Can Tho
Vietnam Culture Day 2026 takes place on November 24, with exhibitions, traditional performances and heritage activities planned across Can Tho throughout the month. The program includes a museum exhibition, a cultural book exhibition, Cai Luong theater and activities recognizing the region’s cultural traditions.
This is the first year November 24 will be observed as a national public holiday in Vietnam. In Can Tho, the occasion also overlaps with the Ooc Om Boc Festival and Vietnam Rice Festival, both scheduled for late November.
Visitors planning a trip during this period can find the announced activities, event dates, locations and practical information below.
Vietnam Culture Day 2026 in Can Tho at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Vietnam Culture Day 2026 |
| Vietnamese name | Ngày Văn hóa Việt Nam |
| Official date | Tuesday, November 24, 2026 |
| Location | Various venues across Can Tho City |
| Cultural activities | Throughout November 2026 |
| Main attractions | Heritage exhibitions, traditional theater, cultural book exhibition |
| Museum exhibition | November 19 to 25 |
| Book exhibition | November 16 to 30 |
| Admission | Varies by activity |
| Event status | Announced, with some details pending |
Latest update, October 20, 2026: Can Tho has announced the dates for its heritage and book exhibitions, alongside plans for traditional performances and commemorative activities. Some performance schedules, venues and admission arrangements are still being finalized.
What Is Vietnam Culture Day?
Vietnam Culture Day, or Ngày Văn hóa Việt Nam, is observed annually on November 24.
The occasion was established under Resolution No. 28/2026/QH16, adopted by Vietnam’s National Assembly in April 2026. It recognizes the importance of Vietnamese culture, heritage and the country’s artistic traditions.
November 24 is also a paid public holiday, beginning in 2026. The resolution provides for free or reduced admission fees at public cultural and sports facilities, subject to decisions by the relevant authorities.
Rather than holding one large festival, Can Tho is organizing activities at several venues. Exhibitions, traditional performances and cultural programs are planned throughout November, with some events taking place before the official holiday.
Vietnam Culture Day 2026 Schedule in Can Tho
The following activities have been announced as part of Can Tho’s November cultural program.
| Date | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| November, date pending | Third Southern Khmer Du Ke Theater Festival | Can Tho City, venue to be confirmed |
| November 16 to 30 | Cultural book exhibition, Văn hóa soi đường cho quốc dân đi | Venue to be confirmed |
| November 19 to 25 | Hoài niệm heritage exhibition | Can Tho City Museum |
| November 22, 8:00 PM | Cultural performance celebrating Vietnam Culture Day and opening the Ooc Om Boc Festival | 30/4 Park, Phu Loi Ward |
| November 23 | Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day commemorative activities | Venues to be confirmed |
| November 24 | Vietnam Culture Day ceremonies and cultural activities | Various locations, including Hung Kings Temple and Ninh Kieu Wharf |
| Date to be announced | Cai Luong performance, Tiếng hò Sông Hậu | Venue to be confirmed |
The November 22 program combines a cultural performance celebrating Vietnam Culture Day with the opening ceremony of the Ooc Om Boc Festival. It is not a separate opening ceremony for Vietnam Culture Day.
The October 13 organizing update identifies 30/4 Park in Phu Loi Ward as the scheduled opening venue. Earlier announcements mentioned Bach Dang Square, so visitors should check the final venue before attending.
Cultural Activities During Vietnam Culture Day 2026
1. Hoài niệm Exhibition at Can Tho City Museum
The Hoài niệm exhibition, translated as Reminiscence, is scheduled from November 19 to 25, 2026, at Can Tho City Museum.
The exhibition forms part of the city’s activities marking Vietnam Culture Day. Its detailed displays and special visiting arrangements have not yet been announced.
Can Tho City Museum is an established attraction for those interested in local history. Its regular collections introduce different periods of the region’s development, alongside the customs and cultural traditions of the Kinh, Khmer and Hoa communities.
The museum also hosts a separate exhibition, Vietnamese Ethnic Cultures: Unity in Diversity, which opened on August 26 and is scheduled to continue until November 30, 2026. Although its dates overlap with Vietnam Culture Day, this exhibition was organized independently of the November celebration.
Visitors can find general information about the museum and its regular displays in our Can Tho Museum guide.
The confirmed dates for Hoài niệm make November 19 to 25 a useful period to consider for a museum visit, subject to the final opening arrangements.
2. Cai Luong Performance: Tiếng hò Sông Hậu
Can Tho is preparing a performance of Tiếng hò Sông Hậu, a Cai Luong theatrical work by the late playwright Dieu Huyen.
The production is expected to bring together artists from Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho’s Tay Do artistic troupe.
Cai Luong (Cải Lương) is a form of musical theater rooted in southern Vietnam. It combines singing, spoken dialogue and storytelling, often accompanied by traditional and modern instruments.
The art form has been closely associated with the cultural life of the Mekong Delta for generations.
For visitors unfamiliar with Cai Luong, the planned production offers a chance to discover a distinctive part of southern Vietnamese performing arts.
The organizers have not yet published the exact performance date, venue or admission details.
3. Cultural Book Exhibition
The cultural book exhibition Văn hóa soi đường cho quốc dân đi, which can be translated as Culture Lights the Way for the Nation, is scheduled from November 16 to 30, 2026.
The exhibition is among the activities organized in connection with Vietnam Culture Day.
It may be of interest to visitors who want to learn more about Vietnamese literature, history and cultural development.
The exact venue, daily opening hours and admission arrangements have not yet been announced.
4. Southern Khmer Du Ke Theater Festival
The third Southern Khmer Du Ke Theater Festival is also included in Can Tho’s November cultural program.
Du Ke, written in Vietnamese as Dù kê, is a traditional Khmer theatrical art form practiced in southern Vietnam. Performances combine singing, dance, music and dramatic storytelling, often featuring colorful costumes and elaborate stage presentations.
Du Ke has an important place in the artistic heritage of Khmer communities in the Mekong Delta.
The planned festival is intended to support the preservation of this traditional art form and encourage artistic exchange.
A detailed schedule, performance venue and public admission arrangements have not yet been confirmed.
5. Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day Activities
November 23 is Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day, one day before Vietnam Culture Day.
Can Tho has included commemorative activities recognizing cultural heritage and contributions to its preservation. The November program also involves meetings and activities honoring artists and people who have contributed to the city’s cultural sector.
On November 24, official incense-offering ceremonies are planned at the Hung Kings Temple and the Ho Chi Minh statue at Ninh Kieu Wharf.
These activities are primarily commemorative rather than tourist performances. Public participation may be restricted depending on the arrangements established by the organizers.
Where to Explore Local Culture in Can Tho
Beyond the scheduled activities, several established attractions provide an introduction to the city’s history and cultural traditions.
Can Tho City Museum
The museum introduces Can Tho’s historical development and the cultural heritage of communities living in the Mekong Delta.
It is a useful stop for travelers interested in regional history, traditional livelihoods and local customs. Visitors should confirm the current opening hours, particularly during the November 24 public holiday.
Ninh Kieu Wharf
Located along the Hau River, Ninh Kieu Wharf is one of the main waterfront areas in central Can Tho.
The surrounding area includes markets, historical landmarks and public spaces that can be explored on foot.
The Ho Chi Minh statue at Ninh Kieu Wharf is also among the locations included in the city’s November 24 commemorative program.
Visitors planning a museum visit can combine it with time around the central waterfront and nearby attractions.
Khmer Cultural Sites
Khmer temples and religious traditions form another important part of Can Tho’s cultural heritage.
Travelers interested in Khmer architecture, religious customs and local history can visit established temples outside the official festival schedule.
These are active places of worship. Visitors should dress respectfully, observe local customs and follow instructions when entering religious areas.
For additional attractions and travel information, see our Can Tho Travel Guide.
Other Festivals in Can Tho During November 2026
Two other major events take place around Vietnam Culture Day. Their schedules overlap, but each has its own program and cultural focus.
Ooc Om Boc Festival 2026
The Ooc Om Boc Festival 2026 is scheduled from November 22 to 24.
The festival celebrates Khmer cultural and spiritual traditions, with activities including the Moon Worship ceremony, illuminated river displays and traditional Ngo boat racing.
The Ngo boat races are planned for November 23 and 24 at the Ngo Boat Racing Grandstand in Soc Trang Ward.
The November 22 opening ceremony also includes an artistic program celebrating Vietnam Culture Day.
Visitors interested in the boat races, religious ceremonies and other Khmer cultural activities can consult the separate festival guide for the detailed program.
Vietnam Rice Festival 2026
The Vietnam Rice Festival 2026 is scheduled from November 23 to 26 at Song Hau Park in Cai Khe Ward.
The festival focuses on Vietnam’s rice industry, agricultural development, traditional farming practices and rice-based food culture.
Planned activities include exhibitions of rice products, agricultural technology demonstrations, culinary competitions and cultural displays.
The festival is separate from Vietnam Culture Day, although travelers staying in Can Tho during late November may be able to attend activities from both programs.
Practical Tips for Visiting Can Tho During Vietnam Culture Day
Check Event Locations Before Traveling
The November activities take place across different parts of Can Tho City.
Can Tho City Museum and Ninh Kieu Wharf are located in the central urban area. The Ooc Om Boc opening ceremony and Ngo boat races are scheduled in the Soc Trang area of the city.
Visitors should allow sufficient travel time between these locations rather than planning them as stops on a single walking route.
Confirm Public Access and Admission Fees
Not every activity in the official program is necessarily open to visitors.
Exhibitions, artistic performances and commemorative ceremonies may have different admission arrangements. Some programs may require registration or operate under restricted access.
Under Resolution No. 28/2026/QH16, free or reduced admission fees may apply at public cultural and sports facilities on November 24, depending on decisions by the relevant authorities.
Travelers should check individual venues before assuming that admission is free.
Check Holiday Opening Hours
November 24 is a national public holiday, so museums, businesses and transportation services may adjust their normal schedules.
Visitors planning to see several attractions in one day should confirm opening hours in advance.
For accommodation options and information about suitable areas to stay, see our Can Tho Hotels guide.
Prepare for the Weather
November generally falls within the transition toward the drier months in Can Tho, although occasional rain remains possible.
Light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, drinking water and rain protection are practical items to carry when visiting outdoor cultural activities.
Respect Local Customs
Some activities involve religious traditions or official commemorative ceremonies.
Visitors should dress appropriately at temples and heritage sites, follow instructions from organizers and ask permission before photographing people participating in religious activities.
Planning Your November 2026 Visit to Can Tho
The most suitable dates depend on which activities visitors want to attend.
November 19 to 21: These dates fall within the announced periods for both the Hoài niệm exhibition and the cultural book exhibition. They may suit travelers interested in museums and cultural displays.
November 22 to 24: This period includes the November 22 cultural performance and Ooc Om Boc opening ceremony, the scheduled Ngo boat races and the official Vietnam Culture Day holiday on November 24.
November 23 to 26: Travelers interested in food culture, agriculture and regional products can also consider the Vietnam Rice Festival at Song Hau Park.
The programs take place at different venues, and some individual schedules are still being finalized. Visitors should check the latest announcements before making arrangements around a particular performance or ceremony.
Alongside the cultural events, travelers can explore Can Tho’s river life, traditional communities and local food.
Mekong Smile provides travel information and guided experiences across Can Tho and the Mekong Delta, helping visitors plan activities around their interests and available time.
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
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Can Tho Floating Market & Fruit Garden Tour: Mekong Tropical Sense
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
Antique Mekong Delta Cruise: Premium Cai Rang Floating Market
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Bassac Cruise Cai Be Can Tho Tour: Authentic Mekong River Journey
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta 2 Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh City: My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho
Attractions in Mekong Delta
Contact Mekong Smile
- Website: mekongsmile.com
- Hotline: +84 774 839 165
- WhatsApp: +84 774 839 165
- Email: contact@mekongsmile.com
- Office: No. 5 Tran Van Hoai Street, Ninh Kieu Ward, Can Tho City, Vietnam
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Culture Day 2026
When is Vietnam Culture Day 2026?
Vietnam Culture Day takes place on Tuesday, November 24, 2026. In Can Tho, related cultural activities are scheduled throughout November, including exhibitions running from November 16 to 30.
Where are Vietnam Culture Day activities held in Can Tho?
Activities take place at different venues across the city. The Hoài niệm exhibition is scheduled at Can Tho City Museum, while official commemorative activities are planned at the Hung Kings Temple and the Ho Chi Minh statue at Ninh Kieu Wharf. Other venues remain subject to confirmation.
What activities can tourists attend during Vietnam Culture Day?
Announced activities include heritage exhibitions, a cultural book exhibition, traditional Cai Luong theater and a Southern Khmer Du Ke theater festival. Public access and admission arrangements vary, and some performance schedules have not yet been announced.
Is Vietnam Culture Day a public holiday in Vietnam?
Yes. November 24 is a paid public holiday under Resolution No. 28/2026/QH16, which took effect on July 1, 2026. The first observance takes place in November 2026.
Can tourists visit museums for free on Vietnam Culture Day?
Free or reduced admission fees may apply at public cultural and sports facilities on November 24, subject to decisions by the relevant authorities. This does not mean every museum offers free admission. International visitors should check applicable fees and eligibility directly with each venue.
Is Vietnam Culture Day the same as Ooc Om Boc Festival?
No. Vietnam Culture Day is a nationwide cultural observance, while Ooc Om Boc is a traditional Khmer festival. In Can Tho, some activities are organized together because the dates overlap.
Can visitors attend Vietnam Culture Day and Vietnam Rice Festival during the same trip?
Yes. Vietnam Culture Day falls on November 24, while Vietnam Rice Festival is scheduled from November 23 to 26. Travelers can consider both during the same visit, provided they allow enough time to travel between venues and check the final event schedules.
Last reviewed: October 20, 2026. The information above reflects the announced plans for Vietnam Culture Day and related activities in Can Tho. Performance times, event locations and admission arrangements may be updated by the organizers.
