(TITC) – In the middle of the gentle Tien River, Thoi Son Islet (now part of the merged Dong Thap – Tien Giang administrative region) emerges as a “green gem” of the Southwest. Here, visitors can hear the rhythmic splash of oars, stroll through lush fruit orchards, and taste the sweetness of countryside honey.
This small island has become one of the most typical community tourism destinations in the Mekong Delta – where tourism not only provides livelihoods but also nurtures cultural pride and preserves the spirit of orchard life.
The Spirit of the Countryside on the Tien River
Located between two branches of the Tien River and just 6 km from My Tho City, Thoi Son covers more than 1,200 hectares formed by centuries of fertile alluvial deposits. The islet is home to over 1,500 households, surrounded by flourishing orchards and a network of canals that embody the peaceful charm of river life.
Since the 1990s, Thoi Son has been designated as one of the first community ecotourism areas in the region. Local residents, once solely gardeners, have expanded their roles to become boat rowers, hosts, musicians, and cooks – creating a sustainable tourism model based on the principle: “community-driven, community-benefiting, community-preserving.”
Experiencing the River – the True Soul of Thoi Son
A journey to Thoi Son typically begins with a boat ride on the Tien River, passing beneath the majestic Rach Mieu Bridge before entering narrow canals shaded by dense nipa palm. Visitors can sit in small sampan boats, listening to the gentle dip of oars while sunlight filters through the coconut leaves – a quintessential scene of the Mekong Delta.
Deeper inside the islet, fruit orchards unfold in abundance – longan, rambutan, Hoa Loc mango, An Phuoc plum, and more. Guests are invited to pick ripe fruit directly from the trees, enjoy them freshly harvested, or purchase them as gifts.
One of the most unforgettable stops is the garden-based music houses, where local artists perform traditional Southern melodies such as Da Co Hoai Lang and Tinh Anh Ban Chieu. In the serene atmosphere, these nostalgic notes transport visitors into the soulful heritage of the Southern countryside.
Rustic Cuisine – The Flavors That Capture Travelers’ Hearts
A visit to Thoi Son would be incomplete without savoring its rustic yet flavorful countryside dishes. Although simple, the cuisine here embodies the richness of the river and the warmth of home-cooked meals.
Visitors can enjoy signature dishes such as deep-fried elephant ear fish, grilled shrimp, linh fish hotpot with wildflowers, grilled snakehead fish, mussel pancakes, and pomelo salad. Each dish carries the unmistakable taste of the Mekong Delta.
Thoi Son’s honey and handmade coconut candy are two standout OCOP products beloved by tourists. Sipping a cup of ginger honey tea under the shade of orchard trees, while listening to traditional music and birdsong, offers peaceful moments that wash away all worries.
Homestays and Community Tourism – Locals Take the Lead
Today, many households on Thoi Son Islet operate homestays and farmstays to welcome both domestic and international guests. The accommodations here are simple but full of vitality – thatch-roof houses, wooden lodges, garden pathways, riverside wharves – faithfully portraying the charm of the Delta countryside.
Popular places include:
- Mekong Riverside Homestay, located along the Tien River with its own boat dock, serving local meals and organizing cycling tours around the island.
- Song Tien Homestay, reflecting the architectural style of traditional Western stilt houses, offering experiences such as “A Day as a Thoi Son Farmer.”
- Thoi Son Garden Lodge, a farmstay combining fruit picking, cooking, and honey-tea tasting with the hosts.
Tourism has brought stable income to local residents, helping many families rise out of poverty. Young people who once left for work have returned to join the tourism economy. Today, they are not only guardians of local culture but also warm and welcoming ambassadors of the Mekong Delta.
Tourism Information Technology Center
