Mr. Ly Van Bon (also known as Bay Bon), owner of Bay Bon fish raft and the Deputy Director of Con Son Agricultural Tourism Cooperative, was excited when his Cooperative was recognized by the People's Committee of Binh Thuy District and awarded a co-management decision in protecting aquatic resources in June. This recognition is great news for the people of Con Son, as it acknowledges their efforts in protecting natural aquatic resources over the years. Mr. Bay Bon highlighted the collaborative efforts of many tourists to achieve this result.

Mr. Bay Bon has opened a special area for natural fish at his fish raft for almost 4 years. Here, fish can swim freely to eat and then return to the river. Money for fish food is taken from the entrance fee when visitors visit the fish raft. Bay Bon fish raft has also become a popular tourist attraction and one of the methods to preserve and raise community awareness of protecting aquatic resources on the Hau River. Le Ngoc Bao Tien (13 years old, from Ninh Kieu district) said: "The experience at Bay Bon fish raft is very interesting, and I am most impressed with the natural fish area. When I heard Mr. Bay Bon and the tour guide talk about the process of creating a living environment for fish, I was even happier. Because I am also contributing to the conservation of fish species as well."

Ms. Le Thi Hong Diem, a local tour guide at Con Son, explained, “Before we become tour guides at Con Son, we must undergo comprehensive training courses in knowledge and skills, particularly in tourism work associated with environmental protection and sustainable development. Mr. Bay Bon guides us enthusiastically, making sure that each of us has a clear understanding of the life cycles and characteristics of fish species. During our tours, we strive to share this knowledge with the tourists, allowing them to experience and contribute to the protection of fish species.” Ms. Hong Diem also mentioned that the archerfish (Toxotidae) due to its unique ability to shoot down land-based insects and other small prey with jets of water spit from their specialized mouths. Although it usually lives in natural water environments, it receives little attention from people. However, when Mr. Bay Bon started breeding the archerfish as an attraction for tourists, it gained widespread recognition.

Mr. Tran Quang Huy, from Hanoi, shared his thoughts about his recent visit, stating that it was his first time seeing such a wide variety of fish species. He appreciated the informative tour guides and was particularly fascinated by fish species he had never seen before, such as the archerfish, known for its quick and accurate hunting skills. He found the experience valuable, especially for those traveling to river areas like this.

Visitors to Bay Bon fish raft can explore and learn about a diverse range of fish species, including snakehead fish, koi fish, archerfish, and Redtail catfish. The raft also houses many precious fish species such as Redtail catfish, Giant barb, Zig-zag eel, and loach. Additionally, there is an Information Room regarding fisheries on the Hau River, offering visitors information and displaying 3D models of typical fish species found in the Hau River. A total of 27 species have been selected for introduction, with 15 of them being displayed in 3D models.

Mr. Ly Van Bon, expressed his motivation for combining fish farming with tourism. He used to raise fish in rafts solely for economic purposes but realized the potential to raise awareness by integrating tourism. His ultimate goal is to preserve and protect natural fish species, envisioning the place as a research and testing site for both domestic and international researchers and students in the field of aquaculture.

The development of tourism products related to different fish species has become a specialty of Con Son. With technical support and experience from Mr. Bay Bon, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tam, the owner of Thanh Tam Garden, has created unique products such as flying snakehead fish and catfish eating on land. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tam mentioned, "We train familiar animals to become tourism products, but when the fish are raised for a long time, we will release them back into the wild." Not only large fish are released, but also small and young fish. Mr. Pham Van Ut, a tour guide at Con Son, stated, "When groups of tourists experience catching fish in the gardens at Con Son, we always encourage them to release small snails and young fish back into the natural environment. Many groups of tourists enthusiastically join hands to do this with us."

Developing tourism while preserving and conserving natural habitats is a challenging process. However, with consensus and cooperation from many people, it is entirely possible. The accomplishments of the Con Son Agricultural Tourism Cooperative demonstrate years of effort and perseverance in clearly defining the path toward community development and sustainable tourism.