the waves, exploring the cute Sheep Hill, visiting the "photogenic" flower park, and admiring panoramic views from Sao Mai Water Tower.

The Beautiful Scenes That Seem Straight Out of a Period Drama

The unique Khmer culture of Southern Vietnam is also preserved and celebrated in the local cuisine, where the flavors of each season complement the natural beauty, delighting food lovers who are passionate about travel.

For those who enjoy immersing themselves in nature, Trà Sư Melaleuca Forest is an unparalleled choice. This flooded forest, with water covered in duckweed and lush vegetation, creates a vast green landscape as plants stretch toward the sunlight. As you drift along, listening to the sounds of birds, trickling water, and the forest's symphony, you’ll feel transported to a rich and untouched natural world.

Whether international or local, travelers are drawn by an innate love of nature, yearning to return to Mother Earth for solace and comfort. In this tranquil setting, emotions are cherished and nurtured, allowing one to enjoy the pure and refreshing atmosphere that brings a surprising sense of peace.

Lightly gliding over the vibrant green carpet of duckweed, visitors move from one breathtaking scene to another, as if in a cinematic journey. Gazing up, the towering ancient melaleuca trees form a "roof" with their intertwined branches, offering shade in what seems like nature’s intentional arrangement.

As the day progresses, the scenery becomes even more serene and romantic, with soft pink and golden hues coloring the vast landscape. Clouds lazily drift by, and birds soar and sing in the evening breeze, creating a musical end to a day of adventure. Perhaps the most exciting experience is walking across Vietnam’s longest bamboo bridge through the forest, where you can enjoy the picturesque landscape while capturing beautiful photos from every angle.

Trà Sư's Poetic Beauty at Sunset

While domestic tourism may serve as a lifeline, reopening international markets will breathe new life into the "smoke-free" industry. Taking advantage of opportunities like the resumption of international flights and Vietnam’s sixth-highest global vaccination rate creates an excellent chance for tourism businesses to recover and develop sustainably.

Lan Anh