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  1. Home
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  4. Can Tho
  5. Can Tho City: Your Ultimate Guide to the Mekong Delta’s Heart

Can Tho City: Your Ultimate Guide to the Mekong Delta’s Heart

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Contents
  1. Why Visit Can Tho City?
  2. Why Choose Legend Travel Group?
  3. Administrative Update
  4. Can Tho City: A Regional Overview
  5. Best Time to Visit Can Tho City
  6. What to Bring to Can Tho City
  7. Top Attractions in Can Tho City
  8. Practical Tips for Visiting Can Tho City
  9. Legend Travel Group’s Eco-Friendly Tours
  10. Conclusion

Overview

Discover Can Tho City with our expert guide! Explore floating markets, eco-friendly tours, cultural gems, and practical travel tips. Book your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group today!

Begin your Can Tho Tours with a scenic adventureBegin your Can Tho Tours with a scenic adventure

Why Visit Can Tho City?

Nestled in the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, Can Tho City is a vibrant riverside metropolis that draws over 8 million visitors annually along the Hau River. Known as the “Western Capital” or “River of Poems,” Can Tho is famed for its iconic Cai Rang Floating Market, serene canals, and lush orchards. Following the 2025 administrative merger with Soc Trang and Hau Giang, Can Tho is now Vietnam’s largest city by landmass, blending urban energy with rural charm. Its commitment to sustainability, through eco-friendly transport and the “Green Delta” initiative, ensures a responsible travel experience. From savory street food to vibrant festivals, Can Tho offers an authentic taste of Mekong life. Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, curates immersive eco-tours to uncover the city’s treasures. Start your adventure—book a tour via the links throughout this guide!

Why Choose Legend Travel Group?

Legend Travel Group is your gateway to authentic Mekong Delta experiences, prioritizing sustainability and cultural immersion. Our Can Tho tours feature low-impact transport—bicycles, electric boats, and eco-taxis—guided by local experts who share the region’s stories. Supporting communities in Ninh Kieu and Cai Rang Wards, we align with Can Tho’s vision to preserve its natural and cultural heritage. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we guarantee a seamless journey. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and travel with purpose!

Administrative Update

Vietnam’s 2025 administrative restructuring has merged Soc Trang and Hau Giang into Can Tho City, creating a sprawling urban-rural hub with Ninh Kieu as its administrative center. District-level units have been reclassified as wards or communes, enhancing governance efficiency. Bolstered by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric ferries, and a VND800 billion flood mitigation project—Can Tho offers seamless access to its iconic attractions.

Can Tho City: A Regional Overview

Photograph the scenic allure of Can Tho’s heritagePhotograph the scenic allure of Can Tho’s heritage (Source: Internet)

Located 170 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho City borders An Giang, Kien Giang, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, and the Gulf of Thailand. Spanning 2,109 km² (298 km² urban, 1,811 km² rural), it boasts a tropical monsoon climate with a dry season (January–May, 25–36°C or 77–96.8°F) and a rainy season (June–December, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F), with peak rainfall in September–October (100–400 mm).

The city’s fertile delta, nourished by the Hau and Can Tho rivers, supports vibrant agriculture, with orchards yielding pomelos, longans, and mangos. Over 40% of the area is forested or wetland, including the Cai Rang mangroves and Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, making Can Tho a paradise for nature lovers and cultural explorers.

Best Time to Visit Can Tho City

Experience Can Tho Tours with sustainable adventuresExperience Can Tho Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)

The optimal time to visit Can Tho is from January to May, during the dry season, when warm, sunny weather (25–36°C or 77–96.8°F) is ideal for exploring floating markets, cycling through orchards, or cruising canals. This period aligns with peak tourism, including the Cai Rang Floating Market Festival (April), so expect crowds and higher prices for accommodations and flights.

The rainy season (June–December) brings cooler temperatures (22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F) and occasional showers, particularly in September–October, which may affect boat tours. However, this season offers fewer crowds, discounts (10–20% off), and indoor attractions like the Can Tho Museum or cooking classes. Check weather updates via AccuWeather, especially in October.

Tip: Book flights, accommodations, and tours 3–5 weeks in advance for January–May to secure better rates. For a quieter visit, consider March–April or November for mild weather and fewer tourists.

Seize the vibrant spirit of Can Tho TravelSeize the vibrant spirit of Can Tho Travel (Source: Internet)

Can Tho is easily accessible via multiple transportation options:

By Air

Can Tho International Airport (VCA), 10 km from Ninh Kieu, serves domestic flights and select international routes (e.g., Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur). Round-trip costs:

  • Ho Chi Minh City: $70–$140 (1,750,000–3,500,000 VND).

  • Hanoi: $100–$180 (2,500,000–4,500,000 VND).

  • International (e.g., Bangkok): $250–$550.
    Taxis or Grab to the city center cost $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).

By Bus

Central bus stations connect to Ho Chi Minh City (4–5 hours, $10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) and Hanoi (30–34 hours, $40–$60 or 1,000,000–1,500,000 VND). Luxury sleeper buses ensure comfort for long journeys.

By Private Transfer

From Ho Chi Minh City, private vans cost $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND) for 4–6 passengers, offering a 3.5-hour scenic ride.

Getting Around Can Tho

  • Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND) for exploring rural wards or Tra Su. Ensure a valid license and helmet.

  • Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND) for city tours.

  • Taxi/Grab: $3–$6/trip (75,000–150,000 VND) within 1–5 km.

  • Electric Boats: $10–$20/hour (250,000–500,000 VND) for canal tours.

Tip: Download the Grab app for transparent pricing. For eco-friendly travel, opt for bicycles or electric boats in Ninh Kieu and Cai Rang.

What to Bring to Can Tho City

Pack these essentials for a comfortable trip:

  • Clothing: Lightweight, breathable outfits for the dry season (January–May); waterproof jackets for the rainy season (June–December). Modest attire for pagodas like Ong Pagoda.

  • Sun Protection: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, and a hat for boat tours or orchard visits.

  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for Tra Su; sandals for markets; waterproof shoes for rainy season.

  • Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, power bank, and a compact umbrella.

  • Tech Gear: Smartphone or camera for capturing Cai Rang’s vibrant scenes; portable charger for day trips.

  • Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, and VND (50,000–500,000 notes) for markets.

  • Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag and straw to support Can Tho’s sustainability goals.

Tip: Pack light and use a waterproof backpack for boat tours. Bring insect repellent for rural areas like Tra Su.

Top Attractions in Can Tho City

Cai Rang Floating Market (Cai Rang Ward)

Vietnam’s largest floating market, where vendors trade fruits, noodles, and crafts from colorful boats.

  • Cost: Free; private boat tours $10–$20/hour (250,000–500,000 VND).

  • Hours: 5:00 AM–12:00 PM daily; peak activity 6:00–8:00 AM.

  • Tip: Arrive at dawn for the liveliest scenes. Included in our Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75).

Tra Su Bird Sanctuary (Phong Dien Ward)

A 845-hectare cajuput forest and wetland, home to 70 bird species, including storks and egrets.

  • Cost: $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND, adults); $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND, children). Boat rides $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Hours: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.

  • Tip: Visit in the rainy season (June–December) for peak bird activity. Included in our Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80).

Ong Pagoda (Ninh Kieu Ward)

A 19th-century Chinese temple with intricate carvings and incense-filled serenity.

  • Cost: Free; donations appreciated ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).

  • Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.

  • Tip: Dress modestly. Included in our Can Tho City Explorer ($45–$65).

Binh Thuy Ancient House (Binh Thuy Ward)

A 1870 French-Vietnamese mansion with ornate interiors, featured in films like The Lover.

  • Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

  • Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.

  • Tip: Combine with a fruit orchard visit. Included in our Can Tho Heritage Tour ($50–$70).

Ninh Kieu Wharf (Ninh Kieu Ward)

A bustling riverside promenade with night markets, street food, and river cruises.

  • Cost: Free; cruises $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

  • Hours: Open 24/7; night market 5:00 PM–11:00 PM.

  • Tip: Enjoy evening cruises for city lights. Included in our Can Tho Night Tour ($40–$60).


Costs and Budget Оль

Entrance Fees

  • Cai Rang Floating Market, Ninh Kieu Wharf, Ong Pagoda: Free.

  • Tra Su Bird Sanctuary: $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND).

  • Binh Thuy Ancient House: $1–$2 (25,000,000–50,000 VND).

Dining

  • Street food (e.g., hu tieu, bánh cong): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

  • Restaurants: $3–$12 (75,000–300,000 VND).

  • Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

Activities

  • Guided tours: $10–$45 (250,000–1,125,000 VND); private tours: $70–$110 (1,750,000–2,750,000 VND).

  • Cooking classes: $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND).

  • Boat tours: $10–$20/hour (250,000–500,000 VND).

Accommodation

  • Hostels: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

  • Hotels: $60–$180/night (1,500,000–4,500,000 VND).

  • Resorts (e.g., Victoria Can Tho): $150–$400/night (3,750,000–10,000,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost

  • Budget: $15–$40 (includes free attractions, street food, bike rental).

  • Mid-range: $40–$70 (includes guided tours, dining).

  • Luxury: $70–$100 (includes private tours, upscale dining).

Tip: Use ATMs in Ninh Kieu for cash; carry VND for markets. Book accommodations early for January–May savings.

Practical Tips for Visiting Can Tho City

Embrace the vibrant spirit of Can Tho Travel adventuresEmbrace the vibrant spirit of Can Tho Travel adventures (Source: Internet)
  • Book Early: Reserve flights, hotels, and tours 3–5 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group (+84 938 987 654) or Klook, especially for January–May or the Cai Rang Festival.

  • Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) or the Can Tho Bus app for public transport. Ninh Kieu is bike-friendly; park motorbikes outside markets.

  • Stay Safe: Secure valuables at crowded markets; avoid canal edges during heavy rain.

  • Sustainability: Use bicycles, electric boats, or buses; support eco-vendors; carry reusable bottles to align with Can Tho’s green initiatives.

  • Cultural Respect: Dress modestly for pagodas; say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip guides/vendors ($1–$2).

  • Health Precautions: Apply mosquito repellent for Tra Su; stay hydrated on boat tours.

Legend Travel Group’s Eco-Friendly Tours

Our sustainable tours highlight Can Tho’s best:

  • Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75/person): Cai Rang Floating Market, local breakfast, canal cruise. Includes boat tour and eco-transfers.

  • Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80/person): Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, cajuput forest, orchard visit. Includes boat rides and eco-transfers.

  • Can Tho City Explorer ($45–$65/person): Ong Pagoda, Ninh Kieu Wharf, Can Tho Museum. Includes bike rentals and snacks.

  • Can Tho Heritage Tour ($50–$70/person): Binh Thuy Ancient House, fruit orchards, local crafts. Includes eco-transfers and lunch.

  • Mekong Delta Immersion ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): All major attractions, homestays ($10–$25/night). Includes activities, meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees, and meals/snacks. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book now via links around this page!

Conclusion

Can Tho City, the pulsating heart of the Mekong Delta, captivates with its floating markets, lush sanctuaries, and rich heritage. From the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market to the tranquil Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, Can Tho offers endless discoveries. Supported by sustainable initiatives, it ensures a meaningful travel experience. Legend Travel Group’s Can Tho Tours guide you through the city’s wonders, ensuring a sustainable Can Tho Travel experience while supporting local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Can Tho adventure today!
Ready to dive into the Mekong’s charm? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and experience Vietnam’s delta gem!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group

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