Experience the vibrant pulse of local life at Can Tho Beach, a unique man-made oasis situated right on the banks of the Hau River. Unlike typical coastal resorts, this freshwater beach offers a distinct Mekong Delta charm, serving as the city’s premier spot for sunset watching, kite flying, and admiring the magnificent Can Tho Bridge. This comprehensive Can Tho Beach travel guide goes beyond just the scenery; we provide an honest look at what to expect, essential details on location, operating hours, and transportation, alongside a curated list of Must-Try Experiences to help you plan your perfect riverfront trip.
An Overview of Can Tho Beach
A glance of Can Tho Beach
- Established: 2014
- Location: Song Hau Park, Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho (Near Victoria Resort)
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (Best visited after 4:00 PM)
- Entrance Fee: Free (Charges apply for sunbed rentals or jet ski services)
- Time Needed: 1 – 2 hours
- Famous For: Being the only “beach” in the city, panoramic views of Can Tho Bridge, kite flying, and water sports.
About Can Tho Beach
When you hear “beach” in the Mekong Delta, you might be surprised since Can Tho is an inland city located far from the sea. Can Tho Beach (Bãi Biển Cần Thơ) is actually a unique man-made freshwater beach situated right on the banks of the Hau River.
Located at the end of the Song Hau Park, this artificial stretch of sand offers a refreshing escape from the city heat. While you won’t find blue ocean waves here, you will find a lively atmosphere, golden sand imported to cover the muddy riverbank, and a spectacular unobstructed view of the majestic Can Tho Bridge. It is the perfect spot to feel the “pulse” of local life, where residents gather to exercise, fly kites, and enjoy the cool river breeze as the sun sets.
Video about Can Tho Beach
Planning Your Visit to Can Tho Beach
Location & Address
Can Tho Beach is located at the far end of the Cai Khe Islet (Cồn Cái Khế), nestled within the expansive grounds of Song Hau Park.
- Address: Song Hau Park, Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
- Landmark: It is situated right next to the luxurious Victoria Can Tho Resort. If you look at a map, it is at the exact point where the Can Tho River meets the larger Hau River, offering a panoramic view of the water.
Operating Hours & Schedule
While it is an open public space, the “vibe” of the beach changes drastically depending on the time of day.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.
- Best Time to Visit: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM. This is the golden window. The sun begins to set behind the bridge, the air cools down, and the beach comes alive with locals flying kites and relaxing.
- Avoid: Midday (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM) is extremely hot with very little shade on the sand.
Admission & Duration
- Entrance Fee: Free. You do not need to buy a ticket to walk on the sand or swim.
- Service Costs: While entry is free, if you want to sit on the lounge chairs or deck umbrellas provided by local vendors, you are usually expected to buy a drink (coconut, sugarcane juice, coffee) or pay a small rental fee (approx. 20,000 – 40,000 VND).
- Duration: Most travelers spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here—enough time to take photos with the Can Tho Bridge background, enjoy a cold drink, and watch the sunset.
How to Get There
Can Tho Beach is about 2.5 – 3 km from the city center (Ninh Kieu Wharf area).
- By Taxi or Grab Car:
- Simply set your destination to “Bãi Biển Cần Thơ” or “Công viên Sông Hậu”.
- Cost: About 40,000 – 60,000 VND from Ninh Kieu Wharf.
- By Motorbike:
- From the city center, head towards the Cai Khe Roundabout (the one with the fountain).
- Take the exit towards Le Loi Street or Song Hau Park. drive straight through the park until you reach the very end of the road. There is plenty of parking available near the beach entrance for about 5,000 VND.
- By Electric Cart (Xe Điện):
- In the evenings, electric tourist carts run frequently around the Ninh Kieu and Cai Khe areas. You can hop on one for a fun, breezy ride to the beach for a small fee (usually 10,000 – 20,000 VND/person).
Must-Try Experiences at Can Tho Beach
Since this is a city beach rather than a tropical island resort, the activities here focus less on swimming and more on enjoying the vibrant river atmosphere and the stunning views. Here is what you shouldn’t miss:
Admire the Can Tho Bridge at Sunset
The undisputed highlight of this beach is the view. As the sun begins to set (around 5:30 PM), the sky turns into a canvas of purple and orange behind the Can Tho Bridge—the longest main-span cable-stayed bridge in Southeast Asia at the time of its completion.
- The Best Shot: Stand near the water’s edge to get a photo of the bridge spanning across the Hau River. As night falls, the bridge lights up, casting shimmering reflections on the water, creating a romantic backdrop perfect for couples.
Thrilling Water Sports
For adrenaline seekers, Can Tho Beach is one of the few places in the city offering motorized water sports.
- Jet Skiing: You can rent a high-speed jet ski to zip across the wide expanse of the Hau River. It is a unique feeling to ride waves in the middle of a river rather than the ocean.
- Banana Boats & Canoeing: If you are traveling with a group of friends, the inflatable banana boat rides are a fun, laugh-filled activity.
- Note: Prices for these activities usually range from 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND depending on the duration and vehicle type.
Join the Local “Kite Flying” Culture
Because the beach is located at a wide bend in the river, it catches a constant, strong breeze, making it the premier spot for kite flying in the city.
- The Vibe: Every afternoon, hundreds of locals gather here. You will see the sky filled with colorful kites in shapes of octopuses, eagles, and cartoons.
- Join In: You don’t need to bring your own. Vendors walk along the beach selling affordable kites. It is a wholesome, nostalgic activity that connects you instantly with the local culture.
Relax with a Riverfront Drink
If active sports aren’t your thing, simply rent a deck chair under a thatched umbrella.
- Local Refreshments: Order a fresh coconut (dừa tươi) or a glass of sugarcane juice (nước mía) from the nearby stalls.
- People Watching: Sip your drink while watching the heavy barges and small sampans navigate the river. It’s a slow, peaceful way to understand the importance of the river to the Mekong Delta’s economy.
Insider Tips for an Enhanced Visit
To make sure you have a pleasant experience at this unique river beach, here are some honest tips from locals:
- Manage Your Expectations (The Water Color): It is important to remember that this is a river beach, not an ocean beach. The water is rich in alluvium, giving it a turbid, brownish color typical of the Mekong Delta. It is natural sediment, not dirt, but if you are dreaming of crystal-clear blue water, you might be disappointed.
- Bring Mosquito Repellent: Since the beach is located near a park and by the river, mosquitoes can get quite active around twilight (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM). If you plan to sit and watch the sunset, having a small bottle of repellent is very handy.
- The “Free” Seats Rule: While entering the beach is free, the rows of deck chairs and umbrellas usually belong to specific drink stalls. If you sit on one, a staff member will approach you with a menu. Buying a drink (around 30,000 VND) allows you to use the seat for as long as you like.
- Watch Your Step: At low tide, the mudflats can be exposed, and sometimes river debris (driftwood or water hyacinth) washes up on the shore. It is often better to keep your flip-flops on while walking near the water’s edge.
- Combine with a “Food Tour”: The road leading to the beach through Song Hau Park is often lined with street food vendors selling grilled skewers, mixed rice paper (bánh tráng trộn), and fried fish balls. It’s a great idea to grab some snacks there before heading to the sand.
Combining Can Tho Beach with Nearby Attractions
Located in the bustling Cai Khe area, Can Tho Beach is an excellent starting point for an evening exploration of the city. Here are the best spots to visit right after your sunset beach session:
- Ninh Kieu Park: A lively riverside promenade ideal for evening strolls and street food.
- Love Bridge: An illuminated S-shaped bridge offering stunning night views of the river.
- Cai Khe Market: A bustling local market perfect for experiencing daily life and cheap eats.
- Can Tho Ancient Market: A restored French-style indoor market selling souvenirs and handicrafts.
- Ninh Kieu Night Market: The go-to spot after sunset for shopping and fresh seafood
Our Signature Can Tho Tour with Local Tour Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions about Can Tho Beach
Is there an entrance fee for Can Tho Beach?
No, Can Tho Beach is a public area, so admission is completely free. You can walk on the sand and take photos without paying anything. However, if you use the deck chairs, umbrellas, or water sports services, you will need to pay the vendors.
Can I swim in the water at Can Tho Beach?
Technically, yes, swimming is allowed. However, you should manage your expectations. This is a freshwater river beach, so the water is brown and murky due to natural sediment (alluvium), not crystal clear like the ocean. While many locals enjoy swimming here, some international tourists prefer to stay on the sand and just dip their feet in.
Why is the water at Can Tho Beach brown? Is it dirty?
The brown color is characteristic of the entire Mekong Delta river system. It is caused by silt and alluvium carried downstream, which is actually nutrient-rich and natural. It does not necessarily mean the water is “dirty” or polluted, but it certainly doesn’t look like a tropical blue lagoon!
How far is the Can Tho Beach from Ninh Kieu Wharf?
It is quite close, approximately 2.5 km to 3 km away. It takes about 5-10 minutes by taxi or motorbike. In the evenings, you can even take a leisurely ride on an electric tourist cart from the city center to the beach.
What is the best time to visit Can Tho Beach?
The best time is definitely late afternoon, from 4:30 PM onwards. At this time, the heat subsides, the sunset creates a beautiful backdrop behind the Can Tho Bridge, and the beach becomes lively with locals flying kites. Midday visits (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM) are generally too hot.
Are there water sports available at Can Tho Beach?
Yes, this is one of the few places in Can Tho offering motorized water sports. You can rent jet skis or ride banana boats. Prices usually start around 200,000 VND – 300,000 VND depending on the activity and duration.
