Experience the electric energy of Can Tho Night Market – a vibrant riverside bazaar in Ninh Kiều Ward, Cần Thơ City, where rows of food, clothing, and souvenir stalls serve sizzling street food, affordable fashion, and handmade souvenirs under the glow of neon lights and the iconic Can Tho Bridge.
In this guide, Mekong Smile covers opening hours, typical food and shopping prices, how to get there, a suggested evening walking route, practical safety and payment tips, nearby attractions, and how to combine the market with our Can Tho Food Tour.
Last updated: August 2026 by Mekong Smile. This guide is part of our Can Tho Travel Guide series.
Which Can Tho Night Market Do Travelers Mean?
The name “Can Tho Night Market” is used inconsistently across maps, travel guides, and official sources to refer to several different market zones around central Ninh Kiều Ward. Market names and boundaries may be used differently across local maps and tourism sources. To avoid confusion, here is how the main areas are laid out:
| Area | Street(s) | What You Will Find |
| Ninh Kiều Night Market / Tây Đô Night Market (this guide) | Hai Ba Trung Street, running from near the Old Market to the Pedestrian Bridge | Mixed: street food, souvenirs, fashion, accessories. The zone this guide focuses on. |
| Ninh Kiều Food Zone | Phan Boi Chau Street & Phan Chu Trinh Street | Dedicated street food zone with sit-down stalls, grilled seafood, hotpot, and local specialties. Roughly a 5-minute walk from Hai Ba Trung. |
| Fashion & Accessories Zone | Nguyen Thai Hoc Street | Clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories. Adjacent to the food zone. |
| Tran Phu Night Market / Song Hau Park | Tran Phu Street, near Song Hau Park | A smaller, separate night market. Less central for most tourists. |
This guide focuses on the Ninh Kiều Night Market along Hai Ba Trung Street. The food zone on Phan Boi Chau/Phan Chu Trinh is covered in the walking route below, as it is only a short walk away.
Google Maps:
Overview
At a Glance
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Location: Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kiều Ward, Cần Thơ City (at Ninh Kiều Wharf)
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Site Type: Riverside Night Bazaar – mixed street food, fashion, and souvenir market
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Atmosphere: Lively, family-friendly, with river breezes and views of the illuminated Can Tho Bridge
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Key Highlights: Traditional “Áo Bà Ba” clothing, handmade river-themed souvenirs, Bánh tráng nướng (grilled rice paper – often called “Mekong Pizza”), and photography spots along the promenade
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Typical Visit Duration: 1-2 hours (easily combined with the Ninh Kiều Pedestrian Bridge and nearby food zone)
The Story of Hai Ba Trung Night Market
Hai Ba Trung Street has long been Cần Thơ’s main trading gateway along the Hậu River. Today, that commercial tradition continues in a more festive form – stalls are neatly lined up facing the river, and visitors can browse local crafts, try street food, and watch cruise boats pass by.
Planning Your Visit
Location
The Ninh Kiều Night Market runs along Hai Ba Trung Street, positioned between the Old Market and the Can Tho Pedestrian Bridge. The food zone (Phan Boi Chau / Phan Chu Trinh) and fashion zone (Nguyen Thai Hoc) are a 3-5 minute walk inland from the riverside.
How to Get There
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By Foot: If you are staying in Ninh Kiều Ward, follow Hai Ba Trung Street toward the river – a convenient evening destination for travelers staying near Ninh Kieu Wharf.
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By Boat: Some visitors arrive at Ninh Kiều Wharf via sunset cruises, stepping directly into the market area.
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The Mekong Smile Way: We include the Ninh Kiều Night Market as a highlight of our Can Tho Food Tour . A local guide helps explain the dishes, ingredients, ordering process, and cultural context.
Opening Hours
Typical operating hours: Most stalls begin setting up in the late afternoon and operate until approximately 10:00-11:00 PM. Individual opening times may vary by section, vendor, and weather conditions. The busiest period is usually between 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM.
Sources differ on exact hours – Cần Thơ tourism materials note 5:00 PM-10:00 PM while other official references note 5:00 PM-11:00 PM. These times are provided as a guide; check current conditions upon arrival.
Price Guide: Food, Shopping & Souvenirs
The following ranges are general estimates compiled in August 2026. Actual prices vary by stall, portion size, and ingredients.
Approximate exchange rate used in this guide: $1 ≈ 26,000 VND. Exchange rates may vary.
Street Food & Drinks
| Item | Typical Price (VND) |
|---|---|
| Grilled Skewers (pork, seafood, vegetable) | 10,000 - 20,000 /skewer |
| Bánh Tráng Nướng (Grilled Rice Paper - "Mekong Pizza") | 20,000 - 30,000 |
| Fruit Smoothies / Fresh Juices | 20,000 - 35,000 |
| Sticky Rice with Durian or Coconut | 25,000 - 40,000 |
| Grilled Corn with Scallion Oil | 15,000 - 20,000 |
Souvenirs & Gifts
| Item | Typical Price (VND) |
|---|---|
| Souvenir Fridge Magnets | 15,000 - 30,000 |
| Handmade Keychains | 10,000 - 25,000 |
| Mekong Conical Hat (small/decorative) | 30,000 - 50,000 |
| Woven Rattan Handbags | 150,000 - 350,000 |
Fashion & Clothing
| Item | Typical Price (VND) |
|---|---|
| Can Tho Souvenir T-Shirt | 80,000 - 150,000 |
| Lightweight Summer Shorts | 50,000 - 100,000 |
| Cotton Scarves / Bandanas | 40,000 - 80,000 |
| Rubber Sandals | 60,000 - 120,000 |
Note: Many food stalls display prices, while prices may vary between vendors. Clothing and souvenir prices can sometimes be negotiated. Most stalls accept cash (VND) only – bring small notes (10,000–50,000 VND). ATMs are available near Ninh Kiều Wharf.
The Experience at Can Tho Night Market
The Street Food Safari
Walk along Hai Ba Trung Street and you will pass dozens of food stalls. Grilled pork skewers, tropical fruit smoothies, and the ever-popular Bánh tráng nướng (grilled rice paper with egg, dried shrimp, and scallion oil) are easy to find. For a guided food experience, join our Can Tho Food Tour – the tour includes four featured dishes followed by a local refreshment ($32/person, approximately 3 hours).
Local Fashion & Accessories
Browse through affordable clothing, handmade bags, and Mekong-style shirts. The fashion zone on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street (a short walk from the riverside) has a wider selection of clothing and accessories.
The Riverside Vibe
The Ninh Kiều section offers a promenade where you can walk along the Hậu River and watch cruise boats pass by. The Can Tho Bridge is illuminated at night and makes a popular photo backdrop.
Interact with Locals
The market is a popular evening spot for local families, students, and vendors – a good place to practice simple Vietnamese phrases and observe daily life in Cần Thơ.
Practical Safety and Payment Tips
A few practical notes to help your visit go smoothly:
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Check prices before ordering. Most food stalls display prices. If no price is shown, ask before ordering. Most skewers cost 10,000-20,000 VND at the time of writing – if a price seems unusually high, you can check another stall.
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Carry small VND notes. Most stalls only accept cash. Notes of 10,000-50,000 VND are practical, as vendors may not always have change for larger denominations.
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Keep your bag in front of you in crowded lanes. The market gets busy during peak hours (7:00-9:30 PM), and keeping your belongings within sight is a sensible precaution in any crowded public space.
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Use a ride-hailing app to return to your hotel. Grab is widely used in Cần Thơ and provides metered pricing. A ride within central Ninh Kiều Ward typically costs 20,000-40,000 VND.
– Book tours through official channels. Book through Mekong Smile’s official website, WhatsApp, hotline, tour desk, or verified partner channels. We do not sell tours on the street or at the market.
Suggested Evening Walking Route (60-90 Minutes)
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Start at Ninh Kiều Pedestrian Bridge (Love Bridge) – cross for a panoramic view of the city lights and the Hậu River.
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Walk along Hai Ba Trung Street – browse souvenir stalls, try a grilled skewer or a fresh fruit smoothie.
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Turn inland to Phan Boi Chau / Phan Chu Trinh (5-minute walk) – this is the dedicated food zone with sit-down stalls, grilled seafood, and local hotpot.
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Visit Ong Pagoda before the market, then continue to the riverside after sunset.
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End at the Old Market for a quieter architectural view.
Our Signature Can Tho Tours
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Can Tho Food Tour – “Walking, Wrap & Roll” – From $32/person, approximately 3 hours
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Can Tho City Tour – Feel the life on Hậu River – From $84/person, 7 hours
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Can Tho Sunset Tour – Romantic Mekong in Twilight – From $46/person, 2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Tho Night Market (FAQ)
What time does Can Tho Night Market open?
Most stalls begin setting up in the late afternoon and operate until approximately 10:00-11:00 PM. The busiest period is usually between 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM. Opening hours can vary by vendor, section, and weather – check current conditions upon arrival.
Where is Can Tho Night Market located?
The main riverside market runs along Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kiều Ward, Cần Thơ City, between the Old Market and the Can Tho Pedestrian Bridge. A dedicated food zone (Phan Boi Chau / Phan Chu Trinh) and fashion zone (Nguyen Thai Hoc) are a short walk inland. See the “Which Can Tho Night Market” section above for a map of all zones.
Is Can Tho Night Market safe for tourists?
Yes – the market is a popular, family-friendly evening destination. As with any crowded public space, keep your belongings within sight. See our Practical Safety and Payment Tips section above for more details.
What should I eat at Can Tho Night Market?
Popular items include Bánh tráng nướng (grilled rice paper with egg, dried shrimp, and scallion oil), grilled pork and seafood skewers, fresh fruit smoothies, sticky rice with durian or coconut, and grilled corn with scallion oil. For a wider food selection, walk 5 minutes inland to the food zone on Phan Boi Chau / Phan Chu Trinh Street.
How much money should I bring?
Budget approximately 100,000-200,000 VND per person for a satisfying food experience with a few drinks and snacks. Add extra if you plan to buy souvenirs. Most stalls only accept cash – bring small notes (10,000-50,000 VND). ATMs are available near Ninh Kiều Wharf.
Is the food hygienic?
Look for stalls with high customer turnover (a sign of fresh ingredients) and where food is cooked to order in front of you. As a general precaution, avoid pre-cooked seafood that has been sitting out for extended periods.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Credit cards are generally not accepted. Most stalls prefer cash, while some accept local QR bank transfers. Bring small bills as vendors may not have change for large denominations. Our guides can help you find the nearest ATM if needed.
How do I get to the night market from my hotel?
If you are staying in Ninh Kiều Ward, follow Hai Ba Trung Street toward the river. For other areas, use the Grab ride-hailing app – a ride within central Cần Thơ typically costs 20,000-40,000 VND.
Are there child-friendly food options?
Yes – non-spicy options include grilled corn, fresh fruit, sweet treats, and fruit smoothies. The main promenade along Hai Ba Trung is walkable, though the food zone on Phan Boi Chau can be narrow and crowded during peak hours – a stroller may be difficult there.
Can I combine the night market with a guided tour?
Yes. Mekong Smile’s Can Tho Food Tour includes four featured dishes followed by a local refreshment, with a guide who explains the dishes, ingredients, ordering process, and cultural context. From $32/person (approximately 3 hours). Book via mekongsmile.com or WhatsApp: +84 774 839 165.
When is the best season to visit?
The market operates year-round. The dry season (November-March) offers more pleasant evening weather. During the rainy season (May-October), bring an umbrella – the market stays open but some outdoor seating areas may close during heavy downpours.
