Why Visit Can Tho?

The Cultural Capital of the Mekong Delta

Can Tho City is the Mekong Delta’s bustling center of activity, a mix of old and new. The region’s largest city and a key part of the important economic zone in southern Vietnam, it’s an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking real Vietnamese charm. Just 169 km from Ho Chi Minh City, its geographical location connects it with An Giang Province, Hau Giang, and Dong Thap. Take a look at any map Can Tho City, Vietnam, and you’ll see how the city spreads along the Hau River, full of life and history.

River Life & Local Communities

Life in Can Tho City flows with the river. Every morning, locals gather at the famous Cai Rang Floating Market in Cai Rang District, a must-see Can Tho Market, Vietnam, that captures the soul of the delta. You’ll also find peaceful villages in Phong Dien and a lively vibe at Ninh Kieu Wharf, where boats, markets, and people come together.

History, Food & Nature in Harmony

Explore beautiful ancient pagodas like Ong Pagoda, French villas in Binh Thuy, and peaceful canals lined with birds and fruit trees. Food is unforgettable, from crispy pancakes to fish hotpot. Don’t miss a local Can Tho Restaurant near the river for a genuine taste of Can Tho, Vietnam.

Regardless of whether you’re looking at a map of Can Tho, walking local streets, or plying a serene canal, Can Tho City offers something special to every visitor.

When is the Best Time to Visit Can Tho?

Fruit Season (April – July)

Regardless of whether you’re looking at a map of Can Tho, walking local streets, or plying a serene canal, Can Tho City offers something special to every visitor.

Flooding Season (August – November)

Can Tho City shows off its water wizardry during this time. Rivers swell, and life on the floats becomes more exciting. The famous Cai Rang Floating Market in Cai Rang District is in full swing, with dozens of boats haggling early morning. It’s the best time to be at Can Tho Market, Vietnam, and have wonderful river photos.

Tet Season (December – February)

While Can Tho City celebrates Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, the city is a riot of color, flowers, and festivals. The weather is cold and arid, perfect for window shopping around Ninh Kieu Wharf, wandering around temples like Ong Pagoda, or sampling the local cuisine by the water. It is also perfect for checking out the map Can Tho, Vietnam, for festival sites around the city.

Top Things to Do in Can Tho City

Cai Rang Floating Market – Iconic Can Tho Market, Vietnam in Can Tho City

• Location: Cai Rang River, Cai Rang District, ~6km from downtown
• Best time: 5:30 – 8:00 AM
• Boat tour price: 300,000 – 500,000 VND (shared/private boat)

No Can Tho City trip would be complete without a tour of the Cai Rang Floating Market, Vietnam’s largest and most famous floating market. Wake up early, take a boat, and float by vendors of pineapples, papayas, noodles, and even morning coffee, all from the water! It’s a cultural smorgasbord best experienced with a local guide or tour group.

• Tip: Find it in a flash on your map Can Tho City, Vietnam, or ask locals at Ninh Kieu Wharf for the nearest pier.

Phong Dien Floating Market – Smaller, More Authentic in Can Tho City

• Location: Nhon Loc Hamlet, Phong Dien District, ~17km from city center
•  Best time: 5:00 – 7:30 AM
• Boat ride price: 350,000 – 600,000 VND (combo with Cai Rang)

Want less touristy? Phong Dien Floating Market gives you just that. More rowboats and fewer motors, it’s quiet, tranquil, and real. Locals trade each day’s produce, gardening tools, fresh fruit, and even serve steaming bowls of hu tieu (noodle soup) floating on the water.

Ninh Kieu Wharf – Riverside Stroll & Night Vibes in Can Tho City

• Location: Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District, the center of Can Tho City
• Entrance: Free
• Best time: Sunset to 9:00 PM

Right in the heart of Can Tho City, Ninh Kieu Wharf is a perfect evening hangout. Stroll along the river, enjoy street performances, take photos with the Ho Chi Minh statue, or relax at a local Can Tho Restaurant with views of the boats passing by. Don’t miss the night market nearby for souvenirs and snacks!

Boat Trips & Kayaking Along Canals in Can Tho City

• Departure points: Ninh Kieu Wharf, My Khanh Tourist Village
• Tour price: 250,000 – 600,000 VND, depending on route
• Kayak rental: ~150,000 VND/hour

Explore Can Tho City’s lush natural area the local way, by boat. These boat trips float along small canals under coconut trees, past fruit plantations, and into peaceful villages. For something more active, kayak through quiet streams around Phong Dien or by My Khanh Village.

Cycling Through the Mekong Countryside in Can Tho City

• Popular route: From Phong Dien to My Khanh, or Ba Bo Flower Village
• Bike rental: 50,000 – 100,000 VND/day

Want to feel the vibe of the delta? Hop on a bike and pedal over rice fields, lotus lakes, and bamboo paths. Locals will smile and ask you questions as you go by. It’s the best way to take it slow and connect with the soul of Can Tho province, Vietnam.

Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary – 300,000+ Birds in Can Tho City

• Location: Thoi Binh Hamlet, Thot Not District, ~60km from center
• Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/person
•  Best time: 4:30 – 6:00 PM (when birds return to nest)

This hidden gem is any birdwatcher’s dream come true. Over 300,000 storks and herons pass overhead in the trees at sunset. Climb up to the viewing tower for a bird’s eye view of the entire sanctuary, pure tranquility, and the beauty of nature. Bring binoculars if you’re a nature lover!

Binh Thuy Ancient House – Colonial Meets Vietnamese in Can Tho City

• Location: 144 Bui Huu Nghia Street, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City
• Entrance fee: 20,000 – 30,000 VND/person
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM

Built in 1870, this house is a combination of French structure and Vietnamese ornamentation. From antique furniture items to Ming–Thanh porcelain, it’s like stepping into a movie set in history. A must-visit for history buffs and architecture aficionados alike.

Ong Pagoda & Other Temples – Cultural Touchstones in Can Tho City

• Location: 32 Hai Ba Trung, Ninh Kieu District, near the Wharf
•  Entrance: Free
• Open: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily

Over 120 years old, Ong Pagoda is a spiritual hub of Can Tho City. Built by the Chinese-Vietnamese, its colorful facade and enormous incense coils leave a lasting impression. Nearby, you can also explore Munirangsyaram Khmer Pagoda and Quang Duc Pagoda, each with a unique story of the delta’s spiritual heterogeneity.

What to Eat in Can Tho City

Must-Try Local Dishes in Can Tho City

Banh Xeo – Mekong-Style Pancake in Can Tho City

This crispy Vietnamese crepe is bigger and denser in Can Tho, Vietnam. Stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, then rolled up in lettuce and herbs, it’s dipped in sweet fish sauce for a crunchy, salty shock.

• Where to try: Banh Xeo 7 Toi, 45 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Ninh Kieu District
•  Price: 40,000–70,000 VND/serving

Banh cong – Shrimp & Mung Bean Fritters in Can Tho City

Exclusive to Can Tho City, this crunchy delight consists of green beans, ground pork, and a full shrimp on top. It’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and intensely addictive!

•  Where to try: Co Ut Banh cong, 86/38 Ly Tu Trong, Ninh Kieu District
•  Price: 10,000–20,000 VND/piece

Lau Mam – Fish Sauce Hotpot in Can Tho City

The pièce de résistance of southern meals! This fiery hotpot features fermented fish broth, pork belly, shrimp, squid, eggplant, and over 20 varieties of local greens. An authentic taste of the floating markets on your palate!

• Where to try: Lau Mam Da Ly, 89 3/2 Street, Can Tho City, Vietnam
• Price: 150,000–250,000 VND/pot

Grilled Snakehead Fish in Can Tho City

A countryside specialty! Fresh fish is threaded onto a skewer and grilled until fragrant, served with rice paper, herbs, and dipping sauce. It is one of the dishes you must try when you visit any Can Tho Market Vietnam.

•  Where to try: Du lich Sinh Thai Con Son, Phong Dien District
•  Price: ~150,000–180,000 VND/fish

Nem nuong and Banh Hoi in Can Tho City

Grilled pork skewers covered with rice vermicelli net (Banh Hoi), herbs, and peanut sauce. Light, tasty, and deeply local.

• Where to try: Nem nuong Thanh Van, 17 Hoa Binh Street, near Ninh Kieu Wharf
• Price: 30,000–60,000 VND/portion

Best Can Tho restaurants for Authentic Mekong Flavors in Can Tho City

For an entire sit-down experience with Mekong touch, these are the top Can Tho Restaurant suggestions that everyone prefers:

• Spice House – 6 Chau Van Liem, Ninh Kieu District

Combining traditional and modern, with Ninh Kieu Wharf views

• Sao Hom Restaurant – Tan An Ward, at Ninh Kieu Wharf

By the river with classic southern favorites

• Mekong Breeze – 50 Hai Ba Trung Street, Can Tho City, Vietnam

Delicious seafood and signature fish sauce hotpot

Travel Tips & Local Etiquette in Can Tho City

Cultural Do’s & Don’ts for Can Tho City

Visiting Can Tho City, Vietnam, is stepping into a world where tradition still thrives. This is how to honor the ways and be warmly welcomed:

• Welcome warmly and with a smile with a soft “Xin chao" (hello). It’s polite and appreciated in any situation, on boat tours of Phong Dien or at hotel receptions of Ninh Kieu District.
• Dress conservatively, especially at religious sites like Ong Pagoda. Show respect by covering shoulders and knees; remove shoes before going in.
• Refrain from shouting in public areas, such as around the Can Tho market in Vietnam, or bargaining with peddlers.
• Support the local economy: Eat at family-owned Can Tho Restaurant establishments or buy fresh fruit from orchard stalls.
• Never point your feet at others or statues. It is regarded as very rude in Vietnamese society.

Tip: If you are not certain of cultural expectations, ask somebody. Locals in Can Tho, Vietnam, are normally happy to explain with a smile.

Scams to Avoid in Can Tho City

While Can Tho City is safe, paying close attention will avoid embarrassing surprises:

• Scams on boat prices: Always confirm the price before boarding any boat, especially at Ninh Kieu Wharf or Cai Rang Floating Market. A boat tour of about 1–2 hours typically costs 300,000–500,000 VND.
• Fake tour guides: Only hire guides with proper identification visible, or reserve through reputable services or your hotel.
• Street food stalls with no prices listed: Ask first before consuming. Like, a Banh Xeo should be priced at about 30,000–50,000 VND, not 100,000+!

Safety & Emergency Info for Can Tho City

Below’s what to have on hand when venturing out in Can Tho City:

• Police: 113
• Ambulance: 115
• Fire Department: 114
•  Major Hospital: Can Tho General Hospital, 4 Chau Van Liem Street, Ninh Kieu District
• Tourist Support: Ask at Ninh Kieu Wharf or Vincom Plaza, whose employees can speak English, or call the local support team.

Conclusion

Can Tho City is not just a place, it’s an experience you will carry long after you’ve left. From the first chaos of Cai Rang Floating Market to the tranquil nights at Ninh Kieu Wharf, every part of Can Tho, Vietnam, beckons you into the sad rhythm of the Mekong. Whether strolling past Can Tho Market, Vietnam, dining at a riverside, Can Tho Restaurant, or mapping out your journey on a map Can Tho City, Vietnam, you’ll be deeply rooted in its people and culture. For those who want to dig in deeper, this city is just the perfect hub for unforgettable Mekong Tours, where every boat ride, orchard stopover, and river grin holds a tale of relevance that you will cherish.