The social live of boats and Cultural Riverscape in Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Abstract

In this study, we use qualitative research methods to analyze the social life of boats in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, thereby pointing out the value of vessels in forming the unique river culture of the residents here. This river culture, with boats as a typical symbol, is very rich and diverse in shape, size, and flexibility in the function of boats in the floating market culture in the Mekong Delta. In 2016, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam recognized this culture as an intangible cultural heritage.

The specific research objectives are as follows: Research on physical space and cultural river landscape in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, and research on boats according to the socio-cultural identity dimension of the people in the Mekong Delta. Research on the social life of boats and unique cultural river landscape in 'Cai Rang Floating Market' in Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. "Ghe Bau" research: analysis of research units. They were selected by purposive sampling method. The tools used were baseline surveys, observations, interviews, focus group discussions, and document searches. Data were collected by analyzing documents, artifacts, historical images, and field surveys. The research results indicate that the Mekong Delta's historical conditions, geographical features and complex river systems have formed the habit of using boats, thereby emphasizing their essential role in the region.

The forms of market meetings on the river have turned boats into essential elements, contributing to the river culture characteristics. In addition, the diversity, characteristics of boats and natural social life have formed unique cultural values ​​of this river region. Boats serve the needs of transporting goods and people and carry riverside communities' customs, habits, and unique cultural features. Combining these means of transport with livelihood activities, festivals, and cultural exchanges has created a rich picture of river culture in the Mekong Delta. However, in the current context, social development and urbanization have increasingly narrowed the area of ​​floating markets, reduced the number of boats, affecting some characteristics of their types, designs, and functions. This has deeply affected the typical values ​​of floating market culture. Therefore, local authorities, the Party, the State, and businesses, especially those operating in the tourism sector, need to pay attention and implement appropriate policies to preserve and maintain boats and the unique intangible culture of the river region. Close cooperation between the parties will help raise public awareness of cultural values, while creating sustainable development activities for the tourism industry associated with local culture. Preserving and promoting cultural heritage is an inevitable and sustainable trend in the present and future, especially in the context of increasingly rapid integration and cultural exchange between countries (Nguyen & Le, 2021; Pham et al., 2023).

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