However, the reality shows that tourism in the two provinces is still developing separately, lacking effective connections to create a diverse, attractive and in-depth product chain. In the new context, especially when An Giang and Kien Giang are merged, restructuring tourism towards the integration of spirituality, ecology and islands is an inevitable requirement.

This is not only a short-term solution to renew tourism products, but also a long-term orientation to build a sustainable inter-regional brand, different from the national and regional tourism picture.

An Giang is a land of many unique cultural and spiritual values with famous destinations such as Ba Chua Xu Temple on Sam Mountain, Hang Pagoda, Tay An Pagoda, and Cam Mountain - known as the "roof of the West". Spiritual pilgrimage sites in An Giang annually welcome millions of visitors, especially during the Via Ba festival (from the fourth lunar month). In addition, eco-tourism in An Giang is also developing strongly with highlights such as Tra Su Melaleuca forest, Thoai Son rice fields, O Ta Soc Lake, and Ta Pa Lake.

Kien Giang is a bright spot for island tourism and coastal ecology. Kien Giang owns over 140 large and small islands, of which the most prominent is Phu Quoc pearl island - an international-class island tourism center, attracting millions of visitors each year.

In addition, Ha Tien - Rach Gia - Hon Son - Nam Du are also attractive destinations, with wild beauty and marine biodiversity. In addition, Kien Giang also has a typical ecosystem of flooded forests in U Minh Thuong National Park, Hon Dat district, creating conditions for the development of eco-tourism and nature exploration.

Although each province has its own strengths, the lack of seamless connectivity in tourism product development is causing An Giang and Kien Giang to miss out on many opportunities. Developing tourism separately reduces the value of visitors’ experiences, limiting their length of stay and spending.From there, urgent solutions are proposed to form a regional product chain, making the most of the geographical advantages and tourism resources of the two provinces. Specifically:

Firstly, planning and developing inter-provincial tourism routes, it is necessary to build a tourism route connecting from the mountainous and spiritual areas of An Giang to the sea and island areas of Kien Giang.

Some suggested routes are: Route 1: Chau Doc (Ba Chua Xu Temple - Sam Mountain) - Cam Mountain - Tra Su - Ha Tien - Nam Du. Route 2: Long Xuyen - Thoai Son - Ta Pa Lake - Ha Tien - Phu Quoc. Waterway route: Chau Doc - Ha Tien by speedboat, connecting to the island.

The second is to link tourism products and services, build 3-4 day experiential tourism packages combining spirituality, ecology and island resorts; Encourage travel businesses to build inter-provincial tours, themed tours ("From sacred mountains to jade seas", "Green journey of the South"...); Develop a system of homestays and ecological farmstays associated with the community in Tri Ton, Tinh Bien (An Giang) and U Minh Thuong, Hon Dat (Kien Giang).

Third is digital transformation and tourism communication, applying digital tourism maps integrating destinations linking the two provinces; Developing 360-degree virtual experiences, videos introducing unique tourist routes; Strengthening tourism promotion through digital platforms, social networks, YouTube, TikTok...

Fourth, training tourism human resources, organizing training courses for tour guides and tourism service staff on inter-provincial knowledge; Encouraging parallel training models between tourism vocational training facilities in Long Xuyen, Rach Gia and travel agencies; Training in foreign language skills, cultural explanation, and civilized tourist behavior.

The fifth is to conserve resources and develop sustainably, such as having policies to control construction and protect landscapes in spiritual areas such as Cam Mountain and Sam Mountain. Protecting the ecosystems of Tra Su forest, U Minh Thuong forest, and Nam Du marine reserve; Organizing responsible ecotourism activities and green tourism.

Sixth is to attract strategic investors such as inviting businesses to invest in tourist hotspots such as Chau Doc, Nui Cam, Ha Tien, Nam Du; Prioritize investment in transport infrastructure, tourism information centers, inter-provincial wharves; Call for investment in green tourism, eco-resorts, coastal resorts associated with the environment; Develop the night economy and experience indigenous culture; Organize night tourism activities in Chau Doc, Ha Tien: night markets, folk culture performance spaces, cuisine; Exploit the values of specialty cuisine such as hotpot, fish noodles, palm sugar, Phu Quoc fish sauce; Create conditions for artisans and local people to participate in serving and benefiting from tourism.Seventh is international cooperation – targeting ASEAN and Asian markets: Expanding tourism cooperation with Cambodia (via Tinh Bien – Phnom Penh, Ha Tien – Kep border gates). 

Cooperating in building a waterway tour from Phnom Penh – Chau Doc – Ha Tien – Phu Quoc; Connecting flights from Phu Quoc to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and promoting the entire linked region through media.With determination and cooperation from all sides, An Giang - Kien Giang tourism can completely rise to become one of the typical connecting destinations of the country and the region, realizing the vision "From sacred mountains to jade sea" in a vivid, effective and sustainable way.

Connecting and developing spiritual – ecological – island tourism between An Giang and Kien Giang is a strategic step, creating momentum to promote comprehensive socio-economic development. The harmonious combination of cultural depth and natural beauty will create different and attractive tourism experiences, contributing to enhancing the tourism position of the Southwest region on the national and international map./.

News by Dang Duc Phong

Translation by Hoang Oanh