Just 10 minutes from downtown Can Tho, Son Islet (Con Son Islet) welcomes travelers to experience the Mekong Delta at its most authentic — peaceful, green, and full of life. In this complete Con Son Islet guide, you’ll discover everything you need to plan your visit with confidence: how to get there, what to see, the best time to go, and insider tips for connecting with local families who keep the island’s traditions alive. Whether you’re seeking fresh tropical fruit, a hands-on cooking experience, or a quiet escape from the city, this article helps you uncover the true charm of Son Islet — one of the Mekong Delta’s most genuine and heartwarming destinations.
Lastest update by Hai Yen Nguyen at Mekong Smile | Official Can Tho Travel Guide
Overview of Son Islet
A glance at Son Islet
- Location: Hau River, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City (accessible via Co Bac Pier).
- Site Type: Eco-tourism Islet and Community-Based Tourism Village.
- Significance: A leading model for sustainable tourism in Vietnam, where households collaborate to offer a unified visitor experience.
- Atmosphere: Serene, lush, and friendly, characterized by green fruit orchards and peaceful canal-side paths.
- Key Highlights: The “Flying Snakehead Fish” (Cá lóc bay) spectacle, traditional cake-making workshops, and floating fish farm visits.
- Average Visit Duration: 3 – 5 hours (often includes a local organic lunch).
Understanding Son Islet: A Legacy of Collaboration
The story of Son Islet is a heartwarming tale of “resilience and spirit.” Historically a quiet agricultural island, the residents of Son Islet realized that by working together, they could preserve their lifestyle while sharing it with the world. Unlike traditional commercial parks, the islet operates on a “community-first” model: one house offers a fish farm visit, another teaches cake making, and another prepares the main meal. This legacy represents the “vibrant living heritage” of Can Tho, showing how a community can thrive by protecting its “green lung” and honoring its ancestral traditions.
Video: The Rhythm of the Son Islet
To witness the synchronized jump of the flying fish and the colorful art of handmade cakes, watch a short cinematic tour of the Son Islet:
What Makes Son Islet Special?
Son Islet is the soul of community-based tourism in the Mekong. It is not just a destination; it is a structural masterpiece of human collaboration and environmental stewardship.
Today, it stands as a symbol of regional pride. Visitors can observe how the entire islet is managed without the need for large-scale industrial interference. The highlight for many—the “Flying Snakehead Fish”—is a natural display of fish behavior adapted into a performance through patient training. Observing the “vibrant living heritage” of the islanders as they share their recipes and farming secrets highlights the deep connection between the people’s hospitality and the rhythmic pulse of the river.
“With Mekong Smile, you will discover the ‘hidden architecture’ of the Con Son Islet community. We decode for you the ‘Shared Prosperity’ model: how each family specializes in a specific craft to avoid competition and ensureevery guest receives a personalized, high-quality experience.” – Mr Jimmy, Business Development at Mekong Smile
Planning Your Visit: Logistics & Timing
Location
The islet is floating in the middle of the Hau River, providing a natural barrier from the city’s noise.
- Exact Address: Binh Thuy Ward, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho.
- Distance: Approximately 8km from the city center; accessible via a 5-minute ferry ride from Co Bac Pier.
How to Get There
- By Boat: The essential arrival. Most visitors take a local ferry or hire a private sampan from Co Bac Pier (near Binh Thuy Ancient House).
- The Mekong Smile Way: We integrate the islet into our Con Son Islet tour. We arrange private boat transfers that include the entry visit to the Can Tho Floating Fish Farm, providing a seamless transition from the river rafts to the island’s orchards.
Best Time to Visit
- Operating Hours: 07:30 AM – 05:00 PM (Daily).
- The Morning Freshness: 08:30 – 11:30 AM is perfect for visiting the orchards and making cakes before lunch.
- Fruit Seasons: While the islet is green year-round, the months of June to August are particularly special as the rambutan, pomelo, and longan orchards are in full harvest.
What to Experience on Son Islet
Orchard Exploration & Fruit Picking
Wander through the “green tunnels” of fruit trees. Depending on the season, you can try picking and tasting fresh pomelos or rambutans. The cooling shade and the scent of ripe fruit offer a moment of “mindful stillness” amidst nature.
Stroll Through the Floating Fish Farms
Your journey usually begins or ends with a visit to the rafts of Mr. Bay Bon, where you can see rare “river monsters” and enjoy a relaxing Koi fish massage. This aquatic heritage is the gateway to the islet’s wonders.
Traditional “Bánh Dân Gian” Workshop
Roll up your sleeves and learn the art of Southern cake making. From Bánh Kẹp Cuốn (wafer rolls) to Bánh Lọt (rice worms), you will use traditional tools like stone mills and wood-fired stoves. The joy of eating a cake you helped create is a “touch of identity” you won’t forget.
Try making local cakes with friendly hosts and take home a sweet memory
The “Flying Snakehead Fish” Performance
Witness the incredible agility of the fish. As the farmer signals with a whistle or a splash of food, thousands of snakehead fish leap in unison out of the water. This spectacle is a “stork symphony” of river vitality that never fails to amaze.
Organic “Garden-to-Table” Lunch
Enjoy a meal prepared by the island’s residents using ingredients grown right on the islet. Signature dishes like Grilled Snakehead Fish or Snail and Pork cakes are served in the middle of a garden, embodying the true “rhythm of life” in the Delta.
Duck Massage Experience
You hold duck food in your hand or on your feet, and eager ducks peck at it, creating a tickling sensation that’s surprisingly relaxing and absolutely hilarious.
Other Memorable Experiences
- Pop Rice Making: Watch (and help) make “cốm rang,” a puffed rice snack that’s been a Mekong Delta treat for generations. The process involves a heated cylindrical drum and produces a satisfying “pop!”
- Don Ca Tai Tu Performances: If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a performance of this UNESCO-recognized traditional Southern folk music. The melodies are haunting and beautiful, typically performed on traditional instruments like the moon lute and zither.
- Village Walking: Simply wandering the narrow paths between orchards and homes offers countless moments of unexpected beauty – a grandmother weaving fish traps, children playing by the water, boats loaded with produce headed to market.
What to Eat on Son Islet
Con Son Islet Tour include lunch at a local family’s home. This isn’t restaurant food – it’s home cooking at its finest, featuring:
- Fresh fish: Often caught that morning from the family’s own fish farm, prepared grilled, steamed, or in caramelized fish sauce
- River snails: Prepared in various ways, including the beloved Southern snail salad
- Vegetables: Fresh, local, and abundant – from morning glory to bitter melon
- Rice: Always present, usually fragrant jasmine rice from the Delta
- Unique dishes: Depending on the family, you might try grilled field rat (chuột đồng) – a delicacy in the Mekong Delta
- Fruit for dessert: Obviously, the fruit is spectacular
- Drinks: Fresh coconut water, herbal teas, and sometimes local rice wine
For vegetarians: Notify us in advance. Most families can accommodate vegetarian diets, though options will be more limited.
Combining Son Islet with Can Tho’s Hidden Gems
Son Islet is the crown jewel of the historic Binh Thuy district, offering easy access to a wealth of nearby heritage sites. Your journey typically begins at the Can Tho Floating Fish Farm, the gateway to the islet. On the mainland, don’t miss the Binh Thuy Ancient House, a 19th-century masterpiece of East-West design, or the serene Nam Nha Pagoda with its rich revolutionary history. You can also explore the Binh Thuy Temple or the majestic Hung King Temple nearby.
To capture the full spectrum of Can Tho, combine your trip with a sunrise visit to Cai Rang Floating Market or a stop at the Sau Hoai Rice Noodle Factory. For an urban cultural immersion, return to the city center for a sunset at Ninh Kieu Wharf, a walk across the Pedestrian Bridge, or a visit to the Can Tho Museum and the mystical Can Tho Tarot Museum. This combination ensures a journey that honors the Delta’s riverine, agricultural, and historical soul.
Our Signature Can Tho Tours
Experience the best of the “Community Soul” with our curated journeys designed for deep cultural connection:
- Son Islet Tour: Witness the world-famous “flying snakehead fish,” master the rhythmic art of traditional cake making, and enjoy a fresh organic lunch in the heart of a lush orchard
- Can Tho City Tour: Uncover the multi-ethnic spirit and historical architectural elegance of Can Tho, featuring hidden gems and the iconic landmarks of Ninh Kieu and Binh Thuy
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Son Islet
What is Son Islet?
A 70-hectare agricultural island in the Hau River near Can Tho, home to fewer than 100 families. It’s a community-based tourism destination offering authentic Mekong Delta experiences through fruit orchards, floating fish farms, and traditional activities.
What is the best time to visit Son Islet?
April to July for peak fruit season (rambutans, longans, mangoes). However, Son Islet is worth visiting year-round with different fruits available each season. Morning tours (9 AM) are cooler; afternoon tours (2 PM) offer better lighting and stork viewing.
Do I need to book Son Islet Tour in advance?
Yes. Son Islet limits daily visitors. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for peak season/weekends, or 3-5 days for regular weekdays. Contact Mekong Smile, your hotel, or families directly.
Can I bring a motorbike to Son Islet?
Not recommended. While possible, paths are narrow, unpaved, and difficult to navigate. Walking and small boats are the practical ways to explore.
Is the fruit really unlimited in Son Islet?
Yes! For ~60,000 VND entrance, eat as much ripe fruit as you want. No weighing or counting. You can purchase additional fruit to take home at reasonable prices.
What is the “flying snakehead fish” performance at Son Islet?
A unique Can Tho tradition where trained snakehead fish leap dramatically from the water on command. It’s entertaining and showcases the relationship between farmers and their fish.
Is Son Islet suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Kids love picking fruit, feeding fish, making cakes, crossing monkey bridges, and boat rides. Best for ages 4-10, but manageable for all ages. Book private tours for flexibility.
Can I stay overnight on Son Islet?
Yes, but limited. A few families offer basic homestays (200,000-300,000 VND per person with meals). Expect simple rooms, shared bathrooms, and fans. Most visitors stay in Can Tho hotels for better comfort.
