Can Tho floating fish farm
Imagine standing on a floating wooden raft in the middle of the mighty Mekong River. The water ripples beneath your feet, and suddenly, a fish spits a jet of water into the air like a trained archer. This isn’t a scene from a cartoon; it is the daily reality at the Can Tho floating fish farm, one of the most unique eco-tourism destinations in the Mekong Delta.
For international travelers seeking an authentic connection with the river culture, this floating sanctuary—locally known as Be Ca Bay Bon—offers more than just sightseeing. It is a living museum of freshwater conservation. At Sunday Go, we believe in connecting you with the heart of the destination. Here is everything you need to know about visiting this river gem.
The Story of “Uncle Seven Bon” (Ly Van Bon)
To understand the farm, you must know the man behind it. The farm belongs to Mr. Ly Van Bon (affectionately called Uncle Seven Bon or Chu Bay Bon by locals). He is not just a farmer; he is a passionate conservationist with over 30 years of experience in Vietnam’s aquaculture industry.
Decades ago, while many neighbors focused solely on commercial catfish for export, Mr. Bon took a different path. He began collecting and breeding rare native species of the Mekong River to preserve them for future generations. What started as a personal passion has evolved into a community-based tourism model that supports the local economy of Son Islet (Con Son). When you visit his raft, you aren’t just buying a ticket; you are supporting the preservation of the Mekong’s biodiversity.
What to See: A Live Aquarium on the Hau River
The farm is a collection of floating cages on the Hau River, housing thousands of fish. However, this is not a typical industrial farm. It is designed for interaction and education.
The Archerfish: The River’s Sharpshooters
The undisputed star of the farm is the Archerfish (Ca Phao). These fascinating creatures have a unique hunting ability: they shoot jets of water from their mouths to knock insects off overhanging leaves.
- The Experience: Visitors are given bait attached to a stick. When you hold it high above the water, you can watch the Archerfish leap and “shoot” the food down with impressive accuracy. It is a fun, interactive moment that is perfect for photos.
The Massage Masters: Koi Fish Raft
After watching the archers, you can relax at the Koi raft. Mr. Bon has trained thousands of colorful Koi fish to be incredibly friendly.
- The Experience: You can sit on the edge of the raft and dangle your feet in the water. The fish will gently nibble at your feet, providing a natural (and ticklish!) “fish massage.” It is a favorite activity for families and children.
The River Giants
For those interested in biology, the farm houses several endangered species strictly for conservation. You can see the Mekong Giant Catfish and the Giant Barb (Ca Ho). These river monsters can grow to enormous sizes and are rare sights in the wild today.
Can Tho Floating Fish Farm Opening Price & Costs
One common confusion for travelers is the cost. Prices can vary depending on whether you book a tour or go independently. Here is the latest breakdown to help you budget.
- Entrance Ticket: 30,000 VND (~$1.20) – Includes raft entry & viewing cages.
- Fish Food / Bait: 10,000 – 20,000 VND (~$0.40 – $0.80) – Optional for feeding Koi or Archerfish.
- Boat Transfer: 20,000 – 50,000 VND (~$0.80 – $2.00) – Roundtrip from Co Bac Pier (Binh Thuy).
- Sunday Go Private Tour: Contact for Quote – Includes Hotel pickup, English Guide, Speedboat & Son Islet Combo.
Note: Prices are subject to change during national holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year).
Can Tho Floating Fish Farm Opening Hours
The river life starts early, and so does the fish farm.
- Official Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily.
- Best Time to Visit: 08:30 AM – 10:00 AM.
How to Get There
The fish farm is located in Binh Thuy District, about 6km from the center of Can Tho City (Ninh Kieu Wharf). You cannot reach the raft by car; you must take a boat.
Option 1: The Adventurous DIY Route
- Take a taxi from Can Tho center to Co Bac Ferry Station (Ben Pha Co Bac).
- At the station, hire a small local boat to take you to “Be Ca Bay Bon.”
- Warning: Language barriers can be an issue here, and safety standards for small local boats vary. Ensure your boat has life jackets.
Option 2: The Seamless Sunday Go Experience
For a stress-free experience, we recommend combining the fish farm with the Cai Rang Floating Market or Son Islet.
- The Route: We pick you up by boat directly from Ninh Kieu Wharf or Victoria Resort. You enjoy a scenic cruise along the Hau River, stopping at the Floating Market first, then cruising to the Fish Farm.
- Benefit: No haggling, English-speaking guides to explain the fish species, and premium safe boats.
Culinary Experience: From Farm to Table
You cannot leave the Mekong Delta without tasting its flavors. The Bay Bon raft is famous for one specialty dish: Cha Ca Thac Lac (Fried Knifefish Cake).
The farm raises Clown Knifefish (Ca Thac Lac), known for their sweet, firm flesh. The fish meat is scraped, seasoned with garlic, pepper, and local herbs, and then fried until golden. It is chewy, fragrant, and incredibly fresh—literally “farm to table” in minutes.
- Souvenirs: You can also buy dried fish or vacuum-sealed fish cakes to take home as a savory gift.
Sunday Go’s Review & Verdict
Is the Can Tho floating fish farm worth your time?
- Pros: It offers a rare, close-up look at river life and conservation. It is educational for kids and culturally rich for adults. The “Archerfish show” is genuinely unique to this region.
- Cons: It is a working farm, so don’t expect a polished luxury resort. The walking paths are wooden planks, which require care when walking.
- Verdict: This is a must-visit for anyone going to Son Islet. It pairs perfectly with a fruit garden tour.
FAQ: Common Questions from Travelers
Q: Is it wheelchair accessible?
A: Accessibility is challenging. Getting from the boat to the raft involves stepping over gaps and moving on floating platforms that sway slightly.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: For the entrance ticket, no. You can pay on arrival. However, booking your boat transport in advance is highly recommended to avoid waiting at the pier.
Conclusion
The Can Tho floating fish farm is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Mekong people. Mr. Bay Bon has turned a livelihood into a legacy, protecting the river’s treasures while sharing them with the world.
Whether you want to see the “spitting” fish, enjoy a Koi massage, or simply sit by the river with a piece of fresh fish cake, this destination offers a genuine slice of Delta life.
