Can Tho
Last updated: October 16, 2026
The Can Tho River Culture Festival 2026 is scheduled to take place from December 30, 2026, to January 4, 2027, bringing six days of cultural performances, boat races, riverside activities and New Year celebrations to Can Tho, Vietnam.
Now in its second edition, the festival celebrates the waterways that have shaped life in the Mekong Delta. This year’s theme, “Can Tho – A Harmony of Rivers and Waterways,” connects traditional river culture with contemporary performances, including a planned opening show on the water.
For travelers visiting Can Tho over New Year, the program offers more than a single evening celebration. Here’s the planned daily schedule, where to go, what to see and how to check for changes before your visit.
Can Tho River Culture Festival 2026 at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official English name | The 2nd Can Tho River Culture Festival |
| Dates | December 30, 2026 - January 4, 2027 |
| Duration | 6 days |
| Theme | Can Tho - A Harmony of Rivers and Waterways (Cần Thơ - Khúc giao hòa sông nước) |
| Main areas | Ninh Kieu Ward, Cai Khe Ward and nearby waterfront locations |
| Opening ceremony | December 30, 2026, at 8:00 PM (planned) |
| Opening location | Sông Khai Luông area, Cai Khe Ward |
| New Year countdown | December 31, 2026, from 8:00 PM (planned) |
| Countdown location | Sông Hậu Park, Cai Khe Ward |
| Time zone | Vietnam time (UTC+7) |
Planning note: The schedule below combines the city’s published festival plan with the more recent opening-program update from October 13, 2026. The organizers may adjust activities, times, venues and public access arrangements before the festival.
Can Tho River Culture Festival 2026 Schedule
The festival covers the final two days of 2026 and the first four days of 2027. Major evening programs are planned for December 30 and 31, followed by river sports competitions and other activities in early January.
Daily Festival Schedule: December 30 – January 4
| Date | Planned activities | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 30, 2026 | Opening ceremony and artistic performances | 8:00 PM | Sông Khai Luông area |
| Dec 30, 2026 | Musical fountains, drone lights and fireworks | Following the opening program; final timing pending | Opening ceremony area |
| Dec 31, 2026 | New Year Countdown 2027 | From 8:00 PM | Sông Hậu Park |
| Jan 1, 2027 | Sailing boat race | Time to be announced | Hau River (Sông Hậu), near Tây Đô Square |
| Jan 2, 2027 | SUP parade and racing competition | Time to be announced | Cái Khế Canal |
| Jan 2, 2027 | Floating lantern activity | 6:00-8:00 PM | Cái Khế Canal |
| Jan 3, 2027 | Model boat racing | Morning; exact time pending | Cái Khế Canal |
| Jan 3-4, 2027 | Composite boat racing championship | Afternoons; exact times pending | Cái Khế Canal |
| Jan 4, 2027 | Mini Ngo boat race | Morning; exact time pending | Cái Khế Canal |
Several activities are also planned throughout the six-day festival:
- River culture displays and experiences: December 30-January 4, around Cái Khế Canal and Ninh Kieu Wharf Park.
- Can Tho Trade Fair: December 30-January 4, planned along Song Hau Street.
- Sports and health exhibition: December 30-January 4, with a planned operating window of 8:00 AM-8:00 PM at Ninh Kieu Wharf Park.
- River recreation experiences: December 30-January 4, with a planned operating window of 8:00 AM-8:00 PM around Cái Khế Canal.
December 30: Opening Ceremony and River Performances
The opening ceremony is one of the festival’s main attractions. The latest preparation update, dated October 13, places the event at Sông Khai Luông in Cai Khe Ward, beginning at 8:00 PM on December 30.
Organizers are developing a roughly 90-minute artistic program built around the waterfront. Earlier staging plans included connected floating barges, with performers using the water and surrounding scenery as part of the show.
The production is planned in three chapters:
- Khúc giao hòa nguồn cội – the region’s origins and roots.
- Khúc giao hòa bản sắc – its cultural traditions and identity.
- Khúc giao hòa kiến tạo – its development and future.
The proposed program combines music, dance and stories of river life with modern staging technology. Musical fountains, flyboard performances, projection mapping, drone lights and fireworks are among the elements discussed during the October 13 preparation meeting.
The opening show is still being finalized, so individual performances and their running order may change.
Where Can Visitors Watch the Opening Show?
The opening program is planned around Sông Khai Luông, but designated spectator areas, entrances and any restrictions on surrounding roads and waterways have not yet been announced.
Visitors should check the official viewing arrangements before choosing a location. In particular, the use of a floating stage does not mean that private boats or sightseeing cruises will be allowed near the performance area.
December 31: New Year Countdown 2027 at Sông Hậu Park
If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Can Tho, Sông Hậu Park is the place to watch for the city’s planned countdown program.
The celebration is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM on December 31, bringing the festival into the final hours of 2026.
The entertainment lineup and detailed program have not yet been published. Travelers should also note that the fireworks proposed for the December 30 opening ceremony do not automatically mean there will be another fireworks display at midnight on December 31.
For visitors who mainly want to celebrate New Year’s Eve, December 31 is the clearest date to prioritize. Those interested in the larger artistic production may prefer the opening night on December 30.
River Sports and Boat Races: January 1-4, 2027
The first four days of January are planned around several river competitions, with different types of boats and racing formats.
January 1: Sailing on the Hau River (Sông Hậu)
A sailing competition is planned for New Year’s Day on the Hau River (Sông Hậu), near Tây Đô Square.
Unlike the smaller canals in central Can Tho, the Hau River (Sông Hậu) provides a broad waterway for sailing activities. The race’s exact starting time and spectator arrangements have not yet been published.
January 2: SUP Racing and Floating Lanterns
January 2 is scheduled to feature a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) parade and an open racing competition on Cái Khế Canal.
Later that day, a floating lantern activity is planned from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, also around Cái Khế Canal.
Visitors interested in the lantern program should verify the final arrangements before attending, including whether lanterns are released by organizers or whether visitors can participate.
January 3-4: Model Boats, Composite Boats and Mini Ngo Boats
The final two festival days feature several different types of boat racing.
On January 3, a model boat competition is planned for the morning. Composite boat races are scheduled for the afternoons of January 3 and 4.
A mini Ngo boat race is also planned for the morning of January 4.
Ghe Ngo are traditional long racing boats closely associated with Khmer communities in Southern Vietnam. The festival’s mini Ngo competition is a smaller-format event and should not be confused with the large-scale Ngo boat races held during Ooc Om Boc celebrations.
The published plan places these competitions on sections of Cái Khế Canal. Final race routes, spectator zones and precise starting times have not yet been released.
Traditional River Culture, Food and Local Experiences
Beyond the evening performances and competitions, the festival plans to recreate familiar scenes from everyday life in the Mekong Delta.
A Floating-Market Experience on Cái Khế Canal
One of the proposed cultural spaces brings together around 30-40 boats on Cái Khế Canal.
The boats are intended to recreate aspects of traditional river trading, with regional fruit, folk cakes and local food available from vendors on the water. Performances of đờn ca tài tử, a traditional Southern Vietnamese musical art, are also included in the program.
This will be a festival recreation of river-market culture, rather than a substitute for a visit to an active floating market.
For travelers interested in experiencing everyday river trade beyond the festival, a morning visit to Cai Rang Floating Market offers a closer look at local trading activities on Can Tho’s waterways.
Cultural Displays at Ninh Kieu Wharf Park
The festival plan also includes a cultural exhibition area at Ninh Kieu Wharf Park.
Displays of traditional and modern farming and fishing equipment are intended to explain how people across the Mekong Delta have worked with the region’s rivers and canals.
Decorative installations, interactive exhibits and photo areas are also planned. Nearby tourism displays are expected to introduce destinations and experiences across Can Tho and the surrounding Mekong Delta.
Explore our Ninh Kieu Wharf guide to learn more about the waterfront before your visit.
Can Tho Trade Fair and Mekong Delta Food
The Can Tho Trade Fair 2026 is planned for December 30-January 4 along Song Hau Street in Cai Khe Ward.
Organizers have outlined a fair with approximately 200-250 booths, featuring agricultural products, regional specialties, traditional handicrafts and locally certified OCOP products.
Food is expected to be part of the experience, with spaces for Mekong Delta dishes, regional fruit and cooking demonstrations.
The final list of vendors and opening hours has not yet been announced. Visitors should check the updated fair information before traveling specifically for a particular product or food activity.
Ao Ba Ba Cultural Activities at Cai Rang Floating Market
The festival plan includes two community-focused programs around Cai Rang Floating Market:
“Sống cùng dòng sông” (Living with the River) is intended to celebrate local livelihoods, river traditions and the communities who maintain them.
“Duyên dáng Áo bà ba” (The Elegance of the Áo Bà Ba) will highlight the áo bà ba, a traditional outfit associated with everyday life in Southern Vietnam. Planned activities include a costume competition, fashion performances and group presentations.
Both programs are listed for the festival period, but their exact dates and detailed schedules are still pending.
Travelers should distinguish between these festival activities and ordinary visits to Cai Rang Floating Market. The market is best known for its early-morning trading, while festival programs may follow separate arrangements.
Environmental activities under the theme “Bảo vệ dòng sông xanh” (Protecting Green Rivers) are also planned before and during the festival, focusing on river conservation and public awareness.
Where Is the Can Tho River Culture Festival Held?
The festival does not take place at a single entrance-controlled venue. Its activities are distributed across several parts of central Can Tho, with an additional cultural program at Cai Rang Floating Market.
| Location | Main planned activities | Google Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Sông Khai Luông area | December 30 opening ceremony and artistic performances | https://maps.app.goo.gl/S4mYE7yt5ATo2my9A |
| Sông Hậu Park | December 31 New Year Countdown | https://maps.app.goo.gl/ubKDamoyaLiPZMZw9 |
| Cái Khế Canal | River culture experiences, SUP racing, boat races and floating lantern activity | https://maps.app.goo.gl/tCBooctS7vFbRFZs8 |
| Ninh Kieu Wharf Park | Cultural displays, sports exhibitions and tourism promotion | https://maps.app.goo.gl/iDcEFiwjHPsKPZSQA |
| Song Hau Street | Can Tho Trade Fair | https://maps.app.goo.gl/wjJjpEu2zC3Gdfa29 |
| Hau River (Sông Hậu) near Tây Đô Square | Sailing boat competition | https://maps.app.goo.gl/jkGj8pdfE9KA85jt6 |
| Cai Rang Floating Market | Community river culture and Ao Ba Ba activities | https://maps.app.goo.gl/tCBooctS7vFbRFZs8 |
These are general event areas rather than confirmed public entrances or viewing points. Some activities may involve temporary road closures or restrictions on boat movements.
How to Get to the Festival in Can Tho
Traveling to Can Tho
Can Tho is approximately 170 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City and is accessible by road.
For travelers already staying in the Mekong Delta, Can Tho can serve as a convenient base for visiting nearby destinations and river attractions.
Our Can Tho Travel Guide provides additional information about transportation, accommodation and things to do around the city.
Getting Around the Festival Venues
For visitors attending several central activities, staying around Ninh Kieu may be convenient. This area has hotels, restaurants and access to the city’s main waterfront.
Taxis and app-based transport services are practical options for getting around. However, traffic arrangements may change during the opening ceremony and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Plan extra travel time on December 30 and 31, and follow any instructions about designated drop-off points or pedestrian access.
Can you watch the opening show from a boat?
Public boat-viewing arrangements have not yet been confirmed. Visitors should not assume that ordinary sightseeing boats will be permitted near the stage or race courses.
Which Day Is Best to Visit the Festival?
If you cannot attend all six days, choose based on the kind of experience you’re looking for.
| Your interest | Suggested date |
|---|---|
| Large artistic performances, drone lights and planned fireworks | December 30 |
| New Year's Eve celebrations | December 31 |
| Sailing competition | January 1 |
| SUP racing and floating lantern activity | January 2 |
| Model and composite boat racing | January 3 |
| Mini Ngo boats and composite boat racing | January 4 |
| Cultural displays and local food | Any festival day, subject to operating schedules |
For a first-time visitor, December 30-31 is the strongest two-evening option based on the current plans. These dates cover the opening ceremony and the New Year countdown.
If you prefer river sports and smaller cultural activities, January 2-4 may be more suitable.
Travelers can also combine a festival evening with a morning trip to Cai Rang Floating Market. Mekong Smile’s Cai Rang Floating Market Tour explores everyday trading activity and nearby local experiences. This is a separate sightseeing tour, not an official festival program.
Explore Can Tho Tours & Cai Rang Floating Market Experiences
Planning to explore Can Tho? Browse our selection of tours, including options that feature a visit to Cai Rang Floating Market. Each tour offers a different itinerary, so you can choose the experiences that best match your interests and travel plans.
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Cai Rang Floating Market Tour: Cacao Farm, Fruit Garden & Canals
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Attractions in Mekong Delta
Can Tho Floating Market & Fruit Garden Tour: Mekong Tropical Sense
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Can Tho Rural Tour: Cai Rang Floating Market and Rural Cycling
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Attractions in Mekong Delta
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Antique Mekong Delta Cruise: Premium Cai Rang Floating Market
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Bassac Cruise Cai Be Can Tho Tour: Authentic Mekong River Journey
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Attractions in Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta 2 Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh City: My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho
Attractions in Mekong Delta
For help planning your stay in Can Tho, exploring the waterways or arranging a separate sightseeing experience, you can contact Mekong Smile.
WhatsApp: +84 774 839 165 Email: contact@mekongsmile.com
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Practical Tips for Visiting the Festival
- Check for schedule changes. The current program is based on published plans, and individual activities may be adjusted.
- Confirm admission details. Ticketing, registration and charges for special activities have not been fully announced.
- Arrive early for major evening events. Expect busier streets around the opening ceremony and New Year’s Eve.
- Follow water safety rules. Do not enter restricted canal banks, race courses or temporary performance areas.
- Ask before joining water activities. Some programs may be demonstrations or competitions rather than open public experiences.
- Dress for outdoor conditions. Comfortable shoes, drinking water and a light rain layer are useful for walking between venues.
- Keep your plans flexible. If you are visiting mainly for one performance, check its status again shortly before departure.
FAQs Can Tho River Culture Festival 2026
When is the Can Tho River Culture Festival 2026?
The festival is scheduled for December 30, 2026, through January 4, 2027, spanning six days.
Where will the opening ceremony take place?
The latest October 13 preparation update places the opening ceremony around Sông Khai Luông in Cai Khe Ward, Can Tho. The final public viewing areas have not yet been announced.
What time does the opening ceremony start?
The opening ceremony is planned to begin at 8:00 PM on December 30, 2026, with an artistic program expected to last approximately 90 minutes.
Will there be fireworks and drone light shows?
Both are included in the planned December 30 opening program. The final performance lineup and timing remain subject to confirmation.
Where is the New Year Countdown 2027 in Can Tho?
The countdown is planned for Sông Hậu Park in Cai Khe Ward, with the program scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM on December 31, 2026.
What activities are planned for January 1-4, 2027?
The schedule includes sailing, SUP racing, model boat racing, composite boat racing, a mini Ngo boat competition and a floating lantern activity. Additional cultural exhibitions and river experiences are planned throughout the festival.
Is the Can Tho River Culture Festival free?
Official admission conditions and charges have not yet been fully announced. Visitors should confirm whether particular performances, services or participation activities require payment.
Can international tourists join the water activities?
The festival plan includes river recreation experiences, but public registration, eligibility, fees and safety requirements have not yet been confirmed for individual activities.
Is the Can Tho River Culture Festival held every year?
Can Tho’s published plan describes it as an annual cultural and tourism event around the New Year period. The 2026 festival is its second edition, following the inaugural event in 2025.
