Many travelers treat Can Tho as a quick one-night stop for the floating market, but they miss the real magic. Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta, yet it moves at a gentle, rhythmic pace. It’s a place where life happens on the river, where breakfast is served from a sampan boat at sunrise, and where the nightlife is a breeze-filled walk along the Hau River.
Whether you’re looking for authentic culture, incredible local food, or just a safe, welcoming place to explore, this guide “Top things to do in Can Tho” covers everything you need to know.
Quick Answers (For The Busy Traveler)
Top 7 Best Things to Do in Can Tho
- Cai Rang Floating Market: The must-see sunrise trading hub.
- Sampan Boat Ride: Explore small, hidden canals.
- Binh Thuy Ancient House: The stunning setting of the movie “The Lover.”
- Ninh Kieu Wharf & Pedestrian Bridge: The city’s beating heart at night.
- Con Son Islet: A community-based tourism gem for eco-activities.
- Local Food Tour: Try Banh Xeo and Hu Tieu Pizza.
- Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm: Taste handmade Vietnamese chocolate.
Is Can Tho Worth Visiting?
Yes. If you want to see the “real” river life of Vietnam, Can Tho is the most accessible and developed hub. It combines comfortable hotels with raw, authentic delta culture. It is safe, friendly, and offers excellent value for money.
How Long Do You Need?
- 6 Hours: Enough for a sunrise floating market tour and a quick noodle breakfast.
- 1 Day / 1 Night: Ideal. Do the market early, explore the city in the afternoon, and enjoy the night market.
- 2 Days / 3 Days: Perfect for slow travel. Add cycling, bird watching, and a deep dive into culinary secrets.
Best Things to Do in Can Tho: River Life
Cai Rang Floating Market at Sunrise
This is the biggest draw. Unlike small tourist setups, Cai Rang is a wholesale market where traders sell watermelons, pineapples, and turnips from large vessels.
- Best Time: 5:30 AM – 7:30 AM. By 11:00 AM, the action is over.
- How to do it well: Depart from Ninh Kieu Wharf. Don’t take a large cruise boat; hire a small sampan (traditional wooden boat) so you can weave between the traders.
- Must-try: Buy a bowl of Hu Tieu (nice noodle soup), Bun Rieu (crab noodle soup) or a Banh Mi from a floating “food boat” and enjoy breakfast right on the river.
Small Canals
After the bustle of Cai Rang, ask your boat driver to turn into the small, leafy canals. This is the peaceful side of the delta. You’ll drift under Nipa palm leaves, spot kingfishers, and see locals washing clothes or fishing by their riverfront homes.
- Tip: This is often combined with the floating market tour. It’s the most “Instagrammable” part of the trip.
Culture & Architecture: The Soul of Western Capital
Binh Thuy Ancient House
Built in 1870 by the Duong family, this house is a masterpiece of East-meets-West architecture. It features French tiles, Chinese antiques, and Vietnamese layout.
- Why go? It was a main filming location for the famous movie L’Amant (The Lover). The atmosphere is thick with history.
- Location: Bui Huu Nghia Street, roughly 5km from the city center.
Ong Temple
Located right across from the Ninh Kieu Wharf statue, this vibrant Chinese temple is filled with incense coils and red lanterns. It’s incredibly photogenic and peaceful.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees) and take off your hat.
Gian Gua Historical Relic Site
For history buffs, Gian Gua is a unique spot. It was a revolutionary base during the wars, hidden by massive, ancient Gua trees that intertwine to create a natural “web.” It’s less touristy and very spiritual for locals.
Nature & Countryside: Green Escapes
Son Islet (Community Tourism)
Just a short boat ride from the mainland, Con Son is a green oasis where time slows down. The locals here practice “community tourism,” meaning each household offers a different experience so everyone benefits.
- Highlights: Visit a floating fish raft (see the “Flying Snakehead Fish” show), learn to make folk cakes, or pick fruit directly in the orchards.
- Great for: Families and eco-conscious travelers.
Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm
Did you know Vietnam produces world-class cacao? At Muoi Cuong, you can walk through the cacao garden, see how chocolate is fermented and dried, and taste fresh cacao pulp.
Tropical Fruit Gardens
You can’t leave the “fruit bowl of Vietnam” without visiting an orchard. Depending on the season (May–August is best), you can pick durian, mangosteen, rambutan, and longan.
- Where: My Khanh Tourist Village or smaller family gardens in Phong Dien district.
Food & Nightlife: What to Do in Can Tho at Night
Ninh Kieu Wharf & Pedestrian Bridge
As the sun sets, the Can Tho Love Bridge lights up with giant lotus flower designs. It’s the perfect place for an evening stroll. The cool river breeze makes the heat disappear.
- Photo Op: The view of the Can Tho Bridge (the longest cable-stayed bridge in Southeast Asia upon completion) is spectacular from here.
Night Markets (Tay Do, Ninh Kieu, and Tran Phu night market)
Located nearby, these markets sell everything from cheap clothes to souvenirs. But the real star is the Street Food.
- Eat this: Grilled skewers, Banh Trang Nuong (Vietnamese pizza), and fresh sugarcane juice.
Must-Try Local Dishes
- Banh Xeo (Sizzling Pancake): The Can Tho version is huge, thin, and crispy, served with a mountain of fresh herbs.
- Hu Tieu Pizza: Not Italian! It’s deep-fried tapioca noodles topped with eggs, meat, and peanuts. Crunchy and addictive.
- Nem Nuong (Grilled Pork Sausage): Wrap it in rice paper with herbs and dip it in a savory peanut sauce.
Ready-Made Itineraries
Option 1: The “Highlights” (1 Day)
- 05:30 AM: Depart Ninh Kieu Wharf for Cai Rang Floating Market. Have breakfast on the boat.
- 07:30 AM: Visit a traditional Rice Noodle Factory (learn how noodles are made).
- 09:00 AM: Explore Small Canals by sampan.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch: Banh Xeo (Muoi Xiem or Tan Dinh).
- 02:00 PM: Visit Binh Thuy Ancient House.
- 05:00 PM: Sunset walk at Ninh Kieu Wharf.
Option 2: The “Deep Dive” (2 Days 1 Night)
- Day 1: Arrive afternoon. Check into a riverside hotel. Visit Ong Temple and take a Food Tour in the evening.
- Day 2: Full “Highlights” itinerary above, but add a trip to Con Son Islet in the afternoon for fruit picking and the flying fish show.
Practical Travel Planning
Getting There
- From Ho Chi Minh City: It takes about 3–4 hours by bus (Futa Bus or Thanh Buoi are reliable). You can also hire a private car for comfort.
- By Air: Can Tho International Airport (VCA) has flights from Hanoi, Da Nang, and some international hubs.
Getting Around
- Grab (App): Very popular and cheap for cars and bikes in the city.
- Boat: Essential for river tours. Book through a trusted operator to ensure life jackets and safety.
Where to Stay
- Ninh Kieu Area: Best for nightlife, walking distance to the market, and city vibes.
- Cai Rang / Riverside: Best for quiet, nature-focused stays (resorts and homestays).
Safety
Can Tho Vietnam safe? Extremely. Violent crime is virtually non-existent. The main annoyance is mild overcharging for boats if you don’t haggle, or heat exhaustion. Drink plenty of water!
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What is Can Tho known for?
A: It is known as the “Rice Bowl” of Vietnam, famous for the Cai Rang Floating Market, friendly locals, and intricate canal systems.
Q: Is there much to do in Can Tho for families?
A: Yes! Kids love the boat rides, the “flying fish” at Con Son Islet, and making chocolate at the Cacao farm.
Q: What to do in Can Tho when it rains?
A: Visit the Can Tho Museum, explore the indoor sections of Binh Thuy Ancient House, or relax in a coffee shop watching the rain over the river (a very local pastime).
Conclusion
Can Tho is more than just a dot on the map; it’s a feeling. It’s the warmth of a noodle soup at dawn, the smile of a fruit seller on a boat, and the peace of a green canal. Whether you have 24 hours or three days, the city offers a genuine slice of Vietnamese culture that is getting harder to find.
Ready to go to Can Tho? Pack your hat, wake up early, and let the river currents guide you. See you in Can Tho! Enjoy your tour with Sunday Go
