Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta of Southern Vietnam, is like a vivid picture hugging the rich-silt rivers, where traditional beauty blends with modern life. You will be amazed by the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market, where brightly colored boats carrying fruits and vegetables are visible under the dawn, evoking the rustic and genuine spirit of the people of the Mekong Delta.
When the city lights up, the Ben Ninh Kieu Pedestrian Bridge transforms into a shimmering, magical silk strip of light, reflecting on the sparkling Hau Giang River and creating a romantic and poetic space. Don’t forget to explore the ancient features of Binh Thuy Ancient House or let your soul wander among the golden ripe rice fields.
Can Tho is not simply a tourist destination, but a journey through the flavors of chicken vermicelli and steaming hu tieu in the morning, accompanied by the melodious folk songs on the Hau River, and the image of mothers and sisters in simple ao ba ba rowing boats taking guests on the river.
Join us as we explore the lyrical Can Tho River region!
Surrounded by rivers, floating markets have become a feature of the Can Tho river region. Exploring one of the floating markets, such as Cai Rang floating market, Phong Dien floating market, or Nga Nam floating market, has become a prominent activity, to learn about unique trading methods, introduce goods by hanging on the poles the items you have that you can see from afar, bustling conversation, quick exchange, when many boats full of fruit have been gone in just a short time in the morning. Don’t forget to enjoy breakfast with dawn at the floating market, to feel the gentle and friendly smiles of the people here.
At the noodle (Hủ Tiếu) factories in Can Tho, typically Sau Hoai, you can not only watch the process of making handmade noodles but also directly spread the noodles, cut the noodles, and dry them in the sun. This activity is a rare opportunity to touch each stage, feeling the authenticity and intimacy of a traditional craft village. Colorful noodles – light green from pandan leaves, pink from beetroot, orange from gac fruit, and traditional white – are arranged alternately like a vivid culinary picture.
Visiting the Binh Thuy ancient house is a journey back to historical stories. With its classic French architectural style, this building stands out with graceful columns, soft arches, and a warm yellow tone. The curved staircase and the garden full of purple and pink bougainvillea create a space that is both peaceful and charming. Against the blue sky, the house is as quiet as a historical proof, bringing visitors to feel the serene beauty and unique culture of the rich and liberal old “Miền Tây” (Southwest).
Strolling through Phong Dien fruit gardens, you feel like you’re lost in a cool, fruit-laden world. Clusters of red and orange rambutan dangling from the branches, the green leaves intertwined, create a brilliant natural picture. Following the small grass-covered path, next to the clear canal, you can stop to rest under a simple, rustic roof in the middle of a lush green garden, or float on a three-leaf boat in the canals decorated with bunches of longan on the branches, and pick ripe fruits yourself. This ideal experience is to enjoy relaxation, savor the sweet taste, and appreciate the simple life of the river delta.
Ninh Kieu Wharf is a romantic symbol of Can Tho City. Take a walk along the banks of the Hau River. Admire the sparkling river scene at night, when the lights from the bridge and boats reflect on the water’s surface. You can choose a boat to drink coffee, sightsee, or have a romantic dinner on a cruise. Then, explore the bustling Ninh Kieu Night Market to find a variety of souvenirs and local street food for dessert in a bustling atmosphere.
Local cuisine is always an indispensable part of every journey of discovery, and Can Tho will surely satisfy you. From a bowl of rich Hu Tieu to crispy Banh Xeo with Mekong Delta style, and from hot chicken vermicelli to fresh steamed snakehead fish from the river, all dishes have the rich flavor of the river region. Strolling around Can Tho night market or visiting any local restaurant, you will be attracted by the smell of grilled seafood with a hint of fish sauce, or the gentle scent of Bần from the boiling hot pots. A meal with local foods is not only delicious but also an unforgettable culinary experience that enriches your trip to Can Tho.
In May and June, Can Tho has temperatures ranging from 33–34°C during the day and around 26°C at night. This period is the beginning of the rainy season, but it is still characterized by hot and humid weather. Also during this time, Can Tho enters the primary fruit season. The most prominent are the bright red rambutan and the shiny brown longan, heavy on the branches.
Early July is the end of the fruit season. By the end of this month, there will be only a few bunches of fruit left, hidden on the high branches – fortunately escaping the “pursuit” of tourists who arrive early during the peak season.
In August, the weather remains characteristically hot and humid, but it is an ideal time to enjoy river activities. An early morning at Cai Rang Floating Market, under the brilliant sunrise, will certainly leave an unforgettable impression.
From September to November, Can Tho enters the flood season. Many people still mistakenly think that this is the rainy season, but in fact, the city has almost no distinct rainy season. Instead, it is the “wet” season – when the Mekong River brings a large amount of water from upstream, the alluvium along the stream enriches the gardens, like a “mother’s milk” that nourishes the land of Can Tho. In addition to alluvium, the flood season also brings rich shrimps and fish, helping to enrich meals and making the local people on the river more prosperous.
From December, the flower season begins to bloom. In January and February, a wide variety of flowers bloom in the cool weather. The streets and villages of Can Tho are filled with spring atmosphere – from the brilliant yellow of chrysanthemums, the red-pink of bougainvillea, to the golden yellow of kumquat trees on the riverbanks, floating markets, or in large gardens.
In March and April, the weather is mild, bringing the peacefulness of the beginning of the year. The atmosphere still retains a hint of Tet flavor. Somewhere, there are old kumquat pots with green leaves covering the yellow fruits, or a branch of roses that has been carefully tended, decorating the peaceful suburban garden.
For our Vietnamdrive team, May and June are their favorite times. Although it is hot and humid in Can Tho, we get to enjoy the first fruits of the right season, fresh and juicy, in return. The next favorite time is February, when everywhere is full of colorful flowers for beautiful photos.
What about you, which season do you like the most in Can Tho?
Can Tho has a small airport that welcomes domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. However, these flights are not frequent, so you should carefully check the flight schedule to plan your trip to explore this river city.
The most popular mode of transportation for international tourists traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho, covering a distance of approximately 150 km, is a private car or van.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Mien Tay Bus Station (395 Kinh Duong Vuong Street, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City – about 8km from the city center). Buses depart regularly and take more than 4 hours to reach Can Tho Bus Station. Ticket prices are about 200,000 VND/person. However, this type of vehicle can take a long time because it stops to pick up passengers along the way. Based on our experience serving international tourists, we do not recommend this option if you have a short schedule in Vietnam.
Getting around in Can Tho is quite convenient, as it is one of the six major cities in Vietnam. You can easily call a traditional taxi, book a technology car like Grab, rent a private car, hire a motorbike, or select a boat to explore the floating market and famous islands around the city.
Early morning:
You will hire a boat at Ninh Kieu wharf to go to the Cai Rang Floating Market. It’s an excellent opportunity for you to experience the river-trading atmosphere and learn about the traditional noodle-making village.
Afternoon:
Travel by boat to Con Son, enjoy fruits in the garden, learn about the fish farming model in raft ponds, and explore the typical garden life of the Southwest region.
Evening:
Stroll along the poetic Ninh Kieu wharf, explore the bustling Can Tho night market. You can choose to have dinner on a cruise on the Can Tho River to end a perfect day.
This program is concise yet comprehensive, covering the most typical features of the river city of Can Tho.
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Ben Tre – Can Tho
Depart early in the morning and stop in Ben Tre to explore the river life in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam through rowing activities, visiting coconut candy factories, fruit gardens, and more.
Arrive in Can Tho in the evening, check in, and relax at the hotel or take the opportunity to explore the city at night freely.
Day 2: Can Tho – Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City
Early in the morning, visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the most famous floating market in Can Tho, combined with a visit to the traditional noodle-making village.
At noon, depart back to Ho Chi Minh City, admiring the vast rice fields on the way back.
The 2-day itinerary offers a diverse perspective on culture and river life through two typical destinations in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam: Ben Tre and Can Tho.
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