Can Tho is a famous destination in southern Vietnam. Located in the heart of the Mekong, it is the largest city in the region. It is known for its floating markets on the Mekong Delta, its rice leaf-making village and picturesque canals.
It is generally warm all year round. There are 2 main seasons in Can Tho. The rainy season lasts from May to November, the dry season from December to April. The average temperature is 27°C. With a mild climate, you can travel to Can Tho all year round.
You can get to Can Tho by bus from Ho Chi Minh City (3.5 hours). There is also an international airport at Can Tho, which makes the place accessible from all over Vietnam..
What to visit?
Cai Rang Floating Market. It is the most famous of its kind. It takes place every day from 5am to 9am: it is therefore necessary to get up early to observe the functioning of the market. The locals sell and buy all the products they use every day. Now is the time to buy local products at an affordable price.
You can even eat local specialities, cooked on boats. Try the bun rieu cua: tomato broth, with crab or shrimp paste.
Cost: A two-hour trip per person costs between VND 40,000 and 80,000 ($2-4).
Tip: don’t miss the Can Tho land market, which is also very typical. You won’t see many tourists there.
The Ninh Kieu wharf. Not only the most famous place of Can Tho, but also the symbol of the city. Located on the banks of the Hau River, you can see the Can Tho bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Southeast Asia, with a total length of 16 km.
Binh Thuy’s old house. This house belongs to the Duong family. It is the oldest house in the Mekong Delta. It has a western-style architecture, but still retains many of the traditional characteristics of the rural areas of the Mekong delta of the 20th century. During your trip to Can Tho, also take the time to stroll through the beautiful orchid garden.The house is located 7 km north of Can Tho: you have to take a taxi or rent motorbikes to get there.
You will be greeted by Mr. Binh’s daughter, Thuy, who speaks French very well.
Address: 26/1, Bui Huu Nghia Street, Binh Thuy Ward
Opening hours: 8:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 18:00
Price: VND 20,000 (less than $1)
Activities
Cycle along the canals. Around your home, you can take a bike ride along the canals. Take advantage of this walk to appreciate the smile of the locals who live there. There is usually no definite route but ask the host who greets you to indicate a path.
Take a boat ride. Opt for the boat tour to see the floating markets in the morning, but also enjoy a boat tour on the Mekong. During your trip to Can Tho, take a stroll in the small shady canals. And above all, opt for a ride on a wooden rowboat, typical of the Mekong delta.
Where to eat?
Restaurant Sao Hom .
This is often the first place you will be advised by someone. Enjoy the anglophone, professional and smiling staff. The menu is very varied, but don’t miss the coconut ice cream for dessert. Try Vietnamese wine too: the bottle only costs VND 240,000 ($10).
Address: Hai Ba Trung, Can Tho, Vietnam
Opening hours: 07:00 - 23:00, daily
Price: from VND 90,000 ($3.50) for a dish
Mekong 1965.
This family-run establishment is certainly one of the best in Can Tho. Sitting across the river, enjoy authentic food served by a charming family. The recipes have been made since 1965, when the restaurant opened.
Address: 38 Hai Ba Trung, Can Tho, Vietnam
Opening hours: 15:00 - 22:00, daily
Price: from VND 50,000 ($2) for a dish
Nem Nuong Thanh Van .
Simple and effective cuisine: the best criticism of this restaurant. It is a place where locals love to eat. You can then taste nem nuong: fresh spring rolls, to roll yourself.
Address: 17 Hoa Binh Avenue, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho, Vietnam
Opening hours: 6.30am - 9.30pm, daily
Price: $2 per nem nuong dish, per person
Where to stay?
During your trip to Can Tho, sleep in "homestays", the best place to enjoy the local culture. They are usually located outside the city centre of Can Tho. You will then sleep in small bamboo houses, on the edge of the Mekong, in a very quiet place. The family that welcomes you will then serve you a very good meal. You can also find bicycles to rent for free for the day.
Small budget ($): Nguyen Shack
The accommodation is in a remote village on the banks of the Mekong. Every day, your host family will invite you to visit different tourist places: the floating market, pagodas, but also a wine and rice producer. The reception is open 24/7 and breakfast is included.
Count from $20 for a night for 2 people in a double room with shared bathroom.
Address: Ong Tiem Bridge, Thanh My Area, Thuong Thanh Ward, Cai Rang District, Can Tho, Vietnam
Small budget ($): Dan Sinh Homestay
This homestay is 6 km from Cai Rang Floating Market. It offers free bike rental. During your stay, you can enjoy a walk around this small village: the environment has remained very natural. Do not miss to taste the delicious meals concocted by the family that welcomes you there.
Expect about $10 per night for 2 people in a standard double room.
Address: Ong Tiem Bridge, Thanh Hoa, Thuong Thanh District, Can Tho, Vietnam
Medium budget ($$): Mekong Rustic Can Tho
The hotel offers elegant accommodation that differs from the homestay. At this hotel in the city centre, the staff does their best to offer you the best possible stay with luxury services and facilities: delicious meals, cleaning products available, free tea, bath towels, etc.
Count from 40$ for a night in a private bungalow for 2 people
Address: 02 Nhon Loc 1 Hamlet, Phong Dien District, Can Tho, Vietnam