Can Tho Museum: Your Guide to the Mekong Delta’s History

Hải Yến
Posted by: Hải Yến
Moderated by: Trần Thanh Thái
November 20, 2025 | January 14, 2026

Can Tho Museum stands as the most comprehensive historical gateway to the Mekong Delta, housing over 5,000 artifacts that chronicle the region’s evolution. This comprehensive guide explores the historical evolution, diverse ethnic cultures, and archaeological treasures of the Can Tho Museum, providing an essential overview for travelers seeking to experience the vibrant living heritage of the Western Capital with Mekong Smile.

At Mekong Smile, we believe that understanding the past is essential to appreciating the present. Located on the majestic Hoa Binh Boulevard, Can Tho Museum (Bảo tàng Cần Thơ) is a premier destination for travelers seeking an authentic and intellectual connection with the multi-ethnic soul of the Mekong Delta.

Lastest update by Hai Yen Nguyen at Mekong Smile | Official Can Tho Travel Guide

Can Tho Museum showcasing the cultural and historical heritage of Can Tho City
Can Tho Museum – a place to explore the history and culture of Can Tho City

An Overview of Can Tho Museum

A Glance at Can Tho Museum

  • Location: 1 Hoa Binh Boulevard, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
  • Site Type: Regional History and Cultural Museum.
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Significance: The largest and most modern museum in the Mekong Delta, showcasing the history of resistance and ethnic harmony.
  • Atmosphere: Educational, quiet, and reflective, featuring immersive life-sized dioramas.
  • Collection Size: Over 5,000 artifacts and specimens spread across two floors (3,000 sqm).
  • Key Highlights: Oc Eo culture artifacts, traditional ethnic wedding costumes, and local agricultural tools.
  • Average Visit Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours.

Understanding Can Tho Museum: A Legacy of Preservation

The story of Can Tho Museum is one of “resilience and spirit.” Established in 1976, the museum has continuously expanded its collection to preserve the identity of the “Western Capital” (Tay Do). It serves as a living archive, protecting the intangible heritage of the three main ethnic communities—Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer—who have coexisted along the river for centuries. This legacy represents the “vibrant living heritage” of the region, ensuring that the lessons of history and the beauty of Delta traditions are passed on to global travelers and future generations alike.

Main gate of Can Tho Museum welcoming visitors to the cultural center
The main gate welcoming visitors to Can Tho Museum

Video: A Walkthrough of Time

To see the scale of the museum’s exhibits and the detail of its cultural displays, watch our short cinematic overview:

What Makes Can Tho Museum Special?

Can Tho Museum is the intellectual heart of the city. It is not just a building; it is a meticulously curated journey through the “vibrant living heritage” of Southern Vietnam.

Today, it stands as a symbol of regional unity. Visitors can observe the transition from prehistoric times to the modern era, focusing on how the Delta’s unique geography has shaped its people. Observing the intricate details of a Khmer musical instrument or a traditional rice mill highlights the deep connection between human ingenuity and the rhythmic cycles of the Mekong River.

Main hall inside Can Tho Museum featuring displays about local history
The main hall where your Can Tho Museum visit begins

Planning Your Visit to Can Tho Museum

Location

The museum is located in the most prestigious administrative area of the city, overlooking the lush greenery of the Ninh Kieu district.

  • Exact Address: 1 Hoa Binh Boulevard, Tan An, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho.
  • Distance: Just a 5-minute walk from Ninh Kieu Wharf and Can Tho Old Market.

How to Get There

  • By Foot: If you are exploring the Ninh Kieu riverfront, the museum is an easy and air-conditioned retreat nearby.
  • By Cyclo: For a nostalgic city experience, take a cyclo ride along Hoa Binh Boulevard to arrive at the museum’s grand gates.
  • The Mekong Smile Way: We include the museum as a cornerstone of our Can Tho City Secrets walking tour, helping guests navigate the vast halls to focus on the most culturally significant stories.

Opening Hours

  • Operating Hours: 08:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 01:30 PM – 05:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday). Note: Closed on Mondays.
  • Best Time to Visit: 08:30 AM or 02:00 PM to avoid the school groups and enjoy a more contemplative atmosphere.

The Experience at Can Tho Museum

The Multi-Ethnic Tapestry

Explore the second floor, which is dedicated to the Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer cultures. You will see life-sized recreations of traditional houses, wedding ceremonies, and religious altars. It is a sensory journey into the “vibrant living heritage” that defines modern Can Tho.

Ancient Oc Eo Relics

Step back in time in the first-floor gallery. The collection of gold jewelry, statues, and terracotta from the Oc Eo era provides a fascinating look at the Delta’s pre-modern sophistication and its historical “spirit of trade.”

Oc Eo culture exhibit at Can Tho Museum showing ancient artifacts and relics
The Oc Eo culture corner inside Can Tho Museum.

The History of Resistance

The museum honors the “resilience and spirit” of the local people through its detailed exhibits on the anti-colonial and anti-imperialist wars. The photos and artifacts from the Vong Cung route resistance provide a poignant look at the city’s struggle for independence.

History exhibition space on this floor of Can Tho Museum with displays
A quiet history area on this floor of the museum

Agricultural & Riverine Life

See the evolution of Delta farming through an extensive collection of traditional plows, fishing nets, and watercraft. Observing these tools helps you understand the “rhythm of the river” and how it dictated the survival and prosperity of Mekong families for generations.

Ground floor view of Mekong Delta rivers, the rice bowl of Vietnam
Ground floor glimpse of the Mekong Delta’s rivers – the “rice bowl of Vietnam”

Temporary Art & Thematic Exhibits

The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions featuring local photography, contemporary art, or specific Delta themes (like the floating market heritage). These rotating displays ensure that every visit with Mekong Smile™ offers something new.

Cultural artifacts and traditional musical instruments displayed inside Can Tho Museum
Traditional instruments and artifacts on display

Combining Can Tho Museum with Can Tho’s Hidden Gems

The museum is the perfect starting point for a Ninh Kieu discovery circuit. After exploring the exhibits, take a 5-minute walk to Can Tho Prison for a deeper look at the resistance history, or head to the Can Tho Old Market for a dose of French colonial architecture. For a mystical contrast, visit the Can Tho Tarot Museum or the Ong Pagoda nearby. This combination ensures a journey that captures the full spectrum of the Delta’s historical, artistic, and resilient soul.

To complete your stay, discover the perfect accommodation through our curated list of top hotels in Can Tho and savor local flavors with our guide to the top restaurants in Can Tho. This combination ensures a journey that captures the full spectrum of the Delta’s historical, artistic, and resilient soul.

Our Signature Can Tho Tours

Experience the best of the Mekong Capital’s history with our curated journeys that bridge museums and local life.

5.0 (13)
From $842,100,000₫
6:00 AM 7 hours (approx.) Community-based tours
4.9 (11)
From $38950,000₫
8:30 AM or 2:30 PM 3 hours (approx.) Sightseeing & Leisure Tours
4.8 (29)
From $38950,000₫
06:00 AM 3 hours (approx.) Sightseeing & Leisure Tours
4.9 (18)
From $441,090,000₫
06:00 AM 4-5 hours (approx.) Sightseeing & Leisure Tours
4.8 (14)
From $541,350,000₫
06:00 AM 5-6 hours (approx.) Sightseeing & Leisure Tours
4.9 (12)
From $541,350,000₫
06:00 AM 5-6 hours (approx.) Sightseeing & Leisure Tours
4.8 (18)
From $601,500,000₫
06:00 AM 6 hours (approx.) Culinary tours
4.8 (9)
From $441,100,000₫
8:00 AM or 2:00 PM 4-5 hours (approx.) Cultural tours
4.9 (16)
From $461,150,000₫
4:00-4:30 PM 2 hours (approx.) Sightseeing & Leisure Tours
4.6 (19)
From $601,500,000₫
9:00 AM or 2:00 PM 5 hours (approx.) Community-based tours
4.9 (18)
From $641,595,000₫
7:00 AM or 1:00 PM 5 hours (approx.) Cultural tours
4.9 (20)
From $32800,000₫
3 hours (approx.) Culinary tours

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Can Tho Museum

    Why should I visit the Can Tho Museum with Mekong Smile?

    Booking with Mekong Smile turns a quiet walk through galleries into a deep cultural immersion. Our guides explain the subtle differences between the Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer artifacts that a solo traveler might overlook, bringing the “vibrant living heritage” to life.

    Is there an entrance fee for the Can Tho Museum?

    Entry is currently free for all visitors. However, Mekong Smile suggests that the best way to support the institution is through mindful visits that respect the preservation efforts.

    Is the Can Tho Museum suitable for children?

    Yes! The life-sized dioramas and agricultural models are very engaging for kids. Mekong Smile guides often focus on the “bird garden” models and interactive elements to keep younger travelers entertained.

    Is the Can Tho Museum accessible for seniors?

    The museum is equipped with an elevator and spacious halls, making it very accessible. Mekong Smile ensures our city tours are paced comfortably for seniors, with plenty of time to sit and reflect.

    Can I take photos inside the Can Tho Museum?

    Photography is generally allowed for personal use. For professional gear, a small fee is required. Mekong Smile asks all guests to be respectful and avoid using flash in sensitive artifact areas.

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