Can Tho-Vietnam, being one of the most popular destinations in Mekong Delta, has many of interesting attractions as well. But if you’re a seasoned traveller, so you’ve probably seen most of the places in this city like: Floating markets, boat tours and islands tours…And where are the hidden gems? Is Can Tho still worth visiting if you’ve been here before?
By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Can Tho Visitor Guide
1. Can Tho Paddy Rice Fields
As the Mekong Delta builds up over the years, they get formed in the shape of a triangle and so the deposits in this formation are of rich alluvium. As a result, It is ideally suited for growing wet rice, as done now extensively in the Mekong Delta where farmers and fishermen live to pursue their vocation of farming and aquafarming. Even walking around the green or saffron yellow rice fields and learning deeply about the “white gold” in Vietnam are fantastic and also educational experiences in Can Tho. Top tip: Free entrance, hours: Daily. Best time to see Can Tho and its rice fields is March, April, May. Off the beaten track with Can Tho biking tours is a must as well..
2. Can Tho Giant Ficus Tree – Secret VC base
Gian Gua Can Tho is a local name, a 150-year-old heritage tree of Vietnam. The Ficus microcarpa tree now covers an area of 2,700 square meters, much smaller than it used to be, due to the aftermath of war and environmental impacts. Recently, it overwhelms visitors with its large roots and thousands of branches and sub-branches intertwining to form an intricate and thick canopy, making it very difficult to identify which is root and which is branch. Thus, some of the branches are left with traces of bombs as well. How to get there? Firstly, you can use a bike or scooter and cross the ferry, but recently there is a big new road, so cars and taxis can take you traight in front of the entrancce too! Top tip: Free entrance, hours: Daily. An instagramable place too.
Book Can Tho Biking Daily Tours:
Can Tho Biking Tour & Cacao Farm & Giant Ficus Tree (morning or afternoon secret tour)
Can Tho Cycling Tour 1 Day (floating market, giant tree & lunch)
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
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3. Can Tho Brick Kiln – Giant beehive Kilns
Book Can Tho Daily Tours:
Afternoon in Can Tho & Sampan Ride (include the brick kiln)
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
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A cruise along Can Tho’s tributary is full of unexpected hidden gems, but witnessing the images of red burning brick kilns along the canal’s shores and of the daily life of the brick workers may be among the most truly surprising. Many traditional kilns of this type exist in various parts of Mekong Delta, and Can Tho also has some of them because the three key ingredients of brick production – water, clay, and rice husks – are abundant here. Top tip: Entrance fee is flexible, hours: Daily. A real local life which reminds you about Can Tho ancient time as well.
4. Can Tho Antique & Coffee Shop
If you are looking for something that characterizes French classical style in the heart of Can Tho, Duong Gia Chi Bao is also a perfect selection for you. The interior space is a delicate blend of French colonial architecture and Indochinese architecture styles and has the light yellow walls, white ceilings, beautiful old-fashioned floors, curtains and lamps as well. This café also offers a wide range of antiques and furniture will touch you as if you are coming back to the memory house of ancient Can Tho. Top tip: Entrance fee is free if you pay for a drink, hours: Daily. Bring your camera and novel.
5. Can Tho Beach – Bien Can Tho
The man-made beach opened in Can Tho on Mekong river’s bank – the local beach. Please, don’t get us wrong, Can Tho beach will not challenge places like Phu Quoc, but it is still a nice place to visit. Moreover, the locals clearly enjoy spending time there during the afternoon, sitting in one of the cafes at the beach, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, great views of Can Tho bridge and local boats along the Hau river or using some of the water activities like jet ski or the boat ride, while kids were playing in the fresh water. Top tip: Free entrance, hours: Daily. Fresh water beach and a bit muddy, but it is fun and safe to make “a swim of your life in the magic Mekong river”. Do not forget to wear the life jacket.
6. Can Tho Floating Markets & Small Canals
Many tourists have a limited time and they do not know how to explore Can Tho and its nature before they come. Actually, Can Tho canals is one of the main reasons why Can Tho is more attractive because of its hidden gem, even less touristy and super insight into local unique culture. We assure that this Can Tho secrets will make your trip more worthy. Top tip: Free entrance, hours: Daily. Best way to see it by Can Tho sampan, Can Tho cycling tour or scooter tour.
7. Can Tho Sky Bar
Can Tho weather is much healthier at night because of the city of river. So Ninh Kieu Wharf is the best place to chill after a long journey, and you can easily choose one of many rooftop bars here. Top tip: Free entrance, hours: 3 pm – 11 pm. Bring your camera also!
8. Vemekong – Very Exclusive Mekong
Vemekong is managed and developed by Can Tho River Tour.,Ltd – a well-regarded travel and tour company (Int. Tour Operating License: 91-005/Issued by: Ministry of Tourism Vietnam), set up by a group of passionate Can Tho locals. Vemekong specializes in hand-crafted, intimate group and even private guided tours with unique activities in Mekong including Can Tho, Sadec, CaMau, Soc Trang, Chau Doc, Ben Tre…private transfer in Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City and licensed local expert tour guides to match all your travel preferences and wishlists. Custom tours are also available, by boat, sampan, bike, scooters, van, car. WhatsApp/Hotline/Viber/Wechat +84939888559; vemekong.com
9. Can Tho Tarot Museum
The Museum of Tarot is located in Can Tho City, in the south of Vietnam. It is combined from six main collections related to Art of Cartomancy: First, Fortune Telling Cards (Tarot and Oracles decks); Second, Books and Historical Documents about Fortune Telling Cards; Third, Art of Cardmaking and Decoration of Fortune Telling Cards (Tarot and Oracle); Next, Art of Magic and Divination tools; Fifth, Magic Stones and Lithotherapy Crystals; Last, Art of Demonology and Haunted Objects. The objects of the museum have a large variety in time from the 15th century to 21th century. Top tip: Entrance fee is flexible, hours: Daily 10 am – 12 pm, 1 pm – 5 pm. A person from the museum will guide you.
10. Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery
As one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Mekong Delta, more than 38,000 square meters, so that is the largest monastery in Can Tho. Southern Truc Lam Zen Monastery is quiet, spiritual and huge with several lakes adjacent to pagodas, and many Buddhist statues behind the main door. It’s not in the Can Tho city center, so you may reach there by motorbike or taxi. Top tip: Free entrance, hours: Daily. Wear appropriate clothing & take off your shoes.
11. Con Son Ecotourism Village
Con Son islet lies on the Hau tributary part of Mekong river as well, so to get there you need to take a boat. This place is community-based tourism where locals share their cultural life. This allows the locals to support themselves and truly improve livelihoods. Most of the families take part in tourism and each family has different interests or activities to offer the visitors. Top tip: 15,000 VND/ticket, hours: Daily 7 am – 5 pm. The islet is acceptable for all time walking, not cycling or crusing.
12. Can Tho Floating Fish Farm
Located to the North East of Can Tho city center. Can Tho floating fish farm is a freshwater fish farming village formed in the last decades. So visitors can come and enjoy seeing & feeding fish by themselves and you even can take leisure time to interact with the fisherman to learn about different interesting colorful freshwater fish and unlock the secrets of the river habitats on the Mekong river. Top tip: 10,000 VND/ticket, hours: Daily 7 am – 5 pm. The floating fish farms are mainly private houses. Visitors must seek permission to board.
Pro Tips:
If you plan to extend your travel to Can Tho homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.
Visit Can Tho or do any customized tours, please choose reputable providers with boat trips equipped with lifebuoys, jackets, motorcycle and cycling tours with the helmets and. Safety is a priority! Choose Can Tho responsible tours which help you give back while traveling. It’s a cliché, but it’s true.
Can Tho food & drink guide ranges from street food, authentic, fancy to fusion foods. As a tropical land of many fresh vegetables and homegrown gardens, which always make Can Tho cuisines fresh, close to nature and very traditional. If you are a food lover, don’t hesitate to put other bites onto your food lists such as Cong cake in Can Tho, Ut Dzach Fine Rice Vermicelli…
Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.
Bring the raincoat if you’re planning a trip to Can Tho in the rainy season, as Can Tho always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.
Can Tho tourist attractions are magnificent itself, but if you have enough time, don’t forget to put other places onto your bucket lists such as Can Tho Wildlife & Forest, Binh Thuy Ancient House, Organic Cacao farm, Can Tho Floating Markets, Can Tho Small Canals & Sampan Ride, Can Tho Fruit Garden, Can Tho Paddy Rice Fields, Can Tho Giant Ficus Tree – Secret VC base, Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Cai Rang floating market, Can Tho Old Market, Phong Dien floating market, Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery, Can Tho to Con Dao – Express boat, Son Islet – Community-based Tourism…
Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in Can Tho, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!
“Sleep less, travel more, respect more” – Thomas Vietnam – Local travel expert.
Thank you
