Welcome to Can Tho! Discover the best of Can Tho with VeMekong, the ultimate guide to Can Tho attractions, tourist information center, tickets & offers. In this guide, we will show you what to do and see in Can Tho. If you’re not able to visit just yet, plan ahead to make the most of your wish-lists.
By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Can Tho Visitor Guide
What to Do in Can Tho
1. Cai Rang Floating Market
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: An hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food: Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes for boat, coach
Blog: https://vemekong.com/cai-rang-floating-market-can-tho/
Address: Cai Rang Bridge, Cai Rang District, Can Tho City. About 6 km from Can Tho city center.
Recognition(s): was recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage in June 2016. The UK’s Rough Guide selected Cai Rang Floating Market as one of the ten most impressive markets in the world, characterized by colorful boats selling tropical agricultural products.
Added values: It is considered as one of the gems worth discovering for those who are passionate about simplicity and uniqueness and originality of the cultural Mekong river life now and then.
Cai Rang floating market is one of the most famous and biggest floating markets in the Mekong Delta. It is also a living museum of the southern traditional culture that has been fostered by the Mekong Delta’s interlacing waterway systems. The market is on the Cai Rang river. It is five kilometres by road from the centre of Can Tho. It is a wholesale market, selling fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products from Can Tho city as well as from 13 neighbouring provinces in the Mekong Delta region.
Cai Rang floating market is much more geared towards locals than tourists; therefore, it doesn’t have souvenir stalls like the other mainland markets. Unlike the mainland markets, the shops and stalls at Cai Rang floating market are boats of different sizes. The market was born hundred years ago (many French sources recorded in 1899) from the local people’s habit of travelling and doing business by boat on the region‘s interlacing waterway systems. In the south-western region, boats and rafts are important means of transportation, like motorbikes and cars are in other regions. Cruising through the river in a boat, local vendors conduct all their business right on the water. All the goods are transported to the market by rafts (not much now), sampans and boats. The floating market is not only a place where rural products are sold but also unique features of life are found on these boats. The market constitutes a “canal civilization” with many traders living on the river and some link their lives with their boats. On the deck of the boats, visitors can see generations of one family, children or babies, and even some dogs, chickens and gardens, as the boats are the familys’ mobile homes… Read more info & pictures
Book tour: Can Tho floating market & small canals
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
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2. Phong Dien Floating Market
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Daily 5:00 am to 7:30 am
Food: Yes, tiny floating food boat serves fruits, food, hot noodle soup, coffee, soft drinks
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes for boat
Blog: https://vemekong.com/phong-dien-floating-market-can-tho/
Address: Tay Do Bridge, Nhon Ai, Phong Dien District, Can Tho City. About 17km from Can Tho city center.
Added values: You can explore Can Tho’s countryside, cool villages, and small canals by Can Tho sampan.
As a local expert, we do know that the Phong Dien floating market will be no more after 7:30 am. Because this one is very small and very local, there are about more or less 45 boats and sampans at this market, you can watch our drone video 4k to know more. Let’s tell you, we inspect this market a lot and it is always busy and real touching is at the sunrise and the locals start to go home about 6:45a.m. Top tip: Best enjoying time to be right at the spot is from 5:30am-6:30am. I hope you have an amazing sunrise on the Mekong Delta river.
The Phong Dien floating market absolutely stays on the river. The best way to discover this market is by boat or sampan. Anyway, there is a bridge nearby the market which gives you a bird’s eye view of this stunning market as well. So that you can get to Phong Dien by boat, scooter or car and locate where the market is. It is about 17km away from Can Tho center and takes about 2 hours by boat and 45 minutes by car or scooter. After the market the sampan will take you to many villages and small canals in Phong Dien. Top tip: The best experience is to see the floating market from the sampan… Read more info & pictures
3. Binh Thuy Ancient House
Ticket: 20,000VND
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Daily 7 am to 12 pm & 2 pm to 6 pm
Food: a small coffee shop
Shop: a painting shop
Parking lot: Yes, for coach
Blog: https://vemekong.com/binh-thuy-ancient-house-can-tho/
Address: 144 Bui Huu Nghia Street, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City. About 6km from Can Tho city center.
Recognition(s): was recognised as a National architectural and artistic monument in 2009.
Added values: The most amazing thing is the locals still make all fresh noodles in manual ways from mixing, making, drying, cutting noodles, packing…all done by hand. You can explore Can Tho’s countryside, cool villages, small canals, local roads and gardens by walking or cycling.
The Binh Thuy French-style house, the privately owned house, was built in 1870 by the Duong family and still managed by the eighth generation. The house was famously used in the 1992 movie “L’Amant” (“The Lover”) based on the novel of the same name by French author Marguerite Duras, directed by Jean Jacques Annaud, telling the story of a young Marguerite Duras and her lover Huynh Thuy Le, set during Indochina times.
The Duong family’s house is a rare model of an old house remaining quite intact in Binh Thuy, Can Tho, local people used to call this place Binh Thuy ancient house, Binh Thuy orchid garden old house. The Duong family came to settle in the South around the end of the 18th century, until Mr. Duong Minh Hien was the 6th generation, the first house was built by Mr. Duong Van Vi in 1870 with precious wood and roof tiles to worship the ancestors. The house you are visiting today was built by Mr. Duong Chan Ky (also known as Mr Landlord 3) between 1904 and 1911… Read more info & pictures
4. Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory
Ticket: Free and flexible
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food: Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes for coach
Blog: https://vemekong.com/can-tho-rice-noodle-factory/
Address: Lo Vong Cung Street, An Binh Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City. About 6,5km from Can Tho City center.
Added values: The most amazing thing is the locals still make all fresh noodles in manual ways from mixing, making, drying, cutting noodles, packing…all done by hand. You can explore Can Tho’s countryside, cool villages, small canals, local roads and gardens by walking or cycling.
The best time to visit it is before 10 am because if you come after 10 am, you may miss the opportunity to see with your own eyes, experience with your own hands and get noodles. Because at this time, most of the fresh cakes have been left to dry in the sun for the next process. Top tip: Still open and run the factory in the wet season but less colors and less noodles than the sunny days. It is more fun and eye-opener to check in this place during the flood season.
The best way to see this place is by boat, you should combine it with the Cai Rang floating market & rice noodle factory in your biking tour.
The cheapest way to discover Can Tho rice noodle factory is by bicycle or scooter, because this hidden gem is in Can Tho village and along many small paths and canals which are so cool and worthy of your full exploration. Top tip: If you plan to extend your Can Tho biking tour to the homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.
There are some interesting things about this place. The most amazing thing is the locals still make all fresh noodles in manual ways from mixing, making, drying, cutting noodles, packing…all done by hand. Most tourists are welcome to help make the noodles with the locals. The noodles here are so colorful and super yummy with their home cooked “noodle pizza”. Top tip: So much educational and fun to interact with the local’s hospitality…. Read more info & pictures
5. Ong pagoda
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx.)
Hours: Daily from 7 am to 9 pm
Food:
Shop:
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/ong-pagoda-can-tho/
Address: 32, Hai Ba Trung street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City. Right across from the temple is the Ho Chi Minh statue which you can visit at any time of the day.
Recognition(s): As a place carrying historical and architectural values, the Ong pagoda was recognised as a cultural historical relic by the Ministry of Culture and Information (MOCI) on June 21st 1993.
Added values: Local devotees come to this small pagoda to pray in front of Than Tai, God of Fortune, and Quan Am, Goddess of Mercy.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Ong pagoda? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Can Tho prison (5 minutes away), Munirangsyaram pagoda (10 minutes away), Can Tho museum (15 minutes away), Tarot museum (15 minutes away).
Ong pagoda, 532 sq.m, was established by efforts of a segment of Hoa people in two chief towns Quang Chau and Trieu Khanh of Quang Dong, China in 1894 – 1896 for worshiping Quan Cong. In respect of architecture, it deeply carries out Chinese architecture since almost all elements consisting of stone pillars, underpinning, purling, etc., were brought from Wangdoung. It’s shaped as a “Quoc” character (old Han script), including closed ranges of apartments located quadrate one another and a space in the center called Thien Tinh (open well).
The pagoda’s most important apartment leaves in sanctum where main duty staying in worshiping Quan Cong in the main altar (in the midst), respecting Tho Dia (God of the soil) and Thien Hau Thanh Mau on the right, as well as Dong Vinh first doctorate candidate and Tai Bach Tinh Quan on right hand additionally. In front of sanctuary are six incense-tables including three grind-stone tables built in 1974 carrying bronze urns dated 1896 and three relief characters “Hiep thien cung” written in Han script; the rear row lays three wood-framed and glass-surfaced tables kept gold-plated relievo. The rest rows perform adoring Goddess of Mercy and receiving guests of the pagoda’s administrative section…. Read more info & pictures
6. Ninh Kieu Wharf
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dust
Food: Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/ninh-kieu-wharf-can-tho/
Address: Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City. The wharf runs from the Ninh Kieu walking bridge to Tan An fruit market area.
Added values: The sky bars, the floating restaurants and the walking bridge make this place the most attractive and interesting destination for visitors.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Ninh Kieu wharf? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Ong pagoda (5 minutes away), Can Tho prison (5 minutes away), Munirangsyaram pagoda (10 minutes away), Can Tho museum (15 minutes away), Tarot museum (15 minutes away).
It is about 500 meters from the center. Ninh Kieu Park is large and spacious, planted with many beautiful ornamental trees, the highlight of green grass growing and weaving among white cement panels and the statue of Uncle Ho with 7.2m high bronze. It is the center park for mental and physical activities of local people. There are some side spots around like night markets, old markets, floating restaurants, plenty of restaurants and sky bars, hotels, local shops, convenience stores and even the travel agents. The view over the Can Tho bridge and Can Tho river with colorful fishing and trading boats moored at all angles on the shimmering golden water at sunset is extremely photogenic…. Read more info & pictures
7. Nam Nha Pagoda
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx.)
Hours: Dawn – dust
Food:
Shop:
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/nam-nha-pagoda-can-tho/
Address: 612 CMT8 street, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City.
Recognition(s): The pagoda Nam Nha became a historical – cultural relic on January 25th 1991 with the approval of MOCI.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Nam Nha pagoda? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Binh Thuy ancient house (15 minutes away), Binh Thuy temple (5 minutes away), Son islet (10 minutes away), Bang Lang stork garden (45 minutes away).
In the first days, the pagoda housed just three simple apartments made from trees and tiles. The entity comprised sanctum, the eastern and western houses. The pagoda was rebuilt with five apartments and two lean-tos in 1905. Its central chamber experienced a third reconstruction in 1917. When the high-ranking bonze Nguyen Giac Nguyen passed away on December 22nd 1917, the half-done work had been undertaken by Mr. Tran Van Nhieu, Mrs. Thai Tu and Thai Nam.
The 100-odd year pagoda is distinguished by its both ancient beauty and contributions to the revolutionary movements for national liberation…. Read more info & pictures
8. Tarot Museum
Ticket: Flexible, a person from the museum will guide you.
Spend-time: An hour (approx.)
Hours: Daily 10 am – 12 pm, 1 pm – 5 pm
Food:
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/tarot-museum-can-tho/
Address: 44 Nguyen Khuyen street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
Recognition(s): Founder: Philippe NGO, Ph.D. Researcher with BNF (National Library of France – BiBliothèque Nationale de France) in DIGIDOC Project , funded by ANR (French National Research Agency – Agence National de Recherche) on the digitization of old and precious documents of human culture. Tarot researcher and author of some tarot books. Founder of Tarot Huyen Bi Community and Tarot Viet Service.
Added values: It is not just Tarot Cards and associated items, many religious pieces from the mentioned countries & periods.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Tarot museum? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Can Tho prison (10 minutes away), Munirangsyaram pagoda (10 minutes away), Can Tho museum (10 minutes away), Ong pagoda (15 minutes away).
With a small space, about 150 m2, Tarot museum is the house of around 2000 items, including old card, ivory, bone, rock and the like, which is collected by Mr. Ngo, the owner. There is traditional tea service available, small items for sale which also go to museum operations (also no pressure), and tarot readings. It is one of the largest collections in Asia with an appealing European style showroom. Admission is free and a donation can be made if you are so inclined to provide for museum operation (totally no pressure from anyone by the way). It is a place of mysterious kinds of stuff…. Read more info & pictures
9. Can Tho Prison
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx.)
Hours: From Mon to Fri from 8 am to 11 am and 2 pm to 5 pm
Food:
Shop:
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/can-tho-prison/
Address: 8 Ngo Gia Tu street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Can Tho prison? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Ong pagoda (5 minutes away), Munirangsyaram pagoda (10 minutes away), Can Tho museum (15 minutes away), Tarot museum (15 minutes away).
Can Tho Grand prison is an important historical site to visit in the city. It was initially built by the French colonists from 1878 to 1886 but then was used by the South Vietnamese and Americans during the Vietnam War, as a part of colonization to hold all those Vietnamese revolutionaries and citizens who dissented against the regime. Vietnamese dissenters and revolutionaries were held in cruel conditions, tortured and executed within the walls. The prison has 21 large and small rooms divided into two ranges: female prisoners and male prisoners, and some special rooms to detain dangerous prisoners, a church, pagoda, a house for the supervisor, and a kitchen. The mannequins depict certain scenes of what it was like in the prison when it was used, and they are quite eerie…. Read more info & pictures
10. Can Tho Museum
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: An hour (approx)
Hours: Tue, Wed, Thu: 8 am – 11 am, 2 pm to 5 pm and Sat, Sun: 8 am – 11 am, 6:30 pm to 9 pm).
Food:
Shop:
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/can-tho-museum/
Address: on the corner of Hoa Binh and Tran Quoc Toan streets.
Added values: This large, well-presented museum brings local history to life with manikins and life-size reproductions of buildings (5000 objects and historical relics).
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Can Tho museum? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Can Tho prison (10 minutes away), Munirangsyaram pagoda (10 minutes away), Ong pagoda (15 minutes away), Tarot museum (15 minutes away).
It was established in 1976 with a total surface area of 2,700 square meters. This large, well-presented museum brings local history to life with manikins and life-size reproductions of buildings (5000 objects and historical relics).
The museum, with ample English translations, exhibits Can Tho historical relics about cultures and inhabitants in Can Tho through historical periods, native plant and fish specimens, rice production achievements of three main ethnic minorities: Kinh (Viet), Hoa (Chinese Vietnamese) and Khmer during the process of nation building and national defense and development, which has resulted in today’s beautiful Tay Do land.
In 2000, Can Tho museum was established and put into operation with the following fundamental contents of exhibition…. Read more info & pictures
11. Binh Thuy Temple
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx.)
Hours: Daily 7:30 am – 10:30 am & 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm.
Food:
Shop:
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/binh-thuy-temple-can-tho/
Address: Binh Thuy ward, Binh Thuy district, Can Tho City.
Recognition(s): In 1853, the 5th of Tu Duc King, he granted the title of Land Founding Deity to Binh Thuy Temple.
Added values: Its architecture is different from other temples in the North. The rare and perfect house is preserved with the specific character of the Mekong Delta in the past century.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Binh Thuy temple? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Can Tho ancient house (15 minutes away), Son islet (10 minutes by boat), Bang Lang stork garden (45 minutes away).
The house connects with a garden, quite wide but not very long. In the front yard, lain with Chinese bricks and has several rock-gardens, potted plants and a three-door temple gate. At the outside, there are two joss-houses which worship Farm Deity (than nong) and another one worships Tiger Deity. And two joss-houses (small houses) near the three-door temple gate which adore Forest Deity and “Than khai kenh dan nuoc” (the person helps farmers get heavy crops.) The roof top is covered with ornamentation of people, lions, and fish transforming into dragons. The house was not built by cement but of duoc glue, including all joints in the system of rafters, without a single nail. All this had been made by craftsmen who used valuable woods which were red-lacquered and gilded or encrusted with nacre, fine carvings depicting the water activities, trees and fruits of the Southwest. The temple worships Thanh Hoang (the god having duty controlling a village) and many other gods. In 1853, the 5th of Tu Duc King, he granted the title of Land Founding Deity to Binh Thuy Temple. After that the residents upgraded the Temple like this, and worshiped famous historical personalities such as: Bui Huu Nghia, Dinh Cong Trang, Nguyen Trung Truc…who were great talents in many fields: politics, military affairs, culture, economics… hoping that this would bring them better crops and better lives. The multiform god worshiping way shows fusion about the culture of Vietnamese People…. Read more info & pictures
12. Bang Lang Stork Garden
It is in Thoi Thuan Commune, Thot Not district, 45km from Can Tho City in the direction of the national high No. 91 towards Long Xuyen city, An Giang Province. The best time to listen to “folk stork music” is in the early morning or late afternoon. Top tip: The Mekong Delta flooding season has more foods and more birds to watch.
In the old days, tourists could go to the garden by boat or walking from the national road 91. It takes you about 30 minutes by walking, about 15’ by boat. Nowadays, there is a good road for cars. So that you just follow the Google Maps to reach it. The visitors pay for the VND 20000 per ticket and can go upstairs the observatory to watch all the gardens and study daily routines of birds and beautiful nature. Top Tip: Watch out the outside slippery stairs.
This is a home to over 20 species of birds, 10 species of storks with the population standing at more than 10 thousand. It is one of the largest sanctuaries in the Mekong river Delta. In the past, the stork garden was a rice farm which is surrounded with mango trees, Bang Lang trees and the shade of coconut trees. In 1983, there were about 200 storks gathered around there and settled on his field. Because the owner is a nature-loving farmer, he did not annoy them to run away by any traps or poisons. On the contrary, he wanted to protect and help all of them such as: planting a lot of bamboo trees as a warm home for them. In 1994, numerous birds and species of storks from everywhere flock more and more…. Read more info & pictures
13. Can Tho Bike tour and off The Beaten Track
Can Tho cycling or not?
Book tour: Can Tho floating market & cycling tour
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
hello@vemekong.com
Can Tho city is great for biking along the Mekong River and hundreds of tropical fruit gardens and many hidden unlocked villages are only reached by bike or scooters. You can choose long-distance to bike and explore all Mekong regions, where you can bike hundreds of kilometres, or rugged mountain trails that will test your abilities in An Giang forests and mountains, Tra Vinh coastal paths, Ca Mau mangrove forests, Vinh Long isolated islands and thousand kilometers of paddy rice fields and farms. Can Tho’s fascinating city offers plenty of cycling villages in Cai Rang, Phong Dien, Thot Not where you can combine with the floating market, tropical farms and flower garden. As there are so many options available, finding the right cycling holiday in Can Tho won’t be difficult, no matter if you’re training for the Tour de France or are a family with small children…. Read more info & pictures
14. Can Tho Motorbike tour and off The Beaten Path
Like when cruising on Can Tho sampan, getting around by motorcycle enables you to experience Can Tho city and the elements in a much different way than if you’re sitting inside a vehicle. With the two wheels you can explore every corner of Can Tho from the floating market in the countryside to the forests, from the paddy rice fields to the secret VC base, from the village to the hidden village and all Mekong paths and tributaries. Can Tho is also home to many homestay’s gardens that you can easily reach by motorcycle.
Contact VeMekong for more local advice
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
hello@vemekong.com
Join a Motorbike Tour, Rent or Go Alone
This one is down to personal preference. Luckily, Can Tho is built for all three options. There are some fantastic, extremely well-run tour and rental companies in Can Tho. And if you want to go it alone with your own bike, then Can Tho is one of the easiest places to ride in the Mekong Delta!
Joining a motorcycle tour. It might be your first time abroad, or you could be strapped for time or maybe you just don’t want to sit there for days planning a trip. If so, then jumping on a pre-arranged tour is a fantastic option. You’ve got the benefit of an experienced tour guide who knows the routes and country like the back of their hands. All hotels, stops, lunches, paperwork and the bike are taken care of. All you have to do is turn up and ride.
There’s also the option to go for a self-guided tour where everything is laid out exactly the same as a guided-tour: your hotels, route, stops etc are all planned out. The only difference is that you’re on your own with a detailed itinerary and the route on google maps…. Read more info & pictures
15. Can Tho Sunset Tour
Book tour: Afternoon in Can Tho & Sampan ride
Hotline/WhatsApp/WeChat/Zalo +84939888559
hello@vemekong.com
Take a romantic sampan ride in the afternoon & navigate quiet canals as you sit back with your loved one. See Can Tho bridge from the water as you sail through a tranquil islet. Visit the unique local brick kiln. Small bottles of fruit cider in an ice cooler box will be provided during the trip! Leave the crowds behind and enjoy an intimate peaceful sampan ride in canals. Watching the local children playing in the water as the sun is setting on Hau tributary is a true joy. Seeing the happiness on their faces while they are splashing around is something you’ll never forget. On sampan, savor fresh tropical fruits with glasses of fruit cider! What a romantic sampan ride!!! …. Read more info & pictures
What to See in Can Tho
16. Can Tho Wildlife & Forest
Ticket: 50,000VND (visit a part) or 100.000VND
Spend-time: An hour (approx) or stay overnight
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food: Yes, local restaurant
Shop: Not really
Parking lot: Yes for coach
Blog: https://vemekong.com/can-tho-bird-sanctuary/
Address: 927 Road, Hoa An, Phung Hiep, Hau Giang, Vietnam. About 40km to the South of Can Tho City.
Recognition(s): Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve is known as the “green lung” of the Mekong Delta But also one of the most unique biodiversity conservation areas of Vietnam.
Added values: Birdwatching or birding in Mekong Delta, Lung Ngoc Hoang forest is one of the most beautiful places for birding in the early morning and afternoon, in the dry and the wet season.
About 40 kilometers from Can Tho city, the wetland conservation is one of Can Tho hidden gems for anyone who loves to see a real Mekong Delta beside Can Tho floating market. Only best way to explore this place is to take the boat! Wonderful natural green canals and feeling like nowhere in Vietnam. Top tip: Trekking or staying overnight will bring you chances to explore nature & wildlife.
If you are a true nature lover, you would love to be in nature any time like us! Best time for Mekong is in the dry season from December to April, but the best time to visit this wetland is in the flooding and raining season when the fish, foods, birds come back & wake up nature and wildlife. When the flood comes, the water lettuce covers the whole area of the forest and wild canals, this makes the destination such unforgettable landscapes. For other times of the year, especially during the dry season, visitors will see nature’s beauty in different ways as true nature explorers… Since 2016, 2017 the forest has attracted tourists. However, it wasn’t until 2019 the local bridge and road official upgraded so much better. Top tip: The first week of November is top-notch.
Is it safe to visit it during the wet season? The more you know about wildlife the more you respect nature and our rainforest in Mekong Delta. Totally fine! The forest opens all year round! There are even more elements to see during the wet time! As a real traveller, we believe that you will love nature at any time of the year… Read more info & pictures
17. Can Tho Fruit Garden
Ticket: Free or 20,000VND (for some gardens)
Spend-time: One and a half hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food: Yes, local fruits
Shop: Fresh fruits
Parking lot: Yes and a short walking
Blog: https://vemekong.com/can-tho-fruit-garden/
Address: There are many fruit gardens in Cai Rang, Phong Dien floating market. About 10km to 20km from Can Tho city center.
Added values: Most of the amazing tropical orchards are organic and environmentally gardens. The visitors always enjoy the fresh seasonal fruits from the gardens. You can explore Can Tho’s countryside, cool villages, small canals, local roads and gardens by walking or cycling.
Fruit is seasonal. If you really look for a beautiful fruit garden, you should plan to see it during the wet season. When the rain comes, the flowers blossom and the yummy fruit grows. Top tip: It is prettier to see the garden in the morning.
Boat, bike, scooter, and car are some means of transportation to reach the Can Tho fruit garden. It just depends on your styles and how much time you have. Because the garden is in the countryside and the small road you go to, the authentic garden you will see. As a local, we prefer taking a small boat, sampan or bicycle to go. Top tip: Making a ride of your life around the Mekong canal and fruit garden by bike or scooter is a great and amazing trip… Read more info & pictures
18. Can Tho Sampan Ride and Small Canals
Sampan is one of the authentic and traditional boats that the Mekong peoples used to have for the markets, floating markets, traveling around, loading goods and even for the wedding.
Can Tho sampan have both engine and hand rowing and the foldable roof to avoid sunny and raining. Sampan in Can Tho is pretty bigger than normal so that it can carry more things and used for tours as well.
Sampan in Can Tho can accommodate about 4 adults with the small size, and 8 adults with the bigger one.
Renting a sampan by yourself is about 250.000vnd [~11$] for 2 or 3 people for about 12km. This price is about the tour from Ninh Kieu pier to Cai Rang floating market. It is about double the price for both Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating market. It costs a bit extra if you ask for small canals and other fruit gardens along the way.
If you are not sure about the negotiation of sampan prices, you can ask the hotel for help… Read more info & pictures
19. Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food: Yes, big vegetarian restaurant
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes for coach
Blog: https://vemekong.com/truc-lam-phuong-nam-zen-monastery-can-tho/
Address: 923 Road, My Khanh, Phong Dien District, Can Tho City.
Added values: If you make an attempt to discover, you will find that temples are usually built where there is abundant positive energy which helps your soul and beliefs a lot better.
The monastery was built on an area of nearly 4 hectares, started construction on July 16, 2013 and completed after 10 months of construction. On May 17, 2014, the inauguration ceremony of Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery was solemnly organized by the Buddhist Board of Can Tho.
The entire building has a tiled roof structure, ironwood pillars, brick walls, floors and walkways. Besides the main hall, the campus is balanced with about 20 work items such as: ancestral house, spacious hall for teaching and studying for about 500 monks, Buddhists, 9-storey stupa, drum tower, bronze bell tower, monks’ quarters and guest houses, monasteries, libraries and medicine rooms, water houses, etc., were built around them, forming an architectural complex imbued with cultural and historical significance… Read more info & pictures
20. Can Tho Rooftop Sky Bar
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: An hour (approx.)
Hours: 3 pm – 11 pm
Food: Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/can-tho-rooftop-sky-bar/
Address: Hai Ba Trung street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Can Tho sky bar? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Can Tho prison (15 minutes away), Munirangsyaram pagoda (15 minutes away), Can Tho museum (15 minutes away), Tarot museum (20 minutes away)… Read more info & pictures
21. Can Tho Beach
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: An hour (approx.)
Hours: Dawn – dust
Food: Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/can-tho-beach/
Address: Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Can Tho beach? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Can Tho prison (15 minutes away), Munirangsyaram pagoda (15 minutes away), Can Tho museum (15 minutes away), Tarot museum (20 minutes away).
The locals clearly enjoy spending time there in the afternoon and evening, 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 freshwater. Top tip: Freshwater 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 a life jacket. )… Read more info & pictures
22. Can Tho Floating Fish Farm
Ticket: 10,000 VND pp
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx.)
Hours: Daily 7 am – 5 pm
Food: Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/can-tho-floating-fish-farm/
Address: Binh Thuy ward, Binh Thuy district, Can Tho City.
Added values: Visitors can come and enjoy seeing & feeding fish by themselves and you 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.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Can Tho floating fish farm? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Can Tho ancient house (15 minutes away), Son islet (10 minutes by boat), Bang Lang stork garden (45 minutes away).
To begin Can Tho City Tour By Boat, nothing can be as great as taking a boat sightseeing Can Tho Floating fish farm on Hau river. The river reflects the ups and downs of the fish farming village which has long been famous in the area. The locals made their floating house in the river for both living and fishing. Take a boat trip and go along the river, you see how the floating life happens and how the locals take care of their fish farm.
At first, there were only a few floating rafts raising fish in a natural way, without feeding because of good water sources. However, from the 2000s onwards, due to the high economic benefits, the number of fish rafts has increased significantly and gradually become a local economic point of Can Tho. The fish farm has 36 fish rafts with an average annual output of over 2000 tons. Each raft with fish cages underneath has a width of 4m, a length of 7-8m, with an area of 60-100m². People set up their houses above the cages. The majority of fish raised in floating rafts of the region are all catfish varieties such as pangasius and basa, redtail catfish (hồng vỹ mỏ vịt), tiger shovelnose catfish (cá cọp)…mainly for export to Western Europe and North America. Apart from feeding fish in the floating fish farm, households living on the Can Tho river also make dried fish, frozen fresh fish into stockfish and earn a very high-income source for the family… Read more info & pictures
What to Eat in Can Tho
23. Cong Cake (Banh Cong)
Find them: De Tham Street and Ly Tu Trong Street, An Cu Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City
Best time: After 2pm
Don’t miss: Spring roll
Local’s pick: Banh Cong Co Ut
Tourist’s pick: Many Cong cake local restaurants in Can Tho city center.
It’s called “Banh Cong” because people use a “Cong” to cook. A “Cong” has a long handle and looks like a small metal milk bottle. In the Mekong Delta, people still use “Cong” as a unit of measures in dealing at the market. “Cong” has many sizes: ½ “xị”, 1 “xị” (4 “xị” equal to 1 liter), ½ liter, 1 liter and the biggest size is 2-liters Cống.
The “Cong” used to make Bánh Cong has only one size with diameter 5 cm, height 5cm with the handle about 1 span. The “Cong” used to fry Bánh Cống does not have cylinder shape like the “Cong” used for measuring, it has the bottom a little smaller than the topping, it helps Banh Cong to float up once it is done.
Banh Cong is made with rice flour mixed with wheat flour to keep Banh Cong soft and crispy. You can use rice flour or soak rice then grind to make Banh Cong. Rice flour grinded is always better than buying rice flour from the market because it keeps the fragrant flavor. If you don’t know how to select rice flour at the market you can easily get old, moudy flour and make your cake sour and bitter.
Banh Cong is always served with sweet-sour fish sauce, lime and minced chili. Fish sauce adds more shredded cucumber, carrot and radish. Aromatic herbs are fish mint, lettuce, basil, herb mint… Read more info & pictures
Book tour: Can Tho Walking Street Food Tour
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24. Ut Dzach Fine Rice Vermicelli in Can Tho
One of Can Tho’s best authentic foods is Ut Dzach fine rice vermicelli (Vietnamese name: Bánh hỏi mặt võng Út Dzách Cần Thơ) where a real food lover always adds it in their wishlist. It is a very fun activity to give a try, and super yummy to go for this authentic food.
Absolutely, you will see the real Can Tho villages and local life on the way to Ut Dzach family. The owner will serve you the home cooked fine rice vermicelli which is about VND 50,000 – VND 70,000 per person. Top tip: Do not forget to explore a lovely backyard garden.
Banh Hoi is considered by the government as an authentic and traditional cuisine of Can Tho people. That means a lot for the Can Tho food culture and its values. What a responsible place for the locals and tourists to come and understand more about this food. Top tip: Many news and media talk about this secret food and its flavor… Read more info & pictures
25. My Khanh Tourist Village
Ticket: 60,000 VND pp
Spend-time: An hour (approx.)
Hours: Daily 5 am – 10 pm
Food: Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/my-khanh-tourist-village-can-tho/
Address: 335 Lo Vong Cung Street, Phong Dien District, about five kilometers from Can Tho City by road or river.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from My Khanh tourist village? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Cacao farm (10 minutes away), Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery (10 minutes away).
Visiting My Khanh Tourist Village, visitors in Vietnam can experience the old days of southern life by taking on the costume (rental service) of a rich landlord who lived in a big house or of a normal traditional farmer to feel the difference. As a rich landlord, you can enjoy fruit, hot tea and listen to music from a hand-operated gramophone made more than 300 years ago. As a farmer, you are given the opportunity to work and prepare meals as southern farmers did in the past.
There is the 100-year-old southern house that was moved piece by piece from Can Tho’s Binh Thuy Ward and reassembled… Read more info & pictures
26. Son Islet
Ticket: From 20,000 VND for the ferry and 200,000 VND for a package.
Spend-time: 2 – 3 hours (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food: Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes for coach
Blog: https://vemekong.com/con-son-islet-can-tho/
Address: Opposite Co Bac ferry station, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City. Please Google Maps “Ben Pha Co Bac” for Son islet in Can Tho.
Added values: Like a miniature Can Tho space, Son islet is vividly shown with a very simple, rustic and cool place by fruit gardens all year round.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Son Islet and Ecotourism Village? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Binh Thuy ancient house (15 minutes away), Bang Lang Stork Garden (1 hour away).
On Son islet, snakehead fish are very interesting, the locals can them fly high, beautiful, and simultaneously to grab the bait, but it takes a lot of practice.
With about 80 households on the Son islet, if you really understand the feeling of a homestay in the garden on the weekend, you will love Con Son the most. In the early morning, walking, enjoying the landscape of the garden, listening to the birdsong, the sound of leaves and dew drops, the sound of fish wagging their tails in the pond… At noon, lying in a swinging hammock, enjoying the cool river breeze, taking a nap in the middle of the day. In the afternoon, canoeing around the canals and gardens to visit fruit trees. After that, eat a delicious meal like “canal fish, homegrown vegetables and free range chicken”, it’s delicious! … Read more info & pictures
What to Buy in Can Tho
27. Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm and Home-made chocolate
Ticket: 50,000VND
Spend-time: An hour (approx)
Hours: Daily 7 am to 12 pm
Food: Cacao drink, chocolate.
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes for coach
Blog: https://vemekong.com/muoi-cuong-cacao-farm-can-tho/
Address: My Khanh, Phong Dien, Can Tho. About 12km from Can Tho city center.
Added values: Foreigners have learned about the stages of chocolate processing in factories a lot, but for manual processing they have never seen, so they want to learn very much by visiting villages.
The Mười Cương Cacao Garden has an area of 1,2 hectares, planted with 2000 Cacao trees, was built in the 1960s and has been maintained until now. Cacao processing has been a traditional family business since 1960. In the beginning, Cương’s father went to Malaysia to bring seeds to Vietnam and grew them. In his hometown, there has been more and more farmers growing after 3 years. When the trees were so fruitful, but the locals did not know how to use their fruits, they ruined all of them. Apart from Cuong’s family, the father asked his children not to cut down trees and had his children find information from books and documents to know how to make chocolate, then they tried to make it from Cacao. At that time, Cuong came across a French book, his sister and he read and studied. Fortunately, they made excellent chocolate products (1963). He still holds the book until now. This family is one of the first families in Vietnam growing and processing Cacao… Read more info & pictures
28. Can Tho Night Market – Ninh Kieu Night Market
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx.)
Hours: Daily from 6 pm to 11pm
Food: Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/can-tho-night-market/
Address: 138, Hai Ba Trung street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Can Tho night market? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Can Tho prison (15 minutes away), Munirangsyaram pagoda (15 minutes away), Can Tho museum (15 minutes away), Tarot museum (20 minutes away).
It is divided into two zones. The first one (Ninh Kieu night market) sells clothes handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry, foods, coffee on the pavement…and the other night market zone (coconut market) serves food from dozens of mobile stalls, with vendors who are well versed in the point-and-nod style of ordering. Most of the food can be munched while strolling and is more of a snack than a meal, but what’s on offer can change from day to day, so it’s best to just go and see what is available. There are some side spots around the night market like a plenty of local restaurants (Vietnamese and your foods), pubs & bars, hotels, local shops, convenience stores, even the travel agents… Read more info & pictures
29. Can Tho Old Maket
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx.)
Hours: Daily from 7 am to 9 pm
Food: Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/can-tho-old-market/
Address: 138, Hai Ba Trung street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
Added values: A historical and architectural place.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Can Tho old market? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Can Tho prison (15 minutes away), Munirangsyaram pagoda (15 minutes away), Can Tho museum (15 minutes away), Tarot museum (20 minutes away).
Due to its central location, it is a place for gathering, exchanging goods and attracting tourists. Absolutely, there are hundreds of shops with uncountable local souvenirs like traditional and trendy garments and local handicrafts, even a beautiful riverside restaurant. It is more crowded and beautiful at night… Read more info & pictures
Free, Fun and Secret Things to Do in Can Tho
30. Can Tho Giant Ficus Tree – Secret VC base
The Gian Gua relic site, with its giant ficus trees over 100 years old, is a tree that represents the wetland ecology of the Mekong Delta. This site used to have a very large area, but due to the destruction of war bombs and the impact of the environment, now only about 2,700 m2. Coming to Gian Gua relic, visitors feel surprised and overwhelmed by a solid primeval rig, with many trees and branches interwoven and intertwined like a giant net, so sometimes the tourists don’t know which is the root, where is the branch. There are branches still imprinted with traces of war with cuts and patches caused by bombs and bullets. However, with intense vitality, those ficus trees still sprout and stretch to radiate shade. This is probably the one-of-a-kind ficus giant tree in Vietnam. Currently, it has spread over an area of about 4,000m2.
In particular, this place was also the site of revolutionary activities during the two periods of resistance against the French colonialists and the American empire. During the anti-American era, many meetings took place here to implement resolutions and directives of the Party Committee of the District and Provincial Party Committee; In 1961 – 1965, this site was a secret facility to open training courses, to train special forces in the inner city of Can Tho. Gian Gua Can Tho is also a place where weapons and ammunition are stored, contributing with the armed forces and the people to defeat the war strategies of the US… Read more info & pictures
31. Can Tho Paddy Rice Fields & Off the Beaten Track
As Mekong Delta build up over the years, they get formed in the shape of a triangle and the deposits in this formation are of rich alluvium, which are ideally suited for growing wet rice, as is done now extensively in the Mekong Delta where farmers and fishermen live to pursue their vocation of farming and aquafarming. Walking around the green or saffron yellow rice fields and learning deeply about the “white gold” in Vietnam are fantastic and 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 scooter tours is a must… Read more info & pictures
Mekong Delta is not only famous for rice fields, small canals, floating markets…but it is also charming about local traditional brick factories in Vinh Long, Ben Tre and Can Tho. Nowadays, there are some mud brick kilns located along Mekong river tributaries where the explorers can pay a visit during their cruise trip or cycling tours.
As you know, kilns and hidden gems in the Mekong Delta are always in the countryside or along the rivers. The cheapest and smartest way to unlock those things are by bicycle, scooter or sampan. Top tip: Brick kiln means Lò Gạch or Làng Gốm in Vietnamese. You can ask locals about this place… Read more info & pictures
33. Ba Bo Flower Village – Can Tho’ Secret
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx)
Hours: Dawn – dust
Food:
Shop:
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/ba-bo-flower-village-can-tho/
Address: An Khanh Ward, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Ba Bo flower village? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Can Tho fruit garden (10 minutes away), Binh Thuy ancient house (30 minutes away).
The best time to visit Can Tho is in the spring season. It is beautiful from the town to the village. Moreover, the village is worth visiting from October to January because of the green, yellow fields and colorful blossoming flower villages. What a wonderful moment to see the flowers as the local’s smile on Tet coming holidays. The worth visiting village in Can Tho is the Ba Bo Flower Village where nearly 250 households in the 20-hectare community cultivate dozens of species of flowers and ornamental plants. The best way to unlock the secret of the flower villages is to take Can Tho cycling tours or Can Tho motorbike tours. The tourists can leisurely contemplate and take photos to capture memories with different gardens. The best time for visitors to see it is before the Tet holiday… Read more info & pictures
34. Can Tho Light Festival
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Two hours (approx.)
Hours: March
Food:
Shop:
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/can-tho-light-festival/
Address: 32, Hai Ba Trung street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City. Right across from the temple is the Ho Chi Minh statue.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Can Tho light festival? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Ong pagoda (5 minutes away), Can Tho prison (5 minutes away), Munirangsyaram pagoda (10 minutes away), Can Tho museum (15 minutes away), Tarot museum (15 minutes away).
Ninh Kieu wharf is a place that attracts many tourists because of its poetic scenery and romantic river. Ninh Kieu wharf is also a familiar address for many boat racing festivals, folk festivals, flower festivals and especially Can Tho light festival… Read more info & pictures
35. Can Tho Walking Bridge
Ticket: Free
Spend-time: Half an hour (approx.)
Hours: Dawn – dusk
Food: Yes
Shop: Yes
Parking lot: Yes
Blog: https://vemekong.com/can-tho-walking-bridge/
Address: Hai Ba Trung street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
Nearby attractions and hidden gems: Looking for places to stop on your way to and from Can Tho walking bridge? Or maybe you found it too crowded here? We’ve got some ideas! Check out our list: Can Tho prison (15 minutes away), Munirangsyaram pagoda (15 minutes away), Can Tho museum (15 minutes away), Tarot museum (20 minutes away).
If you get to Ninh Kieu wharf by night, it is time to see Can Tho walking bridge with 2 gigantic lotus flowers made of thousands of neon lights that brighten up the whole area. This is a great spot for taking pictures from Can Tho rooftop bar or just simply enjoying the great river view of Can Tho at night… Read more info & pictures
36. Free Can Tho Food Tour – 6:30 PM Daily
If you are a fan of culinary culture this Tour is made right for you. Join us on a route through the heart of Can Tho City by night and savour pleasant dishes at different spots; every bite you taste will have an incredible story to tell you, because many of them have come to the present from an ancient past and an agriculture root.
Free Can Tho Food Tour is a unique gastronomic tour, where you decide how much you will eat and how much you will spend. There is no predetermined menu, no obligation to eat anything, everything will be according to your taste, choices and budget. Read more info before booking a free tour here
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
