With reference to two or more of the case studies presented in the course guide, or comparable case studies, identify how the different social, economic and culturalcontexts in which cultural tourism takes place can affect the outcome or sustainability of a cultural

project”

Introduction

Vietnam is a developing country in transition. Its economy is undergoing a rapid changeas it moves from non-market socialism to a market economy with a socialist orientation.Vietnam is a country with vast natural wealth, rich in natural landscapes and naturalresources, cultural and historical values, which are considered core advantages fortourism development. In fact, the country

‟s economy

has witnessed a rapidly expandingtourism sector, with a growth rate of over 17% in recent years (Vietnam Tourism, 2008).This essay intends to look into cultural tourism development in two case studies in SouthVietnam: The Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels.Cultural tourism in the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnel in South Vietnam has beenidentified as one of the most obvious economic development opportunities for theregions. The potential for cultural tourism development in the two destinations is large.They are spectacular attractions for tourists, in terms of cultural values and naturallandscapes. However, there are issues that need to be considered in developingsustainable tourism in the places. Cooper (1998) recognised that sustainable developmentis inherently strategic and must involve collaboration of social, economic, cultural andenvironmental forces in working towards a common goal. In reviewing the tourismaspects of the destinations, this essay will outline the cultural values and characteristics,and analyse how cultural tourism is developed in such social, economic and culturalcontexts. Hence, it will provide proper understanding of the contemporary tourism sceneand conditions for long-term development in the case study areas.

Vinh Quoc Nguyen

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Tourism Management - Deakin University

Significance of Cultural Values and Tourism PotentialThe Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is the bottom half of Vietnam's two rice baskets, the other being theRed River Delta in the North (Vietnam Guide Book, 2004). The people of South Vietnamare very proud of the richness and vastness of this land. When referring to the rice fieldsin this area, they often say, "co bay thang canh", meaning the land is so large that thecranes can stretch their wings as they fly (Vietnam Travel, 2008). The region is rich inflora and fauna and is the highest producer of rice crops, vegetables and fruit orchards of the whole country (Vietnam Guide Book, 2004).The Mekong Delta is divided into 9 provinces: Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, DongThap, An Giang, Vinh Long, Kien Giang, Hau Giang and Minh Hai. The people in thisregion are made up of Vietnamese and some people of Khmer, Chinese and Cham origins(Vietnam Travel, 2008). This accounts for the variety of religions that add to the culturaldiversity of this area. Among the religions practised here are Buddhism, Catholicism,Cao Dai, Hoa Hao and Islam (Vietnam Guide Book, 2004). People of different religionsparticipate in the annual regional festivals and events such as the Mekong river rowing,harvest fests, fruit festivals, amateur music etc.As described, the Mekong Delta is obviously attractive to tourists with its beauty of splendid nature, culture, traditions and religions. Visitors will be astonished by the dailylife and cultural activities of local residents on the floating markets.

Vietnam‟s

Mekongdelta is a magnificent destination for ecological and cultural tourism (Vietnam Tourism,2008).

Cu Chi Tunnels

Construction of the Cu Chi Tunnels began in 1948, so that the Viet Minh could hide fromFrench air and ground sweeps. Each hamlet built its own underground communicationsroute through the hard clay, and over the years the separate tunnels were slowly and