Thousands flock to lotus fest opening for culinary experiences in southern Vietnam

The festival, running until Sunday, is offering a wide range of cultural, tourism, and commercial activities centered around the lotus, a symbol closely associated with the Mekong Delta province.

Visitors are treated to exhibition spaces showcasing the lotus value chain, One Commune One Product (OCOP) goods, and nearly 100 domestic and international lotus varieties.

The event also features a lotus-themed food street and artistic hot-air balloon performances.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Pham Thanh Ngai, chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, highlighted the province’s efforts to develop key agricultural sectors, including ornamental flowers, fruits, tra fish, and lotus products.

He said local authorities have focused on increasing the value of these fields through festivals linked to trade promotion and tourism development.

More than just a familiar plant in the countryside, the lotus has gradually become a distinctive cultural resource of Dong Thap and a new driver of green economic development, Ngai said.

It contributes to preserving local cultural identity, while creating livelihoods and development opportunities for residents, he noted.

The festival serves not only as a cultural and tourism event, but also as a platform to promote the province’s image, introduce its potential, attract investment, and create new momentum for local growth.

Ngai also called on local residents to act as ambassadors for the province, sharing stories about Dong Thap’s culture and hospitality so that visitors leave with lasting impressions.

The festival opening drew large crowds from both within and outside the province to enjoy lotus-inspired cuisine, take photographs at decorative installations, and admire colorful hot-air balloons.

Among the visitors was Hoang Mai from Ho Chi Minh City, who traveled to the festival with her family during the summer holiday.

“Joining the festival, we took photos with lotus displays and hot-air balloons, and shopped for lotus-based products as gifts,” she said.

“What impressed us most was the variety of dishes made from lotus ingredients, ranging from sweet desserts to savory specialties that appeal to both children and adults.”