Nestled in the heart of Vietnam’s fertile Mekong Delta, Can Tho Travel Guide is your essential companion to discovering the region’s vibrant river life, timeless culture, and irresistible cuisine. Often called the “capital of the Mekong Delta,” Can Tho enchants visitors with its floating markets, lush canals, and easygoing pace that feels worlds apart from Vietnam’s bustling cities. In this complete handbook of MekongSmile, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip — from the best time to visit, how to get there, and where to stay, to must-try local dishes and authentic experiences that reveal the soul of southern Vietnam.
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Can Tho at a Glance
Quick Facts:
- Location: Mekong Delta, Southern Vietnam (approximately 169 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City)
- Population: Approximately 1.2 million residents
- Distance from major cities:
- Ho Chi Minh City: 169 km (3-4 hours by road)
- Hanoi: 1,720 km (2.5 hours by flight)
- Da Nang: 940 km (1.5 hours by flight)
- Language: Vietnamese (English increasingly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants)
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) – approximately 24,000 VND = 1 USD
- Time zone: Indochina Time (ICT, UTC+7)
- Best known for: Cai Rang Floating Market, Mekong Delta river culture, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and gateway to the delta region
Top Reasons to Travel to Can Tho
Authentic Mekong Delta Experience – Cai Rang Floating Market
Can Tho stands apart from Vietnam’s more commercialized destinations by offering travelers an unfiltered view of delta life: fishermen cast their nets at dawn, families tend floating gardens, etc.
The city’s floating markets aren’t staged for tourists; they’re actual wholesale trading centers where delta farmers have conducted business for over a century. Vendors arrive as early as 3 AM to secure prime spots, hanging their produce on tall bamboo poles as advertisement—a practice you won’t find elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Gateway to the Mekong Delta by Small Canals
Can Tho’s central location makes it the perfect base camp for exploring the broader Mekong Delta region. The city sits at the confluence of the Hau River (a major Mekong tributary) and numerous smaller canals, providing easy access to surrounding provinces. Within a two-hour radius, you can visit the Tra Su Cajuput Forest, explore the colorful flower nurseries of Sa Dec, discover ancient Khmer temples in Soc Trang, or wander through fruit orchards in Vinh Long.
Culinary Paradise
For food enthusiasts, Can Tho is nothing short of revelatory. The city’s cuisine represents the Mekong Delta at its finest. This is where you’ll find the delta’s signature dishes prepared exactly as they should be: crispy banh xeo pancakes, tangy bun rieu cua, and the polarizing lau mam hot pot.
Beyond restaurants, Can Tho’s food scene thrives in its markets and street stalls. The night market along Ninh Kieu Wharf transforms into a open-air food court each evening. Morning brings breakfast boats to the floating markets, serving steaming bowls of hu tieu noodles and Vietnamese coffee so strong it could wake the dead.
Relaxed Pace Compared to Major Cities
After the motorbike mayhem of Hanoi or the ceaseless energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho feels like exhaling after holding your breath. The city maintains a distinctly unhurried atmosphere where life follows the river’s natural rhythm rather than the frantic pulse of urban Vietnam.
This slower pace doesn’t mean boring—quite the opposite. Can Tho offers that increasingly rare travel experience: the chance to immerse yourself in a place rather than just pass through it.
When to Visit Can Tho: Best Time & Weather
Best Time to Visit (Overview)
Can Tho’s tropical climate means the city is visitable year-round, but timing your visit can significantly impact your experience:
- The dry season (December to April) represents peak travel conditions, offering sunny skies, comfortable temperatures, and optimal conditions for exploring floating markets and taking river cruises.
- The shoulder months (November and May) provide an excellent compromise— fewer tourists, lower accommodation prices, and generally good weather, though occasional showers become more frequent in May.
- The rainy season (June to October) brings daily afternoon downpours and higher humidity. Rain typically arrives predictably in the late afternoon, leaving mornings clear for activities. Plus, the delta landscape transforms into an emerald wonderland, and you’ll have attractions largely to yourself.
Embrace Can Tho’s rainy season, where every drop nourishes the life of the delta
Weather by Season
Dry Season (December to April): Prime Time
The dry season brings Can Tho’s most pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 25-32°C (77-90°F) and minimal rainfall. Morning temperatures can dip to a comfortable 22°C (72°F), perfect for early floating market tours. January and February offer the coolest conditions of the year in the Mekong Delta.
This period is ideal for outdoor activities: cycling through countryside villages, taking extended boat trips through the canals, or spending afternoons exploring the city on foot. The tradeoff is higher prices for accommodation (especially around Christmas, New Year, and Tet), and more tourists at popular sites.
Rainy Season (May to November): Lush and Less Crowded
While daily rainfall increases significantly (averaging 200-300mm per month from July to September), rain typically arrives in intense but brief afternoon downpours rather than day-long drizzles. Temperatures during the rainy season hover between 26-33°C (79-91°F) with high humidity that can feel oppressive, especially in September and October.
However, the wet season has distinct advantages:
- The Mekong Delta bursts with life as rice paddies turn brilliant green, fruit harvests peak (especially durian, mangosteen, and rambutan), and accommodation prices drop by 30-50%.
- Fewer tourists, meaning more authentic interactions and easier access to popular restaurants and attractions.
Festival Times
- Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), typically falling in late January or early February, transforms the city with flower markets, family celebrations, and special festival foods.
- The Ok Om Bok Festival (Khmer Water and Moon Festival), celebrated in October or November, honors the moon and river gods with boat races on the Hau River, traditional music performances, and offerings of rice and fruit.
- For floating market enthusiasts, dry season months (December-April) offer the most consistent market operations with the widest variety of produce. During these months, markets buzz with activity from 5 AM to 9 AM daily.
Experience the colors, lights, and cultural spirit of Ok Om Bok Festival
Getting to and Around Can Tho
How to Get to Can Tho
From Ho Chi Minh City: The Most Common Route
- Bus (Most Popular Option): most economical and straightforward option. The journey takes 3.5-4.5 hours depending on traffic, departing from the Western Bus Terminal (Bến Xe Miền Tây) in HCMC’s Binh Tan District.
- Premium bus services like Phuong Trang (FUTA) offer comfortable seats, air conditioning, and WiFi for 130,000-180,000 VND ($5.50-7.50 USD) one-way include one rest stop.
- For budget travelers, standard buses cost as little as 100,000 VND ($4.20 USD) but offer less comfort and potentially more stops.
- Private Car or Taxi: maximum comfort and flexibility, especially for families or groups. Expect to pay 1,500,000-2,500,000 VND ($60-100 USD) for a one-way trip, with the journey taking approximately 3-3.5 hours via National Highway 1A.
- Flight Can Tho International Airport (VCA) receives daily flights from Ho Chi Minh City via Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air. Flight time is approximately 45 minutes, with prices ranging from 600,000-1,200,000 VND ($25-50 USD) one-way depending on how far in advance you book.
- The airport is located about 10 km northwest of the city center, with taxi transfers costing approximately 150,000-200,000 VND ($6-8 USD).
From Other Destinations
- From Phu Quoc Island: Vietnam Airlines and VietJet operate direct 45-minute flights several times weekly (approximately 800,000-1,500,000 VND/$35-65 USD).
- From Hanoi: Daily flights take approximately 2 hours and cost 1,200,000-3,000,000 VND ($50-125 USD) depending on the season and booking timing.
- From Da Nang: Flights take 1.5 hours with prices from 1,000,000-2,500,000 VND ($42-105 USD). Alternatively, the overland journey by bus requires 18-20 hours with connections through HCMC.
- From Cambodia: Travelers coming from Phnom Penh can take buses to Chau Doc (4-5 hours), then continue to Can Tho (2 hours). Total journey time is 6-7 hours with prices around $15-20 USD.
Getting Around Can Tho
Within the Can Tho City
- Grab Taxi App (Most Convenient) Fares are transparent and reasonable—most trips within the city center cost 30,000-60,000 VND ($1.25-2.50 USD). GrabBike (motorbike taxis) costs even less and navigates traffic faster.
- Grab’s advantages include: no language barriers (addresses entered via map), no negotiating fares, and the ability to track your route. Most drivers in Can Tho are friendly and honest, and some speak basic English.
- Traditional Taxis Mai Linh and Vinasun operate metered taxis throughout Can Tho with similar rates to Grab—approximately 10,000-15,000 VND per kilometer after the flag fall.
- Motorbike Rentals Renting a motorbike (50,000-150,000 VND/$2-6 USD per day) offers ultimate freedom to explore Can Tho and the surrounding areas at your own pace. You’ll need to leave your passport or a cash deposit as security.
- Important considerations: Vietnam requires an international driving permit for legal motorbike operation. Wear a helmet (legally required and provided with rental), drive defensively, and be extra cautious at roundabouts.
- Bicycle Rentals Can Tho’s relatively flat terrain makes cycling an excellent option for exploring the city center and nearby villages. Many hotels offer free bicycle use, or you can rent from shops for 30,000-50,000 VND ($1.25-2 USD) per day.
- Local Buses Can Tho’s public bus system serves mainly local commuters rather than tourists. Routes cover major areas for just 6,000-7,000 VND ($0.25-0.30 USD) per trip, but schedules can be irregular, and English signage is limited.
Explore around Can Tho city by taxi or motorbike
For Floating Markets & Day Trips
- Tour Bookings: Mekongsmile arranges Cai Rang floating market tours, typically departing between 4:30-5:30 AM. The tour costs about $54 USD per person and includes hotel pickup, boat rental, guide, and breakfast.
- For day trips to attractions like Tra Su Forest or Sa Dec, organized tours ($96 USD) handle all logistics—transportation, entrance fees, meals, and guides.
- Private Boat Rentals You can hire private boats at Ninh Kieu Wharf or Cai Rang boat dock for 2-3 hours, split among your group. This allows flexibility but requires some Vietnamese language skills or having your hotel arrange it.
- Hotel Arrangements Most hotels maintain relationships with boat operators and drivers, acting as intermediaries to arrange floating market tours, day trips, and airport transfers.
Transportation Money-Saving Tips:
- Travel outside peak season for better tour rates
- Join group tours rather than hiring private services
- Rent bicycles when possible
- Use Grab instead of hotel-arranged taxis.
- Booking floating market tours through Mekongsmile is convenient.
- For day trips, finding other travelers to split private transport costs dramatically reduces per-person expenses.
Top Things to Do & See in Can Tho
Experience the Floating Markets (Must-Do)
Cai Rang Floating Market: The Delta’s Iconic Spectacle
Cai Rang Floating Market stands as the Mekong Delta’s largest and most impressive floating market—a genuine working wholesale marketplace where hundreds of boats converge to trade fruit, vegetables, and goods each morning.
Best Time to Visit: Arrive between 5:30-8 AM for peak activity. By 9 AM, transactions wind down as wholesale boats depart for deliveries.
What to Expect: Can Tho Floating Market Tour typically lasts 2-3 hours, including the boat ride there, time at the market, and return journey. You can purchase fresh fruit directly from vendors (bring small bills), and Mekongsmile tours include a stop at a noodle factory or rice paper workshop.
Phong Dien Floating Market: Smaller, Quieter, More Authentic (Stopped)
Located about 20 kilometers southwest of Can Tho (1 hour by boat), this smaller market caters primarily to local retail customers rather than wholesale trade.
Important Update: Phong Dien’s activity level has decreased in recent years and had been stopped as more vendors migrate to land-based markets or Cai Rang. You can visit Cai Rang Floating Market instead for the same feeling.
Explore Mekong Delta Waterways
Beyond the floating markets, Can Tho’s intricate network of rivers, canals, and tributaries invites deeper exploration:
- River Cruise Options: Mekongsmile operates Can Tho sunset cruises tour on the Hau River, departing from Ninh Kieu Wharf around 5:30-6 PM. These 2-hour cruises ($46 USD per person) include soft meals with panoramic views of the illuminated Can Tho Bridge.
- Sampan Boat Rides Through Canals: The narrow Can Tho small canals tour threading through Can Tho’s countryside offer intimate glimpses of daily life impossible to access by car. Sampan boats (small wooden canoes typically hand-paddled or propelled with long poles) navigate these waterways barely wider than the boat itself.
- Canal Villages and Floating Houses: Certain areas of Can Tho maintain entire communities built on or beside the canals.
- Visiting these communities requires a guide and appropriate cultural sensitivity—these are homes, not attractions. Can Tho Rural Tour includes stops at welcoming families who receive guests, offering tropical fruit, tea.
Visit Can Tho’s Key Attractions
Ninh Kieu Wharf
- Location: Hai Ba Trung Street, city center
- Hours: 24/7, most active dawn and 5-10 PM
- Entry: Free
Ninh Kieu Wharf stretches along the Hau River’s bank, forming Can Tho’s most iconic public space. This isn’t a functioning commercial wharf but rather a beautifully landscaped riverside promenade where locals and visitors alike gather to walk, exercise, eat, and watch the river flow.
Can Tho Bridge
- Location: Spans Hau River, visible from Ninh Kieu Wharf
- Best viewing: Sunset (5:30-6:30 PM) and after dark
- Entry: Free (viewing from shore/boats)
The Cable-Stayed Can Tho Bridge spans the Hau River, connecting Can Tho to Vinh Long Province. As Vietnam’s longest cable-stayed bridge, it represents a significant engineering achievement and transformed regional connectivity.
You can join our Can Tho Sunset Tour to enjoy the best view of Can Tho Bridge under the golden sunset
Binh Thuy Ancient House
- Location: 144 Bui Huu Nghia Street, Binh Thuy Ward (7 km from center)
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Entry: 20,000-30,000 VND (~$1)
The house blends European elements (ornate tile floors, carved wooden doors, French furniture) with traditional Vietnamese design (wooden beams, courtyard layout, ancestor altar). Original furnishings remain in place—antique clocks, porcelain collections, family photographs, and decorative objects that collectively tell stories of Can Tho’s prosperous trading families.
Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary: Natural Wonder
- Location: Thot Not District, 60 km from Can Tho (1.5 hours)
- Best time: 4:30-6:30 PM (storks return at sunset)
- Cost: 300,000-500,000 VND ($12-21) half-day tour
Every evening at sunset, thousands of white storks return to Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary, creating one of nature’s most spectacular displays. Located approximately 60 kilometers from Can Tho in the Thot Not District, this ecotourism site protects the ancient cajuput forest where storks have nested for generations.
Ong Pagoda (Quang Trieu Assembly Hall): Chinese Heritage
- Location: 32 Hai Ba Trung Street, city center
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Entry: Free (donations welcome)
Ong Pagoda showcases ornate Chinese architecture with guardian dragons, elaborate wood carvings, and incense-filled halls. Built by the Chinese-Vietnamese community in the late 19th century, the pagoda serves as both a place of worship and cultural center.
Can Tho Museum: Delta History and Culture
- Location: 1 Hoa Binh Boulevard, city center
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- Entry: 20,000 VND (~$1)
Can Tho Museum provides context for understanding the Mekong Delta’s history, ecology, and cultural diversity. Housed in a French colonial building, the museum’s collection covers the region’s natural history, ethnic minority cultures (Khmer, Chinese, Cham), agricultural development, and revolutionary history.
My Khanh Tourist Village: Cultural Experience
- Location: Phong Dien District, 25 km from Can Tho
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Entry: Usually part of tour packages (400,000-600,000 VND)
The village concept combines several elements—fruit orchards where you can pick and taste tropical fruits, handicraft workshops demonstrating rice paper making, coconut candy production, and mat weaving, traditional music performances, and meals at local homestays.
Gian Gua Historical Site
- Location: Thot Not District, ~30 km from city center
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Entry: 20,000-30,000 VND (~$1)
Gian Gua Historical Site holds deep significance in Vietnam’s resistance history, serving as a crucial base for revolutionary forces during both the French colonial period and the American War.
Con Son Islet
- Location: Binh Thuy District, accessible by boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Cost: 200,000-400,000 VND including boat, activities, and lunch
Con Son represents community-based tourism at its best—a collection of local families who have organized to share their island lifestyle with visitors while maintaining authentic daily routines.
Hu Tieu (Rice Noodle) Craft Village
- Location: Near Cai Rang Floating Market, ~10 km from city center
- Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM (best time to see production)
- Entry: Free (purchases optional)
Can Tho’s hu tieu craft village maintains Hu Tiu traditional production methods, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at a culinary staple most people enjoy without understanding its creation.
Rice Paper Villages
- Location: Countryside around Can Tho, various villages
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM (production time)
- Entry: Free (purchases optional)
Rice paper (bánh tráng) forms the foundation of countless Vietnamese dishes. The Mekong Delta produces most of Vietnam’s rice paper, with small villages specializing in this labor-intensive craft.
Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery
- Location: Phong Dien District, 12 km from city center
- Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Entry: Free (donations welcome)
Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery ranks among southern Vietnam’s most impressive Buddhist complexes, sprawling across more than 8 hectares of meticulously landscaped grounds.
Phat Hoc Pagoda
- Location: Near city center, Tan An Ward
- Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Entry: Free (donations welcome)
Phat Hoc Pagoda provides an authentic neighborhood temple experience away from tourist circuits.
Munir Ansay Pagoda (Khmer Temple)
- Location: Ninh Kieu District, near city center
- Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Entry: Free (donations welcome)
Munir Ansay Pagoda showcases the Mekong Delta’s ethnic diversity, specifically the region’s significant Khmer (ethnic Cambodian) population.
Immerse in Local Culture
- Traditional Music: Don Ca Tai Tu (UNESCO heritage) performances at riverside restaurants 7-9 PM. Chamber music with zither, lute, fiddle. Free weekend performances at public spaces, private homestay shows.
- Temples & Pagodas: Ong Pagoda (Chinese), Munir Ansay Pagoda (Khmer). Morning alms 6:30-7:30 AM. Dress modestly, remove shoes, ask before photographing.
- Local Festivals: Community celebrations tied to lunar calendar—river offerings, agricultural ceremonies, temple anniversaries. Ask hotels about festivals during your visit.
- Cooking Classes: Can Tho Cooking Class Tour offers market visits, learns traditional techniques, and prepares 3-4 dishes. Hands-on, fun, take skills home.
Join a Can Tho cooking class and bring home the flavors of the Mekong Delta
Top Can Tho Tours and Free Itineraries
Top Can Tho Tours for your most authentic experiences
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Can Tho Floating Market & Fruit Garden Tour: Mekong Tropical Sense
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Cai Rang Floating Market Tour | Amazing Can Tho of Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Can Tho Rural Tour: Cai Rang Floating Market and Rural Cycling
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Floating Market & Hands-On Can Tho Cooking Class Tour: From Market to Feast
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Free Itineraries
Day 1: 5 AM floating market tour, return for breakfast, visit Ninh Kieu Wharf and Can Tho Bridge, afternoon Binh Thuy Ancient House, evening riverside dinner
Day 2: Sampan boat ride through canals, fruit orchard visit, cooking class or craft workshop, night market shopping
Where to Stay in Can Tho
Best Areas to stay in Can Tho
Ninh Kieu District: The Tourist Hub
Ninh Kieu represents Can Tho’s commercial and tourist center, stretching along the Hau River’s western bank:
- Advantages: Walking distance to riverside restaurants and night market, easy access to tour operators, best selection of accommodation types, plenty of ATMs and convenience stores, safe for evening walks, English more commonly spoken.
- Disadvantages: Slightly higher accommodation prices, more touristy atmosphere, some street noise especially near the night market, less “authentic” local experience.
- Best for: First-time visitors, those wanting convenience, solo travelers seeking social atmosphere, visitors with limited time who want everything accessible.
Explore Ninh Kieu District – Can Tho’s lively heart
Cai Khe District: Near the Floating Markets
Cai Khe Ward sits northeast of the city center, closer to Cai Rang Floating Market departure points.
- Advantages: Shorter boat rides to floating markets (saves 15-20 minutes each way), lower accommodation prices, more local atmosphere with authentic restaurants and markets, quieter streets, feels less touristy.
- Disadvantages: Further from Ninh Kieu Wharf evening scene (15-20 minute taxi ride), fewer international restaurants, less English spoken, might need Grab for most destinations.
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, those seeking authentic local experience, early risers prioritizing floating market access, visitors planning multiple days and willing to taxi into tourist center.
Binh Thuy District: Historic and Peaceful
Binh Thuy, located southwest of the center, offers a quieter alternative with colonial-era charm.
- Advantages: Peaceful atmosphere away from tourist hustle, interesting historic architecture, lower prices, some charming boutique properties, easy access to Binh Thuy Ancient House.
- Disadvantages: Requires motorbike or taxi for most activities, limited evening dining options, small accommodation selection, distance from floating market departure points.
- Best for: Travelers seeking tranquility, those with rental motorbikes, couples wanting romantic atmosphere, visitors planning extended stays who want a residential feel.
Discover the charm of Binh Thuy District
Accommodation Types at Can Tho
Luxury Hotels (2,000,000-6,000,000 VND / $83-250 USD per night)
- Vinpearl Hotel Can Tho – Can Tho’s premier luxury on Ninh Kieu Wharf | 3,500,000-6,000,000 VND ($145-250)
- Azerai Can Tho – Boutique luxury property with contemporary design | 3,000,000-5,500,000 VND ($125-230)
- Victoria Can Tho Resort – Colonial-style resort set in lush tropical gardens | 2,500,000-4,500,000 VND ($105-190)
- Sheraton Can Tho – International 5-star chain offering reliable luxury standards, modern rooms | 2,800,000-5,000,000 VND ($117-210)
- Muong Thanh Luxury Can Tho Hotel – Massive property, panoramic city views from upper floors | 2,000,000-3,800,000 VND ($83-160)
- Iris The Royal Hotel Can Tho – Upscale hotel with elegantly appointed rooms and popular for weddings/events | 2,200,000-4,000,000 VND ($92-167)
- Can Tho Ecolodge – Eco-luxury property located 5 km from city center in peaceful countryside | 2,500,000-4,200,000 VND ($105-175)
- West Hotel Can Tho – Contemporary luxury hotel with spacious rooms featuring modern Vietnamese design | 2,000,000-3,500,000 VND ($83-145)
Unwind in style at Can Tho’s luxury hotels
Mid-range Hotels (500,000-1,500,000 VND / $21-63 USD per night)
- TTC Hotel Can Tho – Reliable Vietnamese chain hotel | 800,000-1,400,000 VND ($33-58)
- Mekong Boutique Hotel – Modern 3-star property with 36 clean contemporary rooms | 600,000-1,100,000 VND ($25-46)
- Iris Can Tho Hotel – Modern building where higher floors offer genuine river views | 650,000-1,100,000 VND ($27-46)
- Holiday One Hotel – No-frills but excellent value hotel with genuinely comfortable beds (rare in budget category) | 500,000-900,000 VND ($21-38)
- Tay Ho Hotel – Family-run 25-room hotel, located 10 minutes from the center | 550,000-950,000 VND ($23-40)
- Victoria Can Tho Hotel (not the Resort) – Mid-range hotel borrowing colonial-inspired aesthetic from luxury sister property | 700,000-1,200,000 VND ($29-50)
Stay smart and cozy with Can Tho’s mid-range hotels
Budget Hostels & Guesthouses (150,000-500,000 VND / $6-21 USD per night)
- Xoai Hostel – Can Tho’s most popular backpacker hostel | Dorms: 150,000-180,000 VND ($6-8) | Privates: 350,000-450,000 VND ($15-19)
- Coconut Tree Homestay – Authentic family homestay where Mrs. Lan treats guests like her own children | 250,000-350,000 VND ($10-15)
- An’s Backpackers Hostel – Newer hostel emphasizing cleanliness and comfort over party atmosphere | Dorms: 180,000-200,000 VND ($8-9) | Privates: 400,000-500,000 VND ($17-21)
- Mekong Rustic Can Tho – Rural homestay located 11 km from city center requiring taxi/motorbike but worth journey for authentic countryside experience | 300,000-450,000 VND ($12-19)
- Green Garden Homestay – Family homestay offering free bicycle rentals (major perk), home-cooked meals showcasing Mekong Delta cuisine | 250,000-400,000 VND ($10-17)
Tips for accommodation booking in Can Tho
- When to book: Peak season (Dec-Feb), Shoulder season (Nov, Mar-May), Rainy season (Jun-Oct)
- Where to book: Booking, Agoda, Hotel, direct hotel website, Mekongsmile
- What to check: Recent reviews, Specific complaints, Photos uploaded, Exact location on map, Cancellation policy, What breakfast includes, WiFi quality, AC functionality,…
What to eat in Can Tho
Banh Xeo (Crispy Vietnamese Pancakes)
Can Tho’s signature dish – crispy turmeric rice flour pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and fish sauce. Tear off pieces, wrap in lettuce with herbs, and dunk in sauce for the perfect bite.
Where: Banh Xeo 7 Toi (Dinh Tien Hoang Street) – most famous, 40,000-60,000 VND | Banh Xeo Muoi Xiem (Ba Trieu Street) – less touristy, 35,000-50,000 VND
Bun Rieu Cua (Crab Noodle Soup)
Complex rice noodle soup with tomato-based broth enriched by pounded river crab paste, topped with fried tofu, blood pudding (optional), and fresh herbs. Tangy, savory, and uniquely Mekong Delta.
Where: Ninh Kieu Market breakfast stalls, 30,000-45,000 VND | Bun Rieu Cua Co Ba (Ngo Gia Tu Street) – morning only, 35,000-50,000 VND
Lau Mam (Fermented Fish Hot Pot)
The delta’s most infamous dish – hot pot with pungent fermented fish base, coconut water, and pineapple. Cook river fish, shrimp, beef, pork, and vegetables at your table. Intensely flavorful and polarizing – locals call it “the taste of the Mekong.”
Where: Lau Mam De Thi (Hai Ba Trung Street) – family recipes, 150,000-200,000 VND/person | Lau Mam Muoi Cuong (Tran Quoc Tuan Street) – slightly milder, 120,000-180,000 VND/person
Com Tam (Broken Rice)
Broken rice topped with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, fried egg, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. Southern Vietnam’s comfort food at its finest.
Where: Com Tam Hai Lu (Ngo Duc Ke Street) – famous grilled pork, 35,000-50,000 VND | Evening street vendors citywide, 25,000-40,000 VND | Night market stalls, 30,000-45,000 VND
Banh Cong (Crispy Shrimp Cakes)
Small round fritters combining shrimp, mung beans, and rice flour, fried until crispy outside and soft inside. Addictively delicious with sweet chili-fish sauce.
Where: Night market vendors, 15,000-25,000 VND for 3-4 pieces | Banh Cong Co Ut (Mau Than Street) – afternoon snack spot, 20,000-30,000 VND
Other Notable Dishes
- Hu Tieu – Light noodle soup with pork, shrimp, translucent noodles | Market stalls, 30,000-40,000 VND
- Ca Kho To – Caramelized fish in clay pot | Sao Hom Restaurant, 80,000-120,000 VND
- Ca Loc Nuong Trui – Grilled snakehead fish | Con Son Islet, 150,000-250,000 VND
Practical Tips for Travel to Can Tho
Money Matters
Currency & Exchange
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) – approximately 24,000-25,000 VND = $1 USD
- Best exchange rates: Banks on Phan Dinh Phung Street (Vietcombank, BIDV, Sacombank) offer better rates than hotels (2-3% difference)
- Small bills essential: Keep 20,000, 50,000, 100,000 VND denominations – street vendors can’t break 500,000 notes
- Exchange tip: Withdraw from ATM for best rates rather than exchanging cash
ATMs & Cash
- ATM availability: Widespread around Ninh Kieu Wharf and Hai Ba Trung Street, accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus)
- Withdrawal limits: 2-3 million VND per transaction
- ATM fees: 20,000-50,000 VND per withdrawal plus your bank’s international fees
- Reliable ATMs: Vietcombank (most reliable for international cards), BIDV (high withdrawal limits), Agribank (widely available)
- Cash needs: Always carry 500,000-1,000,000 VND for daily expenses – most places don’t accept cards
Credit Cards
- Accepted: Hotels (mid-range and up), upscale restaurants, tour operators
- Not accepted: Street food, local markets, budget accommodations, taxis (use Grab app instead)
- Notify your bank: Inform before traveling to avoid fraud blocks
Tipping Culture
- Restaurants: 5-10% for exceptional service at upscale places (not expected at local restaurants)
- Tour guides: 50,000-100,000 VND per person per day
- Hotel staff: 20,000-50,000 VND for porters/housekeeping
- Taxi/Grab: Round up to the nearest 10,000 VND
- Spa/massage: 50,000-100,000 VND
- General rule: Tipping is increasingly appreciated in tourist areas but not traditionally expected
Communication
Language Basics
- English proficiency: Good at hotels and tour operators, basic at tourist restaurants, minimal at street stalls and local markets
- Generation gap: Younger Vietnamese speak better English than older generations
- Outside tourist areas: Very limited English, translation apps essential
Local guide helps travellers to connect with locals
Essential Vietnamese Phrases
Greetings:
- Xin chào (sin chow) – Hello
- Cảm ơn (gahm uhn) – Thank you
- Xin lỗi (sin loy) – Sorry/Excuse me
- Vâng/Dạ (vung/zah) – Yes
- Không (khome) – No
Food & Shopping:
- Bao nhiêu tiền? (bow nyew tee-en) – How much?
- Đắt quá (daht gwah) – Too expensive
- Ngon (ngon) – Delicious
- Không cay (khome kai) – Not spicy
- Tôi ăn chay (toy an chai) – I’m vegetarian
- Nước lọc (nuhk lock) – Bottled water
Navigation:
- Toilet ở đâu? (toy-let uh dow) – Where’s bathroom?
- Khách sạn (kahk sahn) – Hotel
- Bệnh viện (bayn vee-en) – Hospital
- Giúp tôi (yoop toy) – Help me
Translation Tools
- Google Translate: Download Vietnamese offline, camera feature translates menus/signs
- Grab app: Built-in translation, enter destinations via map
- Maps.me: Offline maps with Vietnamese place names
- Papago: Alternative translation app, sometimes more accurate
SIM Cards & Mobile Data
Top Providers:
- Viettel (recommended) – Best coverage including rural areas, 100,000-200,000 VND for 30-day tourist package with 3-5GB data
- Mobifone – Good urban coverage, similar pricing, slightly weaker in remote areas
- Vinaphone – Budget option, adequate city coverage
Where to buy: Can Tho Airport, Vincom Plaza mobile shops, official provider stores (bring passport for registration)
Why get one: Essential for reliable internet, navigation, Grab app, emergency contact
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Can Tho Travel Guide
Is Can Tho worth visiting?
Absolutely yes. Can Tho offers the most authentic Mekong Delta experience with genuine floating markets (working wholesale operations, not tourist shows), incredible delta cuisine, relaxed river lifestyle, and warm local hospitality.
How many days should I spend in Can Tho?
- Minimum: 2 days/1 night – covers floating market and city highlights but feels rushed
- Recommended: 3-4 days/2-3 nights – allows floating market, city exploration, day trip to Tra Su or Sa Dec, cooking class, and relaxed pace to absorb the atmosphere
- Extended: 5-7 days – for deep delta immersion, multiple day trips, homestay experiences, visiting surrounding provinces
- Day trip from HCMC: Not recommended – requires 3 AM departure, only sees floating market, misses city’s character, exhausting 15-16 hour day
What is the best time to visit Can Tho?
- Best weather: December-April (dry season) – sunny, comfortable 25-32°C, optimal floating market activity, minimal rain
- Best value: June-October (rainy season) – accommodation 30-50% cheaper, fewer tourists, mornings usually clear, afternoon downpours predictable, lush green landscape
- Best photography: December-February – clear skies, golden light, peak floating market activity, cooler morning temperatures
- Avoid: September (peak rainy season) though still visitable with rain gear and flexibility
- Festival times: Tet (late Jan/early Feb) for cultural immersion, Ok Om Bok (Oct/Nov) for Khmer boat races – book early, expect closures and higher prices
Is Can Tho safe for solo travelers?
Very safe. Can Tho ranks among Vietnam’s safest cities with extremely low violent crime rates.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Depends on nationality:
- Many countries eligible for visa exemption (15-90 days depending on nationality)
- E-visa available for most nationalities (90 days, $25 USD, apply online 3-10 days before arrival)
- Visa on arrival at airports for some nationalities
- Check current requirements at Vietnamese embassy website or official government portal
Passport requirement: Minimum 6 months validity from entry date
How much money do I need per day in Can Tho?
- Ultra-budget: $15-25/day – Hostel dorms, street food all meals, free activities, group tours
- Budget: $25-40/day – Budget hotel/private room, mix of street food and restaurants, floating market tour, one paid attraction
- Mid-range: $40-70/day – Comfortable hotel, restaurants, multiple tours/activities, occasional upscale dining
- Luxury: $100+/day – Top hotels, all meals at restaurants, private tours, spa treatments, comfort throughout
Is English widely spoken in Can Tho?
Limited outside tourist areas:
- Good English: Mid-range to luxury hotels, established tour operators, some tourist restaurants, younger generation (basic conversational)
- Minimal English: Street food vendors, local markets, budget accommodations, taxi drivers, rural areas, older generation
- Compared to other cities: Less English than Hanoi, HCMC, Hoi An, Da Nang – more similar to second-tier cities
