New Can Tho City Emerges From Merger, Opening Doors To Enhanced Tourism Growth And Development

Published on July 25, 2025

The unification of Can Tho city, Hau Giang province, and Soc Trang province has led to the creation of a new Can Tho city that spans more than 6,300 km², with a population exceeding 4 million people spread across 103 communes and wards. This monumental merger unlocks significant opportunities for the region, particularly in tourism, as it expands its access to essential resources, human capital, and materials to fuel further growth.

The fusion of these three regions is poised to reshape the local economy and tourism landscape. Experts believe that the merger will accelerate the development of crucial infrastructure projects, including the establishment of Can Tho International Airport and the construction of large cargo ports. These developments will not only improve connectivity but also provide the region with a competitive edge, attracting both business and leisure travelers. Furthermore, Can Tho is set to host numerous cultural festivals that celebrate the southern identity, making it an attractive destination for tourists seeking unique cultural experiences.

The tourism sector is expected to thrive as the newly merged Can Tho city enhances its accommodation options. The city plans to expand its portfolio of 3-5 star hotels that can accommodate large-scale events, cultural programs, and festivals. These factors will play a pivotal role in boosting tourism growth by creating a vibrant tourism hub for both domestic and international travelers.

To support this growth, the Can Tho Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has been proactive in diversifying the region’s tourism offerings. Over 150 incentive packages have been introduced to attract both local and international visitors, along with new tours that combine entertainment, local cuisine, river-based activities, eco-tourism, and community-driven experiences. These efforts have already yielded positive results. In the first half of the year, Can Tho welcomed over 6.3 million visitors, with 2.7 million of them staying overnight, contributing around 5,450 billion VND in tourism revenue.

However, there are still untapped opportunities in the tourism sector. Ms. Le Dinh Minh Thy, Director of Vietravel’s Can Tho branch, noted that while the number of visitors and revenue have grown, the average spending per tourist remains low. This indicates that Can Tho has potential for developing higher-value tourism experiences. By leveraging the individual strengths of each locality in the region, the merger could help unlock more lucrative tourism offerings, such as luxury experiences, high-end cultural tours, and eco-friendly travel options. As Can Tho continues to refine its tourism products, it is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for both domestic and international travel.

The Mekong Delta Tourism Association, which tracks tourism growth across the region, reported remarkable progress in the first half of this year. More than 35 million visitors arrived in the Mekong Delta, a 17.6% increase from the same period last year. International tourism surged by 53%, with over 2 million visitors, while domestic visitors surpassed 33 million, growing by 16%. Total tourism revenue in the region reached nearly 54 trillion VND, a significant 54% increase year-on-year. This growth underscores the increasing attractiveness of the region as a major tourism destination in Southeast Asia.

Moving forward, the Mekong Delta Tourism Association, in collaboration with local tourism bodies, plans to focus on promoting the unique tourism products of the region. These initiatives will include a coordinated marketing campaign to highlight the cultural diversity, natural beauty, and iconic destinations of the Mekong Delta. With the help of technology, the region will make it easier for tourists to find safe, quality destinations that cater to their interests.

As the merger brings together more resources, a larger geographical area, and stronger infrastructure, the potential for tourism growth in the Mekong Delta is immense. However, realizing this potential will require continued investment in infrastructure, enhanced service quality, and more effective integration of tourism value chains. The collaboration between local governments, businesses, and communities will be essential in ensuring the sustainable development of the tourism sector, which in turn will drive the socio-economic development of the region for years to come.

In conclusion, the merger of Can Tho city with Hau Giang and Soc Trang provinces marks a significant turning point in the region’s tourism journey. With enhanced infrastructure, expanded resources, and a coordinated approach to marketing, Can Tho is on track to become one of the leading tourism destinations in Southeast Asia. The collaboration between all stakeholders will be critical in achieving long-term success and fostering sustainable growth in the region’s tourism industry.