Things To Do
in Cần Thơ
Cần Thơ is the largest city in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant river life. It serves as a major agricultural hub, particularly famous for its floating markets and lush rice paddies. The city is also home to a diverse population, contributing to a lively atmosphere filled with delicious cuisine and traditional handicrafts.
Visitors can explore the scenic waterways and experience the local lifestyle through various cultural activities and attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day early with a visit to the Cai Rang Floating Market, where you can see local vendors selling fresh produce from their boats. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast from a floating stall.
Visit the Binh Thuy Ancient House, a beautifully preserved colonial-era home that offers insight into the local culture. Take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade and enjoy the views of the Mekong River.
Dine at a local restaurant, trying Cần Thơ's famous fish dishes, and then take a relaxing boat ride along the river to see the city lights.
Visit the Can Tho Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region. Afterwards, head to the local market to experience the bustling atmosphere and sample street food.
Explore the lush gardens of the Thot Not Bird Sanctuary, where you can see various bird species in their natural habitat. Take a guided boat tour through the mangroves.
Enjoy dinner at a riverside café followed by a stroll through the night market, where you can shop for local handicrafts and enjoy more street food.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Bowl of Pho | $1.50 |
| 🍵Cup of Vietnamese Coffee | $1.00 |
| 🍽️Dinner at Restaurant | $5.00 |
| 🚕Taxi Ride | $2.00 |
| 🏨Hotel per Night | $30.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant floating markets and unique cultural experiences.
- Delicious local cuisine with fresh ingredients.
- Friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Traffic can be congested during peak hours.
- Language barrier may exist for non-Vietnamese speakers.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Xin lỗi" - Sorry
- "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much does it cost?
- "Tôi không hiểu" - I do not understand
Places to Visit in Cần Thơ
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture the vibrant colors and bustling activity of this iconic market set on the water, especially during sunrise.
The traditional architecture and lush gardens provide a picturesque backdrop for photographs.
A tranquil setting where you can photograph various bird species in their natural habitat, especially during sunset.
Food in Cần Thơ
Cần Thơ Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Vietnamese savory pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
Must-Try!
Grilled snakehead fish served with rice paper, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dipping sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The largest floating market in the Mekong Delta, where you can sample fresh fruits and local dishes from vendors on boats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or local homes, to show respect for local customs.
A slight bow or a nod is common when greeting someone; a friendly smile goes a long way.
Wait for the host to start the meal and avoid pointing with your feet; use chopsticks appropriately.
Safety
Tipping in Cần Thơ
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciated; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common in restaurants.
Cash is widely used, especially in markets and small eateries; ATMs are available for withdrawals, and some places accept credit cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the best time to visit, with sunny weather and little rainfall. Ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the floating markets.
Expect heavy rainfall and occasional flooding. However, the landscapes are lush and vibrant, and prices may be lower.
Experience the largest festival in Vietnam with vibrant decorations and special foods, but expect larger crowds.
Witness the rice harvest, a beautiful time to see the fields golden and meet local farmers.
Cần Thơ at Night
Hiking in Cần Thơ
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located about 40 km from Cần Thơ, this park offers hiking trails through lush mangrove forests and diverse wildlife.
Approximately 60 km from Cần Thơ, this area features scenic trails and viewpoints, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
Airports
How to reach Cần Thơ by plane.
Located about 10 km from the city center, this airport offers domestic flights to major cities in Vietnam and is the main gateway for international travelers to the Mekong Delta.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Vietnam, the Kinh people dominate the population in Cần Thơ, contributing to its culture, economy, and social life.
Cần Thơ is also home to various ethnic minorities, including the Khmer and Chinese communities, each adding their unique cultural influences to the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Cần Thơ, with local teams and community matches held regularly.
An exciting traditional sport that showcases teamwork and local culture, often featured in festivals and events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cần Thơ.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While many dishes contain meat, vegetarian options are available at most restaurants; be sure to specify your dietary needs.