Can Tho
Can Tho is scheduled to host the second Vietnam International Rice Industry Festival from November 23 to 26, 2026. Also known as Vietnam Rice Festival 2026, the four-day event will feature rice exhibitions, agricultural technology, food competitions and cultural activities, with the main venue at Song Hau Park.
More than 500 exhibition booths are planned, alongside a Rice Road display tracing the history of Vietnamese rice cultivation. The program will also introduce traditional farming practices and the Mekong Delta’s rice-based food culture.
For travelers visiting Can Tho in November, here are the announced dates, activities, locations and practical details to help plan a visit.
Vietnam Rice Festival 2026 at a Glance
| Event information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official event | 2nd Vietnam International Rice Industry Festival |
| Vietnamese name | Festival Quốc tế Ngành hàng Lúa gạo Việt Nam lần thứ II |
| Dates | November 23-26, 2026 |
| Opening ceremony | November 23, 8:00 PM (planned) |
| Main venue | Song Hau Park, Cai Khe Ward, Can Tho City |
| Theme | Gạo xanh Việt Nam - Vươn tầm quốc tế (Vietnam's Green Rice - Reaching the World) |
| Exhibition scale | More than 500 booths planned |
| Main attractions | Rice Road, rice exhibitions, culinary competitions, traditional activities and agricultural technology |
| Admission | Public entry and registration arrangements not fully confirmed |
| Status | Officially planned; subject to updates |
Latest update – October 15, 2026: Preparations for the exhibitions, cultural activities and opening ceremony are continuing. The opening program is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM on November 23 and is being developed as a performance of approximately 90 minutes. Detailed public opening hours and admission arrangements have not yet been confirmed.
Vietnam Rice Festival 2026 Schedule
The festival runs from November 23 to 26, with the main exhibition areas around Song Hau Park and several professional activities at separate venues.
Announced Program and Key Dates
| Date | Scheduled activity | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 23, daytime | Agricultural machinery and technology demonstrations | Separate site along National Highway 61C |
| Nov 23, 8:00 PM | Official opening ceremony and artistic performance | Song Hau Park |
| Nov 23-26 | Rice industry exhibitions, regional products and agricultural displays | Song Hau Park and surrounding streets |
| Nov 23-26 | Rice Road exhibition and rice-themed installations | Main festival area |
| Nov 23-25 | Rice art, culinary and innovation competitions | Main festival area |
| Nov 24 | Seminar on Vietnamese green rice, value creation and international markets | Designated conference venue |
| Nov 25 | Seminar on science, technology, digitalization and low-emission rice production | Designated conference venue |
The program also includes plans for traditional cultural activities, food experiences and displays highlighting the development of rice cultivation in Vietnam.
The schedule for individual competitions, performances and visitor activities is still being finalized.
Visitor note: The main exhibitions and cultural displays are planned around Song Hau Park. Machinery demonstrations and specialist seminars take place at separate venues and may have different entry or registration requirements. Confirm access before making arrangements for these activities.
Opening Ceremony on November 23
The opening ceremony is scheduled for 8:00 PM on November 23 at Song Hau Park in Cai Khe Ward.
The artistic program will follow the story of Vietnamese rice, from the land and the work of farmers to the development of modern agriculture.
The proposed performance combines Southern Vietnamese musical traditions with contemporary stage technology. The program is being prepared with four main artistic sections and an expected duration of around 90 minutes.
What Can Visitors Experience at Vietnam Rice Festival 2026?
Rice Road: From Traditional Farming to Modern Agriculture
One of the festival’s main attractions is Con đường lúa gạo từ quá khứ đến tương lai, or the Rice Road from the Past to the Future.
The exhibition is designed to show how rice cultivation in Vietnam has developed over time, from traditional farming practices to modern production and agricultural technology.
The displays are expected to include rice-growing landscapes, historical farming methods and examples of sustainable rice production.
Can Tho is also preparing approximately 25,000 potted rice plants for festival exhibitions and decorations. The plants are being grown ahead of the event to create displays representing different stages of rice development.
For visitors unfamiliar with rice cultivation, the exhibition offers an opportunity to see the crop itself and learn how farming methods have changed.
The final arrangement of the Rice Road and the distribution of the potted plants will depend on the completed exhibition design.
Rice Exhibitions and Regional Specialties
More than 500 exhibition booths are planned for the festival.
The displays will introduce rice varieties, processed products, regional agricultural specialties and businesses involved in Vietnam’s rice industry.
Visitors can expect to find exhibitions featuring fragrant rice, glutinous rice, specialty regional varieties and products made from rice.
Other areas will focus on agricultural machinery, sustainable farming, organic production and technology used in processing and distribution.
An OCOP section is also planned. OCOP stands for One Commune One Product, a Vietnamese program supporting locally produced goods and regional specialties.
Not every exhibition booth will operate as a retail stall. Some are intended for business promotion, product demonstrations and professional exchanges rather than direct sales.
Rice-Based Food and Creative Competitions
Three competitions are planned from November 23 to 25, exploring the different uses of rice and related agricultural materials.
Rice Art Competition (Nghệ thuật từ lúa gạo)
Participants will create artwork, models, handicrafts and decorative products using rice grains, straw and other materials associated with rice cultivation.
Flavors of Vietnamese Rice (Hương vị hạt ngọc Việt)
This culinary competition will feature dishes made with rice, glutinous rice and rice-based products. Participating chefs, food artisans and businesses will present their creations as part of the program.
Rice Industry Innovation Competition (Sáng tạo lĩnh vực lúa gạo)
This competition focuses on new ideas and practical solutions for rice production, processing, technology and sustainable development.
Together, the competitions will showcase the role of rice in food, craftwork and modern agriculture.
Traditional Rice-Farming Culture and Local Experiences
Alongside the exhibitions, the festival program includes plans to introduce the Mekong Delta’s traditional wet-rice culture.
Activities being prepared include manual rice pounding, traditional rice-based cake making and folk games connected with rural life.
Southern Vietnamese music, including Đờn ca tài tử, and traditional musical instruments are also among the planned cultural attractions.
These activities will give visitors a closer look at how rice is connected to everyday life in the Mekong Delta, beyond its role as an agricultural product.
The program may be particularly interesting to international travelers who want to learn about regional food and farming traditions.
Agricultural Technology and Green Rice Production
Modern agriculture is another major focus of the 2026 festival.
Exhibitions will introduce technologies used in rice farming, processing and distribution, including machinery, digital monitoring tools and methods intended to reduce emissions.
A separate machinery demonstration is planned along National Highway 61C, with equipment such as agricultural drones, automated systems and machinery used in planting and harvesting.
The festival will also host professional discussions on sustainable rice production, digital transformation and the international rice market.
Two major seminars are scheduled for November 24 and 25. Their programs address green rice development, technology, food standards and opportunities for international cooperation.
These professional activities should not be treated as general tourist attractions without confirmation of visitor access. Travelers interested in attending should check whether registration, invitations or other conditions apply.
Where Is Vietnam Rice Festival 2026 Held in Can Tho?
The main venue is Song Hau Park (Công viên Sông Hậu), Cai Khe Ward, Can Tho City, Vietnam.
The opening ceremony, Rice Road, exhibitions and several competitions are scheduled to take place at the park and along surrounding streets.
Song Hau Park is located beside the Hau River in the Cai Khe area of Can Tho.
If you are visiting primarily for the exhibitions, cultural displays or opening ceremony, this is the main destination to use.
Google Maps location: Công viên Sông Hậu, phường Cái Khế, thành phố Cần Thơ.
Other Event Locations
Some activities will take place outside the central exhibition area.
Professional seminars are planned at venues including Muong Thanh Luxury Can Tho Hotel in Cai Khe Ward and the Soc Trang Cultural and Conference Center in Phu Loi Ward.
Agricultural machinery demonstrations are scheduled at a separate site along National Highway 61C.
These locations should not be treated as part of a single walking route from Song Hau Park.
Location details reviewed: October 15, 2026. Specific venues and access arrangements remain subject to official updates.
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How to Get to Vietnam Rice Festival from Ninh Kieu Wharf
Visitors staying near Ninh Kieu Wharf or elsewhere in central Can Tho can reach Song Hau Park by road.
Getting There from Central Can Tho
A taxi or ride-hailing service is a practical option, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the city.
Depending on your accommodation and preferred route, walking may also be possible.
For navigation, use:
Công viên Sông Hậu, phường Cái Khế, thành phố Cần Thơ.
Road access and drop-off points may change during the festival, especially around the opening ceremony on November 23.
Check your route before traveling and allow additional time if temporary traffic restrictions are introduced.
Google Maps: Ninh Kieu Wharf to Song Hau Park
Starting point: Ninh Kieu Wharf (Bến Ninh Kiều), Can Tho City.
Destination: Song Hau Park (Công viên Sông Hậu), Cai Khe Ward, Can Tho City.
Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dVJXzBpw8b72F2Fv8
Use the map to check current driving or walking directions and estimated travel time.
How to Plan Your Visit
Which Day Should You Choose?
- November 23 is the planned opening day. It may suit visitors interested in the opening ceremony, although public access and viewing arrangements should be confirmed first.
- November 24-25 may be worth considering if you are interested in the rice exhibitions, culinary competitions and other displays. Individual activity times have not yet been finalized.
- November 26 is the final scheduled festival day. Visitors planning to attend then should check which exhibitions remain open and whether any activities close earlier.
If your main interest is a particular competition or cultural performance, choose your visit after the detailed schedule has been published.
Combining the Festival with Other Can Tho Experiences
The festival can be included in a wider visit to Can Tho, particularly for travelers interested in the Mekong Delta’s food and agricultural traditions.
One option is to visit Cai Rang Floating Market in the morning and explore the festival later, provided the confirmed exhibition hours allow it.
Travelers interested in how rice is used in everyday food production can also explore the Rice Noodle Factory in Can Tho, where traditional rice noodle making is part of the local experience.
The factory is a separate visitor attraction and is not part of the festival program.
Another event taking place in Can Tho during the same period is the Ooc Om Boc Festival 2026, which includes traditional Ngo boat racing on November 23-24. Its racing venue is separate from Song Hau Park, so visitors interested in both events should plan their transportation accordingly.
For accommodation, city attractions and local transportation information, see our Can Tho Travel Guide.
You can also explore the region’s wider agricultural landscapes and waterways in the Mekong Delta Travel Guide.
What to Know Before Attending
Check the latest schedule. The festival dates and major activities have been announced, but individual performances, competitions and exhibition hours may change.
Confirm admission requirements. Entry arrangements for the main exhibitions, opening ceremony and specialist seminars have not yet been fully announced.
Choose the correct venue. Song Hau Park is the main festival location, while machinery demonstrations and professional seminars are held elsewhere.
Prepare for outdoor conditions. Comfortable footwear, drinking water, sun protection and a light rain jacket may be useful when visiting open-air exhibition areas.
Allow time for traffic. Roads around the festival may be busier than usual, particularly during the opening ceremony.
Follow exhibition instructions. Some areas may contain working machinery, technical equipment or professional demonstrations with restricted access.
Questions About Vietnam Rice Festival 2026
When is Vietnam Rice Festival 2026 in Can Tho?
The second Vietnam International Rice Industry Festival is scheduled for November 23-26, 2026. The opening ceremony is planned for 8:00 PM on November 23.
Where is Vietnam Rice Festival 2026 held?
The main venue is Song Hau Park in Cai Khe Ward, Can Tho City. Several professional seminars and machinery demonstrations are scheduled at other locations.
How many exhibition booths will there be?
The organizing plan includes more than 500 exhibition booths featuring rice products, regional specialties, agricultural technology and related industry displays.
What can tourists experience at the festival?
Planned activities include the Rice Road exhibition, regional food displays, rice-based culinary competitions, traditional farming demonstrations and cultural performances. The final visitor schedule has not yet been confirmed.
Is Vietnam Rice Festival held every year?
An annual schedule has not been established. The first Vietnam International Rice Industry Festival took place in 2023, with the second edition scheduled for 2026.
Is the festival open to international visitors?
The program includes exhibitions and cultural activities intended to welcome domestic and international visitors. However, access arrangements may vary, particularly for professional seminars and machinery demonstrations.
Do visitors need tickets?
Public admission, ticketing and registration arrangements have not been fully confirmed in the information reviewed. Check the latest announcements before traveling.
Last reviewed: October 15, 2026. Dates, venues and activities follow the published organizing plan and subsequent preparation updates. Details may change before the festival begins.
Official and planning references:
- Can Tho Agricultural Extension and Services Center – Festival Preparations
- Can Tho Department of Science and Technology – October 12 Update
- Can Tho Newspaper – Opening Ceremony Program
