Dong Thap province plans to organise the biggest ever festival in theMekong Delta region to mark the 30th anniversary of the Dong Thap Muoi(Plain of Reeds) sub-region.

As many as 500 booths in theornamental plant and trade festival will feature various products andactivities. They will review the achievements of the region during thepast 30 years and promote tourism in the area.

Besides showcasingbeautiful trees, flowers and bonsai creations, several conferences willbe held on developing the Dong Thap Muoi region and promotinginvestment in the Mekong Delta. Several contests will also be part ofthe December 1-5 festival in Cao Lanh city.

Le Minh Hoan, deputysecretary of the province's Party Committee, said the festival willhonour the economic social, cultural achievements of the region that hasgreat potential for tourism.

The province expects to attractmore domestic and foreign tourists to the area, especially througheco-friendly tours. Hoan said one of the important events during thefestival would be the opening ceremony of the Nguyen Sinh Sac historicalsite.

The site comprises the village and tomb of the late President Ho Chi Minh's father, Nguyen Sinh Sac.

Accordingto organisers, ecological tours to the Sa Dec Flower Village and otherbeautiful destinations in the province will be promoted during thefestival.

Thirty years ago, when the Dong Thap Muoi regionspanned the three provinces of Long An, Tien Giang and Dong Thap, it wasa fallow marsh famous for its lotus blooms.

Agriculture was eventhen the region's mainstay, with the three provinces that comprise itbeing top exporters of rice in the country, according to localofficials.

Of late, however, tourism, industry and trade are being developed in the region./.