Overview
Located in the heart of the Mekong Delta,
Can Tho, the capital of the region, is a dynamic and prosperous city, renowned for its river landscapes, its lively floating markets and its rich culture.
A city of contrasts, Can Tho has preserved its cultural identity through the ages. With a population of one million and bathed in tourism, its vibrant energy can be felt in the streets as on the Mekong. Its city center on a human scale offers all the amenities, while at dawn, the floating markets, a major attraction of the region, display their colors and their effervescence.
Can Tho is an excellent starting point to discover the maze of waterways that constitutes the Mekong Delta and is considered an ideal destination for travelers in search of adventure, discovery and change of scenery.
Top Attractions
Exploring Canal Networks aka Arroyos - Mr Linh's Adventures Team
Can Tho, the vibrant heart of the Mekong Delta, offers a rich mosaic of experiences, each revealing a unique facet of this captivating region. Among its treasures are:
The Cai Rang Floating Market
A bustling spectacle and one of the Mekong Delta's largest, where the vibrant colors and lively atmosphere of local river trade create an unforgettable experience.
Lush Fruit Orchards
Can Tho's renowned orchards provide a delightful opportunity to stroll amidst verdant landscapes, savor freshly picked fruits, and immerse oneself in the rhythms of local life.
Intricate Canal Networks
Exploring the delta's winding canals is essential for truly appreciating the region's scenic beauty and observing the everyday life of its inhabitants.
The Ong Pagoda
A stunning architectural gem, reflecting Chinese influence, stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural history, nestled in the center of Can Tho.
See & Do
Can Tho offers a multitude of activities for all tastes. But first of all, let's start by soaking up the atmosphere of the city, formerly known as Tran Giang.
Can Tho city, capital of Mekong Delta - Internet
Discover the "Capital of the Mekong Delta"
Strolling in Can Tho is immersing yourself in the local culture. The markets and the banks of the river reveal the soul of the city. Ninh Kieu Park, an old wharf at the confluence of the Hậu and Mekong rivers, offers a picturesque break to contemplate the colorful ballet of boats. Decorated with neat vegetation, it is home to an imposing 7.2-meter sculpture of Ho Chi Minh, a national symbol.
Take Hai Bà Trưng Street, the one that runs along the river to the south of the park, and which is full of cafes, restaurants and hotels. The district comes alive at night, offering magnificent reflections on the watercourse. The Can Tho bridge, with its play of lights, creates a magical spectacle on the Mekong.
Boat trips on the canals
Exploring the canals of the delta is essential to appreciate the unique beauty of Can Tho. Boat excursions offer an immersion in the picturesque landscapes and lush orchards, while allowing you to observe the local way of life.
Cycling
The bike rides in the surrounding countryside are a popular activity in Can Tho. Cyclists can ride through the green rice paddies, explore the lush orchards and meet the warm inhabitants in the picturesque villages. Organized tours are offered for a guided and enriching experience.
Visiting fruit gardens
Can Tho is renowned for its lush fruit gardens, where visitors have the chance to pick tropical fruits such as durian, mango and rambutan. Places like My Khanh also offer other entertaining activities, such as fishing and cultural shows.
Discovering local crafts
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the workshops of local artisans and discover the secrets of making rice noodles, coconut candies and other typical artisanal products of the delta. An authentic and enriching experience!
Exploring a nature reserve
The Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve is a sanctuary of local biodiversity. Visitors can immerse themselves in this unique ecosystem of the delta and observe a variety of animal and plant species. An ideal experience for nature lovers and ornithology enthusiasts!
Go Green
Mr Linh's Adventures offers unique and authentic tours in the Can Tho region, such as:
• Cruise on the Mekong and visit of the floating markets: a total immersion in the lively atmosphere of the Mekong Delta.
• Discovery of orchards and local villages: a privileged meeting with the inhabitants and a tasting of local products.
• Hike through the rice paddies and mangrove forests: an exploration of the wild and preserved nature of the delta.
Heritage
Typical boats at Cai Rang Market - Mr Linh's AdventuresThe floating markets
Unmissable, the floating markets of Can Tho attract crowds with their unique atmosphere. The largest city in the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is home to Cai Rang, the largest of the floating markets in the region.
True institutions of the Mekong Delta, the floating markets of Can Tho are full of history. Born from the need to exchange local products along the waterways, they appeared spontaneously, without a specific date. The Cai Bè floating market would have appeared at the end of the 18th century, while that of Cai Rang was established at the beginning of the 20th century.
First places of meeting for farmers and fishermen, these markets have gradually been organized. The traders navigated the canals to sell a variety of products, including fruits, vegetables and other local specialties. The Cai Rang floating market is today the most famous and the largest in the region, welcoming hundreds of small boats every day.
More than just places of commercial exchange, the floating markets are an integral part of the local culture. They convey community and traditional values, where the methods of exchange reflect a way of life passed down from generation to generation. The sellers do not need a sign; they hang their products on poles to attract the attention of buyers.
A life on the waters of the Mekong - Mr Linh's AdventuresThe Cai Rang Floating Market
The largest and most famous floating market in the region, Cai Rang, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2016, is a spectacle not to be missed. Every day, from dawn, hundreds of boats loaded with fruits, vegetables and other products converge on this lively place, offering an explosion of colors and life. The sellers, recognizable by their poles ("cay beo") on which they display their goods, create a unique atmosphere.
Activities
Tasting of local specialties: savor the typical flavors of the delta, such as noodle soup and other culinary delights.
Meeting with locals: exchange with the sellers and discover their authentic way of life.
Exploration of the canals: go on an excursion to admire the enchanting landscapes of the delta and observe the daily life of the inhabitants.
Other floating markets
In addition to Cai Rang, other markets such as Phong Dien and Phung Hiep are also worth a visit. More intimate, Phong Dien is less frequented by motor boats, and as for most markets, it is best to visit it as early as possible, between 5 and 8 in the morning. The bright colors of fresh fruits and vegetables, contrasting with the surrounding greenery, announce the beginning of a new day. Most boat companies offer excursions combining Cai Rang and Phong Dien in a single trip. Phung Hiep, for its part, is distinguished by the sale of exotic animals, such as snakes and chameleons.
Daily excursions from the city allow you to witness their effervescence from dawn. This is the ideal place to taste fresh local products and observe the friendly ballet of sellers on the river.
Places of worship & old houses
The Quang Duc Pagoda
Can Tho is home to many temples and pagodas, testifying to the spiritual richness of the region. The Quang Duc Pagoda, located a few steps from the city center, is a beautiful example. Its ornate architecture and its carved wooden doors house a statue of Buddha, sitting on a lotus surrounded by flowers.
The Ông Temple
Located a few steps from the city center, opposite Ninh Kiều Park, the Ông Temple amazes with its beauty. The richly decorated exterior and the roof, adorned with meticulous sculptures, testify to the know-how of the artisans. Inside, exquisite works of art and statues of religious divinities adorn the walls. Huge spirals of incense suspended from the ceiling diffuse an enchanting perfume and bathe the atmosphere in a mystical light. Built at the end of the 19th century by the Chinese community, this temple has been remarkably preserved.
The Munirangsyaram Temple
The Munirangsyaram Temple, with its golden finery and its colorful flags, offers a dazzling spectacle. This Khmer Buddhist temple, one of the most beautiful in Vietnam, deserves a visit, if only to admire its golden ornaments. An adjacent monastery houses many monks who will be happy to exchange with visitors.
Binh Thuy old house, with its Eastern architecture mixed with a little Western breath - Mr Linh's AdventuresThe Bình Thủy House
The old Bình Thủy House, as for it, impresses with its colorful and ornate exterior architecture, as well as its period furniture and its antiques. This building, mixing Vietnamese and European influences, was erected in 1870 by the Dương family, which still occupies part of it. Members of this family offer guided tours, revealing the history and treasures of this residence.
Food & Drinks
Street Food at Nhinh Kieu Market - Mr Lin's Adventures
Benefiting from a privileged situation on one of the most fertile lands of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho offers a rich and tasty gastronomy. The city showcases fresh local products in its typical southern dishes. De Tham Street, nicknamed the "Food Street", is full of restaurants, cafes and street stalls offering a wide variety of Vietnamese specialties. The enticing aromas that escape from the pots and grills invite passers-by to a gourmet break.
Bánh Cống
Bánh Cống is a local specialty in Can Tho, ideal for satisfying small hungers. This crispy patty, made with pork, shrimp, taro and mung beans, is deep-fried and served with a traditional fish sauce. A delight to be savored without hesitation!
Bánh Xèo
The Mekong region has its own version of Bánh Xèo, the famous Vietnamese pancake. Here, the pancake is particularly large and crispy, filling the entire pan. The filling, consisting of pork, shrimp and fresh vegetables, is added after the batter is cooked. Bánh Xèo is best eaten hot, just out of the pan, wrapped in a lettuce leaf. A real delicacy!
The Hot Pot Street
For a friendly culinary experience, go to the Xuân Khánh district, nicknamed the "Hot Pot Street". Very popular with locals and students, this street is full of restaurants where you can enjoy delicious steaming hot pots. Small stoves are placed on the table, topped with a large pot in which the guests add the ingredients of their choice: meat, vegetables, etc. Thanks to its geographical location, Can Tho offers original hot pots, especially based on duck and different types of fish. The advantage of this dish is that it is entirely customizable according to everyone's tastes.
Directions
Location
Can Tho is located about 170 km from Ho Chi Minh City and 1,700 km from Hanoi.
How to get there
From Hanoi: you can take a domestic flight to Can Tho (about 2 hours flight).
From Ho Chi Minh City: you can take a bus (about 4 hours drive) or a taxi.
Ticket price
Hanoi - Can Tho flight: from 1,500,000 VND.
Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho bus: from 150,000 VND.
Best season
Like South Vietnam, Can Tho has two distinct seasons: the wet season (May to November) and the dry season (December to April). With temperatures ranging between 29 and 33 °C, April is the hottest month. In the wet season, especially in October and November, the monsoon rains can cause flooding of the Mekong and floods. Thus, the months of April, May and June, with their pleasant temperatures and before the rainy season, are ideal for discovering Can Tho.
Do not hesitate to
contact Mr Linh's Adventures to organize your trip to Can Tho and discover the wonders of the Mekong Delta!