Located in the heart of Vietnam’s fertile Mekong Delta, Can Tho is a vibrant city known for its floating markets, canal networks, lush orchards, and welcoming culture. Often referred to as the “rice bowl of Vietnam,” Can Tho is the perfect gateway for travelers seeking a blend of urban comforts and authentic rural charm.
Whether you’re cruising through floating villages at sunrise, savoring local delicacies, or learning about life along the river, Can Tho offers a deeply immersive Mekong Delta experience.
Why Visit Can Tho?
1. Floating Market Culture
Can Tho is home to some of the largest and most iconic floating markets in Vietnam — where boats brimming with produce create a colorful and bustling river scene.
2. Rural Tranquility Meets Urban Convenience
While the city center is modern and lively, the surrounding countryside is peaceful, full of rice fields, orchards, and canals ideal for eco-tours and cycling.
3. Cultural and Historical Richness
From Buddhist temples and colonial-era architecture to ethnic diversity, Can Tho has a rich heritage that’s reflected in its food, festivals, and daily life.
4. Culinary Heaven
Can Tho is a food lover’s paradise, offering fresh river fish, tropical fruits, and traditional Mekong Delta specialties you won’t find anywhere else.
Top Things to Do in Can Tho
1. Visit Cai Rang Floating Market
This UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage site is one of Vietnam’s largest and most famous floating markets. It starts around 5:30 AM and peaks before 8:00 AM.
- Vendors sell everything from fruits, vegetables, and coffee to breakfast noodles — all from boats.
- Pro tip: Take a private boat tour or join a guided sunrise tour for the full experience.
2. Cruise the Mekong Delta Canals
Book a boat trip along small canals and tributaries to explore local life. You’ll pass thatched houses, lush gardens, stilt bridges, and floating villages.
- Combine the cruise with stops at rice paper workshops, fruit farms, or traditional noodle factories.
3. Binh Thuy Ancient House
Built in 1870, this beautifully preserved house showcases French colonial architecture blended with Vietnamese interior design. It’s a filming location for the French movie L’Amant (The Lover).
- A must-visit for history buffs and architecture lovers.
4. Stroll Along Ninh Kieu Wharf
Located in the heart of the city, this riverside promenade is a great spot for walking, dining, and enjoying the sunset over the Hau River.
- Highlights include the Uncle Ho statue, night market, and floating restaurants.
5. Explore Ong Pagoda
This colorful Chinese temple, built in the late 19th century, sits near Ninh Kieu Wharf. It’s dedicated to Quan Cong, a deity revered for loyalty and justice.
- Admire the incense coils, dragon motifs, and red lanterns that decorate the temple.
Unique Experiences in Can Tho
Cycle Through Countryside Villages
Can Tho’s flat landscape and rural charm make it ideal for cycling tours. Ride through banana plantations, canal trails, and rice paddies, interacting with local farmers and schoolchildren along the way.
Visit Tropical Fruit Orchards
The region is known for pomelo, mango, longan, durian, and star apple. Many orchards offer tours, fruit tasting, and homestay experiences.
- Recommended areas: My Khanh, Phong Dien, and Tan Loc Island.
Stay in a Local Homestay
Get a deeper understanding of Delta life by staying with a local family. Many homestays include cooking classes, fishing trips, and evening music performances.
Best Time to Visit Can Tho
Can Tho has a tropical climate, with two main seasons:
- Dry season (December to April): Best for sightseeing, comfortable weather, and clear skies.
- Rainy season (May to November): Lush landscapes and fewer tourists. Occasional short but heavy rains.
Special Event: Nghinh Ong Festival (September)
Held by the local Chinese community, this colorful celebration includes dragon dances, parades, and worship ceremonies at Ong Pagoda.
How to Get to Can Tho
By Air
Can Tho International Airport (VCA) serves domestic flights from Hanoi, Da Nang, and Con Dao, as well as some international routes (e.g., Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur — subject to schedule).
By Bus
From Ho Chi Minh City: 3.5–4.5 hours by express bus (e.g., Futa, Thanh Buoi).
From other Delta cities like Chau Doc, Soc Trang, or Ben Tre, travel time ranges from 2–4 hours.
By Private Transfer or Motorbike
Great option for flexible stops along scenic routes.
Where to Stay in Can Tho
Luxury & Mid-Range Hotels
- Vinpearl Hotel Can Tho – 5-star with panoramic river views.
- TTC Hotel Premium – Can Tho – Near Ninh Kieu Wharf, ideal location.
- West Hotel – Riverside with great value for mid-range travelers.
Homestays and Eco-Lodges
- Mekong Rustic Can Tho – Immersive rural experience with local hosts.
- Green Village Mekong – Bamboo bungalows, peaceful setting.
- Hung Homestay – Affordable, warm hospitality, local meals.
What to Eat in Can Tho
Top Local Dishes:
- Bánh xèo (Vietnamese savory pancake) – Often made with fresh shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
- Hủ tiếu – Rice noodle soup with pork, shrimp, or quail eggs.
- Lẩu mắm (fermented fish hotpot) – A bold, flavorful dish unique to the Mekong Delta.
- Grilled snakehead fish – Served with herbs and rice paper for rolling.
- Nem nướng (grilled pork sausage rolls) – Served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Don’t forget to try fresh coconut juice, sugarcane juice, and desserts made with palm sugar and sticky rice!
Travel Tips for Visiting Can Tho
Start early for floating market tours — most activity ends by 8 AM.
Carry cash — small vendors, boats, and markets often don’t accept cards.
Pack light rain gear during the rainy season.
Take guided tours to get more from your experience — many guides are locals with deep insights.
Use insect repellent, especially in rural and riverside areas.
Sustainable Travel in Can Tho
As tourism grows, it’s important to explore responsibly:
- Support family-run homestays and local tour operators.
- Avoid single-use plastics — especially when on the river.
- Choose eco-friendly tours and respect local customs.
- Buy local crafts and produce at markets instead of mass-produced souvenirs.
Final Thoughts
Can Tho is more than a city — it’s a window into the soul of the Mekong Delta. With its vibrant river culture, delicious cuisine, spiritual sites, and warm-hearted locals, Can Tho offers travelers a genuine, unforgettable experience in southern Vietnam.
Whether you’re watching the sunrise over Cai Rang Market, biking through a mango orchard, or enjoying a sunset by the river, Can Tho promises moments of peace, discovery, and connection. Don’t miss this shining jewel of the Mekong Delta.
