Why Is the Mekong Delta Attracting an Increasing Number of Chinese Tourists?
When mentioning Vietnam tourism, many people often immediately think of famous beaches or bustling cities. However, in recent years, the Mekong Delta region - also known as the Southwestern region - has been becoming a favorite destination for many international tourists, especially Chinese tourists.
The Western region possesses an intricate network of rivers and canals along with orchards laden with fruit year-round. This is a land imbued with a rich riverine culture identity, featuring unique floating markets, long-standing traditional craft villages, and a simple life close to nature. These very characteristics have created a unique attraction that can be found nowhere else.
Currently, there are no official statistics specifically focusing on Chinese tourists visiting the 13 provinces and cities of the Southwestern region (Mekong Delta). However, according to data from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, China is Vietnam's largest source market with about 5.3 million arrivals in 2025 and has recorded a continuous boom since the beginning of 2026. In the Western region, Chinese tourists primarily gather in Kien Giang and participate in inter-route tours by land or air. Kien Giang (Phu Quoc): This is the destination that attracts the largest number of Chinese tourists in the West. During its golden era (2019), this locality welcomed over 105,000 Chinese arrivals. After the pandemic ended, the number of visitors began its recovery process (reaching nearly 10,000 arrivals in 2023 and over 22,000 arrivals during the 2020-2022 period). To attract this tourist flow back, travel companies and local authorities are continuously organizing familiarization trips (famtrips) from China to Phu Quoc.
The chart above shows that the number of visitors to the West is quite large. In terms of spiritual and festival tourism dominance, An Giang firmly holds the throne of the entire region thanks to the attraction of Ba Chua Xu Temple of Sam Mountain and many majestic mountainous landscapes along with blue lakes, which pushed An Giang straight into the top 3 localities welcoming the largest number of visitors in Vietnam in 2025. Regarding the models of country markets, ecological stopovers, relaxing places for dining and bustling nightlife, Can Tho, Dong Thap, and Vinh Long are among the ideal places. The most prominent destination this hot season might be Kien Giang, where the beautiful island terrain has helped the West in general, and Kien Giang in particular, experience an unexpected surge in tourists.
There are many reasons why Chinese tourists choose the West as a stopover. First and foremost is the similarity in East Asian culture. Many customs, traditional festivals, folk beliefs, and the community life of Western people create a sense of familiarity for Chinese tourists.
In addition, Western cuisine is also a major plus. Rustic dishes such as Lau Mam (fermented fish hotpot), Banh Xeo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake), Hu Tieu (pork and seafood noodle soup), Ca Loc Nuong Trui (grilled snakehead fish), and fresh tropical fruits always leave an unforgettable impression. The rich but unpretentious flavors make it easy for tourists to enjoy and explore.
Another important factor is the friendliness and hospitality of the Western people. The genuine smiles, enthusiasm, and rustic manners of the locals here often leave a deep and positive impression on foreign tourists. Many Chinese tourists, after experiencing it, have shared that they feel a closeness as if they were in their own hometown.
With its unique natural beauty, rich culture, attractive cuisine, and sincere people, the West is gradually affirming its position on the international tourism map. This is not only the land of alluvial rivers but also a place that preserves the characteristic cultural values of the Southern region. It is this rustic yet captivating essence that has been causing more and more Chinese tourists to choose the West as a destination in their journey to explore Vietnam.
