The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been helping the southern province of Tien Giang to make the most of its potential for tourism and other strengths so as to boost rural economic development.

The agency has funded a three-year project to promote the important role local communities play in sustainable development by developing heritage tourism.

Dong Hoa Hiep village in Cai Be district is a typical traditional craft village and one of Tien Giang’s unique eco-tourism destinations, famous for its old houses and many canals criss-crossing its beautiful countryside.

Through this project, the JICA has helped the province to improve its infrastructure and repair and conserve old houses for the tourism industry.

It has also assisted local people to improve the quality of tourist products and services, and promoted and coordinated tourist services between Dong Hoa Hiep and travel agents nationwide to attract more visitors to the area.

Dong Hoa Hiep, along with Cai Be floating market, My Thuan Bridge and the Tien River are popular ecotourism destinations in Tien Giang. The sites have been upgraded in recent years and have brought greater prosperity to the province.