In the last days of the year, Ninh Kieu - the central district of Can Tho City - is experiencing a strong tourism boom with the event of the 7th Ninh Kieu, Can Tho Tourism Festival - Lantern Night in 2024. This is a highlight activity attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.
According to Lao Dong, in the evening, thousands of people and tourists flocked to Ninh Kieu Wharf, Khai Luong Canal, Ninh Kieu Pedestrian Bridge... to join in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival, have fun, and enjoy the flower lanterns on the river.
In particular, Ninh Kieu night market, which is a familiar destination for tourists, has now become even more bustling and crowded with visitors. The traders here also expect a bumper business season.
Ms. Nguyen Thuy, a trader in Ninh Kieu district, said that these days, the number of visitors to Ninh Kieu night market has increased, and local specialties and street food are also being consumed better.
“I specialize in selling pickled fruits for snacks, many tourists who come to the festival often stop by to buy and enjoy. In the coming days, this tourist event will have many special activities, so I also expect to sell more,” Ms. Thuy said excitedly.
A toy seller here said that the end of the year is a busy festival season, parents often take their children out and buy toys for them. He also hopes that this will be an opportunity for his stalls to make a profit at the end of the year, making up for the previous months when customers were few.
“From the night market area to the end of Ninh Kieu walking street, there are many stalls selling children’s toys, so there is competition. Each stall imports a variety of toys with eye-catching designs and colors. Therefore, we have to skillfully invite customers to sell more goods,” the trader added.
At Ninh Kieu night market, stalls display many items from food, children's toys, clothes, handbags to handicrafts and local specialties... However, street food stalls always welcome many customers.
Ninh Kieu District is in the pilot phase of implementing the Night-time Economic Development Project in the area, which allows expanding the operating time frame from 6 p.m. the previous day to 6 a.m. the next day for activities at the street vendors, Ninh Kieu night market...
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Anh - Permanent Vice Chairman of Ninh Kieu District People's Committee - said that the 7th Ninh Kieu, Can Tho Tourism Festival - Lantern Night in 2024 will take place over 5 days (from December 28, 2024 - January 1, 2025), with many special activities such as releasing 5,000 lanterns, performing light art, water music on the river... The opening ceremony of the festival will take place on the evening of December 30.
With careful investment and attractive activities, Ninh Kieu is proving its attraction to domestic and foreign tourists. This is not only a festival with the characteristics of the river region but also an opportunity to promote tourism of Can Tho City, contributing to bringing significant income to local people, especially Ninh Kieu night market traders.
