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Long Ho
Surrounded by the vast waters of the Mekong Delta, Con Chim stands out as a shining example of sustainable community-based tourism, where people live in harmony with nature and the indigenous culture remains intact. Located in Hoa Minh commune, Chau Thanh district of Tra Vinh province, the island of Con Chim covers 62 hectares. Home to over 50 households, Con Chim hosts visitors who are eager to immerse themselves in the tranquil countryside and experience the locals’ authentic riverine lifestyle.
For generations, the people of Con Chim have farmed rice and raised shrimp, combining aquaculture and seasonal rice farming. The river runs with freshwater for six months of the year, during which locals grow rice and harvest aquatic products. During the saltwater season, which lasts half the year, they switch to shrimp and crab farming. By splitting their activities in line with nature, they avoid using chemical pesticides, thereby protecting the environment and the community’s health. These methods allow them to support a sustainable ecosystem, mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, and produce clean, healthy food.
Community tourism in Con Chim began to flourish in 2019, with over 10 households participating. Visitors can cycle along tree-lined village paths, participate in traditional games like crab racing and fishing contests, try hands-on experiences like milling flour to make cakes, and savor Southern Vietnamese specialties. Tourists are housed in fully equipped homestays designed in a charming rustic style.
The locals’ strong commitment to environmental protection is a highlight for visitors to Con Chim. The villagers take care to follow a “nature-friendly” tourism model, responsibly exploiting cultural offerings and natural landscapes. Thanks to Con Chim’s proximity to the sea, the tides help to purify local water sources. Combined with organic farming techniques, this helps to significantly reduce pollution.
Tourism development in Con Chim is supported by community projects, such as the Con Chim Ecological Environment Co-Management Program, launched in 2014 by the Tra Vinh Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with Oxfam. This model has helped locals improve their livelihoods while preserving protective forests and aquatic resources.
To manage and coordinate tourism activities, Con Chim established the Community Tourism Cooperative, ensuring organized services and a stable income for residents. This model not only boosts the village’s economy but also preserves the local cultural identity, creating a sustainable tourism destination that can adapt to climate change.
These dedicated efforts to promote green tourism in Con Chim have earned widespread recognition from organizations and tourism awards. The area has been honored as a model community tourism destination in the Mekong Delta and praised by environmental organizations for balancing ecosystem protection with sustainable tourism development. Notably, Con Chim proudly received the 2025 ASEAN Tourism Award in the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism category. This testifies to the region’s contributions to enhancing Vietnam’s tourism services and affirming its position on the regional tourism map.
Visitors to Con Chim can relax in the peaceful riverine countryside and meet warm and hospitable locals. Con Chim is an ideal destination for those seeking harmony with nature, tranquility, and the rustic charm of Vietnam’s Southwestern region.
