International tourists embrace hands-on river experiences in Phu Quoc

In recent days, the waterway has attracted a steady stream of foreign travelers eager to join experiential programs that showcase the daily routines of local fishing communities, as observed by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters.

A highlight is a ride on traditional basket boats gliding across the Cua Can River, giving visitors an up-close look at the rhythms of riverside life.

Many visitors go beyond sightseeing by trying age-old fishing techniques such as casting and hauling nets, gaining first-hand insight into the work that sustains riverside households.

Planting trees along the riverbank has also become popular, with tourists volunteering to add mangroves in support of environmental conservation on the island.

Anthony, a tourist from the U.S., said he has traveled widely but feels a special connection to Phu Quoc, where the island’s natural beauty and the simplicity of life in its fishing villages left a lasting impression on him.

“Exploring the Cua Can River by basket boat was an unforgettable experience,” he said, adding that watching fishermen cast and haul in their nets felt peaceful and that planting a tree made the trip even more meaningful.

Dan Dan, a visitor from China, said she appreciated the opportunity to connect directly with nature during the river activities.

“Even in the rain, we enjoyed every moment and were happy to plant trees ourselves to help protect the environment,” she said.

Tran Van Trung, who operates basket boat tours on the Cua Can River, said Phu Quoc is seeing a growing number of international travelers from the U.S., Poland, China, South Korea, and other countries.

According to Trung, many visitors are eager to explore local culture through hands-on activities and show particular interest in planting mangroves along the river, alongside enjoying the island’s beaches.

According to the An Giang Department of Tourism, the province welcomed nearly six million arrivals in the first two months of 2026, including more than 606,000 international travelers.

Of the total, Phu Quoc accounted for over 2.2 million arrivals, nearly 600,000 of them foreign visitors.

Tourism revenue in An Giang during the period reached nearly VND16 trillion (US$612 million).