Can Tho

1. Visiting Cai Rang Floating Market in early morning

As being said, the market was formed by the Khmer people (originating in Cambodian) over a century ago, when road and transportation had not been developed yet. Nowadays, in spite of widely developed road transportation, the floating market remains and develops more bustling, still to be one of the largest trading hubs in the region. Opening early in the morning, packed into a section of the river, clusters of boats sell all sorts of fruits and vegetables grown in the Delta.

When local people and surrounding areas often use middle-size boats, canoes to carry agricultural products to consume, the big boats are owned by traders to deliver fruit everywhere, even Cambodia and China, and small boats that sell soft drinks, wine, and food for breakfast to serve market-goers and visitors.

Soaking up in the bustling atmosphere of the special market, you can feel and smell the true life here. Small hands of local people give bunches of yellow bananas as if they are moving a beam of sunlight into another boat, accompanied by simple English sentences uttered by sellers, which makes many tourists surprised by the friendliness of the locals. Staying long enough, you will see the life of many families with several generations living together on boats.

There are boats as “mobile apartments” on the river with flower pots, animals, and even TV, DVD…, which are not only the vehicle used to carry stocks but also the residence of the entire traders’ family. All daily activities are taken place on their boats. This is an amazing scene to witness and perhaps, can be found only in Can Tho Floating Market.

2. Wandering Ninh Kieu Wharf at night

Lying on the bank of Hau River, Ninh Kieu Wharf is the symbol of the harmonious life of Can Tho. Not only being the gateway to discover Can Tho’s floating markets and orchards, but also a charming park on an area of 7,000sqm, featuring a flower garden, walking street, floating restaurants and night market. Stand on the ground of Ninh Kieu Wharf, you can enjoy the beautiful scenes of Hau River, Can Tho Harbor and Can Tho Bridge – the longest cable-stayed bridge in Southeast Asia.

3. Admiring Ong Pagoda

As the oldest pagoda in Can Tho, Ong Pagoda was built in the late 19th century and decorated according to the colorful architecture of Chinese people. This pagoda is where the locals to worship Kuang Kung, a deity symbolizing loyalty, justice, reason, intelligence, honor, and courage, among other merits.

The roof of the pagoda is made in double tiles, edged by dark green glazed tiles on the top, adorn by many many porcelain figures related to ancient legends, such as two dragons flaking the moon, carp changing into a dragon, and phoenix. At the roof’s each end stand the statues of people holding the sun and moon.

Approaching the engraved screen, the right side is dedicated to the Goddess of Fortune and the left side is reserved for the worship of General Ma Tien. In the center of the temple is Kuang Kung flanked by the God of Earth and the God of Finance. Wandering through its fragrant-smoke-filled interior is very enjoyable. This is a tourist destination in Can Tho you should not miss.

4. Be impressed with Pitu Khosa Rangsay Pagoda

Boasting a splendid architecture that captures your eyes with its glimmering golden roof, Pitu Khosa Rangsay is among the best Khmer pagodas in the Mekong Delta. The sanctum of the pagoda has three floors while the pagoda’s stupa above is adorned with delicate Khmer patterns and images such as dragons, Fairy Kayano, sacred bird Krud, Goddess Teppanom… At the sanctum, statues of Shakyamuni made of stone are finely carved. The look of the pagoda and a view from the balcony is very impressive.

5. Discovering Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery

Considered to be the largest monastery in the Mekong Delta, Truc Lam Phuong Nam Monastery is located in the historical relic area of Can Tho that covers an area of 38,000sqm. The architecture of the monastery is inspired by the Ly – Tran dynasty period, which was about a thousand years ago.

The materials to build the monastery were carefully selected with 800-years-old woods. The monks here are super hospitable, and during their mealtimes, you can stop by their dining house to try authentic vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine for free!

6. Exploring Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary

As one of the few spots in Can Tho to see the biodiversity of the Mekong Delta wetlands, which located in Thot Not District, Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary is a magnificent 1.3-hectare bird sanctuary with astonishing views of thousands of resident storks and snowy egrets.

There is a tall viewing platform to see the birds filling the branches, but the best times to view this incredible sight are around dawn and dusk, as from 6 AM to 7 AM the storks fly off to search for foods, and from 5 PM to 6 PM when they return. It’s just a must-see peaceful scene in the rural area of Can Tho.

7. Enjoying My Khanh Eco-tourism Village

My Khanh Eco-tourism area is one of the most attractive eco-tourism spots of Can Tho, as it is a convergence of the quintessential river culture with a lot of specialty fruits and local cuisine. Located between two floating markets, Cai Rang and Phong Dien, My Khanh Village boasts bountifulness of the nature and a peaceful atmosphere of a garden that perfectly meets the needs of entertainment and relaxation.

The whole garden covering an area of more than 50,000sqm is a large orchard with more than 20 species of plants. Not only plants to see here, But My Khanh garden also has many things to experience like monkey circus, dog and pig races, boating, crocodiles fishing, watching Don Ca Tai Tu performance, tasting southern delicacies like sizzling cake, Khot cake, grilled corn, grilled chicken and fish…

Banh Xeo (Sizzling Pancake): Is the favorite street food of Can Tho. Raw materials for making pancakes are rice flour mixed with coconut milk, turmeric, shrimp, meat … The pancake rolls with rice veggies (spicy green mustard, lettuce, aromatic herbs, basil, bananas, sliced star fruit …) Depending on taste, you can put pancakes with fish sauce or soy sauce.

Bun Rieu Cua (Noodle with crab): A noodle soup with tomato crab and rice vermicelli and a dumpling/cake made of paddy crab and shrimp paste. The broth is rich with flavors, served with fresh herbs, making it an ultimate breakfast dish.

Lau Mam (Fish-sauce Hotpot): This hotpot has a unique combo of saltiness, sweetness, and an aromatic flavor of fish sauce, and is made with numerous types of fresh vegetables harvested in the delta. A must-try dish when you traveling Can Tho and expect the authentic cuisine.

Nem Nuong (Grilled Meat Rolls): Was made from fresh pork chops and some spices of the Mekong Delta. Nem Nuong often is shaped into a ball, stuck on bamboo sticks, and grilled on charcoal stoves. This is a delicacy of Can Tho that fits any meal of the day.

Baked rolls: Grilled rolls made with lean pork, soaked in a smooth paste to add diced fat and flavored garlic, sugar, salt … with a fingertip. The seller skewered or clamped the meat on the bamboo chopsticks placed on the embers of blisters, fat and small, smoky, fragrant fumes.

Can Tho is a large city with many attractions to visit. However, we believe in this 2-day itinerary will not skip you from enjoying highlights of Can Tho. Let’s see where you can go, what you can do for your best experience traveling Can Tho in 4 hours.

Day 1: Cai Rang Floating Market – Ong Pagoda – Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery – Ninh Kieu Wharf

AM: Sign up for a boat tour heading to Cai Rang Floating Market. Have a light breakfast and experience the hectic riverways and chaotic trading of the locals on the river. Then get back on land and visit Ong Pagoda for great sightseeing.

PM: Visit Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery and enjoy a peaceful view in the afternoon. Take a walk along the street to Ninh Kieu Wharf. Have dinner at a floating restaurant and join the night market in the late evening.

Day 2: My Khanh Eco-tourism Village – My Khanh Eco-tourism Village – City tour

AM: Visit My Khanh Eco-tourism Village in the early morning to discover the wildlife of storks. Then head to My Khanh Eco-tourism Village to enjoy a wide range of fresh fruits and hiking around the attraction.

PM: Back to town and have a city tour on foot. Spend time to discover how local life is taking place and experience some great street foods.

If you are a veteran backpacker, please feel free to manage the trip your own and alter it when needed, else, we recommend you join a tour organized by a professional company, that can free you from hassles and keep you safe throughout the journey.

Can Tho possess sunny climate and mild weather all year round, and every season in Can Tho delivers its own charm for tourists to be delighted.

Summer (around June, July, and August) is the season of fruit ripening in Can Tho so if you like to explore the lush fruit gardens and taste the most freshness of them, come to Can Tho during this time.

September to November is the season of floating water. Coming to Can Tho this season you will see water flooded with white rice fields, an interesting scene to watch.

From December to January/ February of the solar calendar is the time near the Tet festival. Come to Can Tho on this occasion to immerse yourself in the colorful flowers and festive atmosphere.

By bus: You can catch a bus from the Western Bus Station (at Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City) with the time to travel to Can Tho is 3 hours.

By plane: The Can Tho International Airport was available since 2011, and you can catch a flight via Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet Air.

By motorbike: You can choose motorbike when departing from Saigon to Can Tho. Although renting a motorbike is not a big deal, but we do not encourage you to do this, especially when you first come to Vietnam. Ensure your safety first.

 Throughout this article, we wish you to have an idea of how to travel to Can Tho for your best experience. In case you are looking for your own travel agent, who can offer a wonderful and hassle-free trip to Can Tho, please feel free to let us know. We always commit our best to make it your once-in-a-lifetime journey.