An Thoi port in Phu Quoc island (Photo: VNA)Kien Giang (VNA) – With natural landscapes from mountains to sea, the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang has potential in tourism that has yet to be fully exploited.
Kien Giang tourism comprises four major regions – Phu Quoc, Ha Tien-Kien Luong and adjacent areas, Rach Gia-Kien Hai and adjacent areas, and U Minh Thuong and surrounding areas.
Phu Quoc, known as the “pearl island”, has received investment to become a high-end tourist destination. Along with long green mountains and attractive beaches as well as a diversity of animal and flora species, Phu Quoc also has 26 islands in different sizes.
Ha Tien-Kien Luong border area is attractive to visitors for its beauty spots such as Mui Nai, Hon Trem, Hang pagoda, Binh San mountain, as well as caves and Hai Tac and Ba Lua archipelagoes.
In the Rach Gia-Kien Hai area, tourists can see cultural and historical relics and unique architectural works of Kinh, Hoa and Khmer people as well as untouched natural landscapes.
U Minh Thuong Natural Park, belonging to the Kien Giang world Biosphere Reserve system, is home to 254 floral species, 32 species of animal, 188 kinds of birds, and 64 fish species, many of which are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the world.
As part of efforts to tap its tourism potential, Kien Giang has focused on developing its infrastructure, including Rach Gia and Phu Quoc airports, and Rach Gia, Bai Vong and Duong Dong seaports.
The province plans to connect Phu Quoc and Hon Tre islands with the national power grid, while upgrading infrastructure in other destinations and promoting the value of cultural and historical sites such as Phu Quoc prison and Phat Quang pagoda.
According to Tran Chi Dung, Director of the provincial Department of Tourism, the locality has so far attracted 271 projects in the four major tourism regions with a total investment of about 232 trillion VND, 179 of which have been licenced.
Kien Giang is also taking steps to grow tourism sustainably, he said, adding that the province expects to welcome 6.8 million tourists in 2020, or an increase of 9.5 percent annually in the number of visitors, including 450,000 foreigners.-VNA
