Located on the right bank of the Hau River (sông Hậu), Can Tho (Cần Thơ) not only draws domestic tourists but also attracts many international visitors. So what are the travel tips for Can Tho? Join ICAFAS and discover more in the article below!
When is the best time to visit Can Tho?
Can Tho has a tropical monsoon climate, making its weather cool throughout the year and ideal for tourism and recreation.
However, according to travel experiences in Can Tho, the best time to visit is during the summer, from May to August – when the fruit orchards are in harvest season.
It is advisable to visit Can Tho from December and March when the weather is pleasant, dry, and humid, idealing for outdoor activities. This is also the Tet season, a vibrant time when the city comes alive with festivities and cultural celebrations.
From April to August, Can Tho experiences hot and humid weather, typical of the tropical climate of the Mekong Delta region. Temperatures often soar, accompanied by high humidity levels. Despite the weather, this period showcases the lush greenery of the delta, with vibrant foliage and bustling agricultural activity.
Transportation to Can Tho:
By motorbike
For road trip enthusiasts, motorbikes are essential. Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City, it takes about 4-5 hours along National Highway 1A to reach Can Tho.
Riding motorbikes also provides an ideal way to freely enjoy the scenery of Vietnam’s south-western region. A travel tip is to ask your hotel or homestay to arrange a rental, as they often have affordable connections with local rental services.
Motorbike rental prices typically range from 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day depending on the type of bike.
By coach bus
You can book tickets online for trips to the Mekong Delta or purchase them at bus stations. The fare from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho is about 130,000 to 180,000 VND per ticket.
Where to stay in Can Tho for relaxation?
Can Tho Ecolodge
For travelers who appreciate nature, the Can Tho Ecolodge is an ideal retreat. This quiet complex, built in the Western-style Ecolodge model, offers a serene escape from the bustling city life.
Each room is architecturally inspired by the local waterways, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
Additionally, Can Tho Ecolodge features amenities such as a swimming pool and a restaurant. Guests can enjoy morning or evening bike rides around the resort.
Address: 542 Area 3, Ba Lang Ward, Cai Rang District, Can Tho City.
Bamboo Eco Village
Constructed entirely from bamboo and wood, Bamboo Eco Village provides an idyllic getaway for visitors to Can Tho. The village includes a private dock made of bamboo and fences decorated with colorful flowers, embodying the garden-style aesthetics of the Mekong Delta.
Bamboo Eco Village is known for blending comfort with high standards of quality, offering a friendly and authentic homestay experience that is unique to the Western Mekong Delta.
Address: My Thuan Village, My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien District, Can Tho City.
Con Khuong Resort
For those who love green spaces, Con Khuong Resort is an excellent choice. Inspired by the lotus flower, the resort’s architecture is elegant and refined, especially visible from above. With its open-space design closely integrated with nature, the resort promises a perfect relaxation experience.
Address: 99A Nguyen Huu Cau, Con Khuong, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho City.
Delicious dishes to try when visiting Can Tho
Linh Fish and Sesbania Flower Hotpot (Lẩu cá linh bông điên điển)
A must-try when in the Tay Do region, this hotpot features the sweetness of young Linh fish paired with the tangy and subtly aromatic sesbania flowers, served with fresh noodles and salty fish sauce.
This flavorful combination offers a memorable culinary experience reflective of the local riverine environment.
Can Tho Islet Hotpot (Lẩu cù lao Cần Thơ)
Named after the floating islets along the Hau River, this unique hotpot captures the essence of Can Tho. It’s prepared in a special “cù lao” pot, made of aluminum or stainless steel with a central chimney for burning coal.
This dish showcases a masterful blend of fresh ingredients and spices typical of the Mekong Delta, representing the region’s culinary artistry.
Mắm Hotpot (Lẩu mắm)
Known for its distinctive taste, the Mắm hotpot is made from fermented fish paste, mixed with various meats and seafood. The dish is accompanied by many different types of vegetables, including Sesbania flowers, water spinach, banana blossoms, and more.
Mekong Delta Pancakes (Bánh xèo miền Tây)
These unique pancakes are a staple in the Mekong Delta. Made with coconut shoots — the tender, crunchy, sweet top part of the coconut palm — and filled with minced meat, shrimp, and beansprouts, they offer a refreshing and delightful taste that perfectly complements the region’s culinary landscape.
Each of these dishes provides a taste of Can Tho’s rich culinary traditions and is sure to enrich your travel experience in this vibrant part of Vietnam.
Places to visit and things to do in Can Tho
Cai Rang Floating Market
A visit to Can Tho would not be complete without experiencing the Cai Rang Floating Market. You can reach the market by tourist boat from Ninh Kieu pier or from Cai Rang pier.
The best time to visit is early in the morning, around 6-7 AM, when the market is bustling with boats and vendors selling fresh tropical fruits like rambutans, mangoes, and mangosteens, along with Vietnamese breakfast foods. This is a chance to enjoy a hot breakfast on the water while watching the sunrise over the Can Tho River—a truly unforgettable experience.
Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery
This monastery is part of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Buddhist sect and features architecture reminiscent of the Ly and Tran dynasties, offering a peaceful retreat. Its standout architectural elements include a grand entrance gate, main hall, and bell tower, all adorned with red-brown tile roofs and large wooden pillars on stone bases. Visitors can take unique photos amid the ancient architectural backdrop and enjoy the serene environment.
Binh Thuy Ancient House
Built in 1870 by Duong Chan Ky, the Binh Thuy Ancient House is a well-preserved example of a traditional five-compartment, two-roof house influenced by French architectural styles. It retains its original architectural features and furnishings, providing insights into 19th-century life in the Mekong Delta. This is a perfect spot for those interested in cultural and architectural history.
Chin Hong Fruit Orchard
For a true taste of Can Tho’s agricultural richness, visit the Chin Hong Fruit Orchard. Famous for its fruit-laden trees, the orchard offers a chance to see vibrant clusters of rambutan, plump sapodilla, strawberry gardens, and fragrant pomelo orchards.
Visitors can not only tour but also pick and taste the fresh fruits directly from the trees, enjoying the fresh, sweet flavors on the spot.
Ninh Kieu Night Market
For a lively evening, the Ninh Kieu Night Market is a must-visit during your first night in Can Tho. The market is a bustling hub for both local and international tourists, featuring stalls selling Can Tho specialties alongside a range of activities including live music and performances.
This is also a paradise for street food lovers, offering a variety of local and international dishes at very reasonable prices, all in a vibrant and visually appealing setting.
Each of these destinations provides a unique glimpse into the culture, lifestyle, and flavors of Can Tho, making your trip rich and fulfilling.
