This post is about: Top Things to Do in Can Tho: A Quick Mekong Delta Travel Guide that enables you to explore the vibrant floating markets featuring top attractions and must-do activities. Visit the Cai Rang Floating Market, stroll through the Binh Thuy Ancient House, and enjoy river views at Ninh Kieu Wharf. Tour the Muoi Cuong Cocoa Farm, or bike and boat through quiet villages to experience local life. Don’t miss the Can Tho Museum or the lively night market for food and souvenirs.
Can Tho Vietnam, heart of the mekong delta
Can Tho is the largest city in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta and home to the region’s most popular floating markets, including the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. This lively riverside city blends wide boulevards with narrow alleyways, offering a colorful mix of local culture, vibrant street life, and scenic waterfront views. After exploring the rural Mekong, Can Tho’s dynamic atmosphere makes it a perfect place to relax and discover more of southern Vietnam.
As the political, economic, cultural, and transportation center of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho buzzes with energy and attracts countless visitors each year. Its convenient access to nearby floating markets, especially the iconic Cai Rang Floating Market, makes it a top destination for travelers looking to explore the region’s vast network of canals and rivers by boat.
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Where Is Can Tho Located in Vietnam? A Guide to the Mekong Delta’s Largest City
Often referred to as Tay Do (the Capital of the Southwest), home to the largest city in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Renowned for its vibrant floating markets, Delta’s local foods, and stunning waterways, Can Tho offers an authentic glimpse into life in southern Vietnam.
Top 30 Things to Do in Can Tho, Vietnam – Best Attractions & Activities in the Mekong Delta
Located in southwestern Vietnam, Can Tho is a vibrant hub of the Mekong Delta, offering a wide variety of attractions and activities for all types of travelers. From exploring lush fruit orchards to cruising the iconic floating markets along the region’s scenic waterways, Can Tho delivers an authentic and unforgettable Mekong Delta experience.
While exploring Can Tho, you’ll encounter unique local experiences and have the chance to connect with friendly residents who often share invaluable tips for discovering the Mekong Delta. Based on their insights, here’s the essential list of the top 30 things to do in Can Tho, Vietnam in 2025—a guide to the region’s best attractions and activities.
1. Cai Rang Floating Market: A Must-See in Can Tho, Vietnam
Just 6 km from Can Tho city, Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the largest and most vibrant floating markets in Southeast Asia. Located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, it offers a unique glimpse into local life and trade. The market comes alive at dawn—the best time to visit is between 5:00–7:00 AM—as hundreds of colorful boats sell fresh produce, exotic fruits, and delicious street food like “hu tieu” noodle soup and rich Vietnamese coffee.
Visitors can enjoy a one-of-a-kind boat-to-boat shopping experience, browse handmade goods, and interact with friendly local traders. More than a marketplace, Cai Rang is a cultural experience that captures the essence of Mekong Delta life.
2. Walk along the Ninh Kieu Wharf
Ninh Kieu Wharf buzzes with life as both locals and tourists gather to enjoy one of Can Tho’s most iconic spots. Located along the Hau River, the wharf offers stunning views, vibrant things to do, try local foods, and a serene escape from the city’s hustle.
For the best experience, visit in the late afternoon when the atmosphere is calm, and the river breeze provides a refreshing break. Stroll along the wharf to witness boats of all sizes navigating the waterway, children playing nearby, locals walking their dogs, and couples soaking in the beautiful sunset views.
Don’t miss exploring the nearby Ninh Kieu Night Market, where you can sample delicious street food, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the lively evening vibe that truly captures the spirit of Can Tho.
3. Visit night market in Can Tho
Explore the vibrant street food scene and bustling energy at Can Tho’s four popular night markets. Each market showcases a unique slice of Can Tho’s lively culture and culinary delights, offering something for every traveler. Check out Vietnam’s best night market
3.1. Ninh Kieu Night Market
Located right next to Ninh Kieu Wharf, this centrally-located market offers convenient access and a cozy atmosphere, though it’s relatively small.
3.2. Tran Phu Night Market
A must-visit for food lovers, this market is famous for its mouthwatering street food options from the delta regions.
3.3. Bai Cat Night Market
In addition to delicious street food, this area also features upscale street foods options for those seeking a more refined experience.
3.4. Tay do night market
Tay Do night market is known for its variety of goods, you’ll find everything from clothes and shoes to souvenirs, making it a great spot for shopping.
4. Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm Can Tho
Don’t miss a visit to Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm in Can Tho, where you’ll learn how to make chocolate from bean to bar. The friendly owner personally guides you through his lush organic cacao farm, shares stories of its history since the 1960s, and offers insights inspired by a rare French chocolate book.
For just VND 50,000, enjoy a tour, a signature cocoa drink, handmade dark chocolate, cacao nibs, and a taste of unique cocoa wine. Walk among cacao trees, see the traditional chocolate-making process, and pick up some farm-made treats as authentic Mekong Delta souvenirs.
5. visit Ong Temple (Chùa Ông)
Ong Pagoda, located across from the Can Tho River, ranks among the top things to do in Can Tho, Vietnam. This vibrant Chinese temple, built in the late 19th century inside the Guangzhou Assembly Hall, blends Chinese and Vietnamese architecture with intricate carvings and bold colors.
Dedicated to Quan Cong, a revered Chinese general symbolizing loyalty and justice, Ong Pagoda offers a peaceful setting for spiritual reflection. Visitors can walk through ornate halls filled with incense, admire detailed statues, and soak in the serene atmosphere. Surrounded by lush greenery, this cultural and religious site offers a rewarding escape from the city’s bustle and a deeper look into Vietnam’s spiritual heritage.
6. Take river boat trip
If you miss the floating market at 5AM, don’t worry, take a short riverboat trip to make see how life goes on here. Can Tho’s extensive canal network makes boat rides a perfect way to explore the city from a new perspective and enjoy some fresh air. Head to Ninh Kieu Wharf, where locals will approach you offering a 40-minute private boat ride around nearby islets.Try to team up with other travelers and i’m sure, it will definitely worth the experience.
7. My Khanh Tourist Village
My Khanh Tourist Village offers a Mekong Delta-themed experience packed with activities for the entire family. Spend the day exploring orchards and flower gardens, making rice paper, trying your hand at traditional folk games, fishing, enjoying folk music performances, tasting local delicacies, and even rowing local boats. It’s a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the region’s culture and enjoy outdoor fun.
8. Phong Dien Floating Market
Phong Dien Floating Market, located about 20 kilometers southwest of Can Tho, is a quieter and equally fascinating water market and more interesting, a less touristy floating market. When you arrive, you’ll see boats filled with fresh vegetables and local goods. The best time to visit is from 5 to 8 AM. You can reach the market by road, or join one of the regular tours that visit both floating markets.
9. Binh Thuy Ancient House (Nhà cổ Bình Thủy)
Binh Thuy Ancient House, over 150 years old, sits in the heart of Can Tho, southern Vietnam, and offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s colonial past. Built in the 1870s, the house blends French colonial architecture with traditional Vietnamese design, surrounded by lush gardens and adorned with intricate wood carvings.
Step inside to explore antique furniture, detailed artifacts, and beautifully preserved interiors that reflect the wealth and cultural depth of its former owners. As a living museum, Binh Thuy Ancient House showcases the elegance of East-meets-West design and stands as a symbol of Vietnam’s rich heritage. Perfect for history buffs and architecture lovers, it remains one of the top cultural attractions in the Mekong Delta.
10. Pitu Khosa Rangsay Pagoda
Locals call it Vien Quang, but visitors know Pitu Khosa Rangsay Pagoda as one of Can Tho’s hidden cultural gems. Built in 1948, this three-story Khmer Theravada Buddhist pagoda showcases vibrant murals, intricate architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflection.
Step inside to explore sacred halls filled with spiritual art and cultural symbolism. Ideal for travelers seeking both history and serenity, this unique pagoda offers a deeper connection to Vietnam’s Khmer heritage in the heart of the Mekong Delta.
11. Can Tho Museum
The enormous, well-presented Can Tho Museum has exhibits of the history of Can Tho resistance during foreign rule as well as displays on the culture and history of the province. There’s a life-size pagoda and ample English signage. The well presented Can Tho Museum brings local history of Mekong to life with manikins and life-size reproductions of buildings, including a Chinese pagoda and a house interior. Currently there is no entrance fee for the museum. The exhibits are quite interesting, related with the local. However, some of the displays have no English translation.
Munirangsyaram Pagoda features traditional Khmer Hinayana Buddhist ornamentation, distinct from the multiple Bodhisattvas and Taoist spirits often found in Vietnamese Mahayana pagodas. In the upstairs sanctuary, a 1.5-meter-tall statue of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, sits peacefully beneath a Bodhi Tree, embodying serenity and spiritual focus. Beside floating markets, the other pagodas and things to do in Can Tho are definitely worth a visit.
13. Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery
Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery in Can Tho offers a peaceful retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Located 12 km from Can Tho’s city center, the monastery hosts a community of monks who lead a simple life of prayer and contemplation.
Explore the serene monastery grounds, admire its stunning architecture, and join meditation sessions to learn about Buddhist principles. Truc Lam Phuong Nam provides a tranquil escape and an opportunity to connect with spirituality.
14. Get active on Con Son Islet
Con Son offers a vibrant community-based tourism experience, perfect for an active day immersed in southwestern Vietnamese hospitality. Enjoy a variety of activities in Con Son;
- Stroll through lush orchards
- Watch snakeheads leap from the water to catch their food
- Savor a southern Vietnamese-style lunch featuring local foods
- Learn how to make and taste traditional cakes
- Row a boat along a peaceful, shaded waterways
Local Tip: Con Son gets busy with tourist groups on weekends. Plan a weekday visit for a quieter and more relaxed experience.
15. Walk along the Can Tho Pedestrian Bridge, the love bridge
The Love Bridge, transforms into a magical sight at night with its colorful LED lights reflecting on the Hau River. Perfect for a romantic stroll, the bridge offers stunning views, a peaceful atmosphere, and fresh river breezes. It’s an iconic spot for photography, relaxation, and enjoying Can Tho’s vibrant nightlife ambiance.
16. Check out the delta’s best fruit gardens
Can Tho’s fertile soil and lush landscape creates the perfect environment for growing abundant fruit gardens year-round. Visiting during the fruit ripening season lets you enjoy freshly picked fruits right in the orchards. Beyond indulging in the fresh produce, you can explore the lush greenery, interact with friendly locals, and learn about traditional farming methods.
- Check out Vietnamese Fruits with photos
Here are few orchards to visit, the entrance ticket is 50.000 VND (USD2) including a complimentary plate of fruit. Additionally, you can pay a bit higher to pick fruits and eat all you can;
- Phong Dien Orchard: Located in Phong Dien District, offering diverse fruits in a serene setting
- Rach Ke Orchard: Found at 396A My Nhon, My Khanh Commune, perfect for a peaceful escape and fresh fruit tastings
- My Khanh Orchard: Situated at 335 Lo Vong Cung, My Khanh Commune, featuring vibrant fruit gardens and family-friendly activities
17. Bird-watching at Bang Lang Sanctuary
Located 60 kilometers from Can Tho’s city center, Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to observe diverse bird watching. The sanctuary spans 16,500 square meters and houses 20 stork species, totaling around 300,000 birds. It serves as a vital haven for biodiversity and an exciting destination for nature enthusiasts and eco-tourism.
- Location: Thoi An, Thuan An Ward, Thot Not District, Can Tho City
18. Street morals photography
Capture photos with street murals on Tran Quoc Toan Street, Can Tho, which stretches for 800 meters and showcases vibrant artwork illustrating the Mekong Delta’s past and present landscapes. While the murals may not be exceptionally striking to some, the street offers a charming spot for photography and a pleasant place to explore.
19. Explore Can Tho’s Tarot Museum
Explore the Tarot Museum in Can Tho, located at #44 Nguyen Khuyen Street. A Vietnamese pioneer who introduced tarot to the country over a decade ago established this unique museum. The Tarot Museum in Can Tho showcases an extensive collection of tarot and oracle cards from around the world. It also serves as a popular gathering spot for tarot enthusiasts across Vietnam.
20. Try local foods at Can Tho’s restaurants
When visiting Can Tho, don’t miss the chance to savor its delicious local foods of Mekong. After a day of sightseeing, reward yourself with a delightful dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants. Phong Dien Fine Rice Vermicelli combines rice vermicelli, grilled pork, fresh vegetables, and scallions, with fish sauce enhancing the flavor. Try this dish at Ut Dzach Fine Rice Vermicelli in Phong Dien District for 20,000–50,000 VND.
21. Kham Lon Can Tho Prison
Kham Lon Can Tho grand prison was built in 1886, this prison initially served the French colonists as a facility to detain Vietnamese rebels. During the Vietnam War, the Republic of Vietnam used it to hold Viet Cong fighters.
After the war ended in 1975, Kham Lon Can Tho became a historical site open to visitors. The site features historical artifacts and life-sized figures depicting prisoners and the harsh conditions they endured during the wars.
22. Visit Ba Bo Flower Village
One of the fun things to do is to visit the Ba Bo Flower Village in Can Tho, a 50-hectare area with over 80 years of history. Closely tied to Tet celebrations, this village is a famous and attractive destination in Can Tho. While open year-round, the best time to visit is from January to February during Tet when the flowers bloom beautifully under the sun. Stroll through the vibrant gardens, take photos, and watch locals care for hundreds of flower varieties.
Address: An Khanh Ward, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City.
Entrance Fee: Free
23. Shop local gifts from Can Tho
Visit Can Tho Market on Hai Ba Trung Street for a variety of souvenirs and gifts perfect for bringing home to loved ones. Popular items include conical hats, bamboo-toothpick bookmarks, bà ba (traditional southern Vietnamese shirts), postcards, and T-shirts.
This bustling market is also a great place to experience the vibrant shopping culture of Can Tho, Vietnam, while browsing through its unique local crafts and mementos.
24. Take a day trip out of Can Tho
After exploring best things to do in Can Tho, plan an excursion to Soc Trang, a site known for its stunning Khmer-influenced Buddhist pagodas and serene ambiance. Highlights include the iconic Bat Pagoda and Clay Pagoda, offering unique architecture and spiritual experiences. Soc Trang is also famous for its delicious regional cuisine and rich cultural heritage.
A bus ride to Soc Trang takes only 1 hour and 40 minutes, making it a convenient and rewarding excursion from Can Tho. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and beauty of southern Vietnam.
25. Stay Overnight at a Local Homestay in Can Tho for an Authentic Mekong Delta Experience
Stay overnight at a homestay probably is the better idea than staying in hotels, this enables you to cherish teh lush countryside around the Can Tho’s orchards and experience a true local life while in the delta. Additionally, take a cycling trip around the countryside and visit small villages to truly experience the essence of the Mekong Delta. Interact with friendly locals, learn about their daily lives, taste their traditional meals, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture.
Cycle through small villages, breathe in the fresh rural air, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere far from the city. Feel the breeze on your face, watch children playing in the fields, and see farmers tending to their lush fruit gardens. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with the heart of the Mekong.
26. Relax at coffee shops in Can Tho
Vietnamese love to visit local coffee shops to relax, chill and enjoy the best coffee, and Can Tho offers some great options. These cozy spots are perfect for observing daily life, enjoying flavorful coffee, and probably meet with locals. From modern cafés serving creative beverages to traditional spots brewing rich, authentic coffee, Can Tho has something for everyone.
Popular choices include those along the Can Tho’s riverside, where you can relax with scenic views, and garden-style cafés offering lush, tranquil settings. Exploring coffee shops here not only gives you a much-needed break but also a glimpse into Can Tho’s vibrant café culture.
27. Visit best rooftop bars in Can Tho
Spend a relaxing evening at one of Can Tho’s rooftop bars, where you can sip on a cold drink while admiring breathtaking city views with Can Tho’s bridge at the distance. These venues combine great ambiance, delicious cocktails, and panoramic sights, offering the perfect spot to unwind.
Some recommendations include:
- Iris Sky Bar – 224, 30/4 Street, Ninh Kieu District
- Sunset Lounge Pool Bar – Vinpearl Hotel, 209, 30/4 Street, Ninh Kieu District
- Ninh Kieu Sky Bar – 2 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District
- Bar Club Muong Thanh – Muong Thanh Hotel, Cai Khe Islet
28. Can Tho Beach
On What to do in Can Tho, i want to introduc a beach, locals love spending their afternoons and evenings at the beach, relaxing in cafés, soaking in the views of Can Tho Bridge, and watching boats glide along the Hau River. Many enjoy water activities like jet skiing, kayaking, or boat rides, while children play happily in the freshwater.
Locals Tip: The beach has freshwater and a slightly muddy texture, but it’s fun and safe. Don’t miss the chance to take a memorable swim in the magical Mekong River!
29. Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory
This place offers some fascinating experiences. The locals make all the fresh noodles by hand mixing, rolling, drying, cutting, and packing are all done by hand. Tourists are welcome to join in and help with the process. The noodles are fresh and in different flavor, , flavorful, and perfectly paired with southern style noodle soup.
Visit before 10 a.m. for the full experience. After that, you might miss the chance to see and participate in the noodle-making process, as most fresh noodles are left to dry in the sun for the next steps.
30. Cycling around the countrysides of Can Tho
Explore unique countryside, rice paddies, and charming villages on a cycling day, you can also book a tour. These tours range from a few hours to half a day, depending on how much you want to explore.
Many home-stays and hotels provide free bike rentals, making a Do It Yourself tour an easy option. While traveling in Can Tho, grab a free bicycle and cycle around the town toward the rice paddies and local villages.
Can Tho Travel Guide: Tips for Visiting the Mekong Delta
Welcome to ultimate Can Tho Travel Guide, updated in January of the 2025! As always, I strive to share local tips and insights, this time to Can Tho, Vietnam. Many readers have found these tips valuable for their trips, and I’m sure you will too as you plan your visit to Can Tho. Whether you’re exploring the Mekong Delta, tasting local delicacies, or discovering hidden gems, this guide will help you make the most of your trip.
How to get to Can Tho?
There are regular flights from Vietnam’s major cities such as Hanoi, Danang, Dalat, Hai Phong, Nhat Trang to Can Tho Tra Moc airport which is located 12km form the city center. There are also 4 international flights From Can Tho international airport fo Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Thailand and Kuala Lumpur.
From Hanoi to Can Tho
Fly from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi to Can Tho International Airport in just 2.5 hours. A taxi from the airport to the city center takes about 20 minutes (12 km) and costs around VND 180,000.
Bamboo Airways, Vietnam Airline and Vietjet all have regular flights to Can Tho from Hanoi, capital city. To fly better, i recommend Vietnam airline as it doesn’t have those long delays like Vietjet.
From Ho Chi Minh to Can Tho
The most convenient way to travel from Saigon to Can Tho is by taking a 4-hour limousine ride or sleeping bus from Mien Tay Bus Station to Can Tho Central Bus Station, with tickets starting at VND 150,000 per person.
Futa Bus is my go-to transport company in Vietnam. They offer frequent departures from Ho Chi Minh to Can Tho, with buses leaving nearly every hour.
Tip from locals: Futa Bus offers a free transfer service from the bus station to your hotel. Once you arrive, head to the Transfer Service Table (Trung chuyển), show your hotel address, and they’ll direct you to the right transfer car.
It’s also possible to get to Can Tho via the Hau River, on a ferry from Ho Chi Minh City or from Cambodia.
How to get around Can Tho
If you have a Vietnam SIM card, download the Grab app on your phone. It works like Uber, allowing you to book a taxi or motorbike taxi (xe ôm) and pay per go, this ride hailing app is very popular in Vietnam.
Additionally, to get around the city freely, rent a motorbike for as low as VND 100,000 (~ 4USD) per day. Just ask your hotel or homestay front desk.
Best time to visit Can Tho, Vietnam
The best times of the year to visit Can Tho in Mekong Delta are from Jan-Feb and Apr-May, although the city is worth visiting year-round. Here’s the breakdown.
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Can Tho in Dry Season
From December to April, Can Tho experiences the dry season, making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.
Jan-Feb coincides with Tet Holiday (Vietnam’s lunar new year), when flowers bloom and the weather stays cool. During this time, you can enjoy Can Tho at its most vibrant, with flower decorations lining the streets, traditional celebrations in homes, and local delicacies available everywhere.
Can Tho’s Rainy Season
From May to November, Can Tho experiences the rainy season. Since most activities are outdoors, you might want to avoid visiting during this time when rain is most frequent.
That said, it doesn’t rain all day, every day. Typically, showers last for a couple of hours each day, several days a week. You’ll still have plenty of time to explore the city’s top attractions.
April to May is an excellent time to visit the orchards in Can Tho, as this is the harvest season for popular fruits like durians and mangosteens.
What to Eat in Can Tho: Must-Try Local Foods in the Mekong Delta
You might not find these in a typical Can Tho Travel Guide on what to eat while in Can Tho. Here are teh recommended foods i suggest you to try, they are delicious, local and cheap;
- Street food at one of Can Tho’s night markets
- Gỏi cuốn / Fresh spring rolls dipped in a special dark sauce.
- Bánh tằm bì for breakfast. A fresh mix of rice noodles, coconut milk, fish sauce, meat balls, and veggies
- Traditional local eatery at Hồi Đó eatery (54 Trần Bình Trọng Street).
- Ốc nướng tiêu / Grilled snails with pepper.
- Bánh cống / Cake made with rice flour
- Bánh xèo / Vietnamese pancakes. In Can Tho, they are rich in coconut
- Bánh tét / Long sticky rice cakes filled with green beans, pork, and salted egg yolks.
- Bánh hỏi Út Dzach: Fine rice vermicelli
