In the southwest of Vietnam is Can Tho, the fifth-largest city in Vietnam and the most populous city in the Mekong Delta, with approximately 1.2 million inhabitants. Can Tho’s economic engine is mainly agriculture; rice cultivation and distribution is the most important commercial activity.
Can Tho has a tropical climate: the annual average temperature is 80F and there are only two seasons, the dry season and the rainy season. According to most travel guides, the best time to visit Can Tho is between November and April during the dry season.
1. Cai Rang Floating Market
Cai Rang is one of the most visited floating markets in the world. There is heavy traffic along the river; smaller boats exchange fruits, vegetables, rice, and other merchandise and later sell to larger ships.
2. Phong Dien Floating Market
Located about 12.5 miles southwest of Can Tho, Phong Dien is less visited than the more accessible Cai Rang. However, it is one of the most authentic floating markets in the delta. The boats in use are rarer and only found here.
The exchanges take place at dawn, and you can see what the ships are selling where the products hang from a pole.
3. Binh Thuy House
Duong Minh Hien, the owner of the house, maintains the architecture of the historic building. Construction began in 1870 over an area of approximately 90,000 square feet.
The house was the nerve center of student protests against the French in the early 20th century. It is located about three miles from the center of Can Tho. There is also an orchid garden.
4. Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery
This is the place for people who want to find Zen during their travels throughout hectic Vietnam. It is outside of the city and is very tranquil. Visitors feel at ease when they come here.
Note: Visitors should not make a lot of noise when they visit to show their respect.
5. Ong Temple
This national monument has attracted many visitors since it was built in 1894; it is among the most visited temples in the entire Mekong Delta. Located in the city center, it has a beautiful view of the Ninh Kieu Pier.
It is also known as the Quang Trieu Assembly Hall. The temple maintains its original 19th-century facade and has extensive grounds covering more than 5000 square feet.
6. Can Tho Museum
The Can Tho Museum is located in the city center. This excellent museum tells you the history of Can Tho. It has various interesting exhibits such as a traditional tea house. You can learn about the city’s resistance to domination by foreign influence.
English museum labels are provided.
7. Military Museum
Also known as the Army Museum, it is located across the street from the Can Tho Museum in the center of the city. This exciting attraction displays weapons that American soldiers left behind after the Vietnam War. You can see a fighter plane, a helicopter, and several missiles.
There are also portraits of Ho Chi Minh, the famous Marxist revolutionary leader who was president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam from 1945 to 1969.
The thatched roof represents a meeting of the Viet Cong in the Mekong Delta.
8. Quang Duc Pagoda
Quang Duc Pagoda is located on Mau Than Street. It is a Buddhist temple, one of the largest and most active in the city. Monks live permanently inside the pagoda.
It is advised to visit in the afternoon when there are fewer crowds; when the sun goes down and the mercury drops, the pagoda becomes crowded again.
9. Can Tho Bridge
The Can Tho Bridge is more than 1.6-miles long and 575 feet tall. The construction of the bridge was one of the most expensive projects in the history of Vietnam and significantly aided the area’s economic development.
The bridge crosses the Bassac River, the most important river in the Mekong Delta, and improved communications between the Can Tho province and Vinh Long.
10. Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary
The Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary is a nature reserve where you will find many species of birds. The sanctuary was initially a bamboo forest where many birds nested.
Visit the sanctuary to learn more about local wildlife and the measures underway to protect the populations.
11. Other Markets
Other popular markets like Cai Khe and Tan An have similar products to the more famous floating markets as well as great seafood and quality clothing.
Do not miss the opportunity to eat at the night market and discover local culinary specialties such as Vietnamese pancakes, lacquered pork, or, if you are more daring, grilled snails with pepper. It is also a great place to take a nighttime walk and enjoy the nightlife of Can Tho.
12. Ninh Kieu Pier
The Ninh Kieu Pier is located in the center of the city. It has entrances and exits for boats to the Bassac River. It was known to the French as of Le Quai de Commerce.
From here tourists can hire a boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market or sail along the river on a dinner cruise.
13. Luu Huu Phuoc Park
A large urban green space in Can Tho, Luu Huu Phuoc Park is the perfect place for visitors to exercise, relax, eat, and partake in local festivals.
Conclusion
If you’re visiting Vietnam, don’t forget a trip to Can Tho. This bustling city, with its markets, temples, museums, and more, is sure to make a memorable experience for all types of travelers.
Since 2011, the new Can Tho International Airport has made access to the city easier than ever before, with direct flights from Bangkok, Thailand; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and many domestic cities.
Last Updated on December 17, 2020