Can Tho Bridge Highlights: 1-Day Mekong Tours Itinerary

Can Tho Bridge at a Glance: A Modern Marvel

Exact Location:

• Starting point (Vinh Long side): Km 2062, National Highway 1A, Binh Minh Town, Vinh Long Province
• Ending point (Can Tho side): Km 2077, National Highway 1A, Hung Phu Ward, Cai Rang District, Can Tho City

Can Tho Bridge commenced in September 2004, prompted by the collaboration between Vietnam’s Government and Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA). Despite suffering a catastrophic loss in 2007 while under construction, the bridge was eventually completed and was opened on April 24, 2010, and is a magnificent icon of recuperation and rebirth.

So, what is so special about the Can Tho Bridge? Let’s dive in

• Total length: A whopping 15.85 kilometers, including approach roads from the Vinh Long and Can Tho sides.
• Main span: 550 meters — the longest cable-stayed span in Southeast Asia!
• Structure: Inverted Y-shaped pylon structure, supported by 216 strands of cables.
• Width: 23.1 meters with 6 lanes (4 autos, 2 motorbikes/bicycles), along with pedestrian sidewalks.
• Clearance: 39 meters vertical clearance, allowing ships of up to 10,000 DWT to pass underneath
• Nighttime spectacle: With its LED lighting system, Can Tho Bridge is a glittering ribbon over the Hau River — a sight that must be included in any photographer’s wildest dreams!
  

How to Get There: Transport Tips for Every Traveler

From Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho Bridge

 By Sleeper Bus

• Duration: 3.5 to 5 hours
• Top providers:
  • Phuong Trang (FUTA Bus Lines): departs every 30–60 minutes.
  • Thanh Buoi: clean, modern vehicles with free water & Wi-Fi.
  • Mai Linh Express: safe and reputable.
• Ticket Price: ~150,000–180,000 VND ($6–8 USD)
• Booking: Via official websites, apps (FUTA, VeXeRe), or at Mien Tay Bus Station.
• Drop-off point: Can Tho Central Bus Station, just 5–7 km from Can Tho Bridge. From there, grab a Grab/taxi (60,000–100,000 VND) to the bridge.

 By Private Car or Motorbike

• Route: National Highway 1A → Trung Luong Expressway → QL1 → Can Tho
• Distance: ~170 km
• Drive Time: ~3–4 hours (depending on stops and traffic)
• Best for: Passengers who prefer flexibility or need to stop by Tien Giang, Vinh Long.
• Motorbike: Adventure tourists can hire motorbikes in HCMC for 150,000–250,000 VND/day. Always wear a helmet and have a driver’s license.

From Phu Quoc to Can Tho Bridge

 By Plane

• Flight Time: ~1 hour
• Airlines: VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Vietnam Airlines
• Ticket Price: ~600,000–1,200,000 VND ($25–50 USD)
• Arrival: Can Tho International Airport, just ~12 km from the Can Tho Bridge
• From Airport to Bridge:
  • Grab/Taxi: ~100,000–150,000 VND ($4–6 USD)
  • Airport shuttle + short taxi (if on a tighter budget)

 By Ferry + Bus (Scenic Route)

• Fast Ferry (Phu Quoc → Rach Gia):
  • Duration: ~2.5 hours
  • Operators: Superdong, Phu Quoc Expres
  • Ticket: ~350,000–400,000 VND ($14–16 USD)
• Rach Gia → Can Tho by Bus:
  • Duration: ~3.5 hours
  • Price: ~150,000–180,000 VND
• Total Trip Time: ~6–7 hours
• Best for: Travelers who enjoy a bit of water adventure and authentic scenery en route to one of the top Can Tho attractions.

From Can Tho Airport to Can Tho Bridge

You are welcome to the Mekong Delta entrance! Can Tho Airport is easily accessible to the prime attraction, Can Tho Bridge.

 By Taxi or Grab

• Travel Time: ~20 minutes
• Cost: ~100,000–150,000 VND
• Tip: Grab is more affordable and transparent, but old-fashioned taxis like Mai Linh abound.

 By Public Bus

• Routes: Bus Line 03 (Airport → Ninh Kieu), then transfer or walk to get closer to Can Tho Bridge.
• Fare: ~7,000–10,000 VND
• Note: Affordable but slower, and may be walking distance from the destination.

Getting Around Locally in Can Tho, Vietnam

Once you are there, it is sailing smoothly to the Can Tho Bridge!

 Motorbike Rental

• Cost: ~120,000–180,000 VND/day
• Where to rent: Hotels, guesthouses, or local rental shops
• Tip: Ride Can Tho Bridge during sunrise or sunset for dramatic river views.

 Bicycle Rental

• Great for: A slow and scenic ride along the Hau River
• Cost: ~50,000–80,000 VND/day
• Best for: A leisurely bike tour around nearby Hung Phu and Cai Rang neighborhoods at your speed

1-Day Itinerary Around Can Tho Bridge: Explore Like a Local

5:30 AM – 6:30 AM: Sunrise Walk Across Can Tho Bridge

There is no better way to greet the morning in Can Tho, Vietnam, than watching the sunrise along the legendary Can Tho Bridge. As golden light spills across the Hau River, the bridge’s solid but elegant structure glows warmly. Take a stroll along the walking lanes or motorbike through — either option will be rewarded with panoramic views that are nothing less than enchanted. Photographers, don’t miss your camera — morning mist and soft light are a photographer’s dream!

7:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Boat Ride to Cai Rang Floating Market

After this sunrise moment, make your way immediately to Ninh Kieu Wharf, from which you can take a boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the most vibrant and visually explosive places to visit. Only the market, as it is a very early riser, like 4–5:00 AM, and it disappears around 9:00 AM. Join a local tour (300,000-500,000 VND) or rent a private boat, and indulge in a floating breakfast of bun rieu, banh mi, or pineapple served directly from the boat!

9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Explore the Neighborhoods Near Can Tho Bridge

Go back to the mainland and take a light ride around Cai Rang District, a place to find sleepy alleys, riverside homes, and some beautiful perspectives of Can Tho Bridge from below. It’s an opportunity to see how locals coexist with this monstrous megastructure, and perhaps grab a cold sugarcane juice or iced coffee from a makeshift roadside vending stop.

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Lunch Near Can Tho Bridge

Summon the hunger with good, old-fashioned Mekong Delta cuisine! Lunch at Lau Bo Dum Hung Loi (hotpot heaven!) or the yummy Hu Tieu De Hong Ky nearby. The food here is flavorful, affordable (only 35,000–100,000 VND), and full of personality — just like Can Tho, Vietnam’s people.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Relax at Ninh Kieu Wharf

After dinner, time to unwind. Go back to Ninh Kieu Wharf for a peaceful stroll along the riverside, shaded by tamarind trees. Grab a cold drink or Vietnamese coffee and savor the constant beat of boats on the Hau River. If you can muster the energy, take a quick boat ride beneath Can Tho Bridge to appreciate its grandeur and strength from another perspective.

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Golden Hour at Can Tho Walking Bridge

At sunset, visit the Can Tho Walking Bridge adjacent to it — a secret gem with a lotus-form structure and viewscapes. Watch the horizon turn colors from gold to pink to blue as the old and new bridges sparkle with early evening lights. Your perfect golden hour photo, for couples and travelers alike.

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Dinner With a View of Can Tho Bridge

Finish your day with supper along the shimmering beauty of Can Tho Bridge. We recommend supper at Vuon Vu Sua Restaurant, a slightly nicer garden setting, or Le Binh Restaurant, which is relaxed and full of locals. At night, under the cover of darkness, the bridge is an otherworldly sculpture above water — a breathtaking finale to your one-day excursion to the hub of Can Tho attractions.

Beyond the Bridge: Top Nearby Can Tho Attractions

Binh Thuy Ancient House

• Address: 26/1A Bui Huu Nghia Street, Binh Thuy Ward, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho Viet Nam
• Distance from Can Tho Bridge: ~10 km | ~20 minutes by motorbike or taxi

Enter the gracious history of southern Vietnam! Completed in 1870, Binh Thuy Ancient House melds French architectural features with authentic Vietnamese interior decor — from vintage wooden furniture to ceramic collections. It’s walking through a living museum.

Why it’s worth the trip: Visitors to this historic site get a glimpse into the lives of thriving Mekong families during the colonial period. Its ornate façade and green courtyard are heaven for a photographer and history buff.

Con Son Islet

• Access point: Boat from Ben Do Truong THCS Le Binh (Le Binh Ferry Terminal), off Quoc Lo 91B, Phuong Bui Huu Nghia, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho Viet Nam
• Distance from Can Tho Bridge: ~15 km | ~30–40 minutes total travel time (car + boat)

Looking for peaceful rural surroundings? Take a short boat ride from the mainland to Con Son Islet, a hidden treasure famous for homestays, floating fish ponds, tropical fruit, and hands-on cultural experiences.

Top experiences:

• Pick and munch on rambutans, longans, or durians right off the tree
• Take a local cooking lesson and learn how to make banh xeo
• Watch snakehead fish “jump for food" — an exclusive show by the local farmers

Ba Bo Flower Village

• Address: Ba Bo Canal area, Long Tuyen Ward, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho Vietnam
• Distance from Can Tho Bridge: ~7 km | ~15 minutes by motorbike or car

Visiting for Tet? Don’t miss Ba Bo Flower Village, a fantasy rural village covered in thousands of flowerpots along the paths. Locals grow marigolds, chrysanthemums, cockscombs, and others for Lunar New Year.

Why locals love it: It’s a fantastic photo stop and cultural tour in one. Go in January or February to see the village at its most colorful, and don’t be shy — locals will sometimes invite visitors to stroll through their flowering backyards!

Local Tips for a Smooth Visit

Best Time to Avoid Traffic on Can Tho Bridge

Though Can Tho Bridge operates relatively well compared to metropolis chaos, it’s still jammed up during the morning rush (6:30–8:30 AM) and evening rush (4:30–6:30 PM). If you’re in the market for serene moments and sharp pictures, shoot for:

• Sunrise (5:30–6:00 AM) — gorgeous colors + fewer vehicles
• Late morning (9:30–11:00 AM) — serene with improved lighting
• After 8:00 PM, when the bridge’s LED lights twinkle, traffic dies down.

Safety Tips for Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian paths are well signposted on both sides of Can Tho Bridge and are separate from the main road, but safety first:

• Walk with your face to the traffic and on the right-hand side, wherever possible
• Cyclists: Wear a helmet and ride on the edge of the pedestrian path
• Steer clear of halting in the middle of the bridge for selfies — rather, utilize the broader points of view closer to the center span for those wow photos

Dress Smart for the Can Tho Heat

Hello, Can Tho, Vietnam, where the sun is strong and humidity is no joke! To keep cool and cozy while venturing out to discover Can Tho Bridge, wear and bring:

• Lightweight, breathable apparel (cotton or dry-fit works best)
• Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for midday visits
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+) — even during cloudy mornings
• Comfortable shoes — especially if you’re planning to walk the full span or explore nearby Can Tho attractions

Photography Etiquette on Can Tho Bridge

With such a beautiful structure as Can Tho Bridge, it is hard not to take photos around the clock — and we urge you to do so! Just bear in mind:

• Don’t obstruct others’ paths, particularly cyclists and pedestrians
• Drones: Permitted, but operate from off-bridge areas for safety and to avoid wind whirlwind
• Sunset sessions: Get there early to reserve your position (particularly at the bridge center or at the pedestrian viewpoint)
• Be respectful to the locals — if you’re photographing adjacent vendors or fishermen, make sure to ask first!

Pro tip: The western section of the bridge receives good light in the morning, and the eastern section is best suited for shooting sunset behind the city silhouette.

Conclusion

Can Tho Bridge is not only a bridge — it’s the portal to exploring the soul of Can Tho Viet Nam. From shimmering sunsets to floating markets and riverside grub, this is where memories are forged. Combine your stop with more legendary Can Tho sights, and why not make it a 2–3 day Mekong Delta getaway? Your adventure begins with the bridge. But it doesn’t have to conclude there.

FAQ

What caused the Can Tho Bridge to collapse during construction?

The Can Tho Bridge collapsed in a horrific accident on 26 September 2007 when it was under construction. The failure of the foundation of a temporary support pillar on the Vinh Long side caused the accident. Official accounts report that differential settlement of the foundation made a 90-meter part of the approach span collapse, causing the death of 55 individuals and injuring dozens of others. Not one to be discouraged by this devastating setback, the bridge was rebuilt with further safety improvements and officially opened in April 2010, a moving testament to resilience on the part of Can Tho, Vietnam.

Is it worth visiting Can Tho?

Absolutely — Can Tho is one of the most rewarding destinations in southern Vietnam! Known as the capital of the Mekong Delta, it’s home to some of the country’s most authentic cultural experiences, including the Cai Rang Floating Market, the poetic beauty of Can Tho Bridge, lush orchards, and warm-hearted locals. Whether you’re here for river life, historical homes, or food adventures, Can Tho attractions offer a perfect blend of charm, tradition, and modernity.

How long is Can Tho Bridge?

Can Tho Bridge is a massive 15.85 kilometers (9.85 miles) in total length, including approach roads and the main bridge. The main span — the part that crosses the Hau River — is 550 meters, the longest cable-stayed main span in Southeast Asia. It is 550 meters long and spans from Vinh Long Province to Can Tho City, promoting trade, tourism, and connectivity in the Mekong Delta.

What’s special about Can Tho Bridge at night?

Can Tho Bridge is like a glittering ribbon of light across the Hau River at night! Because of its LED lighting system, the whole bridge glows, highlighting its sleek inverted Y-shaped pylons and cable arrays. It’s a favorite photography and evening lovers’ walk destination, especially from the nearby Can Tho Walking Bridge or riverfront cafes. Night walk to Can Tho Bridge is downright one of the most magical Can Tho experiences you shouldn’t miss!