Can Tho
Planning a trip to Vietnam in December 2026? The Dong Thap Pangasius Festival 2026 is scheduled for December 3-6 in Hong Ngu, a riverside area near the Cambodian border in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.
Organized as the first provincial-level Dong Thap Pangasius Festival, the four-day event will feature pangasius cooking demonstrations, cultural performances, exhibitions, and activities highlighting the region’s freshwater fish industry.
Pangasius, known in Vietnamese as ca tra, is a freshwater fish commonly marketed internationally as Vietnamese catfish.
Under the theme “From the Mekong River to Tables Around the World,” the festival will connect local food traditions and farming communities with the wider story of pangasius production and trade.
But is it worth traveling to Hong Ngu specifically for the festival?
This guide covers the announced activities, main venue, transport options from Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, and what international visitors should check before making travel arrangements.
Dong Thap Pangasius Festival 2026 at a glance
| Information | Details |
| Official event | Dong Thap Pangasius Festival 2026 |
| Vietnamese name | Lễ hội Cá tra Đồng Tháp lần thứ I |
| Dates | December 3-6, 2026 |
| Main venue | Vo Nguyen Giap Square, Hong Ngu Ward, Dong Thap Province |
| Location on Google Maps | https://s.mekongsmile.com/vonguyengiapsquare |
| Additional event area | An Binh Ward, Dong Thap Province |
| Event scale | First provincial-level edition |
| Theme | From the Mekong River to Tables Around the World |
| Planned highlights | Food demonstrations, exhibitions, street festival, cultural performances, and a trade fair |
| Admission fees | Not yet confirmed |
| Daily opening hours | Not yet announced |
| Event time zone | Vietnam time (UTC+7) |
Latest update: November 10, 2026. The dates and main location have been announced by the Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee under Plan No. 1680/KH-UBND, issued on November 6, 2026.
The program remains subject to updates, particularly regarding individual performance times, admission arrangements, and activities taking place at different venues.
Where is the Dong Thap Pangasius Festival held?
The festival’s main venue is Vo Nguyen Giap Square in Hong Ngu Ward, Dong Thap Province, Vietnam.
Additional activities are planned in An Binh Ward.
Hong Ngu is in the northern Mekong Delta, near the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. It is considerably farther inland than My Tho or Ben Tre, which are more familiar destinations for travelers taking short trips from Ho Chi Minh City.
The area is also separate from central Can Tho, where many Mekong Delta visitors stay to explore Cai Rang Floating Market.
For navigation, use the full location name:
Quang truong Vo Nguyen Giap, Hong Ngu, Dong Thap, Vietnam
Be careful when searching online. Other places in Vietnam are also named Vo Nguyen Giap Square, so check that your map points to Hong Ngu in Dong Thap Province, not another city.
Location details last checked: November 10, 2026.
What can visitors experience at the festival?
The festival brings together culinary experiences, cultural activities, and exhibitions related to pangasius farming and trade.
Not every activity is designed specifically for tourists. Some are intended for businesses, government representatives, fish farmers, and industry professionals.
For international leisure travelers, the following announced activities are likely to be the most relevant.
Explore pangasius dishes and cooking demonstrations
Food is one of the main reasons to consider visiting the festival.
The planned international culinary area, themed “Pangasius Cuisine: Reaching the World,” will introduce different ways of preparing pangasius.
Although many people outside Vietnam know pangasius as frozen fish fillets, the fish also has a place in everyday Vietnamese cooking.
In southern Vietnam, freshwater fish is commonly cooked in clay pots, simmered in soups, steamed, or served with fresh vegetables and herbs.
The festival’s culinary program aims to present this ingredient through different cooking traditions.
One of the announced activities is a “Yan Can Cook” cooking demonstration featuring pangasius dishes.
However, the exact showtime, participating individuals, and public access arrangements have not yet been confirmed. Travelers should not assume that a particular television chef or guest will appear without a separate announcement.
The culinary area is a promising part of the program for food enthusiasts, but the organizers have not yet confirmed whether visitors will be able to sample every featured dish or participate in hands-on cooking sessions.
Good for: Food enthusiasts and travelers curious about Vietnamese ingredients and local cooking.
Before attending: Check the cooking demonstration schedule and whether tasting sessions or special shows require registration.
Discover the Journey of Dong Thap Pangasius exhibition
The “Journey of Dong Thap Pangasius” exhibition is another announced component of the festival.
Dong Thap is an important pangasius-producing area. The industry connects fish farms, processing facilities, transport networks, and export businesses.
The exhibition is planned to introduce this industry and the products associated with it.
For travelers, the interesting part is understanding how a freshwater fish from the Mekong Delta reaches markets and dining tables far beyond Vietnam.
The festival program also includes regional OCOP products. OCOP stands for One Commune One Product, a Vietnamese initiative promoting distinctive products associated with local communities and producers.
Good for: Visitors interested in agriculture, food production, local livelihoods, and regional products.
Before attending: Confirm the exhibition’s visiting hours and which displays are open to general visitors.
Experience the Colors of the Mekong street festival
The planned “Colors of the Mekong” street festival, known in Vietnamese as Sac Mau Me Kong, will combine street-level cultural activities with food.
This part of the program may be particularly appealing to travelers who prefer community events over formal industry exhibitions.
However, the organizing plan has not yet established a publicly confirmed parade route or performance timetable.
Travelers interested in this activity should check its exact location and time before deciding which day to visit Hong Ngu.
Good for: Visitors interested in local celebrations, food, and community culture.
Before attending: Look for the final street festival schedule and any traffic or road access announcements.
Listen to southern Vietnamese traditional music
The cultural program includes don ca tai tu, a form of traditional music associated with southern Vietnam, and ho Dong Thap, a style of local folk singing.
Don ca tai tu is recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
These performances offer a different perspective on the Mekong Delta from the river cruises and floating-market visits that many travelers associate with the region.
Other planned community activities include a river lantern ceremony, the release of fish to help replenish aquatic resources, and activities recognizing people involved in the pangasius trade.
The dates, locations, and public participation arrangements for these activities are still to be announced.
Good for: Travelers interested in traditional music and community celebrations.
Explore the Hong Ngu 2026 trade fair
The festival program includes a Vietnamese goods fair in the Hong Ngu border area.
Hong Ngu’s location near Cambodia makes cross-border trade an important part of the region’s commercial life.
The fair is expected to showcase products associated with local businesses and regional trade.
While the final list of exhibitors has not been published, it may offer visitors another opportunity to explore products from this part of southern Vietnam.
If you enjoy discovering ingredients and everyday shopping traditions, our guide to traditional markets in the Mekong Delta provides more context on local food and commerce.
Dong Thap Pangasius Festival 2026 schedule: What is confirmed?
The official festival period covers four days, from Thursday, December 3, through Sunday, December 6, 2026.
However, the festival dates are not the same as a confirmed daily activity schedule.
At the time of this update, visitors should treat the following information as their planning reference.
| Activity | Current status |
| Festival dates, December 3-6 | Officially announced |
| Main venue at Vo Nguyen Giap Square | Officially announced |
| Pangasius exhibition | Included in the festival plan |
| International culinary area | Included in the festival plan |
| Yan Can Cook demonstration | Included in the festival plan |
| Colors of the Mekong street festival | Included in the festival plan |
| Traditional music and community activities | Included in the festival plan |
| Daily performance times | Awaiting confirmation |
| Admission fees and ticketing | Awaiting confirmation |
| English-language visitor services | Not yet confirmed |
Which day should you visit?
There is not enough confirmed information yet to recommend one specific day.
If your main interest is the culinary show, wait for its exact performance time.
If you prefer cultural performances, look for the confirmed street festival and music schedule.
If you are interested mainly in exhibitions, check their daily opening hours and public access arrangements.
Visitors traveling from another city should avoid choosing a date solely because the festival runs from December 3 to 6. Individual activities may not take place every day.
How to get to Hong Ngu from Ho Chi Minh City
Hong Ngu is approximately 174 km (108 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City by road, depending on where your journey begins and ends.
There are two main transport approaches to consider.
By intercity bus
Intercity buses are an option for travelers who do not want to arrange a private vehicle.
Published bus listings for the Ho Chi Minh City-Hong Ngu route include services associated with FUTA Bus Lines (Phuong Trang).
The journey typically requires several hours. Recent route listings indicate a bus journey of approximately five to six hours, although actual travel time depends on the departure point, stops, traffic, and service selected.
Check routes and tickets through:
Some services use major bus terminals such as Mien Tay Bus Station or other pickup points. The departure location and Hong Ngu drop-off point vary between listings.
Before booking, confirm the exact pickup address, the destination stop, and whether you will need a taxi for the final journey to Vo Nguyen Giap Square.
A bus arriving in Hong Ngu does not necessarily stop directly at the festival venue.
By private car
Traveling by private car or a prearranged vehicle provides greater flexibility, especially when the festival program includes evening activities.
A road journey generally takes several hours. For initial planning, allow roughly three to four and a half hours from Ho Chi Minh City, with additional time for traffic or stops.
This is a planning estimate, not a guaranteed transfer time.
Should you visit from Ho Chi Minh City in one day?
A same-day return is possible in principle with suitable private transport, but it would involve substantial time on the road.
If you want to attend evening performances or multiple activities, staying overnight in Hong Ngu is likely to be more practical.
How to get to Hong Ngu from Can Tho
Hong Ngu is approximately 135 km (84 miles) from Can Tho by road.
Traveling by private car generally takes around two to three hours under ordinary conditions, although the actual journey may be longer because of traffic, roadworks, pickup locations, or stops.
If you plan to use public transportation, check intercity services and connections before departure.
Published transport directories provide inconsistent information about direct Can Tho-Hong Ngu services, so a direct bus should not be assumed available at your preferred time.
The simplest option for travelers who need a fixed arrival time may be a prearranged road transfer.
Can you visit the festival as a day trip from Can Tho?
A day trip is more practical from Can Tho than from Ho Chi Minh City, particularly with private transportation.
However, the decision depends on the activities you want to attend.
For example, visiting an exhibition during the daytime is different from staying for an evening performance and returning late at night.
Once the festival’s detailed schedule is released, you can decide whether to return to Can Tho on the same day or spend a night in Hong Ngu.
If you are arranging several destinations in southern Vietnam, see our Mekong Delta itinerary guide for advice on planning journeys without excessive road travel.
Where should you stay for the festival?
If attending the festival is one of your main travel priorities, staying in central Hong Ngu is worth considering.
This may be especially helpful if you want to experience activities on more than one day or attend evening performances.
Before reserving a room, check:
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Whether the property is actually in Hong Ngu, Dong Thap Province.
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Its distance from Vo Nguyen Giap Square.
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Availability for December 3-6, 2026.
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Check-in and late-return arrangements.
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Whether the property can help arrange local transportation.
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Whether English-language assistance is available if you need it.
Avoid searching for accommodation using only “Vo Nguyen Giap Square,” because the same place name is used elsewhere in Vietnam.
If staying in Hong Ngu is not possible, review transport options from another base before committing to evening events.
Practical tips for international visitors
The festival combines public-facing cultural activities with professional and commercial programs. Visitors should prepare accordingly.
Admission and tickets: The public announcement does not yet confirm whether all activities are free. Some exhibitions, demonstrations, or professional sessions may have separate access arrangements.
Language: English-language announcements, signs, and on-site interpretation have not been confirmed. Keep the event’s Vietnamese name and venue address saved on your phone. A translation app may be useful.
Payments: Carry Vietnamese dong in small denominations for food, drinks, and local purchases. Do not assume every vendor accepts international cards.
Getting around: Arrange the return journey before attending evening activities. Transport availability may be more limited outside major city centers.
Food and dietary restrictions: Ask about fish, shellfish, sauces, and other ingredients if you have allergies. The announced culinary program does not establish which dishes will be available for public tasting.
Weather: December is generally within the Mekong Delta’s drier period, but rain and warm weather are still possible. Bring comfortable shoes, drinking water, and sun protection for outdoor activities.
Photography: Ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors, performers, or local residents. Follow any instructions at exhibitions and professional events.
For more information about seasonal conditions, read when to visit the Mekong Delta.
Is the Dong Thap Pangasius Festival worth visiting?
The answer depends on your interests and where you are already traveling.
Consider visiting if you enjoy food and local culture
If you are interested in regional cuisine, cooking demonstrations, traditional music, and the everyday economy of the Mekong Delta, the festival could be an interesting addition to your journey.
It offers a different focus from the boat tours, orchards, and floating markets that appear in many southern Vietnam itineraries.
Consider visiting if you are already near Hong Ngu
If you are staying in Hong Ngu or traveling through northern Dong Thap during December 3-6, attending part of the festival may fit naturally into your plans.
You can choose activities that match your interests once the final public schedule becomes available.
Wait for the detailed program if you are traveling specifically for the festival
If you are in Ho Chi Minh City and would need a long road journey, do not book transportation and accommodation solely to attend a particular show before its date and admission arrangements are confirmed.
The same advice applies if you are hoping to meet a specific chef, join a cooking class, or take part in a ceremonial activity.
These experiences should not be assumed available simply because a related activity appears in the festival plan.
Our travel-planning assessment: The festival is promising for travelers interested in food and local livelihoods, but its value as a dedicated trip will become clearer when the organizers publish the final visitor program.
Places to visit near Hong Ngu, Dong Thap
If you’re visiting the Dong Thap Pangasius Festival 2026, consider exploring these nearby attractions to experience more of the Mekong Delta.
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Hong Ngu Market: Explore a traditional local market with fresh produce, regional specialties, and everyday trading activities. Learn more about traditional markets in the Mekong Delta.
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Long Khanh Scarf Weaving Village: Discover the traditional craft of weaving khan ran (Vietnamese checkered scarves) and learn about local craftsmanship on Long Khanh Islet.
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Tram Chim National Park: Explore a protected wetland known for its birdlife, natural scenery, and boat excursions. Allow at least half a day for this experience.
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Gao Giong Ecotourism Area: Enjoy melaleuca forests, wetlands, and birdwatching opportunities. This destination is better suited to a longer trip through Dong Thap.
Travel tip: For a short visit, prioritize Gao Giong or Long Khanh Scarf Weaving Village. If you have an additional day, consider Tram Chim National Park or Gao Giong Ecotourism Area.
For more ideas, explore our Mekong Delta Travel Guide.
Why is pangasius important to Dong Thap?
Pangasius is a major freshwater aquaculture product in the Mekong Delta.
Known locally as ca tra, the fish is farmed, processed, and sold in Vietnam and international markets.
Dong Thap is an important production center, with farming and processing businesses supporting employment and regional trade.
For travelers, this adds another dimension to the Mekong Delta’s identity.
The region is not only a destination of waterways, orchards, and markets. Its rivers also support agriculture, aquaculture, and industries that connect local communities with international consumers.
The festival’s official theme, “From the Mekong River to Tables Around the World,” reflects that connection.
The event also includes industry-related discussions on production, technology, environmental practices, and future development.
These professional activities may not be central to a leisure visitor’s itinerary, but they explain why pangasius is an important subject for Dong Thap.
Explore more of the Mekong Delta with Mekong Smile
If you are visiting southern Vietnam for the festival, you may also want to spend time exploring other parts of the Mekong Delta.
Can Tho is known for its river culture, local food, and Cai Rang Floating Market. The area offers experiences that differ from the industry and community events planned in Hong Ngu.
For a wider introduction, explore the Mekong Delta Travel Guide.
If local cuisine interests you, Mekong Smile also offers a Can Tho Food Tour, where visitors discover regional dishes and food traditions in Can Tho.
Please note: Mekong Smile’s regular Can Tho tours are separate from the Dong Thap Pangasius Festival. Festival admission and transfers to Hong Ngu are not included unless specifically stated in a confirmed tour itinerary.
Plan your Mekong Delta journey
Planning to visit the Mekong Delta in December?
Mekong Smile provides guided experiences in Can Tho and other destinations in southern Vietnam, including local food, river activities, and cultural experiences.
For questions about our available tours or general Mekong Delta travel planning, contact:
Hotline: WhatsApp: +84 774 839 165
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Frequently asked questions about the Dong Thap Pangasius Festival 2026
When is the Dong Thap Pangasius Festival 2026?
The festival is scheduled for December 3-6, 2026, in Dong Thap Province, Vietnam. The dates have been announced by the provincial government, while the detailed daily visitor program is still being finalized.
Where exactly is the festival held?
The main venue is Vo Nguyen Giap Square in Hong Ngu Ward, Dong Thap Province. Some activities are also planned in An Binh Ward. Check the full location name when using online maps.
Is this the first provincial-level Dong Thap Pangasius Festival?
The 2026 event is officially designated the first Dong Thap Pangasius Festival in the announced provincial-level program. It is being organized with participation planned from government agencies, producers, businesses, and other organizations involved in the pangasius industry.
Is the festival free to attend?
The available official information has not confirmed public ticket prices or admission arrangements. Check organizer announcements before visiting.
Can foreign tourists attend the festival?
The festival includes activities intended to promote the pangasius industry and local culture to a broad audience, including international stakeholders. However, public access rules for each activity have not yet been confirmed. Foreign visitors should check whether registration or tickets are required for the programs they want to attend.
Will the festival have English-speaking guides?
English-language visitor services have not yet been confirmed. Travelers who do not speak Vietnamese may find a translation app useful.
Will there be food tasting and cooking demonstrations?
An international pangasius culinary area and a Yan Can Cook demonstration are included in the planned program. Exact times, public tasting arrangements, and participation rules are still pending.
Which day is the most suitable for tourists?
There is no confirmed recommendation yet. The most suitable day will depend on the final schedule for cooking demonstrations, cultural performances, and public exhibitions.
Can I visit the festival from Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes. Hong Ngu can be reached by intercity bus or road transfer. However, the journey takes several hours, so an overnight stay may be preferable if you want to attend multiple activities or evening performances.
Can I visit from Can Tho and return on the same day?
A same-day visit can be practical with suitable transportation, but you should confirm the activity timetable and return arrangements before traveling.
Do Mekong Smile tours include the festival?
Mekong Smile’s regular Can Tho tours do not automatically include the festival. Travelers should check the inclusions of any specific tour before booking.
