Discover the beating heart of the Mekong Delta Vietnam Capital at Ninh Kieu Wharf (Bến Ninh Kiều), the most iconic landmark in Can Tho City. Situated at the confluence of the Hau and Can Tho rivers, this vibrant promenade is more than just a park—it is the gateway to the Mekong Delta’s river life. This comprehensive Ninh Kieu Wharf travel guide covers everything from the best time to visit the Uncle Ho Statue and the illuminated Pedestrian Love Bridge, to practical tips for booking sunset dinner cruises. We also provide essential insights on how to avoid tourist traps and seamlessly combine your evening stroll with a visit nearby, ensuring you experience the true soul of the city.
An Overview of Ninh Kieu Wharf
A glance of Ninh Kieu Wharf
- Established: 19th Century (Renovated into a park in 1958)
- Location: Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (Most lively from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Time Needed: 1 – 2 hours (excluding boat trips)
- Famous For: The symbol of Can Tho City, Uncle Ho Statue, Pedestrian Bridge (Love Bridge), and the main terminal for Mekong river cruises.
About Ninh Kieu Wharf
Ninh Kieu Wharf is more than just a dock; it is a cultural landmark deeply ingrained in Vietnamese poetry and music.
- Historical Origins: Originally, this area was a busy trading port known as Cam Thi Giang (River of Poems) under the Nguyen Dynasty. During the French colonial era, it was developed into a commercial quay named Quai de Commerce. It was only in 1958 that it was renamed Ninh Kieu, after a famous historic victory of national hero Le Loi.
- The Park & Statue: Today, the wharf has been transformed into a spacious, manicured park covering over 7,000 square meters. The centerpiece is the majestic 7.2-meter bronze statue of President Ho Chi Minh, standing tall and waving towards the Hau River, symbolizing the city’s warm welcome to friends from afar.
- The Romantic Confluence: Geographically, this is where the smaller Can Tho River meets the massive Hau River. This creates a stunning panoramic view, especially at night when the river is illuminated by the lights of floating restaurants and the nearby Can Tho Bridge. There is a famous local saying: “Can Tho has Ninh Kieu Wharf, has a beautiful river, and many lovely girls,” highlighting its place as the romantic center of the Delta.
Video about Ninh Kieu Wharf (Drone Camera)
Planning Your Visit to Ninh Kieu Wharf
Location & Address
Ninh Kieu Wharf is the absolute center of Can Tho City, stretching along the riverbank of the Hau River. It is the reference point for almost all navigation in the city.
- Address: Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
- Landmark: The park runs parallel to Hai Ba Trung Street. Look for the massive Uncle Ho Statue—that is the heart of the wharf.
Operating Hours & Schedule
As a public park and promenade, Ninh Kieu Wharf is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the atmosphere changes drastically depending on when you visit:
- Early Morning (5:00 AM – 7:00 AM): This is the departure time for boat trips to Cai Rang Floating Market. The wharf is bustling with tourists boarding sampans and locals doing morning Tai Chi exercises.
- Mid-Day: Usually quiet and hot. Not recommended for a long stroll unless you are visiting the nearby Can Tho museums.
- Evening (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM): The Best Time to Visit. The sun sets, the streetlights turn on, the Pedestrian Bridge lights up, and the Night Market opens. This is when the wharf truly comes alive with cool river breezes and vibrant crowds.
Admission & Duration
- Entrance Fee: Free. Access to the park, the statue area, and the pedestrian bridge is completely free.
- Boat Tickets: While entering the wharf is free, this is the main terminal for river tours. If you want to take a boat to the floating market or a sunset cruise, contact Mekong Smile for the best prices.
- Duration: For a leisurely walk, taking photos at the statue and the bridge, plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you stay for dinner or a night market stroll, you can easily spend the whole evening here.
How to Get There
Since it is the city center, getting to Ninh Kieu Wharf is effortless.
- On Foot: If you are booking a hotel in Can Tho, try to stay in the Ninh Kieu District (around Hai Ba Trung, Nguyen An Ninh, or Phan Dinh Phung streets). From here, the wharf is just a 5-10 minute walk.
- By Taxi/Grab: Simply tell the driver “Bến Ninh Kiều” or “Tượng Bác Hồ” (Uncle Ho Statue). Most rides within the city center will cost under 50,000 VND.
- From the Airport: Can Tho International Airport is about 10 km away. A taxi to Ninh Kieu Wharf takes about 20-30 minutes and costs around 150,000 – 200,000 VND.
Must-Try Experiences at Ninh Kieu Wharf
Walk the “Love Bridge” (Ninh Kieu Pedestrian Bridge)
Located at the edge of the wharf where the Can Tho River meets the Hau River, this S-shaped pedestrian bridge is the modern icon of the city.
- The Highlight: It is the first pedestrian bridge in the Mekong Delta. At night, two giant lotus flowers on the bridge light up with colorful LEDs, creating a stunning reflection on the dark water.
- Best Moment: Visit around 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM to enjoy the cool breeze and capture panoramic photos of the city skyline and the distant Can Tho Bridge illuminated in the background.
Take a Sunset or Dinner Cruise
Ninh Kieu Wharf is the main dock for the city’s famous floating restaurants and river cruise ships.
- The Experience: Every evening (usually departing between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM), these multi-story boats take visitors on a leisurely loop along the Hau River.
- What to Expect: You can enjoy a dinner of Mekong specialties while watching the city lights drift by. It is a romantic and relaxing way to end the day.
See the real river cruise ship experience and admire the sparkling city lights on our exclusive Can Tho Sunset Tour
Pay Respects at the Uncle Ho Statue
Standing at the center of the park is the majestic bronze statue of President Ho Chi Minh, standing 7.2 meters tall and weighing 12 tons.
- The Symbolism: The statue depicts Uncle Ho waving his hand warmly, facing the Hau River as if welcoming visitors to the region. It is the most solemn and significant spot in the park, often surrounded by fresh flowers left by locals.
Explore the Ninh Kieu Night Market
Just a few steps from the park (along Hang Dua and Hai Ba Trung streets), the area transforms into a bustling night market as soon as the sun sets.
- Shopping: Browse through stalls selling clothes, souvenirs, and handicrafts.
- Street Food: This is the real draw. Don’t miss trying local snacks like grilled rice paper (bánh tráng nướng), sticky rice with chicken, and fresh tropical fruits.
Catch a Sampan to the Floating Market
While this usually happens in the early morning (5:30 AM), Ninh Kieu Wharf is the starting point for almost all boat tours to the Cai Rang Floating Market.
- The Vibe: Arriving at the wharf before dawn, seeing the river filled with small boats and busy captains, gives you a glimpse into the hardworking spirit of the river people. Even if you don’t go, watching the morning departure is an experience in itself.
Witness the vibrant trading culture of the Mekong Delta at dawn on our authentic Cai Rang Floating Market Tour
Insider Tips for an Enhanced Visit
To navigate the city’s busiest tourist hub like a pro, keep these local secrets in mind:
- Avoid the “Ticket Scalpers”: As you walk along the wharf, many freelance boat drivers and intermediaries (“cò tàu”) will approach you offering floating market tours or river cruises. Their prices are often inflated. For safety and fair pricing, it is best to book through Mekong Smile.
- The Best “Free” View: You don’t need to pay for a fancy rooftop bar to get a great view. Head to the Pedestrian Bridge (Love Bridge) around 5:30 PM. The sunset view looking out towards the Hau River and the Can Tho Bridge is completely free and arguably the best in the city.
- Watch Your Belongings: Ninh Kieu Wharf is very safe, but like any crowded tourist spot (especially the Night Market area), pickpocketing can happen.
- Morning vs. Evening: Understand the two “personalities” of the wharf. Visit at 6:00 AM if you want to see locals exercising and the sunrise over the river. Visit at 7:00 PM if you want lights, music, and energy.
Combining Ninh Kieu Wharf with Nearby Attractions
Being the heart of the city, Ninh Kieu Wharf is surrounded by historical and cultural landmarks that are easily accessible on foot. Here are the best spots to combine with your riverfront walk:
- Ong Temple (Chua Ong): Located directly facing the wharf (on Hai Ba Trung Street), this colorful 130-year-old Chinese temple is a must-visit. See real insights about Ong Temple.
- Can Tho Old Market (Cho Co): Just a 2-minute walk down the street from the temple, this renovated market hall is perfect for buying high-quality souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts. See real insights about Can Tho Old Market.
- Can Tho Museum: Located about 1 km away (a 10-15 minute walk or short taxi ride), this museum offers a deep dive into the history of the Mekong Delta and the three main ethnic groups (Kinh, Khmer, Hoa) that built the region. See real insights about Can Tho Museum.
- Can Tho Prison (Kham Lon Can Tho): Situated nearby on Ngo Gia Tu Street, this historical site preserves the colonial-era prison cells, offering a sobering but important look at the revolutionary history of the city. See real insights about Can Tho Prison.
- Phat Hoc Pagoda: A massive multi-story Buddhist temple located on Hoa Binh Avenue, just a short walk from the wharf. See real insights about Phat Hoc Pagoda.
Our Signature Can Tho Tours
We design authentic cultural tours throughout the Mekong Delta, from floating markets and traditional villages to multi-day expeditions showcasing Southern Vietnam’s heritage, sustainable communities, and vibrant river life.
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
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Ready for the Real Mekong? Book Your Authentic Tour Today
Planning Your Mekong Trip?
Get a free, personalized itinerary from our local experts in under 120 minutes.
Instant WhatsApp Support
100% Tailor-made Itinerary
Get a Free Consultation
Leave your contact, we handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ninh Kieu Wharf
Is there an entrance fee for Ninh Kieu Wharf?
No, admission to the park, the pedestrian bridge, and the statue area is completely free. It is a public space open to everyone. However, you will need to pay if you want to take a boat tour, a dinner cruise, or buy food at the night market.
What time does the Night Market open?
The Ninh Kieu Night Market (located on the streets adjacent to the park) typically starts setting up around 4:00 PM and gets fully lively by 6:00 PM. It usually stays open until around 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM.
Is Ninh Kieu Wharf safe at night?
Yes, it is generally very safe. It is the most popular tourist area in the city, well-lit and constantly patrolled by security and police. However, like any crowded place in the world, you should keep an eye on your personal belongings (wallets, phones) to prevent petty theft.
Can I walk from Ninh Kieu Wharf to Can Tho Beach?
Technically yes, but it is a bit of a long walk (about 2.5 – 3 km). It would take about 30-40 minutes. A popular alternative in the evening is to take the electric tourist carts (xe điện) that run frequently between the wharf and the beach/stadium area for a small fee.
Are there ATMs near Ninh Kieu Wharf?
Yes, because it is the city center, there are many ATMs and banks located along Hai Ba Trung Street and Hoa Binh Avenue, just a short walk from the park entrance.
