Can Tho, Vietnam: 13 Places to Visit & Things to Know

The Mekong Delta region of Vietnam is a place with fertile land and a dense network of winding rivers. Among them, Can Tho is the most bustling city in the region, where the economy, culture, and tourism thrive the most. Can Tho also encapsulates all the prominent characteristics of this area. Join us in exploring the attractions in Can Tho and things to know when visiting.

Overview of Can Tho

Can Tho is located in the center of the Mekong Delta, belonging to the downstream region of the Mekong River. It is one of Vietnam’s major cities and has received significant government investment, leading to rapid development. As a result, Can Tho has become one of the most attractive destinations in southern Vietnam.

Some notable tourist features of Can Tho include its floating markets, waterway tourism, fruit orchards, aquaculture, diverse historical sites, festivals, traditional villages, and cuisine. Many visitors find Can Tho appealing not only for its beautiful landscapes but also for the simple way of life and warm hospitality of the people living in the riverside countryside.

Best Time to Visit Can Tho

Can Tho experiences a tropical monsoon climate with minimal storms, hot and humid conditions throughout the year, and no cold season. The rainy season lasts from May to November, while the dry season spans from December to April of the following year. The average temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for tourism.

If you want to witness fruit orchards in full harvest, the best time to visit is from May to August.
For experiencing high water levels, plan your visit from September to November. During this period, water is abundant, and bustling boats engage in fishing activities.
From December to February, which is close to the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet), Can Tho is adorned with flowers and filled with festive vibes.

Transportation to Can Tho

Transportation options to Can Tho are readily available and quite diverse, making it easy for you to choose if you decide to visit Can Tho.

By Air

If you are coming from cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, or other provinces with airports, you can purchase flight tickets to fly to Can Tho Airport. Depending on your location, different airlines will offer various prices and flight schedules.

By Car

If you are traveling from Ho Chi Minh City or nearby cities, you can choose to go by car. The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho is 170 km, and the journey takes about 3 hours.

Best Tourist Attractions in Can Tho

Cai Rang Floating Market

The most iconic destination you can’t miss when visiting Can Tho is the Cai Rang Floating Market. This market operates from 4:30 AM to around 8:30 AM, so if you’re a late riser, you’ll miss the vibrant atmosphere of this place. Cai Rang Floating Market is about 6 km from the city center, so you’ll travel by boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf to get there. Most of the goods sold here are fruits and agricultural products from the Mekong Delta region. Additionally, many small boats offer breakfast, drinks, and snacks to serve tourists.

Ninh Kieu Wharf

Located on the banks of the Hau River in the central area of Can Tho city, Ninh Kieu Wharf is not only a tourist attraction but also a place for receiving cargo ships, tourist boats, and high-speed ferries connecting the provinces of the Mekong Delta.

Hu Tieu Craft Village

Hu Tieu Craft Village is one of the famous traditional craft villages in Can Tho, specializing in producing rice noodle strands for the market. This is a crucial ingredient in the famous “Hu Tieu” dish found in various cities and provinces in the Southern part of Vietnam.

This craft village is situated right next to Cai Rang Floating Market. When you visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the rice noodle production workshops. Moreover, the locals will guide you through the process of making rice noodles, allowing you to participate in the production stages yourself.

Some prominent “Hu Tieu” workshops in Can Tho include:

Six Hoai Rice Noodle Workshop
My Hometown Rice Noodle Workshop
Nine Treasures Rice Noodle Workshop

Ong Pagoda

Ong Pagoda was built in the year 1894 and is one of the most sacred temples in the Mekong Delta region. Despite being over 120 years old, the architecture of the temple remains almost intact, with colorful decorations in a Chinese-style design. Ong Pagoda is considered one of the most spiritually significant tourist destinations in Can Tho that you shouldn’t miss.

Can Tho Pedestrian Bridge

Just a few hundred meters from Ninh Kieu Wharf is the Pedestrian Bridge (also known as the Love Bridge), a picturesque spot that many young people love for photography. This bridge is about 200 meters long and over 7 meters wide, adorned with LED lights and concealed lights beneath the bridge. The prominent features include two giant lotus flowers in the middle of the bridge.

Bang Lang Stork Garden

Located 60 km from the city center, Bang Lang Stork Garden is home to over 300,000 white storks. The garden impresses both domestic and international tourists with the vibrant sounds of storks, the flapping of wings, and the sight of flocks of birds flying gracefully. Bang Lang Stork Garden is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts who want to explore the life of white storks in a pristine and peaceful environment.

Muoi Cuong Cocoa Garden

This extensive garden features over 15 types of cocoa trees, with more than 2,000 cocoa plants in total. It is one of the leading places in Vietnam for cocoa powder production. When you visit, you can enjoy products made from cocoa pods and experience various stages of cocoa production alongside the owners.

Binh Thuy Ancient House

This house was built in 1870 and has remained remarkably preserved. With unique architecture and historical significance, this ancient house is considered an artistic treasure and has been featured in many films. Passing through the sturdy gate built in a French architectural style, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the life of the upper class in the 19th century Mekong Delta region.

Night Markets in Can Tho

Currently, Can Tho city has three famous night markets: Tay Do Night Market (also known as the Ancient Market), Ninh Kieu Night Market, and Tran Phu Night Market. Each night market has its own distinct features, so if you have the time, it’s recommended to visit all three.

Tay Do Night Market

Tay Do Night Market is relatively spacious and well-organized, with stalls neatly arranged. The range of goods sold here is diverse, including fruits, clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts. Whatever you need, you’ll likely find it at Tay Do Night Market.

Tran Phu Night Market

While Tay Do Night Market and Ninh Kieu Night Market are located close to each other, Tran Phu Night Market is situated in a different area called Cai Khe. This bustling night market is popular among tourists. Locals and visitors alike recognize Tran Phu Night Market as the liveliest culinary street in Can Tho, with numerous seafood and grilled food stalls.

Ninh Kieu Night Market

Ninh Kieu Night Market is located across from Ninh Kieu Park, adjacent to Tay Do Night Market and just one street away. This market primarily offers food items, various types of clothing, and inexpensive footwear.

Can Tho Museum

If you’re a history and culture enthusiast, you must not miss Can Tho Museum during your trip. It’s a unique destination to learn about the history and culture of this city, featuring impressive collections of art and antiques dating back hundreds of years.

Fruit Orchards

Some renowned fruit orchards for tourists to consider are My Khanh, 9 Hong, Rach Ke, and Vam Xang. You can handpick fresh and delicious fruits and enjoy them right in the orchard. Entrance tickets are around 20,000 VND per person, and fruit prices vary depending on the type and time of year.

Con Son Tourist Area

The most appealing aspect of the Con Son Tourist Area is its community-based tourism model, where each household offers its unique products and services to serve visitors. For example, some houses showcase vegetable gardens for guests to choose from, while others have fish ponds for visitors to explore.

Gian Gua (Malayan Banyan tree)

Gian Gua is a famous historical site in Can Tho, intricately linked to Vietnam’s resistance against both French and American forces. Hence, upon arriving here, you will have the chance to revisit the lingering historical traces of the wars. Stepping into Gian Gua, you will immediately be awestruck by the ancient Gua trees that have stood for hundreds of years, with their roots intricately intertwined. Gian Gua is renowned as a sacred and spiritual place that you should consider visiting.

Can Tho Cuisine

Fish Sauce Hot Pot

Fish sauce hot pot is a renowned dish in Can Tho that anyone visiting should try. It offers the essence of southwestern Vietnamese cuisine.

Fruits

Nothing compares to the sweetness of fresh, ripe fruits handpicked from the orchards in Can Tho. It’s best to visit Can Tho from May to August to enjoy a variety of delicious fruits such as honey pomelo, peach mango, sand mango, pomelo, and milk fruit.

Fried Shrimp Cake

Fried Shrimp Cake is a type of cake made from flour, mung beans, and shrimp. This dish is quite famous in Can Tho and is definitely worth a try.

Grilled snakehead fish

Can Tho is known for producing some of the best fish dishes, prepared in various ways. Grilled snakehead fish can be enjoyed with rice or mixed with vermicelli and a dash of fish sauce.

Some Good Hotels in Can Tho

You can choose to stay in a homestay in the city center or a riverside resort based on your budget. It’s advisable to select a hotel near Ninh Kieu Wharf for convenient transportation.

Some upscale accommodation options are Azerai Can Tho Resort and Victoria Can Tho Resort.

Additionally, you can consider the following hotels:

Vinpearl Hotel Can Tho
Muong Thanh Luxury Can Tho Hotel
Tigon Home
Can Tho Ecolodge

Notes when visiting Can Tho

Check the Can Tho weather forecast before traveling to prepare suitable clothing. Pack minimally and efficiently to ensure easy mobility. If traveling with children, bring along some snacks or candies. Prepare insect repellent and sunscreen when visiting Can Tho. Remember to wear a life jacket when exploring the Can Tho waterways by boat.

Conclusion

Although Can Tho might not have grand world-renowned landmarks, it possesses its unique charm that leaves an impression on international travelers due to the distinct riverine lifestyle of Vietnam. We hope the useful information and highlighted attractions in Can Tho that we’ve provided will enhance your experience exploring this place. If you need more detailed information or wish to book a tour to discover Can Tho, please contact our travel advisors.

Images: Internet

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