Top 10 things to do in Can Tho – Capital of the Mekong Delta

• September 04,2023
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Can Tho – The capital of the Mekong Delta is famous for its idyllic beauty, dear and simple people who live year-round along the river banks. What do you know about the top 10 things to do in Can Tho? What makes this city attract millions of tourists every year for the river life? Find out in the article below!

WHAT DOES CAN THO HAVE?

Can Tho is located in the Southwestern region of Vietnam and is the largest city in the Mekong Delta region. With a rich system of rivers, this place is the economic center and an important traffic connection of the western region. Besides, it is favored by nature that Can Tho have favorable weather and fertile land to create a sweet and poetic natural picture.

Can Tho is an attractive tourist destination with natural beauty and the unique culture of the Southwest region. Visitors can experience life on the river, and participate in activities such as visiting floating markets exploring the green countryside, etc. In addition, visitors can also enjoy a variety of fresh fruits or river specialties as well as harvest ripe fruits right in the garden. 

Can Tho is an important economic and tourist center of the Mekong Delta

Moreover, arriving in Can Tho, you must definitely visit Binh Thuy Ancient House with its unique architecture, or My Khanh eco-tourism area to participate in interesting activities. Don't forget to take a walk at Ninh Kieu Wharf or immerse yourself in nature at Bang Lang Stork Garden,… 

There are also many other interesting things that you can freely explore and experience on the list of the top 10 things to do in Can Tho. From the beautiful natural scenery to friendly people, Can Tho is truly an enchanting destination for those who are passionate about traveling!

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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN CAN THO FOR A WORTHY TRIP

Can Tho – a tourist destination or an interesting journey that takes you into the sound of the waves of the river, and the green countryside as well as deeply feels the beauty of the national culture. Let us show you the top 10 things to do in Can Tho for your upcoming trip!

VISIT ALL FAMOUS MARKETS

Is Can Tho worth visiting? Just visit all the famous markets, and you will have the answer right away!

Cai Rang Floating market

Cai Rang floating market has been well-known for a long time. It has mostly been the first choice of many travelers when it comes to the top 10 things to do in Can Tho. Only about 6km from the center of Can Tho City, the Cai Rang floating market has the unique beauty of the Western River region.

As a floating market on the river, all trading activities take place on exciting boats here. People sell and buy several kinds of goods such as food, fruits, and everyday items,… The sound of vendors calling others, a buzz of excited chattering, and even laughing makes a whole river active. 

Busy scene of buyers and sellers in the early morning at Cai Rang floating market

Completely different from the market on the mainland, the Can Tho floating market is held very early. From 5 a.m. to 6 a.m., this market is the busiest. After 8 a.m. the market will end. So if you want to experience this bustling scene, remember to get up early.

In addition, having breakfast at Cai Rang floating market is also an interesting experience in your top 10 things to do in Can Tho. To serve the local people as well as tourists, there are many small boats weaving around the river selling breakfast on the boat such as Hu Tieu, Canh Bun, Bun Rieu,… and drinks such as coffee, pineapple coconut, and soy milk.

Ancient Can Tho market

In addition to the floating market on the river, Can Tho also has a market on the mainland called the Ancient Can Tho market. This market is more than 100 years old, and at the same time with the Ben Thanh market in Ho Chi Minh City. 

The Ancient Can tho market is the most vibrant gathering and trading place associated with the old lifestyle and activities of the people of the Mekong Delta. This market attracts visitors with the beauty of French architecture and unique Vietnamese style. 

Can Tho ancient market has classic architecture and space rich in the identity of the Southwestern region of Vietnam

Moreover, the market is located in a favorable feng shui location when the front of the market faces the city and the back side borders the Hau River. With an area of up to nearly 1,800 m2, the market is divided into small lots trading in clothes, toys, souvenirs, food… for local people and visitors.

Ancient Can Tho market is not only a tourist attraction but also a place to enjoy culture and immerse yourself in the true life and activities of the inhabitants of the Mekong Delta. What a significant destination for your top 10 things to do in Can Tho.

Ninh Kieu night market

One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam may be to wander around the Ninh Kieu night market. This night Market is located opposite Ninh Kieu Park and is an attractive tourist destination for many visitors every time they come here.

This Can Tho night market is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. every day. But starting at 4 p.m., many small traders have already prepared to display their goods.

Ninh Kieu Night Market is an ideal place for tourists who want to experience the excitement of nightlife in the Southwest region

You should prepare an “empty stomach” when visiting Ninh Kieu night market. There are many delicious dishes that will make you fall in love. Food court with interconnected restaurants, countless delicious dishes, and fragrant aromas clinging to diners.

In addition, this night market also has many souvenir stalls. You can find items like brocade bags, clothes, necklaces, bracelets, or crafts,… for sale here. You can also buy many stuff to bring home for families and friends. 

Besides, you can participate in entertaining and cultural activities that are authentic Southwest experiences at this Can Tho night market​. Don't forget to record memorable moments here in your top 10 things to do in Can Tho!

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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN CAN THO – WANDERING THROUGH NINH KIEU QUAY

Wandering through Ninh Kieu Quay is one of the best things to do in Can Tho Viet Nam. Ninh Kieu Quay is located in the central area of the city. It stretches along the banks of the Hau River and is associated with the image of boats on a busy river.

Ninh Kieu Quay, also known as Ninh Kieu Park is a wharf, tourist attraction, and cultural symbol formed in the 19th century. This place is equipped with many ornamental plants, and the road along the river embankment is flat stone carpet with asphalt. As well as cement walkways interspersed with beautiful lawns.

Moreover, visitors can find many entertainment, culinary, and relaxing spots here. Or simply take a gentle walk to admire the scenery and enjoy the cool breeze from the river. 

Ninh Kieu Quay at night is a sparkling and romantic picture, with shimmering decorative lights that reflect on the water surface of the Hau River

Tourists can visit Ninh Kieu Quay at any time of the day. In the morning, the wharf has an unusually quiet and calm look in the midst of the crowded, hectic heat of the city. Until night, Ninh Kieu Quay is like wearing a new shirt; it is extremely majestic with colorful lights and crowded, bustling streets.

Not only is it a tourist attraction, but Ninh Kieu Quay is also a place to welcome cargo ships, cruise ships, and speedboats that connect the Southwestern provinces. With the continuous development of Can Tho, Ninh Kieu Quay has become an economic, tourism, and traffic center of this area.

Besides, you should also try dining at the restaurant on the cruise at Ninh Kieu Quay in your top 10 things to do in Can Tho. Here, you will have the opportunity to enjoy local specialties and immerse yourself in cultural and artistic space with musical performances.

PRAY AT ANTIQUE TEMPLES AND PAGODAS

Can Tho is not only famous for its majestic natural landscapes but also an important spiritual destination with a series of beautiful and sacred temples as well as pagodas. How can you miss the chance to admire all these architectural beauties on your top 10 things to do in Can Tho?

Khmer Munir Angsay Temple

Munir Ansay is the largest and oldest Khmer temple in Can Tho City. This temple possesses ancient features with vibrant, outstanding colors that attract a large number of tourists from all over the world to visit every year.

Covered in brilliant yellow paint that symbolizes prosperity and luck, the Khmer Munir Ansay temple stands majestically, towering between the mountains and the sky. The temple has a design inspired by the Angkor system of Cambodia. This includes many different items such as the main hall, the row of monks, the Xa Loi tower, and the main gate,…

In the middle of the large space of high-rise buildings, the Khmer Munir Angsay Temple appears with an Angkor design

When entering the temple grounds, you can see that around the stupa are countless unique sculptures representing the sacred mascots of the Khmer. Besides, a special feature that makes an unforgettable impression in the main hall is that the four walls are covered with layers of unique frescoes. 

Moreover, one of the best experiences in the top 10 things to do in Can Tho is to participate in special traditional festivals of the Khmer here. Every year, at Munir Ansay temple, there are solemn festivals such as Chol Chnam Thmay in the middle days of the third lunar month, the water delivery ceremony in October of the lunar calendar – Ok Om Bok, and so on.

Nam Nha Pagoda

In contrast to the lively Munir Angsay Temple with festivals, Nam Nha Pagoda has a quiet atmosphere. This temple is also associated with many heroic histories of the Vietnamese people.

Nam Nha Pagoda is an ancient temple located on the peaceful Binh Thuy River. The pagoda is 6km from the center of Can Tho and visitors can choose to go to the pagoda by river or by road.

Nam Nha Pagoda has a fairly spacious campus with a large garden surrounding it. Its gate is covered with bricks. In the middle of the pagoda yard, there is a rockery and many precious trees that are meticulously trimmed.

Nam Nha Pagoda is famous in the region for the beauty of its elegant architecture, the tranquil setting that helps to bring peace of mind 

The motifs of the pagoda are sculpted and decorated very delicately and skillfully. The main color is yellow which is symbolized for luck with the red yin and yang tile roof.

Nevertheless, returning to the period of resistance against the French, Nam Nha Can Tho pagoda is the place to gather and nurture patriotic movements. At the same time, this place produced masters of literature with the indomitable spirit of fighting against foreign invaders.

Every year on major holidays such as the Lunar New Year, or Vu Lan Festival, this pagoda receives a large number of visitors. They come here to pray for peace, health, and luck for them and their families.

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TAKE A WALK ON THE LOVE BRIDGE

Among a variety of attractive attractions of Can Tho, the Love Bridge is a famous tourist destination that attracts many visitors, especially loving couples. Don't miss the opportunity to come here with your loved ones while carrying out the top 10 things to do in Can Tho!

The Love Bridge, also known as the Can Tho walking bridge, was completely built in 2016. This bridge is about 200m long and over 7m wide. The Love Bridge connects the two banks of Cai Khe islet and Ninh Kieu Quay. 

The bridge has a unique architecture with a soft S-shape that curves along the river. On the bridge decorated with images of blooming lotus flowers. Everything seems to represent a pure Vietnamese beauty, gentle, delicate but profound.

The Love Bridge is a place chosen by many couples in love as a date or promise for lasting love

It is because of this romantic beauty that many couples choose this place to record important moments. People choose to go on a date, marriage proposals, take wedding photography,… here. Maybe that's why the name of the bridge clearly shows the word "Love".

One of the top 10 things to do in Can Tho that we recommend is to come here at night. The night scene at the Love Bridge is bustling and joyful with colorful LED lights around the railing. It also brightens up with color-changing and flashing lotus petals. All makes the space more fanciful and dreamy.

Standing on the Love Bridge looking out into the distance, you can see the immense river scene as well as the brilliant Ninh Kieu Wharf. Or simply stand here with your lover and enjoy the cool breeze blowing from the river.

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RECREATE THE PAST AT BINH THUY ANCIENT HOUSE

Can Tho is always the most attractive destination on the Western tourist map. This place not only has orchards, and floating markets on the river but also has the ancient house of Binh Thuy with the imprint of time. Recreate history here is one of the best experiences in the top 10 things to do in Can Tho. 

Anyone who comes to see Binh Thuy ancient house for the first time will have a distinct feeling about the architecture here. There is a unique interference between Eastern and Western architecture.

The total area of ​​the house is 6,000 square meters with a design of 5 compartments. Sculptural patterns from the pillars and arches to the edges of the house are meticulously carved. Binh Thuy ancient house is also impressed by two arc-shaped stairs leading to the house.

Binh Thuy ancient house is famous for its luxurious architecture, green flower garden, and fascinating history

In 2009, Binh Thuy ancient house was recognized as a National architectural and artistic relic. Therefore, this place always becomes an attractive destination for all tourists on the journey to discover the West of the river.

Additionally, with its historical value and unique artistic architecture, the ancient house of Binh Thuy has become the main backdrop for many famous films of the time. Those films depict the unique cultural values of the old Vietnamese society in general and the people of the South region in particular through their love, tenderness, and generosity.

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ADMIRE THE BEAUTY OF NATURE IN BANG LANG STORK GARDEN

If you want to be immersed in nature in the top 10 things to do in Can Tho, consider visiting Bang Lang Stork Garden! The white stork wings covered at Bang Lang stork garden will make visitors extremely excited and experience attractive tourist activities here.

Bang Lang Stork Garden is located on the outskirts of Can Tho City and about 60 km from the center. This place covers an area of more than 16,000 m2 and is home to more than 20 different types of storks.

Bang Lang Stork Garden's formation in Can Tho was inherently spontaneous. Previously, this was a bamboo garden with many flocks of storks flying regularly. But growing more and more until it was planned to become a natural garden with a large area like today.

Bang Lang Stork Garden is a place where thousands of pure white storks gather and fly in the air

Looking from afar, amidst the green color of bamboo, you can see flocks of white storks flying with the sound of wings flapping and calling to each other. Especially in spring, visitors can go by boat into the stork garden to experience the feeling of floating on the water. 

In addition, there is also a chance to see mausoleum flowers blooming purple along both sides of the river which creates a very poetic scene. It's not wrong to say that this is “a good earth for birds to land”.

To be able to fully admire the beauty of the stork garden, you should come early in the morning to see each herd of white storks spreading out to feed. Or when the sunset has fallen because this is the time to watch the storks find their nests, storks fly in flocks swooping down on the bamboo branches. 

HAVE A WHALE OF A TIME AT MY KHANH TOURIST AREA

What to experience in the top 10 things to do in Can Tho so that you can go with your family and enjoy a multitude of activities? Come to My Khanh tourist area, this place will not let you down!

My Khanh Can Tho tourist area is situated approximately 10km away from the city center. The area of My Khanh tourist area is very spacious, up to more than 50,000 m2. Arriving here, tourists are able to experience the beauty of the people, heritage, and culture of the South.

My Khanh tourist area is a very peaceful and rustic village. This is the convergence of the unique cultural quintessence of the Western region. In addition to the small landscape of the garden, this area also regularly decorates and refreshes the landscape according to many themes for visitors to check in and take pictures.

Coming to My Khanh tourist area, you will have the opportunity to experience countless fun folk games

Impressing visitors must also mention the ancient houses of the South. The houses are over 100 years old. They were built according to the architectural style of the old Southern people.

It is also characterized by fruit gardens of all kinds. Or there are exciting races of adorable piglets or dodgy dogs. At My Khanh tourist area, you can also immerse yourself in the space to enjoy the melodies of Don Ca Tai Tu.

Besides, My Khanh tourist area also organizes attractive folk games such as mandarin square capturing, hide-and-seek,… or attractive entertainment activities such as canoeing, and crocodile fishing,…

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PICK RIPE FRUITS IN THE GARDEN

Can Tho fruit garden is green all year round, full of fruit that always attracts tourists to visit. Coming to these gardens, visitors are able to enjoy the sweet fruits in the rustic countryside, and the fresh and peaceful feeling of a peaceful land. This is the ideal place for you to do the fruit picking experience in the top 10 things to do in Can Tho.

With a pleasant climate and fertile soil all year round, Can Tho offers visitors the experience of discovering the most delicious fruit gardens. Specifically, Con Son, Cu Lao Tan Loc, Vam Xang, Rach Ke,… are the places where many famous fruit gardens are concentrated.

Picking fruit at the garden in Can Tho not only helps visitors enjoy the beautiful natural space but also brings it home as a gift 

As you arrive at the fruit garden, what appears in front of your eyes is the lush greenness of the trees interwoven. It also combines the eye-catching colors and the faint aroma of the ripe fruit.

In each garden, there are long ditches for irrigation. You can ride a canoe along the two canals to see the fruit-laden orchards. This is an opportunity for you to see with your own eyes many specialties of the West such as mangosteen, oranges, toads, milkweed, guava, rambutan, jackfruit, durians, plums,…

One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam is probably harvesting these fresh fruits and bringing them home. To be able to buy fruits to bring back as gifts for relatives and family, you need to contact the garden owner in advance for support.

CHECK-IN AT BA BO FLOWER GARDEN

If Dong Thap has a Sa Dec flower garden, Can Tho is famous for its Ba Bo flower garden with beautiful natural scenery. In your list of top 10 things to do in Can Tho, don't forget to add check-in at this flower garden!

This flower village is only about 3km from the city center and is one of the five largest flower gardens in Can Tho. Every year, Ba Bo Flower Garden attracts a large number of tourists every year to visit, admire the scenery, and at the same time take for themselves beautiful pictures.

Ba Bo Flower Garden, where thousands of flowers bloom, creates a poetic and unexpected scene in the Mekong Delta

Here, there are many different kinds of flowers such as bougainvillea, yellow apricot, raspberry chrysanthemum, and marigold,… Besides, some garden spots also grow a lot of fancy flowers such as dahlia, sunflower, gerbera, and carnation,…

Every year, at the close of the Lunar New Year, the blooming flower gardens become an attractive attraction with tourists from all over the world to visit and enjoy flowers. Boats full of flowers floating on the water to transport flowers in the Tet season have become a feature of Can Tho that creates a beautiful spring picture.

The process of growing flowers here is given great attention and thoroughness at every step. Therefore, visitors can explore the flower-growing process of local people. Most of the farmers are sincere, rustic, and hospitable, they will introduce to you the flower garden like real tour guides. 

All these beauties are enough to answer your question: Is Can Tho worth visiting? Vietnam-Evisagov.com thinks so!

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TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN CAN THO – TRY ALL DELICIOUS SPECIALTIES

With winding rivers and rich fields, Can Tho has long become a unique land where delicious and unique specialties are concentrated that bring with them the flavor of Southern cuisine. If you come here to perform the top 10 things to do in Can Tho, you absolutely should not miss the culinary experience!

Hu Tieu

Hu Tieu has long become one of the familiar dishes of Southern people in general and Can Tho in particular. Hu Tieu is prepared very meticulously. The unique point is the blend of broth with the ingredients of the dish.

A bowl of Hu Tieu full of toppings helps you feel the culinary identity of the Southwestern region

The main ingredient of Hu Tieu is noodles. Can Tho have many noodle craft villages where you can witness and experience firsthand the process of creating noodles. It starts with making dough, coating the cake to cutting the fibers.

Next is the broth that is stewed from pork bones, along with other toppings presented in the bowl such as minced meat, shrimp, pork intestines, and pork liver,… All are blended together to create an unforgettable taste.

Lau ca Linh (Linh fish hot pot)

If you have the opportunity to come to this city to carry out the top 10 things to do in Can Tho during the rising-water season, don't forget to try Lau ca Linh dish. This is the time when the sesbania sesban flowers are in full bloom, and the fish is also fresh and delicious, with the firmest meat.

This dish only includes a hot pot of fried garlic and tamarind, added coconut water, and seasoning to taste. After cleaning the Linh fish, put it into the boiling hot pot, and add sesbania sesban flowers, vegetables, and some chili. From there, you have a delicious dish that you cannot easily forget when you eat it once.

Bun Tom Kho (Dried Shrimp Vermicelli)

Bun Tom Kho is the perfect selection for a dish to start a busy day. When it comes to this vermicelli, the highlight is dried shrimp. Batches of dried shrimp after being released from the oven need to have the following criteria: beautiful red color, soft, and not too dry.

Bun Tom Kho has a very eye-catching color and rich flavor

A bowl of Bun Tom Kho with a little broth simmered from dried shrimp meat and sweetness from duck blood, plus a little finely chopped green onion for aroma. Diners can eat with different types of pork bologna or fried pork baloney. With just a few simple ingredients, it brings a truly delicious yet incredibly refreshing taste.

Banh Tam Bi

For the people of Can Tho, Banh Tam Bi is a familiar breakfast dish. Banh Tam Bi includes Tam cakes, shredded pork skin, and lean meat, sprinkled with coconut milk and fish sauce. It is also served with bean sprouts, vegetables, and fried onions. 

This dish has the soft taste of Tam cakes made from rice flour, thinly sliced shredded pork skin golden-brown, fatty skins, and deliciously mixed with the fatty taste of coconut milk. All of this creates a fat, sweet, and unique flavor that makes everyone fall in love.

Banh Cong (Cong Cake)

A snack that is not far from Can Tho people but unique to visitors from all over the world is Banh Cong. The cake is made from a mixture of glutinous rice flour and wheat flour, green beans, and shrimp. 

The flour is also finely ground glutinous rice flour, mixed with wheat flour to create a soft, spongy texture. The traditional filling has shrimp, in addition, there are many other items such as quail eggs and salted chicken eggs,… to increase the attractiveness of the cake.

Banh Cong is a simple dish but the flavor is irresistible and unforgettable

To prepare, people pour oil into a deep pan, put the flour and shrimp mixture into the mold, then submerge it in the boiling oil in the pan. Wait for the cake to brown before lifting it out to drain the oil. Banh Cong is served with sweet and sour fish sauce with assorted lettuce, basil, and bitter gourd,…

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HOW TO MOVE TO CAN THO?

As an important transportation hub of the Southwest region, Can Tho has a developed transportation system. Tourists can come here to do the top 10 things to do in Can Tho easily by many different means.

FROM HO CHI MINH

From Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City is about 170 km to the West. If you choose to go to Can Tho by car, it will take about 3 hours while traveling by motorbike is 4 hours. You can drive follow the direction of National Highway 1A through Long An, Tien Giang, and cross My Thuan Bridge to Vinh Long province. 

Still, continue riding about 30km more through to the center of Can Tho City. Remember to bring enough vehicle documents, and some common car repair tools and obey traffic rules to have a safe trip.

If choose to get to Can Tho by coach, you just have to arrive at the Western bus station and choose a brand such as Phuong Trang, Hoang Long,… The ticket price is quite reasonable, from 130.000 VND (5.65 USD) to 180.000 VND (7.82 USD) one way. 

FROM DA NANG OR HA NOI

The distance from Da Nang and Hanoi to Can Tho is quite far, so the most convenient means of transportation is by plane. Can Tho now has an airport, so you can choose a direct flight here or fly to Ho Chi Minh and then take a coach to Can Tho.

Currently, big airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietjet Air,… all operate direct flights from Hanoi and Da Nang to Can Tho. Round trip ticket price is about 1.700.000 VND (73.9 USD) to 2.000.000 VND (86.95 USD). 

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Coming to Can Tho, you are not only participating in a journey of discovery about the beautiful natural landscape and rich culture but also having the opportunity to try out the unique travel experiences that this city offers. We have shared with you the top 10 things to do in Can Tho right above. Remember to plan carefully to make your trip memorable and leave an unforgettable mark on your soul.

Before coming to start packing your bags and leaving, remember to check if your Visa is in the system that is exempt from applying for entry to Vietnam. Or simply visit the Vietnamese Visa Application so we can help you!

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