The first holiday of 2026 recorded a clear increase in the "river-sea link" tourism trend. Vinh Long takes advantage of the downstream advantages of the Tien and Hau rivers to design tours connecting the countryside with the coastal area.
On this occasion, tourists prioritize homestays, riverside resorts, places with nature and rivers. Experiencing local life becomes part of the vacation, replacing the previous closed accommodation model.
Mr. Minh Hoang, a tourist from Hanoi, said that his family chose Vinh Long as the main destination during the vacation to both experience the rivers and gardens and go on sea-facing tourist routes, from the Co Chien River through the Tien River, gradually towards the East Sea.
Ms. Tuyet Mai, a tourist from Khanh Hoa, highly appreciates the way Vinh Long combines Southern homestay accommodation with sunset viewing yachts.
After the first day of experiencing the Vinh Long river space, on January 2, my family will continue the journey to Thanh Phu beach area," Ms. Mai added.
The attraction from the inter-route tourism model is quickly shown by the increased number of visitors. The wharves, historical sites, and eco-tourism spots in Vinh Long are always bustling on New Year's Day.
Mr. Duong Hoang Sum - Director of Vinh Long Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism - said that on the first day of 2026 alone, the locality welcomed about 43,000 visitors, with revenue reaching about 41 billion VND.
According to Mr. Sum, the stay time of tourists is clearly extended. Many delegations choose Vinh Long as the main starting point, organizing continuous experience journeys along the river and water axis, heading towards the East Sea estuary area.
The connection between coastal points helps form inter-regional tourism products, limit overlaps, and promote the advantages of each locality, in which Vinh Long plays a central connecting role.
In 2026, Vinh Long identifies tourism development in depth, focusing on ecology and sustainability, not chasing quantity but focusing on quality and experience value.
The tourist corridor axis along the Co Chien and Hau rivers is prioritized for investment, connecting Mang Thit brick and ceramic craft village with a high-class cruise tour towards the East Sea.
Sustainable agricultural models with experiences continue to be expanded, helping tourists participate in cultivation and enjoy clean agricultural products in the garden, forming a green and long-term economic cycle for the locality.
