Can Tho, the largest city in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, offers a deep dive into authentic riverine life, most notably through its bustling floating markets. It serves as a tranquil base for exploring a network of canals, lush fruit orchards, and verdant rice paddies, alongside experiencing vibrant local culture and cuisine.
The most prominent area for socializing with other travelers and locals is around Ninh Kieu Wharf. This riverside promenade comes alive in the evenings with restaurants, cafes, and skybars, offering opportunities for relaxed interactions. Additionally, the city's night markets provide a lively atmosphere for enjoying street food and mingling.
Top 6 Things to do in Can Tho
Activities in Can Tho primarily revolve around exploring its intricate waterways, vibrant floating markets, traditional crafts, and local culinary delights.
1. Cai Rang Floating Market and Small Canals Tour
Embark on an early morning boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most famous floating market in the Mekong Delta. Witness hundreds of boats bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, local dishes, and handicrafts. It is recommended to go early, ideally around 5:00 AM, to experience the market at its most lively. Following the market, explore the serene, hidden smaller canals to observe daily riverine life away from the crowds. Many tours include breakfast on the boat, such as noodle soup or Vietnamese coffee.
Cost: A group boat tour typically costs between $2 USD to $4 USD per person for just the market, while half-day tours that include other stops like noodle factories or fruit gardens can range from $25 USD to $60 USD per person. Private tours can be negotiated at Ninh Kieu Wharf, with prices ranging from 450,000 VND to 550,000 VND (approximately $18.50 to $22.60 USD) for a boat.
Transport: Boats for the floating market tours typically depart from Ninh Kieu Wharf, which is centrally located in Can Tho and easily accessible by walking or a short taxi ride from most city accommodations.
2. Visit a Local Fruit Orchard
Explore one of Can Tho's many lush tropical fruit orchards, such as My Khanh or 9 Hong. These orchards offer a chance to walk among fruit-bearing trees like durian, rambutan, longan, and mangosteen. Visitors can often taste seasonal fruits and learn about fruit cultivation. Some orchards also offer additional activities like traditional cake making or rowing a boat through their canals.
Cost: Entrance fees are typically around 50,000 VND (approximately $2.05 USD), which often includes a complimentary set of seasonal fruits. Some options allow for fruit picking and all-you-can-eat experiences for a higher ticket price.
Transport: Many floating market tours combine a visit to a fruit orchard. Alternatively, you can reach orchards located slightly outside the city center by taxi or motorbike. For example, My Khanh Tourist Village is a popular option.
3. Explore Binh Thuy Ancient House
Discover the Binh Thuy Ancient House, a well-preserved example of French colonial architecture blended with traditional Vietnamese design. This historic house, dating back to the late 19th century, showcases intricate carvings, antique furnishings, and lush gardens. It offers a glimpse into the city's storied past and the lifestyle of wealthy families in the Mekong Delta.
Cost: Information on specific entrance fees for self-guided visits is not consistently available, but generally, historical houses in Vietnam have a small entry fee, often less than 20,000 VND. Many city tours may include this as part of their itinerary.
Transport: Binh Thuy Ancient House is located a few kilometers north of the city center. It is accessible by taxi or motorbike, typically a 15-20 minute ride.
4. Attend a Vietnamese Cooking Class
Participate in a hands-on cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Mekong Delta dishes. Many classes combine a visit to a local market to select fresh ingredients with a cooking session, allowing participants to understand Vietnamese culinary traditions. Dishes often include spring rolls and pancakes, with some classes offering farm-to-table experiences using locally grown ingredients.
Cost: The average cost for cooking classes in Can Tho typically ranges from $20 USD to $50 USD per session, depending on duration and inclusions. Some motorbike and cooking class tours are available from around $31.50 USD.
Transport: Many cooking classes offer complimentary pickup from central Can Tho hotels.
5. Wander Through Can Tho Night Markets
Experience the vibrant evening atmosphere by visiting one of Can Tho's night markets. Ninh Kieu Night Market, located near Ninh Kieu Wharf, is a popular spot with diverse food stalls and souvenir shops. Other options include Tran Phu Night Market, known for street food, and Tay Do Night Market, which offers a wide range of merchandise and a distinctive East Asian architectural design. These markets are ideal for sampling local street food, finding unique souvenirs, and observing local life after dark.
Cost: Entry to the night markets is free. Food and souvenirs are available at affordable prices.
Transport: Ninh Kieu Night Market and Tay Do Night Market are centrally located and can be reached by a short walk or a cheap taxi/motorbike taxi ride from most city accommodations. Tay Do Night Market is about 1 km west of the city center.
6. Visit Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm
Explore the Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm to learn about the cacao cultivation and chocolate-making process. This family-run farm has been growing cacao since the 1960s. Visitors can taste homemade cocoa products and enjoy the tranquil rural setting.
Cost: Specific entrance fees for the farm are not widely listed, but it is often included as a stop in boat tours, suggesting a low or no standalone entry fee.
Transport: Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm is located in My Ai Hamlet, My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien District. It is commonly visited as part of a boat tour that often combines it with floating markets, or it can be reached by taxi or motorbike from the city center.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
