Top 3 Night Markets in Can Tho: A Culinary Paradise Awaits
Can Tho boasts not just one, but three vibrant night markets for visitors to explore. Each market offers a variety of goods, handmade crafts, souvenirs, and, most notably, an abundance of local cuisine served at numerous food stalls. Alongside lively entertainment areas, these night markets promise a memorable experience, immersing you in the lively, authentic atmosphere of Can Tho.
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Introduction to Can Tho Night Markets
Night markets are a popular attraction for tourists everywhere, offering a unique blend of local culture, shopping, and culinary experiences. The night markets in Can Tho are no exception; they provide visitors not only with opportunities to learn about local people and culture, shop for souvenirs, and taste regional cuisine, but also with a relaxing space to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the area.
Currently, Can Tho is home to three bustling night markets, each with its own cultural identity and unique charm that draws in tourists: Tay Do Night Market, Ninh Kieu Night Market, and Tran Phu Night Market.
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Tay Do Night Market (also known as Can Tho Old Market)
Address: Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City (marked as “Can Tho Night Market” at the entrance).
Located 1 km west of Ninh Kieu Wharf, Tay Do Night Market is often considered the most architecturally stunning market in the Mekong Delta. It truly comes alive at night, glowing beautifully under the lights. Tay Do Night Market opens from dusk until dawn, with peak hours from 5 PM to 11 PM when it attracts the most visitors.
Historically, Tay Do Night Market was established in 1915 and was once known as Luc Tinh Market. This name dates back to the French colonial era, when the market was a bustling trade hub for the six provinces of Southern Vietnam.
The market was originally built around the same time as Saigon’s Binh Tay Market and Ben Thanh Market, starting out as a collection of small stalls with few local or foreign merchants. In 2005, however, the city of Can Tho invested in upgrading and reconstructing the market, which has since attracted a growing number of merchants and tourists alike.
Today, Tay Do Night Market boasts a unique design and an open, harmonious space. It specializes in selling a wide range of souvenirs, handicrafts, travel accessories, traditional clothing, and local cuisine, offering a diverse experience for visitors to Can Tho.
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Ninh Kieu Night Market
Ninh Kieu Night Market features two distinct sections: a food street and a fashion street.
Adjacent to Can Tho Old Market (Tay Do Night Market), Ninh Kieu’s food street, also known locally as Hang Dua Night Market, is a lively street food area located on Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chau Trinh streets. It’s a paradise for snack lovers, with numerous stalls selling a variety of delicious and affordable treats. Here, visitors can indulge in grilled dishes, sweet soups, Vietnamese classics, Western-style foods, as well as unique offerings from Thailand, Japan, and the famous chicken sticky rice—a dish that has become a hallmark of Can Tho’s night markets.
Address: Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chau Trinh Streets, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
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Located on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, near Ninh Kieu Wharf, this section of Ninh Kieu Night Market is dedicated to fashion, with rows of colorful kiosks. It’s a popular spot for young people and tourists alike, offering a wide range of clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories at budget-friendly prices. Shoppers can find trendy outfits for both men and women, and there are even stalls offering custom-printed T-shirts where visitors can choose from pre-made designs or bring their own photos for a unique souvenir.
Address: Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
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Tran Phu Night Market
While Tay Do and Ninh Kieu night markets are close to each other, Tran Phu Night Market is located in the Cai Khe area, extending from Tran Phu Street to Song Hau Park and part of Can Tho Stadium. Also known as Cai Khe Night Market, it’s a bustling spot that has become well-known among tourists visiting Can Tho.
This market is famous for its seafood and grilled hotpot dishes, offering a wide variety of menu options. Here, you can feast on a range of seafood dishes comparable to any coastal dining area. With clearly marked prices, the seafood selection includes fish, shrimp, crab, squid, and many different types of shellfish. Don’t miss out on the fresh fruit stands, local pastries, drinks, and snacks, all offering the distinctive flavors of the Mekong Delta.
Address: From Tran Phu Street to Song Hau Park, Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Tips for Visiting Can Tho Night Markets
To make the most of your experience at Can Tho’s night markets, keep the following tips in mind:
- Be sure to bring cash for purchases, as some vendors may not accept card payments.
- Wear simple, comfortable clothing to move around easily.
- Feel free to negotiate prices with vendors, especially for clothing and souvenirs, to get the best deal.
- Choose items carefully to ensure both quality and reasonable pricing.
- Keep personal belongings like your phone and wallet secure while browsing the market to avoid loss or theft.
Can Tho’s night markets are not just destinations for shopping and sightseeing; they are unique cultural spaces that reflect the local lifestyle, cuisine, and way of life. From handcrafted products and souvenirs to mouthwatering dishes and lively entertainment, each market offers unforgettable experiences, immersing you in the vibrant, warm, and rich atmosphere of Can Tho City.
