Two years ago, Tran Van Bi (born in 1993 in Ca Mau) embarked on a 68-day journey across Vietnam, experiencing many attractive eco-tourism and community-based tourism models in various regions.

Recognizing the untapped potential for experiential tourism in his hometown, Bi left his job in Can Tho City to return to his family’s 5,000-square-meter plot in Tan Thanh Hamlet, Phong Lac Commune, Tran Van Thoi District, Ca Mau Province, where he built a homestay to welcome visitors.

Bi's homestay, constructed with a focus on preserving the rustic simplicity of the Mekong Delta, features thatched-roofed rooms and minimalist decorations with views of fish ponds and fruit gardens.

In May 2023, the homestay was officially licensed and began offering a variety of activities, including eco-tourism, recreational fishing, accommodation, and sightseeing.

After setting up the homestay, Bi collaborated with local households to design the "One Day as a Ca Mau Local" tour, introducing tourists to activities deeply connected to the daily lives and farming practices of the local people.

The tour schedule is not fixed, as activities depend on the season. However, Bi is flexible in arranging the itinerary so tourists can still experience the authentic culture of the Mekong Delta.

"Ca Mau's experiential tourism doesn’t follow a seasonal pattern but varies by region. There are three distinct areas: freshwater, saltwater, and brackish water. Dat Mui is a saltwater area with mangrove forests, while Thi Tuong Lagoon is a brackish water area surrounded by 700 hectares of nipa palm forest. Meanwhile, the U Minh Ha Forest is a freshwater region. Depending on the region, we offer different activities," Bi explained.

In the Thi Tuong Lagoon experience, tourists can join locals in catching shrimp, crabs, and fish, setting fishing lines, and harvesting blood cockles, clams, and bồn bồn - a specialty plant of Ca Mau.

In the U Minh Ha Forest tour, visitors can explore the forest with local guides, catch fish using traditional tools, set traps for eels and mice, and, notably, harvest honey from wild bee nests.

In addition to participating in these activities, tourists can enjoy delicious meals made from local, natural ingredients, often sourced from what they themselves have caught or gathered.

Bi personally accompanies and guides the tours, which are kept small, with a maximum of 10 participants per group. Even with just one or two guests, Bi provides a warm welcome, ensuring each visitor has a complete and enjoyable experience in Vietnam’s southernmost province.

The 31-year-old admitted that starting the model was challenging, as many locals did not understand what experiential or community-based tourism entailed. He had to visit each household, explaining how it worked and the benefits it could bring to convince them to participate.

Currently, nearly 10 households are involved in the tourism model Bi established, providing them with a decent income.

His homestay and the "One Day as a Ca Mau Local" tour have gained recognition not only from domestic tourists but also from international visitors from countries such as India, the UK, the US, and France. On average, Bi welcomes 2-3 groups of international tourists each month.

To enhance the quality of the experience, Bi is also improving his English and teaching local residents basic, easy-to-learn phrases to help them communicate with foreign tourists.

"I want to develop tourism while preserving the authenticity and unique characteristics of the local culture so visitors can have a genuine experience as if they were living like locals."

Bi also hopes that Thi Tuong Lagoon will become more widely known among tourists, and that the culture, cuisine, and people of Ca Mau will gain greater recognition, contributing to the growth of local tourism and creating jobs for the community, as well as attracting more young people to return and help build their hometowns.

One of Bi’s international visitors, Aravindhan from India, participated in the "One Day as a Ca Mau Local" tour in July and had a memorable 4-day experience. He enjoyed various rural activities he had never tried before.

In addition to catching crabs and exploring the small village, Aravindhan was invited to a local wedding hosted by his homestay family.

"I was very impressed by the warmth, friendliness, and hospitality of the locals. I not only experienced the lively and cozy atmosphere of the village but also enjoyed delicious meals throughout the day," Aravindhan shared.

The Indian visitor experiences coconut picking and boat rides through the forest in Ca Mau.
Photo credit: Tran Bi