Discover the Soul of Can Tho, Vietnam

At first glance, Can Tho might strike you as a vibrant Mekong city, with boats crisscrossing the Hau River and markets buzzing with activity. But spend a little time here—settle into a riverside homestay, dine on sun-kissed tropical fruits and fresh fish, drift along palm-fringed canals in a sampan—and you’ll uncover the city’s more tranquil, soulful side.

Wake to misty sunrises shimmering over the water, pass lazy afternoons in a hammock, and watch twilight fall to the chorus of chirping insects. Beneath the Mekong Delta’s radiant blue skies, Can Tho leaves an unforgettable impression.

Top Things To Do in Can Tho

1. Explore the Islets

Hop on a bicycle or glide in a sampan to discover Can Tho’s lush islets, where daily life flows slowly and traditions run deep. Join a community-based tour for a truly local experience: share a home-cooked meal with a host family, explore villages that produce rice paper, and stroll through orchards heavy with tropical fruits.

2. Visit the Floating Markets

 

An early wake-up call rewards you with a stunning sight: boats overflowing with produce, sellers calling out across the water, and the aroma of breakfast floating through the mist. Cai Rang Floating Market is the most famous, but ask around for smaller, more authentic ones where you can chat with vendors and sample their goods.

3. Eat Hu Tieu on the Water

Start your morning like a local with a bowl of Hu Tieu, a savory noodle soup, served right from a floating kitchen. Slippery tapioca noodles, crisp bean sprouts, and tender slices of pork come together in a flavorful broth—best enjoyed with the rhythms of river life all around you.

4. Discover the charm of Binh Thuy’s Ancestral House

Step into the 19th century at the Binh Thuy ancestral house, built in 1870 by the Duong family. This well-preserved heritage home combines French colonial elegance with Vietnamese spiritual elements, offering a unique window into Can Tho’s cultural history.

5. Stay by the Riverside

Can Tho offers a variety of riverside accommodations for every travel style. For luxury and serenity, check into Azerai Can Tho. For charming service and colonial flair, stay at Victoria Can Tho Resort. Or, immerse yourself in local life with an eco-friendly homestay at Mekong Rustic.

Can Tho Weather

Can Tho enjoys a tropical climate year-round. The dry season spans from December to April, with cooler temperatures in December and January. The rainy season runs from May to November, bringing short, heavy showers that nourish the delta’s lush landscapes. March to June are typically the hottest months.

Getting to and Around Can Tho

  • By Air: Can Tho International Airport is just 20 minutes from the city, with domestic flights connecting from Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
  • By Road: Buses from Ho Chi Minh City take around 4 hours, arriving at the bus station about 4km from downtown.
  • By River: You can cruise to Can Tho from Ho Chi Minh City or even Cambodia via the scenic Hau River.
  • Getting Around: Taxis are easy to find in the city, while cycling is ideal for exploring the countryside and islets. Ferries shuttle frequently between the mainland and river islets.