Can Tho is the vibrant heart of the Mekong Delta, famous for its intricate network of rivers, bustling floating markets, and lush orchard landscapes. The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is pleasant and the river traffic is at its most lively.
Top Things to Do in Can Tho
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Getting Around Can Tho
From the Airport
Taxi. Standard metered taxis are readily available outside the Can Tho International Airport arrivals hall and cost roughly 150,000 to 200,000 VND to reach the city center. Rideshare. The Grab app is the most convenient and transparent way to secure a ride from the airport, with prices typically lower than standard taxis.
Once You're There
Rideshare. Grab is the standard and most reliable way to get around Can Tho; it works for both cars and motorbike taxis. Walking. The central area near Ninh Kieu Wharf is quite walkable, but you will need a vehicle to reach attractions like the Binh Thuy Ancient House or the bird sanctuary. Boat. For visiting floating markets and river islands, hiring a private sampan or joining a boat tour is the only practical mode of transport.
Where to Stay in Can Tho
Hotel picks for Can Tho are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Can Tho
Gogi House★ 4.9 (1,041)1S3+4, Tầng trệt, TTTM Go! Cần Thơ, Lô, Đường số 1, KHU DÂN CƯ ĐÔ THỊ MỚI HƯNG PHÚ, Hưng Phú, Cần Thơ 94000, VietnamWhile part of a wider chain, the Can Tho branch is highly regarded for its consistent quality and lively atmosphere for group dinners.
Pizza Hut Can Tho★ 4.6 (1,570)66 Nguyễn Thái Học, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ 910000, VietnamA reliable choice if you need a quick, familiar meal in a central, air-conditioned setting after a long day of touring.
Quan An 173★ 4.3 (1,056)594 Đ. 30 Tháng 4, Tân An, Cần Thơ, VietnamA favorite among locals for its vast menu of traditional Southern Vietnamese claypot dishes and fresh river fish.
Banh Xeo 7 Toi★ 4.2 (4,488)45 Đ. Hoàng Quốc Việt, An Bình, Cần Thơ, VietnamKnown for its massive, crispy Vietnamese savory pancakes stuffed with shrimp, bean sprouts, and local herbs.
Hu Tieu Pizza Sau Hoai★ 4.2 (265)14 476, An Bình, Cần Thơ, VietnamFamous for inventing the unique 'noodle pizza,' this family-run workshop shows you the entire process of making rice noodles.
Cafe 1985★ 4.2 (250)138a Đ. Huỳnh Cương, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ, VietnamA nostalgic coffee shop filled with vintage memorabilia that serves excellent iced milk coffee in a quiet, leafy courtyard.
L'Escale★ 4.2 (181)1 Đ. Ngô Quyền, Phường, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ, VietnamPerched on a rooftop, this restaurant provides the most dramatic panoramic views of the Hau River and the city lights.
Nem Nuong Thanh Van★ 4.1 (539)17 Đ. Hoà Bình, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ, VietnamThis local institution serves the most authentic and perfectly charred pork skewers wrapped in fresh rice paper.
La Terrasse★ 4.1 (58)15 P. Ngô Quyền, French Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, VietnamThis charming French-inspired cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a strong Vietnamese coffee while people-watching near the park.
Sao Hom Restaurant★ 4.0 (643)Khu CEH, Nhà lồng chợ cổ, Đ. Hai Bà Trưng, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ, VietnamLocated right on the riverfront, this spot offers a refined take on Mekong Delta specialties in a stunning colonial-style building.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Can Tho
Riverside Culture & Floating Markets
Morning. Start your day before dawn at 5:30 AM to catch the Cai Rang Floating Market at its absolute peak. You will board a private sampan boat at Ninh Kieu Wharf and glide through the mist as hundreds of boats trade produce, listening to the rhythmic sounds of the river. It is essential to bring a light jacket and a camera with a fast shutter speed to capture the vendors hoisting fruits on bamboo poles. After soaking in the chaotic energy, head back toward the city center to visit the ornate Ong Temple. Spend about thirty minutes admiring the intricate wood carvings and incense coils before walking a few blocks to the nearby Munirangsyaram Pagoda to see its striking Khmer architecture.
Afternoon. After a morning on the water, head to the Can Tho Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the region's complex history and ethnic diversity. The exhibits are well-labeled in English, making it easy to spend an hour learning about the Mekong Delta's agricultural evolution. From there, take a short taxi ride to the Binh Thuy Ancient House, a stunning example of French-colonial architecture that feels like a time capsule. You will likely recognize the interior from various films, as it is one of the best-preserved heritage homes in the country. Before leaving, take a moment to wander through the lush, orchid-filled garden surrounding the property.
Evening. Wind down your evening by strolling along the pedestrian-friendly Ninh Kieu Park, where the cool breeze from the river offers a welcome relief from the daytime heat. The promenade is the social hub of the city, filled with locals enjoying the sunset and street performers. For dinner, head to the nearby riverfront to enjoy a meal where you can watch the lights of the Can Tho Bridge shimmer on the water. If you still have energy, duck into one of the many small cafes nearby for a glass of fresh sugarcane juice. End the night by admiring the illuminated statues at the Ho Chi Minh Statue Park.
Zen Gardens & Rural Life
Morning. Escape the city bustle by heading south to the peaceful Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery. This sprawling complex is one of the largest in the Mekong Delta and is renowned for its traditional Vietnamese architecture and serene, manicured gardens. Take your time walking through the main hall and the surrounding courtyards, as the quiet atmosphere is a stark contrast to the market chaos. It is best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the midday sun and the larger tour groups. Once you have finished meditating among the bonsai trees, head toward the nearby My Khanh Tourist Village to see a more playful side of rural life.
Afternoon. Spend your afternoon at My Khanh Tourist Village, where you can experience traditional folk games, pig racing, and even a mock-up of a traditional Southern house. While it is a tourist-oriented park, it provides a fun, accessible way to see various aspects of Delta culture in one location. Rent a bicycle to explore the narrow paths winding through the fruit orchards and fish ponds that make up the village grounds. It is a great place to sample fresh tropical fruits like rambutan and jackfruit directly from the source. Make sure to stay for the cultural performance, which showcases music and dance styles unique to the Mekong region.
Evening. Head back toward the city and treat yourself to a culinary journey at one of the local specialty restaurants. Since you are in the heart of the Delta, look for spots that serve 'banh xeo,' the crispy stuffed crepes that are a regional staple. After dinner, take a relaxing walk through the Tan An Night Market, where you can browse for local handicrafts, clothing, and small souvenirs. The market is vibrant and crowded, offering a perfect look at the daily shopping habits of Can Tho residents. End your evening with a quiet drink at a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline.
Nature Trails & Stork Sanctuaries
Morning. Dedicate your final morning to the natural wonders of the region by taking a trip out to the Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary. This massive bird sanctuary is best visited in the early morning when thousands of storks and other water birds are active and preparing to leave their nests. You will climb the observation tower for a bird's-eye view of the canopy, which is a spectacular sight for nature lovers and photographers alike. The sanctuary is located a bit further out, so hire a private car for the morning to ensure a comfortable and efficient trip. Pack some binoculars and plenty of water, as the area is quite exposed and humid.
Afternoon. Return to the city for a leisurely lunch before spending your afternoon exploring the quiet side streets of the An Cu neighborhood. This area is less touristy and offers a glimpse into how local families live, with small alleyways filled with colorful plants and neighborhood coffee shops. Stop by the local markets to see the variety of fresh produce, spices, and river fish that form the backbone of local cuisine. If you are interested in local crafts, look for small workshops where artisans create traditional woven baskets or wood carvings. It is a relaxing way to wind down your trip at a slower pace.
Evening. For your final evening, head to the riverfront area near the Can Tho Bridge to watch the sunset one last time. Find a comfortable chair at a riverside cafe and enjoy the cooling breeze as the sky turns shades of orange and purple. This is the perfect time to reflect on your journey through the Mekong Delta before heading to your final dinner. Choose a restaurant that specializes in local river fish, such as Elephant Ear Fish, which is a must-try before leaving Can Tho. Finish your trip with a stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the vibrant energy of this unique river city.