The best things to see and do in Can Tho

In Your bucket list of trips you would like to take in Vietnam this year, I spoke to you very last about the Mekong Delta. Well, it’s done! You should spent 2 days in Can Tho, the capital and largest city of the delta. The Mekong is one of the largest rivers in the world (the 10th to be precise), which takes its source in the heights of the Himalayas and successively irrigates China, Laos, on the border with Burma, Thailand, Cambodia and finally, southern Vietnam, where it flows into the sea. Things to see and do in Can Tho

Most visitors choose to take an all-inclusive package to visit the Mekong Delta, often for the day due to lack of time in an already busy itinerary in Vietnam, certainly the prices are very attractive, but this implies being in a group (more or less large) and having to follow the pace of the guide, therefore less flexibility…In addition, to really soak up the cool atmosphere of the delta, it is obvious that You have to stay there a little longer than a day, or even a night.

This is why I give you all my advice in this article and strongly invite you to visit Can Tho for yourself . By planning a little in advance, your experience will be even better, believe me! As usual, you will find all the practical information at the end of the article (how to get to Can Tho, when to go, good restaurants/cafes/hotels, etc.). Good visit !

THINGS TO DO IN CAN THO

On the recommendation of a fellow blogger in Vietnam, You should book day tour in Can Tho or 2 days 1 night in Mekong Delta,I am a freelance local guide who organizes authentic and personalized excursions around Can Tho. I live in Can Tho, I know the region like the back of my hand! I also organizes tours throughout the Mekong Delta, by boat or scooter (My Tho, Ben Tre, Soc Trang, Dong Thap, Sadec, Chau Doc and the Tra Su forest).

For this tour, I will pick you up from the hotel at 5:30 a.m (yes, it’s itchy, but it’s worth it!). The day tour includes a visit to the floating market (with Vietnamese breakfast), an organic cocoa farm, a family rice noodle factory, a coconut candy factory , a boat tour through the mangroves and small canals lined with coconut trees, a walk through the villages to see the real life of the delta and finally a visit to a fruit garden .

The tour lasts more or less 6 hours (depending on the water level), if you are 4 people and we will pay around 650,000 VND per person all inclusive (i.e. €24).

Which tour to book to visit Can Tho?

To book :

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If you don’t want to book a tour with me or with your hotel, here are some important tips :

Arrive early, if possible around 6 a.m., because there is nothing more from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.…
Avoid taking a large boat, as your boatman will have difficulty slipping through the other boats and long-tail boats.
The walk is quite quick if you only do the floating market, don’t plan to stay there half a day, so plan something to do afterwards (like the land market) or return to your hotel for breakfast, before go on an excursion for the day. Note that most tours include a stop at a rice noodle factory and/or a nursery-type orchard.
If you haven’t booked anything in advance, don’t panic: go to the Ninh Kieu quay where you will find lots of touts for boatmen. Negotiate on the spot and say what you want to see (floating market, stop at a local factory, disembarkation at the land market, etc.). The price of the floating market boat tour ranges from 450,000 to 550,000 VND.

If you have more time in the region, there are other floating markets (Phong Dien, Phung Hiep and Tra On), less accessible than that of Cai Rang, smaller, but also much more authentic.

Now that you know how to get organized, let’s move on to the must-see places to visit in Can Tho!

Cai Rang Floating Market

This floating market is the main wholesale market in the Can Tho area. Every day, between 150 and 350 boats meet on the river to sell their goods. This is the kind of market that is disappearing , in favor of terrestrial markets. You have to get there early, because the market is active between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. We left the hotel at 5 a.m at first light.

The big boats mainly sell fruits and vegetables. To show buyers their merchandise, the items are attached to the end of long poles at the bow of the boats. It’s magnificent… In March, there were a lot of watermelons, bananas, sweet potatoes…

Then, We find the local breakfast . It is mainly women in small boats who wander between the big boats to sell banh mi (the traditional Vietnamese sandwhich), pho (soup), banh bao (small salty cakes steamed and filled with pork). ) and coffee/tea. We opted for a banh mi and a câ phè sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk). I think you will love this floating breakfast experience !

It can be seen that many boats have red and black eyes painted on the front of the hull. According to local beliefs, they help ward off evil spirits and protect fishermen and sellers.

Taking a trip to the Can Tho floating market also means witnessing local life and inequalities . What is most striking is the great poverty in which these street vendors live. The families live on the boats, we can imagine that their meager income does not allow them to have at least a comfortable lifestyle, without access to care or education for the children.

The day after our boat tour, I returned to the center to take some bird’s eye photos from Cai Rang Bridge in the early morning.

Visit a local rice noodle factory

At the local Sau Hoai factory , everything is homemade. The preparation is naturally colored with fruit, then quickly cooked like a large pancake before drying in the sun on rattan trays. Once the “crepes” are dry, they are put through a machine to slice them into stalks that will become the noodles.

Visit to a coconut candy factory

A specialty of the Mekong Delta region (especially in Bên Tre), the 130,000 hectares of coconut trees represent 78% of the country’s coconut trees . You should know that everything is exploited in the coconut tree : the roots are used in traditional Vietnamese medicine, the trunk is used to make furniture or frames, the leaves are used to make mats, hats, bags or to protect roofs. heat and bad weather, the fibers are transformed to make doormats, soles or ropes, the shell is used to make craft objects (bowls, containers, jewelry, decoration, etc.), the flesh is extracted coconut oil (used a lot in cosmetics) and coconut milk is enjoyed as is (delicious when fresh!), in dishes or to make delicious sweets! We can therefore visit different workshops in the Mekong Delta to better understand the work around coconut trees, and what we do with them, such as the artisanal coconut candy factories.

Visit organic cocoa farm

Have you never visited a cocoa farm before, you will love it! you were able to see how cocoa trees grow and how to make chocolate from them. It is the first and only organic cocoa farm in the Mekong Delta. With 2000 cocoa trees, the farm produces 4 tonnes of cocoa each year, 1 tonne is used to make chocolate on site and 3 tonnes are intended for export. After the tour, we were able to taste real chocolate and drink hot or iced chocolate.

Visit fruit garden

Due to its geographic location and climate, the Mekong Delta is a very fertile region. This is why it is nicknamed the “ orchard of Vietnam ”. Our excursion would not have been complete without a visit to a fruit garden. There are all types of exotic fruits : bananas, dragon fruits, papayas, jackfruits, guavas, pineapples, durians…

Visit to a nursery

These nurseries on the banks of the Mekong are managed by local residents. The banks of water hyacinths help protect the banks of the river from the tides which change every 6 hours. As with coconuts, everything is used in hyacinth. The leaves are used to wrap fruits and keep them fresh, while the flowers are used in cooking, to garnish salads, soups or hot pots . The roots are used as fertilizer or food for pigs.

The seedlings are mixed with burnt rice husks, an excellent fertilizer, and wrapped in banana peels. The little shoots we see in the photo are baby winter melon plants , but we could see different fruits, vegetables and herbs growing

Boat trip through the small canals of the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is made up of 28,000 canals ! A boat trip among the coconut trees is a must if you come to the region. It’s an excellent way to discover the area in a different way, observing the local life organized around the river: the fishermen, the residents on the banks, the small bridges accessible only by scooter or bicycle, the children who bathe…

Can Tho Land Market

Markets are the living heart of every neighborhood in Vietnam. The main land market of Can Tho is no exception. Located on the banks of the Cần Thơ river, it is a typical, colorful and warm place where you will encounter a real Vietnamese market atmosphere . The walk is particularly beautiful early in the morning, the market is more active and the light is splendid, I could have spent hours there!

Binh Thuy Ancient House

It is in this old bourgeois house in Binh Thuy ( Nhà cỏ Bình Thủy ) that a scene from the famous film “L’Amant” by Jean-Jacques Annaud was filmed in 1992. It offers a magnificent, very particular architecture with a colonial atmosphere. French and traditional style from southern Vietnam . Inside, there are period furniture and collections of objects. Today, the Binh Thuy house is open to tourists for 20,000 VND per person (or €0.70).

Munirensay Khmer Pagoda

The Mekong Delta is a somewhat crossroads region: there are Vietnamese, the majority of course, but also people of Chinese origins (who became traders over the years), Khmers (rather farmers) and Chams, from from the ancient Champa kingdom. The Khmer Munirangsyaram pagoda is a fine example of this heritage. Located on Hoà Bình street, it offers beautiful typical Khmer architecture .

Ong Temple

Another very pretty pagoda to visit in Can Tho, of Chinese origin this time. The Ông temple was built by the Chinese at the end of the 19th century (1894-1896), to worship the God Kuan-Kung . Most of the materials (wooden columns, pillars, rafters, etc.) were transported from the town of Kuang Tong in China. You can find the traditional structure of Chinese temples and pagodas, with the main altar, ornamental vases, ancient Chinese weapons and magnificent incense circles hanging from the ceiling.

Bike or scooter ride in the countryside

In the Mekong Delta, most hotels provide free bicycles for visitors. It’s a great way to visit the region, getting lost through the small villages , canals, plantations, etc. As it gets very hot in the middle of the day, I recommend leaving early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Ask your hotel for a map of the surrounding area with cycle paths.

Can Tho Night Market

The Can Tho night market is held every evening on two streets in the city center: Phan Bội Châu street for clothes, jewelry, phone cases… and Phan Chu Trinh street for street food . It’s a pleasant ride, and I’m always fascinated by the agility and speed of the street vendors. You can buy something to snack on at the market and sit by the river 5 minutes from the market.

Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Phuong Nam Buddhist Meditation Monastery is the largest monastery in the southwest region of Vietnam. It is quite new since it was inaugurated in 2014. It is an interesting visit, I particularly liked the two small pagodas on stilts in the middle of a lotus pond. If you visit Can Tho at the end of your stay in Vietnam, move on (you will have seen enough temples and pagodas), but if you start with this step or you have time, you will find the monastery impressive.

When to go to Can Tho ?

Can Tho and more generally the Mekong Delta region can be visited all year round . The hottest months are February to September and October is the rainiest month. Having been to the delta many times, I can tell you that it is always hot there! Don’t forget to bring a cap/hat, sunscreen and wear light clothing, if possible in cotton.

How to get to Can Tho ?

By private car : This is what we did, we rented a 7-seater car with driver for around €90 for a round trip from Saigon to Can Tho.

By minibus : One way costs around €6, the journey is direct and comfortable and many bus companies offer departures every half hour from Saigon bus station. One of the most famous is FUTA Bus Line, you can check timetables and prices and even book/pay directly online.

By boat : Another way to discover Can Tho and the Mekong Delta is to take a cruise aboard a boat, like Bassac, Cochinchina Or Mekong Eyes. It’s not bad for those who don’t want to worry about the organization, everything is included (guide, cabin, meals on board, visits and excursions, etc.). I had the opportunity to test this experience in 2018 when I arrived in Vietnam for the receptive I work for, I will perhaps give you more detailed feedback in another article if you are interested.

By plane : Can Tho airport is located 10 km from the city and is served by direct and daily (or almost) flights from Hanoi, Saigon, Danang, Phu Quoc and even Nha Trang. Remember to compare prices and times on the site Skyscanner, before booking directly on the website of the chosen airline.

How to get around Can Tho ?

In the Mekong Delta, most hotels provide free bicycles for visitors. It’s a great way to visit the region, getting lost through the small villages, canals, plantations, etc. The main town of Can Tho is completely walkable and depending on the hotel you stay at, you may be able to get there without taking a taxi. Some hotels also provide a shuttle system to and from the city center.

If you want to be a little more free and go a little further, then you will need to use a local taxi (using the app Grab) or, even better and cheaper, rent a scooter. A scooter costs around 150,000 VND per day, or €5 (negotiable if you take it for a few days).

Where to eat in Can Tho?

The Mekong Delta is renowned for being the orchard of Vietnam . Can Tho, in particular, is known for its refined cuisine as well as its wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Here are some dishes to absolutely try during your stay in Can Tho:

Bánh cống : originating from Can Tho, it is a small snack traditionally served with a sweet and sour fish sauce. It is a small fried cake made with green beans, shrimp, onions, spices and rice flour.
Canh chua : savory/sweet Vietnamese soup composed of fish and seafood (eel, shrimp, catfish, etc.), tomatoes, okra, pineapple, tamarind, bean sprouts and fresh herbs. Traditionally, this refined soup is served with rice vermicelli or steamed jasmine rice.
Bún mắm : traditional Vietnamese dish from the province of Soc Trang. It consists of rice noodles, fish broth, squid, shrimp, fish, eggplant, fish cakes, roasted pork belly and, as always, lots of fresh herbs which enhance all the aromas! Served with lime and chili.
All the fruits you can find! Can Tho is a paradise for tropical fruits : mangoes, star fruit, jackfruit (my favorite!), pineapples, cinnamon apples, bananas, longans (kind of little lychees)…

In addition to the night market and its delicious street food , here are some restaurant addresses that we tested (and approved!) during our stay:

Sao Hôm – Very nice restaurant located under the central covered market where the old Can Tho central market was located. The building was restored in 2005 retaining its original style. The food is very good, the dishes are plentiful and affordable and the view of the canal makes lunch/dinner very pleasant!

Nam Bo Restaurant – A small, unpretentious Vietnamese restaurant located on the ground floor of the Nam Bô Boutique hotel. The dishes are good, the prices are reasonable and the setting is pleasant. Very well located on the Ninh Kieu quay.

Where to eat in Can Tho?

The Lighthouse – For a slightly more chic setting and Vietnamese and French fusion cuisine, I recommend The Lighthouse. You can eat in the air-conditioned indoor room or on the pretty little terrace which overlooks the Ninh Kieu quay. The food is very good and the cocktails are excellent!

Another option that we have not tested is to take a dinner cruise with Du Thuyen Can Tho. Every evening, this restaurant boat offers a loop on the river while dining to the sound of traditional southern music. There are generally two departures at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and dishes are ordered à la carte (no fixed menu). I advise you to book in advance on weekends and in high season.

Where to sleep in Can Tho ? Things to see and do in Can Tho

Like everywhere in Vietnam, there are a plethora of options for sleeping in Can Tho. If you are visiting for a night, then I would recommend staying close to the city center for easy access to the main points of interest, but if you want to spend more time there, then it is better to choose a hotel in outside the city, in the countryside therefore. Well, you should spend 3 nights in Can Tho and stayed close to town, do as I say, not as I do haha!

So Victoria Can Tho Resort. It’s a bit like the flagship hotel in the area. The charming architecture is clearly of colonial inspiration, the rooms are spacious, the hotel is very well equipped. With 2 outdoor swimming pools, a children’s area, a tennis court, table tennis, a pool table, numerous board games and darts, bicycle rental and a spa… there is no shortage of bother! The hotel is located on the banks of the Mekong River and just a 15-minute walk from Can Tho town center. To book, it’s this way !

Other hotels that I could recommend depending on your budget: Nam Bo Boutique Hotel ( in the city center), Can Tho Ecolodge (very nice, responsible hotel) and the sublime Azerai Can Tho (the most beautiful hotel in the area located on a private island, but also the most expensive).

I hope you enjoyed this sunny getaway and allowed you to get away from it all! Have you ever visited Can Tho and the Mekong Delta? What did you think of it? If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments, and as usual, you can find all my addresses on Nick Mekong Delta