Can Tho, the vibrant heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is one of the most fascinating destinations for international travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. Famous for its floating markets, peaceful riverside landscapes, tropical fruit orchards, and friendly local communities, Can Tho offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure. This complete Can Tho travel guide for foreign tourists provides everything you need to explore the city with ease — from must-visit attractions and rural experiences to transportation tips, recommended itineraries, and local insights. Whether you’re visiting for one day or planning a longer stay, this guide ensures you enjoy Can Tho like a true local.

Can Tho Travel Guide: Top Attractions, How to Get Around & Everything You Need to Know
Located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is a warm, vibrant, and charming riverside city known for its floating markets, lush fruit gardens, friendly people, and authentic rural experiences. For foreign travelers, Can Tho offers an unforgettable look into Vietnamese culture — especially life on the river.

This complete travel guide will help you explore all the must-visit attractions in Can Tho easily, with clear directions, what to expect, entrance fees, tips, and local insights.
https://thuexecantho.com/car-rental-in-can-tho/
1. Introduction to Can Tho
Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta, famous for:
- Cai Rang Floating Market – one of the world’s most unique markets
- Lush fruit orchards
- Beautiful rivers and canals
- Traditional countryside villages
- Historic temples and pagodas
- Local cuisine with rich Mekong flavors
Most travelers visit Can Tho for 1–3 days, but with the number of attractions available, it’s worth staying longer.
https://thuexecantho.com/can-tho-motorbike-rental/
2. How to Get to Can Tho
From Ho Chi Minh City
- By bus: 3–4 hours (Phuong Trang, Thanh Buoi, etc.)
- By private car: 3 hours, comfortable and flexible
- By flight: ~45 minutes from Tan Son Nhat to Can Tho International Airport
From Phu Quoc
- Direct flights available daily (45 minutes)
From other Mekong destinations (Chau Doc, Rach Gia, Soc Trang, Vinh Long)
Private car or bus is the easiest option.
3. How to Get Around Can Tho
Foreign travelers can move around Can Tho easily by:
✔ Taxi/Grab
Available everywhere and cheap.
✔ Private Car or Motorbike Rental
Most comfortable for exploring rural areas and floating markets.
✔ Boat Tours
Essential for visiting Cai Rang Floating Market & river attractions.
4. Best Time to Visit Can Tho
- Dry season (Dec – April): Best weather
- Fruit season (May – Aug): Lots of orchard tours
- Floating market open year-round
5. Top Attractions in Can Tho (Complete Guide)
Below is the most complete list of all must-see destinations for visitors.
5.1 Cai Rang Floating Market – The Heart of Can Tho
Why visit:
The biggest and most authentic floating market in Vietnam, recognized by CNN and UNESCO as one of the most unique cultural markets in Asia.
What to expect:
- Boats selling fruits, coffee, noodles
- A lively river culture
- Breakfast on the river (try “hu tieu” noodle soup served on a boat!)
- Friendly local vendors
Best time:
5:30 AM – 8:00 AM
How to go:
Take a boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf (30–40 min ride)
Travel tips:
- Start early
- Bring a camera
- Try pineapple and fresh fruits bought directly from local boats
5.2 Ninh Kieu Wharf – Can Tho’s Riverside Icon
Why visit:
This riverfront area is the symbol of Can Tho.
Highlights:
- Walking along the riverside
- Night market with street food
- River cruises with live music
- A beautiful park overlooking Hau River
Best time:
Evening – cool weather, local nightlife
5.3 Ninh Kieu Night Market
A lively night market perfect for:
- Street food
- Souvenirs
- Local snacks
- Exploring local Mekong culture
Try grilled seafood, fruit smoothies, bánh tráng nướng, and coconut candies.
5.4 Ong Pagoda (Chùa Ông)
Description:
Over 100 years old, built by Chinese immigrants. Known for incense coils and colorful architecture.
Why visit:
Beautiful, unique, and extremely photogenic.
Location:
Near Ninh Kieu Wharf, easy to walk.
5.5 Can Tho Museum
What you’ll see:
- Mekong Delta history
- Cultural artifacts
- Life of ancient river communities
- Local ethnic groups
Why visit:
Helps foreigners understand the cultural background of the region.
5.6 Binh Thuy Ancient House
What is it:
A famous 150-year-old French-style house used in several movies, including The Lover.
Why it’s special:
- Beautiful architecture
- Unique mix of Vietnamese and French styles
- Historic family residence with antiques
Tip:
Great spot for photography.
5.7 Binh Thuy Orchid Garden
Near Binh Thuy Ancient House, a peaceful place with:
- Hundreds of orchid varieties
- Tropical plants
- Beautiful walking paths
Perfect for nature lovers.
5.8 Son Islet (Cồn Sơn)
What to expect:
A peaceful rural island village with:
- Fish feeding shows (thousands of fish jumping!)
- Floating fish farms
- Fruit gardens
- Local homestay experiences
- Friendly residents
You can also experience making bánh xèo, bánh kẹp, or coconut products.
Why visit:
A true Mekong countryside experience.
5.9 Phong Dien Floating Market
Smaller than Cai Rang but more authentic and less touristy.
Best for:
Travelers wanting a quiet market with local vibes.
5.10 Bang Lang Stork Garden
Description:
The largest bird sanctuary in the Mekong Delta.
What you’ll see:
- Thousands of storks
- Birds flying at sunset
- Beautiful natural scenery
Best time:
5 PM – sunset
5.11 Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery
Why visit:
One of the largest Buddhist temples in the Southwest.
Highlights:
- Peaceful gardens
- Beautiful Vietnamese architecture
- Meditative atmosphere
5.12 Can Tho Bridge
A modern symbol of the city.
Best way to experience:
View it at night from the river cruise.
5.13 Fruit Gardens (Orchards) in Can Tho
Can Tho is famous for tropical fruits:
- Rambutan
- Mangosteen
- Durian
- Longan
- Star apple
- Guava
- Pineapple
Recommended orchards:
- My Khanh Tourist Village
- 9 Hong Fruit Garden
- Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm
- Con Son fruit gardens
5.14 My Khanh Tourist Village
A large eco-tourism area with:
- Fruit gardens
- Mini zoo
- Folk games
- Southern cultural shows
- Boat rides
Great for families.
5.15 Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm
What to expect:
- Learn about cacao growing
- Taste chocolate drinks
- See traditional chocolate-making methods
A unique spot for chocolate lovers.
5.16 Can Tho Eco-Tourism Areas (Full List)
✔ Lung Cot Cau
✔ Can Tho Ecolodge Area
✔ Bao Gia Trang Vien
✔ Flower gardens around Ninh Kieu
6. Culture & Local Experiences You Should Try
✔ Mekong Cooking Class
Learn to make bánh xèo, Vietnamese spring rolls, and Mekong dishes.
✔ Boat Tour to Floating Market
A must-do in Can Tho.
✔ Visit Countryside Villages
Ride bicycles through rice fields and fruit gardens.
✔ Try Mekong Foods
- Grilled snakehead fish
- Bánh xèo
- Fresh fruits
- Coconut desserts
7. Suggested Itineraries (Easy for Foreign Travelers)
1-Day Itinerary
- Cai Rang Floating Market
- Breakfast on the river
- Cacao farm
- Binh Thuy Ancient House
- Dinner at Ninh Kieu Wharf
2-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
Floating Market → Fruit Garden → Binh Thuy Ancient House
Day 2:
Son Islet → Bang Lang Stork Garden → Night Market
3-Day Full Experience
Include eco-tourism areas, cooking class, and temple visits.
8. Travel Tips for Foreign Tourists
- Wake up early for floating markets
- Wear light clothes (tropical weather)
- Bring sunscreen & hat
- Keep your phone charged for photos
- Cash is useful for small purchases
- Boat tours can be booked at Ninh Kieu Wharf
9. Why Travelers Love Can Tho
- Friendly locals
- Authentic Mekong culture
- Peaceful riverside life
- Unique food
- Amazing floating markets
- Affordable travel cost
- Beautiful countryside
10. Conclusion
Can Tho is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich destinations in Vietnam. With floating markets, ancient houses, tropical fruit gardens, peaceful villages, and vibrant night markets, the city offers everything a traveler looking for authentic experiences would love.
Whether you stay for one day or a week, this guide will help you explore Can Tho comfortably and easily.


