Mekong Smile Honored at VITA AWARDS 2025 with the prestigious award for “Outstanding New and Unique Tourism Product of 2024” for the tour “Southern Imprint – Death Anniversary Feast on the Islet Tour” This award not only recognizes the unique value of our tourism product but also serves as evidence of the dedication and continuous efforts of the project team (including Mekong Smile, the Con Son Can Tho community, and partners) in preserving and promoting the distinctive cultural values of the Mekong river region, bringing tourists complete and authentically local experiences.
Receiving the Prestigious Award at VITA AWARDS 2025
VITA (Vietnam Tourism Association), established in 2002, is a non-governmental socio-professional organization bringing together businesses and individuals operating in the tourism sector. VITA AWARDS is an annual award initiated in 2018, honoring outstanding contributions to Vietnam’s tourism industry.
The VITA AWARDS 2025 ceremony was formally held on the afternoon of April 10, 2025, within the framework of the Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM Hanoi 2025). This is an annual event of significant importance, recognizing the outstanding contributions of organizations, businesses, and individuals to the development of Vietnam’s tourism industry.
At this year’s event, a total of 224 outstanding representatives were honored, including 69 individuals and 155 collectives. Each award is not only a recognition of achievements but also a motivation for units and individuals to continue innovating, creating, and improving the quality of Vietnamese tourism services.
“VITA AWARDS is not just a title, but also a place to honor pioneers in transforming mindsets, leading trends, and inspiring innovation throughout the industry,” emphasized Ms. Cao Thi Ngoc Lan, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Tourism Association, in her speech at the ceremony.
2025 marks an important turning point as the Vietnam Tourism Association officially launched the industry-wide emulation program with the theme: “Vietnam Tourism Rising into a New Era – The Era of Green Transformation and Digital Transformation.” Mekong Smile receiving this award in this context further confirms the alignment of our tourism product with the industry’s sustainable development direction.
See more: VITA AWARDS 2025 – Honoring and Paving the Way for Green Tourism and Digital Tourism
Death Anniversary Feast on the Islet Tour – A Recognized Southern Cultural Imprint
The “Southern Imprint – Death Anniversary Feast on the Islet Tour” is the result of the Mekong Smile team’s deep love for the Mekong Delta river region and desire to preserve traditional cultural values that are gradually fading. This is not simply a tour but a journey taking tourists back to the old Southern memories – where anniversary feasts are not just about remembering ancestors but also occasions for family reunions and gatherings.
The tour takes guests to the beautiful Con Son Islet in Can Tho, where guests will:
- Dress as an authentic Southern local with ba ba shirts and checkered scarves
- Participate in the traditional “Tien Thuong Ceremony” in Southern memories
- Meet and interact with the first person born on Con Son Islet
- Participate hands-on in preparing the feast at the first wooden house built on Con Son Islet
- Return to childhood with folk games like hopscotch, jump rope, and can kicking
- Enjoy a Southern countryside feast with authentic flavors and Don Ca Tai Tu folk music
The unique cultural value of the “Southern Imprint – Death Anniversary Feast on the Islet Tour” is precisely why Mekong Smile honored at VITA AWARDS 2025. This is not just a simple tourism product but an effort to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values of the Southern land in the context of modernization and globalization.
From Love for the Mekong Delta to an Award-Winning Unique Tourism Product
The idea for the “Southern Imprint – Death Anniversary Feast on the Islet Tour” was formed from the Mekong Smile team’s love and appreciation for Southern Vietnam culture. We noticed that the death anniversary feast – a custom with important significance in Southern Vietnam culture – is gradually fading in modern life. From there, the idea of creating a tourism experience where tourists are not only able to visit but also immerse themselves in the culturally rich Southern Vietnam space was born.
The product development process required thorough research of local customs and practices, as well as close cooperation with Con Son residents to ensure authenticity and respect for indigenous culture. In particular, we were fortunate to receive valuable support from Uncle Hai – the first person born on Con Son Islet, who shared invaluable stories and knowledge about the history and culture of this land.
With the motto “The Mekong Delta is not just a place to visit, but a place to love,” we spent over a year refining every minute detail of the tour, from selecting the traditional wooden house to designing experience activities suitable for each customer segment.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Companions on This Journey
“The VITA AWARDS 2025 is a source of tremendous honor and pride for the entire Mekong Smile team. This is not only recognition of our creative efforts but also a driving force for us to continue developing tourism products imbued with Mekong Delta cultural identity,” shared Mr. Tran Thanh Thai – Director of Mekong Smile.
Through this award, Mekong Smile would like to express our sincere gratitude to:
- The Vietnam Tourism Association, for recognizing and honoring our creative efforts
- Our valued partners, for their companionship and support during the product development process
- The residents of Con Son Islet, for their enthusiastic sharing and contribution to creating authentic experiences for our visitors.
- Most especially, we thank our customers for placing their trust in Mekong Smile and choosing us, thus enabling us to continue realizing our mission: “To Deliver a Perfect Customer Experience.”
Continuing to Innovate and Create
Encouraged by the VITA AWARDS 2025, Mekong Smile commits to continuing to innovate, create, and improve service quality. We will develop more unique tourism products, combining traditional cultural experiences with modern technology applications, contributing to the increasingly sustainable development of Mekong Delta tourism in particular and Vietnamese tourism in general.
This award also marks a significant step forward in realizing Mekong Smile’s vision: “To become the leading travel company in the Mekong Delta by pioneering the use of high technology and innovative, creative thinking.”
Experience Our VITA AWARDS 2025 Award-Winning Tour Today
Do you want to become part of a journey exploring authentic Southern culture? Want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a traditional memorial ceremony, enjoy distinctive cuisine, and participate in meaningful folk activities?
The “Southern Imprint – Anniversary Feast on the Islet Tour” awaits you! Contact Mekong Smile now for a truly memorable travel experience, proudly recognized by the VITA AWARDS 2025
Tour Details: “Southern Imprint – Death Anniversary Feast on the Islet Tour”
Location: Con Son Islet, Can Tho
Duration: 1-Day Tour, departing from the 147 Con Son Mien Nam Ferry Terminal.
All-Inclusive Tour Price:
- Adults: 1,268,000 VND/guest
- Children 6-10 years old: 950,000 VND/guest
Departure Schedule: Private/Pre-booked tours for groups. Please book at least 1 day in advance.
Highlights:
- Dress in traditional costumes to fully embrace the Mekong Delta culture.
- Participate in preparing and enjoying a Southern memorial feast
- Enjoy a Tai Tu Music Exchange (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage).
- Return to childhood with folk games
- Experience fishing with bamboo rods, making traditional shaved ice
“Because the Mekong Delta is not just a place to visit, but a place to love” – Mekong Smile is proud to offer guests distinctive and meaningful travel experiences, now further validated by the VITA AWARDS 2025 recognition.
