Can Tho is one of the most attractive destinations in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. This land is not only famous for an intricate network of canals with featured floating markets but also for its fruitful orchards, vast rice paddy fields, and hospitality of local people. Let’s explore things you should know before you travel to Can Tho with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Through this Can Tho travel guide, you will find these pieces of information below.

General information about Can Tho

Can Tho is the busiest and most developed city in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, serving as the entire region's economic, cultural, social, medical, educational, and commercial center. It is located in the downstream region of the Mekong River, about 170 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. The city borders Dong Thap and Vinh Long Province to the East, Kien Giang Province to the West, Hau Giang Province to the South, and An Giang Province to the North. Thanks to the convenient location, Can Tho is an important traffic hub between provinces in the region. 

Boating in Can Tho

When you travel to Can Tho, you will have a chance to boat along the river and learn about the local people’s daily lives. Besides the vibrant atmosphere of the floating villages at dawn, Can Tho also offers you a serene ambiance of the countryside. 

Tranquil countryside scenery in Can Tho

In general, no matter if you want to enjoy the lively or tranquil atmosphere, Can Tho offers you all. Let’s keep reading for more things to know before you travel to Can Tho!

How to get to Can Tho?

Phong Dien Floating Market in Can Tho

As Can Tho is the gateway to the Mekong Delta region, you can easily reach there from the major cities of Vietnam and other regional provinces. Here are some means of transport you can choose to travel to Can Tho. 

Private vehicles (car/ motorbike)

If you want to stop en route to admire the scenery and the locals’ life along the way, you can rent a motorbike or car to drive to Can Tho. The road network is relatively well-developed, and there are multiple routes to travel to Can Tho from different parts of Vietnam. If you depart from Ho Chi Minh City, you can follow the National Highway 1 to My Thuan Bridge to reach Can Tho. 

Traveling by your own vehicle is such a memorable experience; however, if you are not familiar with Vietnam’s transportation system, you may want to consider traveling to Can Tho by airplane, or bus or booking an available tour. 

Airplane

From major cities of Vietnam like Hanoi, Saigon, and Da Nang, you can choose to travel to Can Tho by airplane.  The flight ticket changes depending on your departure location, departing time, and booking time. You can book the flight ticket yourself or contact our team for the best deals. From Can Tho International Airport, you can take a public bus, taxi, or private transportation to Can Tho City, which takes you about 15 minutes. 

Public bus

Can Tho is accessible by bus from various cities in Vietnam. Long-distance buses operate between Can Tho and major hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City and other Mekong Delta provinces. From the Mien Tay Bus Station (Western Bus Station) in Ho Chi Minh City, it takes you three to four hours to get to Can Tho. There are many bus companies you can choose from, such as Phuong Trang, Mai Linh, Hoang Long, etc., with a price from VND 150,000/ person/ turn. From other Mekong Delta provinces, there are also many buses available. 

The ideal time to travel to Can Tho

Due to flavor weather conditions, you can travel to Can Tho all year round, at any time when you can arrange your schedule. The city has a warm climate all year round, with an average temperature of around 28 Celsius degrees and two distinct seasons. The rainy season starts from May to November and the dry season lasts from December to April of the following year. Each season, the city has its own unique beauty; therefore, no matter which time of the year you visit the city, you can always enjoy the bustling atmosphere and impressive space here. 

Tranquil countryside scenery in Can Tho

If you would like to admire the river scenery at its best, the flooding season from September to November is an ideal choice. At this time, the water will flood the fields. You can see the water lilies, sesbania flowers, etc., and many species of fish and shrimp in the water. Weaving through canals and ditches on small boats is such a wonderful experience. For those who want to try different kinds of fruits, you can travel to Can Tho from June to August. At this time, the Mekong Delta fruit season is in full bloom. You can find strawberries, longan, rambutan, durian, mangosteen, and other fruits at famous fruit gardens in some districts of Can Tho like Phong Dien, Binh Thuy, and Thot Not. 

Flooding season in Can Tho

Water lilies in Can Tho

Attractions to visit in Can Tho

Traveling to Can Tho, you can visit many attractions with featured characteristics of the Mekong Delta region. Below are some spots you should not miss when you travel to Can Tho.

Cai Rang Floating Market

• Location: Can Tho River, 46 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu Ward, Can Tho City

Cai Rang Floating Market

Cai Rang Floating Market is a famous floating market located on the Can Tho River, at the junction between Cai Rang and Hau River branches near the Cai Rang bridge. This floating market began to form in the 20th century when road traffic in the Western region of Vietnam was not yet as developed as it is today. The shallow water creates favorable conditions for boats to anchor, which makes Cai Rang become a bustling floating market. In 2016, it was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, becoming the pride of local people. 

Visiting the market, you will have a chance to experience these amazing things below.

• Learning about the vibrant trading activities at the market
• Enjoying local dishes on the river
• Listening to the Don Ca Tai Tu Music on the river
• Trying fruits in the garden by the river
• Visiting the Que Toi Coconut Candy manufacturing workshop
• Participating in making noodles at a traditional noodle factory

Trading activities at the Cai Rang Floating Market

Noodle factory in Can Tho

For more detailed information about the Cai Rang Floating Market, please refer to our blog post here: Navigating the charms of the Cai Rang Floating Market.

Ninh Kieu Wharf

• Address: 106 Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An, Ninh Kieu Ward, Can Tho City

Ninh Kieu Wharf is also a must-visit tourist attraction when you travel to Vietnam. It is a 7000-square-meter park with many ornamental trees. There are many chairs on the premises for guests to rest and admire the scenery along the river. 

You can visit the wharf at any time of the day. While in the morning, Ninh Kieu Wharf is fairly quiet amidst the crowded city, it is splendid with colorful lights and bustling crowds of people passing by at night. The best way to explore Ninh Kieu Wharf at night is by boarding a cruise. There’s nothing more exciting than staying on a boat, trying delicious dishes, and listening to Southern amateur music while admiring the glistening scenery.

Ninh Kieu Wharf at night

Visiting the Ninh Kieu Wharf, you can also drop by the Can Tho and Ninh Kieu night markets nearby. You can find souvenirs and items associated with the southern river region sold here. 

Binh Thuy Ancient House

• Address: 144 Bui Huu Nghia Street, Binh Thuy, Can Tho City
• Entrance fee: VND 15,000

Binh Thuy Ancient House, built in 1870, is the most famous ancient house with many cultural and historical values in Can Tho. Having gone through more than 150 years, the house is one of the ancient buildings that is still kept almost intact. 

Binh Thuy Ancient House

When you travel to Can Tho, you may want to come here to admire the old architecture that harmoniously combines Eastern and Western cultures. The total area of the house is 6,000 square meters with a 5-room design which is totally different from the 3-room house in the Mekong Delta region. Wooden doors are designed and decorated modernly. The roof is covered with three layers. All the walls of the house are covered with tiles. In the middle of the house is a large altar in the traditional style of the Southern people. All worship objects are delicately carved with symbolic images in Eastern culture such as bamboo, dragons, phoenix, etc. 

Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary

• Address: Thoi Binh 1, Thuan An Ward, Thot Not District, Can Tho City

Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary, about 60 kilometers from the city center, is also an attraction you should not miss when you travel to Can Tho. If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle, this garden ecotourism area is an ideal choice. The best time to visit the garden is from August to January of the next year when many species of storks gather for breeding. 

Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary

In the garden, there is an observation deck with a spiral staircase, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the stork garden from above. Staying at the deck until dusk, you can see hundreds of flocks of storks of all colors and sizes return to their nests. 

Fruit gardens

Can Tho is famous for its fruit gardens with many types of fruits. Some famous fruit gardens that you can refer to are My Khanh, 9 Hong, Rach Ke, and Vam Xang, etc. You can choose and pick fresh fruits yourself and enjoy them right in the garden. Entrance ticket is about 20,000 VND per person, fruit prices will be calculated according to each type and depending on the time.

Phong Dien fruit garden

Rach Ke Fruit garden

Con Son tourist area

• Address: Con Son, Bui Huu Nghia, Binh Thuy, Can Tho

Con Son tourist area

Con Son tourist area is a small islet located in the middle of the Hau River, with an area of 70 hectares. It is a community tourism village, with each household having its own products and characteristics. Households that have fruit gardens bring visitors to enjoy them. Any household that has a fish raft will bring visitors to visit. Any household with skills will guide guests to make cakes. With the help of local people, you can make your own cakes from wheat flour and rice flour and enjoy them immediately. 

Making cake at the Con Son tourist area

Besides those above attractions, Can Tho also has many ecotourism villages, pagodas, and monasteries. Let’s travel to Can Tho and explore more spots!

Specialties in Can Tho

When you travel to Can Tho, besides visiting famous places, you should also enjoy the specialties here. Below are some local dishes you may want to savor in Can Tho.

Ca Loc Nuong Trui (Grilled Snakehead Fish)

Ca Loc Nuong Trui

Ca Loc Nuong Trui (Grilled Snakehead Fish) is a must-try dish when you travel to CanTho. Snakehead fish is a common catch in the Mekong Delta, and locals often grill it to perfection, serving it with herbs, rice paper, and a dipping sauce. Here are some addresses to try this food.

• Man Restaurant: 184 Huynh Cuong Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho
• Can Tho Dong Xanh 2 Restaurant: 211 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho
• A Tai Restaurant: 116 Dong Van Cong Street, An Thoi, Binh Thuy, Can Tho

Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake)

Banh Xeo Can Tho

Although Banh Xeo can be found in many destinations in Vietnam, it is also among the specialties in Can Tho you should try. The pancake is filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. It's typically served with a side of fresh lettuce and dipping sauce. Let’s come to the addresses below to try Banh Xeo.

• Banh Xeo 7 Toi: 45 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho
• Banh Xeo Tan Dinh: Le Loi, Ninh Kieu Ward, Can Tho
• Mai Vang: 632 B17 Street, An Khanh Ward, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho

Lau Mam (Fermented Fish Hot Pot)

Can Tho fermented fish hotpot

Lau Mam (Fermented Fish Hot Pot) is also among the top dishes you must try when you travel to Can Tho. This hot pot features a broth made with fermented fish, various vegetables, and your choice of meat or seafood. You can try this food at the addresses below. 

• Huong Dua Restaurant: Mac Thien Tich Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho
• Ma Nam Restaurant: 98 Huynh Cuong Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho
• Lau Mam Bo Ho Can Tho: 47 Huynh Cuong Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho

Accommodation in Can Tho

When you travel to Can Tho, you can choose to stay in a homestay, hotel, or resort. Below are some choices of accommodation in Can Tho you can refer to.

Can Tho Ecolodge

• Address: 542, Area No.3, Ba Lang Ward, Cai Rang, Can Tho
• Contact: 0336 983 239
• Room rates: from VND 1,800,000/ room/ night

Can Tho Ecolodge

Can Tho Ecolodge is one of the favorite resorts in Can Tho. It has a full range of services such as restaurants, swimming pools, spa resorts, etc. You can take a bicycle to ride around and visit the local people's fruit gardens. From the resort, you can easily transfer to Cai Rang Floating Market, a traditional noodle factory, and other attractions in Can Tho. 

Can Tho Ecolodge

Can Tho Ecolodge's swimming pool

The resort offers three room types for you to choose from. They are Junior Deluxe Room, Deluxe Room, and Deluxe Family Connecting Room. 

Azerai Can Tho Resort

• Address: Con Au, Hung Phu Ward, Cai Rang District, Can Tho
• Contact: +84 (0) 292 3627 888
• Room rates: from VND 6,000,000/ room/ night

Azerai Can Tho Resort

Located 1.5 km from Ninh Kieu Pier and 2.5 km from the city center, Azerai Can Tho Resort is a top choice of accommodation for tourists when they travel to Can Tho. The resort offers seclusion and privacy in a campus surrounded by many green areas and ancient banyan trees over a hundred years old. There are 60 rooms and 5 pool villas inside the resort. Staying here, you can enjoy exciting services like an infinity pool, gym, restaurant, wellness activities, etc. 

Azerai Can Tho Resort

Doing Yoga at the Azerai Can Tho Resort

Gym room at  the Azerai Can Tho Resort

Nesta Hotel Can Tho

• Address: 9C Tran Phu Street, Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho
• Contact: +84 292 3822 216
• Room rates: from VND 2,400,000

Nesta Hotel Can Tho

When you travel to Can Tho, you can also choose Nesta Hotel Can Tho. With a 6-storey design including 81 rooms, the hotel can meet the need for relaxing and entertaining. There are four room types for you to choose from. They are Superior, Deluxe City View, Deluxe River View, and Nesta Suite.

In conclusion, Can Tho is among the must-visit destinations in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Hope that the above information will be helpful for your trip. If you want to have more information or book a tour package to Can Tho and other regional destinations, don’t hesitate to contact our team.