Can Tho Travel Guide

Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta, is famous for its floating markets, lush fruit orchards, and peaceful riverside life. Located about 170 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho is known as the "Rice Bowl of Vietnam", offering visitors a perfect blend of bustling local culture, delicious food, and beautiful landscapes.

1. Best Time to Visit Can Tho

Can Tho has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round.

• Dry Season (December – April) – Best for boat tours, floating markets, and outdoor activities.
• Rainy Season (May – November) – The landscape is lush and green, with occasional showers.

For the best fruit season, visit between May and August, when rambutan, durian, and mango are at their peak!

2. How to Get to Can Tho

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC): ~170 km (~3–4 hours by road)

By Plane (Best for Saving Time)

• Can Tho International Airport (VCA) has flights from HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc.
• Flight time: ~45 minutes from HCMC.
• Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways.

By Bus (Best for Budget Travelers)

• Buses from Mien Tay Bus Station (HCMC) to Can Tho
• Popular companies: Futa Bus (Phuong Trang), Thanh Buoi, Mai Linh
• Ticket Price: 150,000 – 200,000 VND ($6–$8)
• Duration: ~3.5 – 4 hours

By Private Car

• Cost: 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND ($80–$120) one way.
• Best option for comfort and flexibility.

3. Getting Around Can Tho

• Boat Tours – Best for exploring floating markets and river life.
• Motorbike Rental – Ideal for countryside adventures (~100,000 – 150,000 VND/day).
• Taxi/Grab – Available in the city center.
• Bicycle Rental – Great for cycling through fruit orchards (~50,000 VND/day).

4. Top Attractions in Can Tho

Floating Markets & River Life

• Cai Rang Floating Market – The largest and most famous floating market in Vietnam. Visit early (5–7 AM) to see locals trading fresh produce from boats.
• Phong Dien Floating Market – A smaller, more traditional floating market, great for experiencing the local way of life.
• Ninh Kieu Wharf – A scenic riverside promenade with night markets, parks, and boat tours.
• Con Son Islet – A peaceful island famous for homestays, traditional Mekong food, and fruit orchards.

Cultural & Historical Sites

• Binh Thuy Ancient House – A beautiful 19th-century house, showcasing French and Vietnamese architecture.
• Munirangsyaram Pagoda – A stunning Khmer-style Buddhist temple in the heart of Can Tho.
• Ong Pagoda – A colorful Chinese temple dedicated to Quan Cong, a legendary general.
• Can Tho Museum – Learn about the history and culture of the Mekong Delta.

Fruit Orchards & Eco-Tourism

• My Khanh Tourist Village – A popular eco-tourism site with fruit gardens, boat rides, and cultural performances.
• Ba Lang Tourist Area – A peaceful spot with coconut groves and local homestays.

5. Best Foods to Try in Can Tho

Can Tho is a food paradise, known for freshwater seafood, tropical fruits, and Mekong-style specialties.

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Bánh xèo (Crispy Mekong Pancake) – A crispy pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
• Lẩu mắm (Fermented Fish Hotpot) – A unique Mekong Delta hotpot, full of seafood, vegetables, and herbs.
• Hủ tiếu Nam Vang (Nam Vang Noodle Soup) – A tasty noodle soup with pork, shrimp, and quail eggs.
• Cá lóc nướng trui (Grilled Snakehead Fish) – Freshly grilled fish wrapped in rice paper with herbs.
• Bánh tét lá cẩm (Purple Sticky Rice Cake) – A Can Tho specialty, made with purple sticky rice and mung beans.
• Ốc nướng tiêu (Grilled Snails with Pepper Sauce) – A delicious local seafood dish.

Best Places to Eat

• Hủ Tiếu Sáu Hoài – Famous for authentic noodle soup.
• Bánh Xèo 7 Tới – One of the best places for crispy Mekong pancakes.
• Chợ Cần Thơ (Can Tho Market) – The best place for street food and fresh fruits.

6. Where to Stay in Can Tho

Luxury Hotels ($50 – $150/night)

• Vinpearl Hotel Can Tho – A 5-star hotel with a rooftop bar and stunning river views.
• Azerai Can Tho – A peaceful luxury resort on a private island.

Mid-Range Hotels ($20 – $50/night)

• Muong Thanh Luxury Can Tho – A modern hotel with great facilities.
• Victoria Can Tho Resort – A charming riverside resort with a colonial-style design.

Budget & Homestays ($5 – $20/night)

• Green Village Mekong Homestay – A beautiful countryside homestay.
• Mekong Rustic Can Tho – Perfect for eco-tourism and local experiences.

7. Suggested 2-Day Can Tho Itinerary

Day 1: Floating Markets & Culture

• Early Morning: Cai Rang Floating Market (Boat Tour)
• Late Morning: Explore Binh Thuy Ancient House & Ong Pagoda
• Afternoon: Visit a Fruit Orchard & Try Local Mekong Dishes
• Evening: Sunset at Ninh Kieu Wharf & Can Tho Night Market

Day 2: Eco-Tourism & Local Life

• Morning: Bike Ride Around Con Son Islet (Fishing & Cooking Class)
• Afternoon: Visit My Khanh Tourist Village (Traditional Mekong Experiences)
• Evening: Relax at a Riverside Café & Return to Ho Chi Minh City

8. Travel Tips for Can Tho

• Visit floating markets early (5-7 AM) – That’s when they’re most active.
• Bring cash – Many rural shops and markets don’t accept credit cards.
• Try tropical fruits – The best ones are durian, rambutan, and mangosteen.
• Wear light clothes & bring sunscreen – It gets hot, especially during boat tours.
• Book boat tours with reputable operators – To avoid scams, ask your hotel or a trusted agency.

Can Tho is the perfect place to experience the charm of the Mekong Delta, with floating markets, scenic river views, delicious food, and rich cultural heritage.