Can Tho

Cần Thơ is the cultural and economic heart of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s southern rice bowl. It's best known for its floating markets, lush countryside, and authentic delta life. Here’s a complete tourism guide to Cần Thơ:

Overview

• Location: About 170 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, on the Hậu River.

• Often used as a base for exploring the wider Mekong Delta.

• Known as the "Western Capital" of Vietnam.

Top Attractions

1. Cái Răng Floating Market

• The most famous floating market in the Mekong Delta.

• Best visited early morning (5–7 AM) by boat tour.

• Sellers advertise their goods (usually fruits, vegetables) by hanging samples on poles.

• You can enjoy breakfast right on the water—try hủ tiếu (noodle soup) or fresh pineapple.

2. Bình Thủy Ancient House

• A beautifully preserved French-style colonial home with Vietnamese and Chinese design elements.

• Built in 1870; used in films like The Lover.

• Offers insight into wealthy delta family life in the past.

3. Cần Thơ Museum

• The largest museum in the Mekong Delta.

• Exhibits on ethnic groups, history of resistance wars, and local culture.

4. Ninh Kiều Wharf

• A riverside promenade with restaurants, bars, and night views.

• Boat tours to nearby islands and floating markets depart from here.

• A great place for an evening stroll.

5. Ong Pagoda (Quang Trieu Assembly Hall)

• A vibrant 19th-century Chinese temple near Ninh Kiều.

• Still an active place of worship for the local Hoa (ethnic Chinese) community.

6. Fruit Gardens (Vườn Trái Cây)

• Visit orchards in Phong Điền or My Khánh to try fresh tropical fruits like rambutan, mangosteen, and star apple.

• Many offer farm tours and homestay experiences.

Local Cuisine

• Bánh xèo (crispy rice pancake with shrimp and bean sprouts)

• Hủ tiếu (pork-based noodle soup)

• Lẩu mắm (fermented fish hotpot)

• Nem nướng Cái Răng (grilled pork rolls)

• Try local sweets and tropical fruits in street stalls or markets.

How to Get There

• By car or bus: ~3.5–4.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City.

• By air: Cần Thơ has an airport (VCA) with flights from Hanoi, Da Nang, Phú Quốc, etc.

• Some travelers visit Cần Thơ as part of a multi-day Mekong Delta tour.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry season (Dec–April): Ideal for boat tours and countryside exploration.

• Rainy season (May–Nov): Lush green scenery; showers are often short but heavy. Some roads may be muddy, but floating markets still operate.

Where to Stay

• Luxury: Azerai Can Tho (a peaceful resort on a private islet).

• Mid-range: TTC Hotel, Vinpearl Hotel.

• Budget: Mekong Delta homestays or hostels near Ninh Kiều Wharf.

Nearby Experiences

• Mỹ Khánh Tourist Village – A family-friendly agro-tourism area with cultural shows and food.

• Tràm Chim National Park (about 2 hours away) – Wetland reserve for birdwatching.

• Homestay in Phong Điền – Stay with locals, cook Vietnamese food, explore by sampan.