Can Tho, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, captivates visitors with its blend of sights, sounds, and flavors that reflect Vietnam's culture. Known for its iconic floating markets showcasing fresh produce and handcrafted goods, the city also offers serene countryside escapes featuring rice paddies, villages, and ancient pagodas. From savoring local cuisine to navigating its canals, Can Tho provides a rich experience of Vietnam's heritage.
Can Tho has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season from December to April, and the wet season from May to November. The weather is generally warm and humid with an average annual temperature of 28°C. Each season brings a unique beauty, making Can Tho an attractive destination year-round.
Cai Rang Floating Market, with a history spanning nearly a century, is one of the Mekong Delta’s most iconic cultural landmarks. It’s Vietnam’s largest and most renowned floating market, even recognized as one of the world's top 19 must-visit food hubs. Open only from 5 to 9 a.m., this vibrant market brings together hundreds of traders on boats selling fresh fruits, vegetables, breakfast items, handicrafts, and household essentials. For a firsthand experience, visitors can rent a boat for about 300,000 – 500,000 VND to explore the lively waterside trading scene.
Located about 17 kilometers from central Can Tho, Phong Dien Floating Market is a smaller, more intimate market where local culture shines. The market is busiest from 5:30 to 7:30 a.m., offering a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, household items, and farming tools. Here, you can savor local delicacies like noodle soup, rice porridge, and coffee served right from the boats, making for an authentic Mekong Delta experience.
Nestled along the right bank of the Hau River at the meeting point of the Hau and Can Tho rivers, Ninh Kieu Wharf is a symbol of Can Tho and a must-see attraction. Established in the 19th century, the wharf has transformed into the 7,000-square-meter Ninh Kieu Park. Inside, carefully pruned trees and lush grass accentuate the park’s serene atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air and gentle river breeze by day, while at night, the park becomes even more enchanting with its vibrant lighting.
Thanks to its fertile soil, Can Tho is rich in fruit gardens that thrive year-round. During the fruit-ripening season, visitors can taste fresh produce straight from the orchard. Recommended gardens include:
The Can Tho Bridge, stretching across the Hau River to connect Can Tho and Vinh Long Province, is the longest cable-stayed bridge in Southeast Asia, measuring 15,850 meters in length and 23 meters in width. The bridge’s distinctive Y-shaped pillars and 216 supporting cables create a stunning silhouette, offering a tranquil beauty by day and a luminous glow at night when fully lit.
Located 60 kilometers from Can Tho’s city center, Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary is a haven for bird lovers, home to 20 stork species and about 300,000 individual birds across 16,500 square meters. This sanctuary not only supports biodiversity but also offers a unique ecotourism experience for nature enthusiasts.
Built-in 1870, Binh Thuy Ancient House is one of the Mekong Delta’s most elegant historic residences. This architectural gem blends French style with Eastern influences, creating a timeless beauty. Inside, you’ll find treasured artifacts like Louis XV-style woven cloth, 15th-century lanterns, and Ming-Thanh dynasty teacups. Recognized as a National Architectural and Artistic Monument in 2009, this house offers a window into the region’s cultural heritage.
Built-in 1894 and originally known as Quang Trieu Hoi Quan, Ong Pagoda has stood for over 120 years, showcasing the beauty of vibrant Chinese-style architecture. The pagoda’s unique design resembles the character "Quoc," and its exterior is adorned with intricate, colorful decorations. Recognized as a National Historic and Cultural Heritage Site in 1993, Ong Pagoda is a revered spiritual destination in Can Tho.
Spanning over 50,000 square meters, My Khanh Tourist Village is a delightful destination featuring an orchard with over 20 types of plants, scenic fish ponds, and meandering canals. Visitors can explore 100-year-old traditional Vietnamese-style houses, taste local specialties, enjoy Don Ca Tai Tu folk performances, and watch animal races. The village’s fresh fruits and rustic atmosphere provide an immersive cultural experience.
When visiting Can Tho, don't miss out on these mouthwatering local specialties. Here are some must-try dishes:
This dish features delicate rice vermicelli woven into small bundles, topped with chopped scallions, and wrapped with grilled pork and fresh vegetables. The flavor is enhanced when dipped in fish sauce. You can enjoy this delicious dish at Ut Dzach Fine Rice Vermicelli, located at 509 Provincial Road 61B, Nhon Binh Hamlet, Phong Dien District. Prices range from 20,000 – 50,000 VND.
A signature dish of the Mekong Delta, this hot pot is filled with over 40 types of vegetables, fresh seafood, and meats, all simmered in a savory fish sauce. You can enjoy this flavorful dish at Da Ly Fish Sauce Hot Pot, 89 3/2 Street, Ninh Kieu District, with prices ranging from 100,000 – 220,000 VND.
These crispy golden pancakes are filled with savory meat and shrimp. Wrapped in fresh vegetables and dipped in fish sauce, they offer an unforgettable flavor. Try them at Muoi Xiem Pancake, located at 13/3 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Tra Noc Ward, Binh Thuy, with prices ranging from 40,000 – 150,000 VND.
A local delicacy, the snakehead fish is grilled by skewering it and roasting it over straw. The fish is served with onion fat, peanuts, rice paper, fresh vegetables, and fish sauce. Coc Son, a popular tourist spot, is renowned for this dish, and it’s a must-try when in Can Tho.
This crispy cake is made by wrapping pork, shrimp, and green peas in a crunchy crust. It’s best enjoyed with fresh vegetables and a side of sweet fish sauce. Co Ut Fried Shrimp Cake, located at 86/38 Ly Tu Trong Street, An Cu Ward, Ninh Kieu District, offers this treat for just 10,000 – 30,000 VND.
Can Tho International Airport, which opened in 2011, offers flights to and from several major destinations, including Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Bangkok (Thailand), Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Con Dao, Nha Trang, and Dalat. Ticket prices range from 750,000 VND to 6.4 million VND (approximately 32–275 USD). Currently, there are no direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho, so travelers need to transit through Phu Quoc or Da Nang Airport for a short layover.
For a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City's Western Bus Station to Can Tho. The journey takes around 3.5 hours.
Currently, there are no boat or train services available to Can Tho.
Beyond Can Tho, Vietnam is filled with captivating destinations. Wander through Hanoi's lively streets, Saigon's bustling markets, and Can Tho's iconic floating markets along the Mekong Delta. Discover Co Loa's charming ancient citadel, steeped in history and legend, or venture to the mountainous beauty of Ha Giang, where winding roads lead to breathtaking views.
For peaceful escapes, head to Da Lat's cool highlands with pine forests and waterfalls, or the misty rice terraces of Sa Pa that capture the essence of northern Vietnam. Unwind on the pristine shores of Ninh Binh, where limestone cliffs rise from emerald rivers, or explore the natural beauty of Cat Ba Island and the majestic waterfalls and lakes of Cao Bang.
Each of these places offers its unique charm, painting a vibrant picture of Vietnam's diverse landscapes and rich culture.
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