Mekong Tours Insight: Is Can Tho Worth Visiting? Pros and Cons

Is Can Tho Worth Visiting? 

If you are wondering, Is Can Tho worth visiting? The answer is a definitive yes! The largest city in the Mekong Delta, Can Tho Vietnam is a place that beautifully blends rich local culture, stunning river scenery and sightseeing, and pure Mekong experiences. Whether a first-time traveler or an experienced explorer, Can Tho City has something special for everyone.

• Iconic Floating Markets: Visit the vibrant Can Tho Floating Market, particularly iconic Cai Rang Floating Market, where boats bearing fresh produce, fruits, and local cuisine make for a spectacular scene. Alternatively, for a peaceful and real experience, visit Phong Dien Floating Market, another Can Tho Floating Market. must-visit.
• Breathtaking River Landscape: Take a ride through the picturesque waterways of the Mekong Delta, cruising through paddy fields of lush vegetation, wooden stilt houses, and tropical fruit groves. To experience it all, take a Mekong River Delta Tour.
• Rich Cultural Heritage: Explore historical Binh Thuy Ancient House, sacred Ong Pagoda, and peaceful Con Son Islet, where one can discover rural village life.
• Delicious Local Cuisine: Indulge in some of the regional flavors with must-try foods such as Fish Sauce Hotpot, Grilled Snakehead Fish, and the legendary Can Tho Pancake (Banh Xeo).
• Affordable for All Travelers: Can Tho is an affordable destination where accommodation, eating out, and transport are low in cost.

Can Tho Floating Market (Sours: nld)

Pros of Visiting Can Tho

Unique Floating Markets

• Cai Rang Floating Market
  • Location: about 6 kilometers from Can Tho City Centre (Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District).
  • Operating Hours: 4:30 AM to 9:00 AM (It is best viewed during sunrise).
  • Entrance Fee: Self-guided tours are offered for free. Boat rentals vary from 300,000 VND to 500,000 VND based on boat type.
  • Atmosphere: A lively, vibrantly-colored place with traders hawking fresh fruits and vegetables alongside breakfast fare and regional items straight from their boats. A must-see for a truly traditional Mekong Delta experience.
• Phong Dien Floating Market
  • Address: Approximately 17 km from Can Tho City Centre (Provincial Road 923, Nhon Loc Hamlet, Nhon Ai Commune, Phong Dien District).
  • Operating Hours: 5:00 AM – 7:30 AM (Less busy and more traditional).
  • Entrance charge: Self-guided tours are free. Boat rentals are from 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND.
  • Experience: A compact, local market less frequented by tourists. Fresh fruits and vegetables, and housewares are sold by vendors, and tourists can sample local breakfasts in the form such as noodle soup.
• Recommendation: To go on an in-depth tour, take a guided Mekong River Delta Tour involving both Cai Rang and Phong Dien Floating Markets.

Phong Dien Floating Market (Sours: localvietnam)

Rich Cultural Heritage and History

• Binh Thuy Ancient House
  
  • Address: 144 Bui Huu Nghia Street, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho.
  • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
  • Entrance Fee: 15,000 – 20,000 VND per person.
  • Features: A stunningly restored mansion in French colonial style that displays a fusion of Eastern and Western architecture. Find yourself wandering through antique furniture and historical relics as well as through the lush garden surrounding the house.
• Ong Pagoda (Quang Trieu Assembly Hall)
  
  • Address: 32 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho.
  • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
  • Entrance Fee: Free.
  • Features: A brightly decorated Chinese temple that has ornate carvings, vibrant colors, and a serene ambiance. It is a functioning place of worship for local Chinese people.
    
• My Khanh Tourist Village
  
  • Address: 335 Lo Vong Cung, My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien District, Can Tho.
  • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
  • Entrance Fee: 50,000 – 100,000 VND per person, depending on activities.
  • Features: A large-scale ecotourism site consisting of fruit orchard areas, local dishes, folk games, and performances. Ideal for families and those who want a relaxing rural experience.

Binh Thuy Ancient House (Sours: canthotourism)

Scenic River Landscapes

• Mekong River Cruises:
  • Choices range from half-day trips (200,000 – 500,000 VND) or day-long cruises (600,000 – 1
  • Many tours traverse Cai Rang Floating Market, Phong Dien Floating Market, and the vibrant canals of the Mekong Delta.
  • Recommended Operators: Can Tho River Tour, Mekong Explorer
• Con Son Islet:
  
  • Situated in the center of the Hau River, Con Son has a serene environment, floating fishing farms, and homestays operated by locals.
  • Activities include trying local cuisine, fish feeding, and explorations of fruit orchards.

Mekong River Cruises (Sours: cruisemekong)

Delicious Local Cuisine

• Fish Sauce Hotpot (Lau Mam):
  
  • Where to Eat: Da Ly Fish Sauce Hotpot (89 3/2 Street, Ninh Kieu District).
  • Price: 100,000 – 220,000 VND per pot, depending on the size.
  • Description: Fermented fish sauce-based savory broth served in combination with seafood and fresh vegetables.
• Grilled Snakehead Fish:
  
  • Where to Eat: My Khanh Tourist Village, Con Son Islet.
  • Price: 100,000 – 200,000 VND per serving.
  • Description: Grilled snakehead fish over an open flame, accompanied by rice paper, herbs, and dipping sauce.
• Can Tho Pancake (Banh Xeo):
  
  • Where to Eat: Muoi Xiem Pancake (13/3 Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, Tra Noc Ward, Binh Thuy).
  • Price: 40,000 – 150,000 VND per serving.
  • Description: Crispy rice pancake stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts and served over fresh herbs.
• Phong Dien Fine Rice Vermicelli (Banh Hoi):
  
  • Where to Eat: Ut Dzach Fine Rice Vermicelli (509 Provincial Road 61B, Nhon Binh Hamlet, Nhon Ai Commune, Phong Dien District).
  • Price: 20,000 – 50,000 VND per serving.
  • Description: Fine rice vermicelli sauced and garnished with chopped scallions and served alongside grilled pork and fish sauce.

Can Tho Pancake (Banh Xeo) (Sours: mykhanh)

Budget-Friendly Destination

• Accommodation:
  • Budget Hotels: Iris Hotel (from 500,000 VND/night), Hau Giang Hotel (from 400,000
  • Mid-Range: Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel (from 800,000 VND/night), West Hotel (from 1,200,000 VND/night).
  • Luxury: Azerai Can Tho (from 4,500,000 VND/night).
• Affordable Transportation:
  • Taxis and Grab (30,000 to 80,000 VND for short trips).
  • Boat tours: 200,000 – 600,000 VND based on duration.

Iris Hotel (Sours: hotelmix)

Cons of Visiting Can Tho

Weather Challenges

• Hot and Humid Climate: Can Tho has a hot and humid climate throughout the year, particularly during the wet season (May – November).
• Heavy rain: Heavy rainfall often hinders outdoor activities, especially boat tours.

Tourist Crowds at Major Attractions

• Cai Rang Floating Market: Tends to get crowded, particularly during high tourism seasons (December – March).
• Ninh Kieu Wharf: A favourite evening destination for riverside dining and nightlife, which can promote crowded promenades.

Limited Public Transportation Options

• Most of the attractions are dispersed: There is no good public transport available, hence a private vehicle, scooter, or boat is advisable.
• Expensive Boat Tours: Some tour operators overcharge tourists, especially at floating markets.

Some Tourist Traps

• Overpriced souvenirs: Tourist spots have street sellers who tend to overprice items.
• Boat Tour Scams: Book through a legitimate tour operator in order not to pay more than necessary.

Boat Tour Scams (Sours: vietvisit)

How to Get to Can Tho

From Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho

• Distance: About 170 kilometers
• Travel Time: 3-4 hours

By Bus: The Most Convenient Option

• Leading Bus Companies: Phuong Trang (Futa Bus Lines), Mai Linh Express, Thanh Buoi
• Departure points are from Mien Tay Bus Station (395 Kinh Duong Vuong Street, Binh Tan District, HCMC).
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes between early morning and late evening.
• Ticket fare: 150,000 – 180,000 VND per individual (varies according to bus type).
• Amenities include air-conditioned comfort seats, WiFi, and complimentary
• Book Online: Book in advance from websites such as vexere.com or directly from bus stations for a seamless experience.

By Car or Motorbike: A Scenic Journey

• Driving Route: Via the Ho Chi Minh City – Trung Luong Expressway, proceed on National Highway 1A to Can Tho.
• Travel Time: 3-4 hours, depending on traffic.
• Best for: People who enjoy the open road experience and making frequent stops in quaint Mekong villages such as Vinh Long and My Tho.
• Safety Precautions: Wear a helmet, obey traffic lights and signals, and take frequent breaks for a safe ride.

 From Hanoi to Can Tho

• Distance: around 1,200 kilometers
• Most convenient option: Flights direct to Can Tho International Airport (VCA)

By Flight: Fast and Convenient

• • Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways.
  • Flight time: 2 hours and 15 minutes (direct flight).
  • Ticket Rates: 1,200,000 VND – 2,800,000 VND (subject to time of booking and season).
  • Departure Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Hanoi.
  • Arrival Airport: Can Tho International Airport (VCA), 10 kilometers from Can Tho City center.

• Getting To The City

• • Taxi: 150,000 – 200,000 VND (15–20 minutes).
  • Grab: 120,000 – 180,000 VND (depending on time of day).
  • Shuttle Bus: 50,000 – 80,000 VND, departing every 30 minutes.

By Train and Bus (Budget Option)

• Step 1: From Hanoi, take a train south to Ho Chi Minh City on the Reunification Express.
  • Duration is 30 – 35 hours.
  • Ticket Price: 700,000 – 1,800,000 VND (subject to seat)
• Step 2:  Catch a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho.
  • Duration: 3 – 4 hours.
  • Ticket Price: 150,000 – 180,000 VND.
    

From Other Mekong Delta Destinations

Can Tho City is a gateway city of the Mekong Delta and is easily accessible from other cities in the delta.

Explore the Mekong River Delta by Boat

• Recommended for: Travelers who are partaking in a Mekong River Tour, providing a picturesque boat ride through countryside landscapes.
• Popular routes

• • Vinh Long to Can Tho (2 – 3 hours by boat).
  • Chau Doc to Can Tho (4 – 5 hours by boat).
  • Ben Tre to Can Tho (3 – 4 hours by boat).
    
• Booking: Book with tour operators in each city or at the Can Tho Pier.
• Cost: 300,000 – 800,000 VND per person, depending on the route and the type of boat.

Local Bus: Cheap and Easy

• Vinh Long: 1 hour, 70,000 – 100,000 VND for a ticket.
• Soc Trang: 1.5 h, ticket 80,000 – 120,000 VND.
• Departure from Chau Doc: 3 hours, cost of tickets 120,000 – 180,000 VND.
• Ben Tre: 2 hours, 100,000 – 150,000 VND for the ticket.

Local Bus in Vinh Long (Sours: mia)

Practical Tips for Visiting Can Tho: Is Can Tho Worth Visiting?

Book Your Floating Market Tours Early

• Why It’s Worth It: As the best features of any Can Tho Tour, the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market and Phong Dien Floating Market are best viewed early in the morning (5:00 – 9:00 AM).
• How to Book: Book your boat tour in advance, especially during the high season (December to April). Try Can Tho River Tour and Mekong Explorer for good operators.
• Pro Tip: Be sure to book a Mekong River Delta Tour that visits more than one market for an added experience.

Wear Light, Breathable Clothing

• Why It’s Important: Can Tho City is tropical, and that translates into warm temperatures all year, and high humidity, particularly during the rainy season (May to November).
• What to Wear: Light cotton shirts, lightweight, breathable pants or shorts, a wide-brimmed hat, and sturdy walking shoes.
• Sun Protection: Be sure to have a pair of sunglasses and a high-SPF sunscreen to keep your skin protected while on the river.

Carry Cash for Convenience

• Why It’s Important: Even though Can Tho, Vietnam, is considered a developing city, most floating market sellers, local eateries, and small store owners will only take cash.
• Money: The currency used is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).
• Where to Use Cash:
  • Boat tours of Cai Rang Floating Market.
  • Street food vendors on Ninh Kieu Wharf.
  • There are souvenir shops that sell local crafts and fruits at the markets.
• Tip: Get bills in smaller denominations (20,000 – 100,000 VND) always with you for getting change in Vietnam.

Use Mosquito Repellent for Outdoor Activities

• Why It’s Important: Can Tho City finds itself in the lush Mekong Delta, a tropical place with lots of rivers and canals,  the perfect place for mosquitoes to breed.
• When to Apply: Before visiting the floating markets, the river by boat, or exploring the lush fruit gardens in My Khanh Tourist Village.
• Recommended Products: For protection, it is a good idea to select a repellent that is DEET-based, as well as opt to wear long-sleeved apparel when touring around dawn or dusk.

Conclusion

Can Tho, Vietnam, is a lively town that, including its surrounding rice fields, serves as the gateway to the real charm of the Mekong Delta. It is an experience to stay in Can Tho City with the active Cai Rang Floating Market, quiet, lightless landscape on rivers, the busy life along the river, and delicious dishes. Take a note of these 8 things you want to ensure you do while here, prepare your Can Tho Tour, and voila, let’s rock the beauty, culture, and friendliness of southern Vietnam. Your Mekong adventure awaits!