Can Tho, Vietnam Travel Guide: Best Things to Experience

Can Tho, Vietnam is the heart of Vietnam’s southern waterways, famous for its floating markets, lush landscapes, and vibrant local culture. This guide highlights the best things to do in this place, including attractions, experiences, travel tips, and the ideal time to visit, so you can make the most of your adventure.

1. What is Can Tho, Vietnam Known For?

Can Tho is the largest city in southern Vietnam’s river region and a hub for Mekong Delta tours. Located about 170 km from Ho Chi Minh City, it’s known for its riverside charm, delicious food, and the iconic floating market. For many, this is the first stop when setting out to explore Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. 

It connects to the wider Mekong Delta through winding canals, lush orchards, and peaceful villages. On a Can Tho tour, you’ll drift through waterways, visit countryside homes, and savor the region’s unhurried pace. From Ho Chi Minh City, whether by boat or road, getting here is part of the adventure.

If you’re heading to Can Tho, you’re in the perfect gateway to the broader Mekong Delta experience.

>>> Read more our complete guide Mekong Delta: Everything You Need for the Perfect Trip 

2. Best things to do in Can Tho, Vietnam?

Can Tho, often considered the heart of the Mekong Delta, offers a vibrant mix of river life, bustling markets, and rich cultural traditions. When it comes to Can Tho Vietnam attractions, travelers can explore floating markets, pagodas, and local villages.

And if you’re asking “Can Tho Vietnam be worth it?”, the answer is yes. Its lively markets, cultural sites, and calm riverside views make it a memorable stop in southern Vietnam.

2.1. Visit Can Tho Floating Markets

Start your day at sunrise in Cai Rang or Phong Dien, where wooden boats brim with tropical fruits, vegetables, and local specialties. It’s one of the most authentic ways to experience river life in the Mekong River Delta.

2.2. Stroll Along Ninh Kieu Wharf

Take a leisurely walk along Ninh Kieu Wharf, lined with shady trees, riverside coffee, and views of boats gliding past on the Hau River – a perfect spot to soak in the city’s charm.

2.3. Step Inside Can Tho’s Ancient Houses and Pagodas

Discover Binh Thuy Ancient House and Ong Pagoda for a glimpse into the region’s history.

2.4. Taste the Local Food

Try Can Tho’s specialties like grilled snakehead fish, banh xeo, and tropical fruits fresh from the orchards.

2.5. Discover Quiet Waterways by Boat

Join a Can Tho, Vietnam tour to drift through peaceful waterways, watch life unfold along the riverbanks, and soak in the charm of southern Vietnam.

Whether you choose a day trip or a multi-day Can Tho itinerary, the city offers endless ways to connect with its culture, history, and landscapes.

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2.6. What to do in Can Tho, Vietnam at Night

As evening falls, a different side of Can Tho comes to life. If you’re wondering what to do in Can Tho at night, here are some favorite picks:

• Night markets & street food – Stroll through Can Tho Night Market for grilled seafood, tropical fruits, and local snacks that capture the flavors of the Mekong Delta.
• Riverside promenade & Ninh Kieu Wharf – Enjoy the evening breeze along the waterfront, where the city lights reflect on the Hau River.
• Local coffee shops & live music – Settle into a riverside café or a cozy bar with acoustic performances for a laid-back night out.

From lively markets to peaceful riverside walks, Can Tho’s nightlife blends local culture with relaxed vibes, making it a perfect way to end your day in the Mekong Delta.

3. Can Tho, How to get there?

It’s surprisingly simple to get to Can Tho, with travel options to suit every budget and style.

3.1. Ho Chi Minh to Can Tho, Vietnam by Boat

Cruising from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho by boat lets you soak in the river life before you even arrive. You’ll glide past lush riverbanks, stilt houses, and small fishing villages, giving you a first taste of Mekong life before you even arrive. Victoria Voyages’ cruises transform the transfer into a scenic journey, offering both day trips and multi-day itineraries.

3.2. Other Transport Options – Bus, Car, Flights

• Bus: Frequent and affordable, buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho take around 3–4 hours, departing from multiple stations.
• Private Car: A great choice if you want comfort and flexibility, with the bonus of stopping at interesting spots along the way.
• Flights: Can Tho International Airport links the Mekong Delta with cities such as Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc, making it a convenient option for longer trips.

4. Best Time to Visit Can Tho

Can Tho has the same tropical weather as the rest of the Mekong Delta, with a clear difference between the dry months and the rainy months. For a more detailed look at the seasons, plus advice on when to travel, you can read our full guide here: Best time to Visit the Mekong River Delta

4.1. Dry Season (December – April)

• Pleasant, sunny weather with minimal rainfall – perfect for river cruises.
• Flower season in Sa Dec, filling the town with vibrant colors.
• Cai Rang Floating Market at its liveliest, with boats loaded with fresh produce.

4.2. Wet Season (May – November)

• Lush green scenery and quieter travel experience with fewer tourists.
• Unique activities like boat rides through flooded Tra Su Cajuput Forest.
• Peak tropical fruit season, with rambutan, mangosteen, and durian at their freshest.

Can Tho is more than just the gateway to the Mekong Delta, it’s a place where daily life on the river meets warm local traditions. You can visit the busy floating markets, try regional dishes, or take a boat ride through small canals to see how people live along the waterways.

>>> Don’t hesitate to start planning your trip today and make Can Tho the starting point of your Mekong adventure here.