Tan Tru attracts a lot of visitors who want to experience Don Ca Tai Tu performances on the Vam Co River. (Photo: Nguyen Quang/ VOV)

Long An, considered the “cradle” of Don Ca Tai Tu in southern Vietnam, is home to many renowned artists. In Tan Tru district, whenever Don Ca Tai Tu melodies echo over the Vam Co river at dawn or dusk, visitors feel the rustic charm of the area’s fish farms, ao ba ba (traditional southern Vietnamese blouse), and clusters of nipa palms. Floating on a riverboat while listening to folk melodies imparts a sense of peace, stillness, and the poetic beauty of the local folk culture.

Including Don Ca Tai Tu performances in tour packages has helped to attract more tourists and promote Tan Tru as a destination rich in the culture of the Mekong Delta.

 “We’re focused on creating distinctive cultural tourism products unique to Tan Tru while actively collaborating with travel companies to develop tours and travel routes,” Ngo Van Quoc, Director of the Tan Tru district Center for Culture, Information, and Broadcasting, said.

Nguyen Van Hien, Chairman of Long An province’s Tourism Association, said they are working with relevant provincial agencies to promote tourism. Tourists who come to Ho Chi Minh City can also stop in Long An and explore its waterways, according to Hien.

The 2km Ong Do Nghi route in Tan Tru is now a popular tourist attraction in the Mekong Delta. (Photo: Nguyen Quang/ VOV)

Long An is implementing a master plan to protect and develop Don Ca Tai Tu in the 2024-2026 period, with a vision to 2030. Under this plan, the province has organized exchanges, competitions, and training classes, where veteran artists can pass on the art form.

The combined efforts of local authorities and the people of Long An are preserving and developing Don Ca Tai Tu, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.