Dong Thap will host over 30 cultural and tourism events in November, featuring heritage houses, flower boats, a floating market and traditional crafts.
The events, scheduled mainly for November 18-24, aim to promote the Mekong Delta province's cultural heritage and attract more visitors through traditional arts, cuisine, crafts and community activities.
Under the theme "Culture Lights the Way-Dong Thap Reaches Further", the programme will mark Vietnamese Culture Day and the 2026 National Great Unity Festival, with activities planned across 102 communes and wards.
According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the seventh Dong Hoa Hiep Ancient Village Culture and Tourism Festival will be among the main attractions.
Heritage houses illuminated, floating market recreated
The festival is scheduled to open in Cai Be Commune on November 18, offering visitors opportunities to explore traditional southern Vietnamese architecture and local cultural practices.
A highlight will be the "Ancient Houses Light Up at Night" programme, featuring illuminated heritage buildings and decorated flower boats along Ba Hop Creek.
Traditional houses, artistic lighting and riverside performances are expected to create an atmospheric setting showcasing the distinctive character of the Mekong Delta.
Visitors will also be able to watch traditional banh tet rice cakes being prepared, explore local handicrafts and interact with artisans.
Another attraction will be the "Flavours and Colours of the South" floating market and food space, recreating traditional river trading activities while introducing regional dishes and agricultural products.
Other events include the "Flow of Heritage" programme, a Vietnamese goods fair serving rural communities and a familiarisation trip for travel businesses under the theme "Dong Hoa Hiep Ancient Village-From Heritage to Tourism Products".
The festival will also feature photography, video and songwriting competitions inspired by Dong Hoa Hiep, along with cultural heritage exhibitions, books, traditional crafts and locally certified One Commune One Product (OCOP) goods.
Cultural activities across the province
Beyond Dong Hoa Hiep Ancient Village, cultural and community events will take place throughout Dong Thap.
From November 1 to 18, residential communities will organise National Great Unity Festival activities, including artistic performances, cultural exchanges and displays of local products.
On November 24, communes and wards are expected to host food festivals, folk games, traditional sports and exhibitions promoting local cultural identities and OCOP products.
Museums and libraries will also organise exhibitions and hands-on activities highlighting the province's heritage.
At the provincial museum's first branch in My Tho Ward, visitors can explore a photographic exhibition titled "Dong Thap Cultural Heritage" and collections of Vietnamese ceramic and metal vases.
Meanwhile, the museum's second branch in Cao Lanh Ward will offer demonstrations of mat weaving, traditional scarf weaving, fermented pork roll making and rice cracker production.
Libraries will display books and documents, present creative book arrangements and organise a video competition promoting family reading.
Sporting events will include the 2026 Dong Thap Pickleball Tournament, alongside activities associated with the National Third Division Football Championship and pencak silat competitions at the 10th National Sports Games.
A special cultural performance marking Vietnamese Culture Day is scheduled for November 23 at Hung Vuong Square in Dao Thanh Ward.
A conference on sustainable cultural and tourism development will also bring together officials, experts and businesses to discuss ways to preserve heritage while developing tourism products.
Provincial authorities expect the combination of heritage experiences, traditional crafts, regional cuisine and community activities to strengthen Dong Thap's tourism appeal.
Illuminated ancient houses, flower boats and a recreated floating market are expected to showcase the culture and riverside lifestyle of the Mekong Delta.