Nestled in the fertile heart of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho Fruit Gardens offer travelers an authentic taste of Southern Vietnam’s countryside life — where lush orchards, local hospitality, and cultural traditions flourish side by side. This Can Tho Fruit Gardens travel guide gives you an insider look at the region’s most charming fruit gardens, from family-run farms. You’ll learn where to find the best seasonal fruits, join hands-on activities like picking and cooking, and discover how to combine these gardens with nearby floating markets and eco-tours for a full Can Tho experience.
An Overview of Can Tho Fruit Gardens
A glance at Fruits Gardens in Can Tho
Location: Mekong Delta, Southern Vietnam (primarily Phong Dien & Cai Rang districts)
Distance from Can Tho City Center: 10-20km (20-40 minutes)
Best Time to Visit: April-August (peak fruit season) | December-February (best weather)
Typical Visit Duration: 3-4 hours (half-day) | Full-day options available
Average Cost:
- DIY: 200,000-300,000 VND
- Organized tour: 600,000-1,500,000 VND
- Entrance only: 20,000-50,000 VND
Language: Limited English in family gardens; good English at organized venues
Climate: Tropical, hot & humid year-round (average 28°C)
Why You Should Visit Can Tho’s Fruit Gardens?
Situated at the heart of the Mekong Delta where the Hau River flows, Can Tho benefits from exceptionally fertile alluvial soil deposited by annual floods, combined with year-round tropical climate averaging 28°C. This creates perfect conditions for cultivating an astounding variety of tropical fruits.
What Makes Them Special:
- Authentic agrotourism: Most tropical orchards are organic and environmentally friendly gardens run by families spanning multiple generations.
- Hands-on experiences: Pick and eat fruits directly from trees, not just sample pre-cut plates
- Cultural immersion: Experience Don Ca Tai Tu music performances (UNESCO-recognized), traditional architecture, and Southern Vietnamese hospitality.
- Beyond fruit: Many gardens offer fish feeding, traditional cake-making workshops, cycling tours, and folk games.
Pick, taste, and savor fruits straight from the tree
Top Fruit Gardens to Visit at Can Tho
My Khanh Tourist Village
Spanning over 50,000 square meters with 20+ plant species, fish ponds, and canals, My Khanh features 100-year-old ancient houses with traditional architecture alongside comprehensive fruit experiences.
- Location: 335 Lo Vong Cung, My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien District
- Highlights: Don Ca Tai Tu performances, “become a farmer” programs, well-organized facilities
- Ideal for: Families, groups, first-time visitors
Visit My Khanh Village – a blend of fruit gardens, folk culture, and rustic hospitality
Ba Cong Fruit Garden
This 2-hectare eco-tourism destination features thousands of fruit-bearing plants including rambutans, mangoes, jackfruits, dragon fruits, and mangosteen, plus bicycle rentals and swinging bamboo bridges.
- Location: 54 Lo Vong Cung, An Binh, Ninh Kieu
- Highlights: On-site restaurant, countryside cycling, adventure activities
- Ideal for: Adventurous travelers, cyclists
Wander through Ba Cong Fruit Garden and taste Can Tho’s sweetest treasures
Con Son Island Garden
This 70-hectare island in the middle of the Hau River offers fresh fruit gardens plus unique experiences like visiting fish rafts, watching flying snakehead fish, and making Southern folk cakes.
- Access: 5-10 minute boat from Co Bac ferry station or Ninh Kieu Wharf.
- Ideal for: Photographers, cultural enthusiasts, those wanting riverside scenery
Read more about Con Son Islet through the authentic eyes of a local.
Phong Dien Gardens
The district’s 6,000 hectares earn it the nickname “fruit kingdom” of the Mekong Delta, with especially famous longan and green apples.
- Location: Multiple family gardens throughout Phong Dien District
- Highlights: Extremely friendly garden owners, less commercialized, easily combined with Phong Dien Floating Market
- Ideal for: Those seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences
Explore Phong Dien – where lush orchards meet serene rivers
Rach Ke Orchard
Features hands-on activities including fish catching, folk games like tug of war, and monkey bridge crossings, with entrance around 20,000 VND per person.
- Location: 396A My Nhon, My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien District
- Ideal for: Families with children, interactive learners
A hidden gem of Can Tho’s fruit garden trail – quiet, green, and full of charm
Vam Xang Fruit Garden
Vam Xang appeals to tourists interested in Vietnamese cultural architecture and aesthetics, with its emphasis on traditional design and peaceful atmosphere.
- Location: Lo Vong Cung, My Khanh commune, Phong Dien district
- Best for: Photographers, architecture enthusiasts, couples seeking romance
Enjoy a warm local welcome and tropical fruit tastings at Vam Xang Garden
Ba Hien Fruit Garden
Ba Hien attracts tourists with adventurous palates who want to go beyond typical tourist food experiences and try authentic Southern Vietnamese specialties.
- Location: Along Ba Lang River
- Best for: Food adventurers, culinary travelers, those seeking authentic flavors
Refresh your senses in the tranquil orchards of Ba Hien Garden
Can Tho Eco Resort Fruit Gardens
For tourists who want fruit garden experiences combined with resort amenities, Can Tho Eco Resort offers the perfect balance of nature and comfort.
- Location: Km7+, 61C Highway, Nhon Thuan, Nhon Nghia Commune, Phong Dien District
- Best for: Luxury travelers, older tourists, those prioritizing comfort
Stay and relax amid lush greenery at Can Tho Eco Resort Fruit Gardens
Quick Comparison Guide for Foreign Tourists
| Garden | Best For | Comfort Level | English Support | Authenticity | Price Range |
| My Khanh | First-timers, families | High | Good | Medium-High | $$$ |
| Ba Cong | Active travelers | Medium | Moderate | High | $$ |
| Con Son Island | Unique experiences | Medium | Moderate | Very High | $$ |
| Phong Dien | Authenticity seekers | Basic | Limited | Very High | $ |
| Rach Ke | Families with kids | Medium | Moderate | High | $ |
| Vam Xang | Photographers | Medium | Limited | High | $$ |
| Ba Hien | Food adventurers | Basic | Limited | Very High | $ |
| Eco Resort | Comfort seekers | Very High | Excellent | Medium | $$$$ |
When to Visit Can Tho Fruit Gardens
April-August (Peak Season)
April through July is prime fruit season when gardens reach peak ripeness, with weather around 27°C-29°C, minimal rain, and the lowest chance of severe weather.
- Pros: Maximum fruit variety, optimal ripeness, good weather
- Cons: Higher prices, more tourists
December-February (Dry Season)
Cool, dry nights with pleasant temperatures from 24°C-31°C make this the most comfortable period, though fruit variety is more limited.
- Pros: Comfortable weather, Tet cultural experiences
- Cons: Busiest tourist period, highest prices, fewer fruits
May-November (Wet Season)
The wet season is when gardens look most beautiful, as rain brings flowers to blossom and fruits to grow. September-November offers the slow season with lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Pros: Lush greenery, lower prices, authentic atmosphere
- Cons: Avoid October-November due to potential floods and storms
Pro Tip: Morning visits are optimal for cooler temperatures and better photography lighting.
Things to do in Can Tho Fruit Gardens
Fruit Tasting & Picking Experiences
Your visit begins with a guided walk around the garden where you’ll learn about tropical fruits and vegetables, how different trees grow, which fruits are currently in season, and the unique characteristics of each variety.
The Hands-On Harvest
With guidance on proper picking techniques and ripeness indicators, you’ll harvest at least 5 different types of seasonal fresh fruits directly from the trees.
What Makes It Special:
- The freshest fruit is taken straight off the tree—no refrigeration, no storage
- Taste fruits at different ripeness levels to understand flavor development
- Learn traditional beliefs about fruit properties (cooling vs. heating)
- Purchase additional fruits beyond what’s included to take home
Cultural & Traditional Activities
Don Ca Tai Tu Musical Performances
At gardens like My Khanh Tourist Village, visitors can watch Don Ca Tai Tu performances—the traditional music of the Mekong Delta recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. This musical form features traditional instruments like the đàn tranh (16-string zither) and đàn kim (moon-shaped lute), typically performed during lunch or afternoon tea while you rest in the shade enjoying fresh fruit.
Traditional Architecture & Hospitality
Gardens such as My Khanh showcase 100-year-old ancient houses with traditional Vietnamese Southern architecture, featuring elevated foundations for flood protection, wide verandas, and ornate wooden carvings.
Traditional Welcome Rituals:
- Tea service with chrysanthemum or lotus tea in small ceramic cups
- Fresh fruit plates as greeting gesture
- Family storytelling about garden history and farming traditions
- Photo opportunities with hosts in traditional áo bà ba clothing
- Demonstrations of daily agricultural life
Relax with a cup of lotus tea – a peaceful pause amid green orchards
Culinary Experiences & Cooking Workshops
Gardens like Ba Cong feature small canteens and large restaurants serving fresh local cuisines throughout the day, allowing you to taste authentic Mekong Delta flavors prepared with ingredients picked that morning.
Signature Dishes You’ll Taste:
- Bánh Xèo (Sizzling Pancakes): Crispy savory pancakes made from rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, eaten with fermented fish sauce
- Elephant Ear Fish (Cá Tai Tượng): Whole fried fish presented dramatically, wrapped in rice paper with garden herbs
- Fresh Spring Rolls: Made with vegetables and herbs picked minutes before
- Fruit-Based Desserts: Mango sticky rice, durian ice cream, rambutan sorbet, and jackfruit sweet soup
Hands-On Cooking Classes
Con Son Island offers experience making Southern folk cakes including ít cake, jackfruit leaves cake, da lợn cake, đúc cake, bánh xèo, and khọt cake.
What You’ll Learn:
- Traditional grinding and mixing techniques
- Using banana leaves as natural packaging
- Steaming methods with bamboo baskets
- Sweet vs. savory cake variations
- Cultural significance of different cakes in ceremonies and daily life
Beverage Experiences:
- Fresh coconut water
- Sugarcane juice
- Local rice wine (some gardens produce their own)
- Fruit smoothies
Adventure & Active Experiences
Cycling Through Orchards
Gardens like Ba Cong offer bicycle rentals allowing visitors to pedal on small roads around the garden. Making a ride around the Mekong canal and fruit garden by bike creates a great trip, giving you freedom to explore at your own pace.
Cycling Routes Include:
- Narrow paths between fruit tree rows
- Village roads connecting multiple gardens
- Canal-side tracks with water views
- Rice paddy perimeter roads
- Hidden temples and local markets
Cầu Khỉ Crossings
First-time visitors can experience walking on swinging bamboo bridges—traditional “monkey bridges” (cầu khỉ) that bounce and sway with each step. These functional structures that locals use daily provide thrilling photo opportunities for visitors.
Water Activities & Folk Games
At Con Son, visitors can visit Uncle Bay Bon’s fish raft, admire thousands of colorful fish, watch flying snakehead fish leap from the water, and feed them rice. Rach Ke Garden offers hands-on activities including folk games like tug of war.
Popular Activities:
- Sampan rides: Small boat tours through garden canals
- Fish feeding: Watch hundreds of fish swarm for food
- Catch fish with hands: Muddy but hilarious family fun
- Coconut tossing: Traditional accuracy games
- Rice planting: Try your hand at agricultural work
- Duck herding: Attempt to guide ducks with bamboo poles
- Slapping a ditch: Traditional water obstacle game
- Swinging across the river: Rope swing adventures
Combining Can Tho Fruit Gardens with Other Can Tho Attractions
Classic Combination in Can Tho Tour
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Free Itineraries
Half-Day Morning (4-5 hours):
6:00 AM – Depart early to avoid heat 6:30 AM – Arrive at My Khanh fruit garden (Phong Dien)
- Walk around freely (no entry fee at some gardens)
- Take photos, taste free samples 8:30 AM – Visit nearby Vam Xang fruit garden
- Try different fruits in season 10:30 AM – Return before noon heat
Budget: 50,000-100,000 VND (motorbike fuel + fruit purchases)
Full-Day Explorer (8-9 hours)
5:30 AM – Start at Cai Rang Floating Market 7:30 AM – My Khanh Fruit Garden tour 10:00 AM – Lunch at local garden restaurant 12:00 PM – Rest during hot afternoon 2:00 PM – Visit Tan Loc Floating Market area gardens 4:00 PM – Explore smaller local gardens 6:00 PM – Return
Budget: 150,000-250,000 VND (includes meals + fruits)
Combine with Other Famous Destinations
- Cai Rang Floating Market
- Ninh Kieu Wharf
- Can Tho Bridge
- Phong Dien Floating Market
- Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary
- Rice Noodle Factory
- Binh Thuy Ancient House
- Can Tho Museum
- Ong Pagoda (Guangzhou Assembly Hall)
- Can Tho Night Market
Combine Can Tho fruit garden visits with other famous Mekong Delta attractions
Local Tips for the Best Experience at Can Tho Fruit Gardens
Getting There
- From Ho Chi Minh City: 3-4 hour bus journey, or private car/organized tour
- From Can Tho City to Gardens: Gardens are 10-20km from city center in Cai Rang and Phong Dien areas.
Transportation Options:
- Organized tour: Easiest, includes guide and transport
- Motorbike/scooter rental: Most flexible (100,000-150,000 VND/day)
- Bicycle: Locals prefer bikes or small boats for authentic experiences.
- Taxi/Grab: Convenient but expensive for multiple gardens
What to Bring
Essentials:
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Cash: Many gardens don’t accept credit cards
- Comfortable shoes: Closed-toe for muddy, uneven terrain
- Light clothing: Breathable fabrics, long sleeves for sun/mosquito protection
- Raincoat: If visiting during rainy season
- Mosquito repellent: Especially for homestays
Cultural Etiquette
- Don’t pick flowers or fruits without permission—always ask first
- Accept offered tea and fruit graciously
- Always ask before photographing people
- Remove shoes when entering homes
Money-Saving Tips
- Visit during off-season (September-November) for lower prices
- Book tours directly rather than through hotel concierges
- Rent motorbikes for multi-garden visits instead of taxis
- Eat at garden restaurants instead of returning to the city
Book your authentic Can Tho Fruit Gardens Tour
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Son Islet
How much does it cost to visit Can Tho fruit gardens?
Budget: 200,000-300,000 VND (DIY with motorbike + entrance fees) Mid-Range Tours: 400,000-800,000 VND (half-day) | 1,000,000-1,500,000 VND (full-day) Premium: 2,000,000-3,000,000+ VND (private tours, resort experiences)
Additional costs: Floating market boats (300,000-500,000 VND), extra fruits to buy, meals (50,000-150,000 VND)
What is the best time of year to visit Can Tho fruit gardens?
Best for fruits: April-August (peak season, maximum variety, 27-29°C) Best for weather: December-February (comfortable 24-31°C, but fewer fruits) Best for value: May-November (wet season, lush beauty, lower prices, fewer tourists)
Monthly highlights:
- April-August: Most fruits available (mangoes, durian, rambutan, longan, mangosteen)
- December-February: Cool weather, Tet celebrations, flowers
- September-November: Beautiful scenery, off-season deals
Avoid: October-November if uncomfortable with flooding
How long should I spend at a fruit garden?
Quick visit: 2-3 hours (basic tour + tasting) Recommended: 3-4 hours (comprehensive experience with lunch/activities) Extended: 4-6 hours (cooking classes, multiple activities) Full day: 8+ hours (multiple gardens + floating market) Overnight homestay: Ultimate immersive experience
Most popular: Half-day tours (9 AM-12 PM or 2-5:30 PM)
Do I need to book Can Tho fruit gardens in advance?
Book 2-3 days ahead:
- Organized tours with transportation
- Peak season (April-August, December-February)
- Weekends and holidays
- Large gardens (My Khanh, Eco Resort)
Can walk in:
- Small family gardens (Phong Dien)
- Weekdays during off-season
- Solo travelers without special requests
Book 1-2 weeks ahead: Tet holidays, homestays, large groups (10+)
Tip: Even if walk-ins accepted, calling ahead is courteous and ensures availability
Can I visit Can Tho fruit gardens with young children?
Yes! Fruit gardens are very family-friendly.
Best for kids:
- Rach Ke (fish catching, folk games)
- Ba Cong (cycling, bamboo bridges)
- My Khanh (clean facilities, safe environment)
Can I take photos freely at Can Tho Fruit Gardens?
Yes, with respect:
Freely photograph:
- Gardens, trees, fruits, landscapes
- Your own group
- Architecture
Drone photography: Ask garden owners first; keep altitude low (<50m)
