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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Iconic Landmarks

Cai Rang Floating Market is the largest and most famous floating market in the Mekong Delta. Hundreds of boats gather daily to buy and sell agricultural products, fresh fruits, and prepared foods.

Historical and Cultural Context: The market is a traditional way of life and trade. It shows how locals utilize waterways for commerce and daily needs, a practice that continues today.

Cai Rang Visitor Information

  • Hours: The market is most active from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Activity diminishes significantly after 9:00 AM.
  • Fees: No entry fee to the market itself. Boat tour cost is from VND 150,000-300,000 per person; private tours are VND 500,000-1,000,000 per boat.
  • Guided Options: The market is best experienced via a boat tour, either private or as part of a group. Book through your hotel or local tour agencies at Ninh Kieu Wharf.
  • Early departure from your accommodation is common. Enjoy breakfast noodles or coffee directly from a vendor boat.

More Iconic Sites

Ninh Kieu Wharf

  • This picturesque and lively public park and pier stretches along the Hau River.
  • It is the central hub for tourist boats, riverside dining, and evening strolls.
  • A modern pedestrian bridge, Can Tho Bridge, is often illuminated at night, making a scenic backdrop.
  • Open 24/7. No entry fee. Visit in the late afternoon or evening for stunning sunset views.
  • The area buzzes with activity at night, with a lively night market and the illuminated bridge making a festive ambiance.
  • Ninh Kieu has a long history as a commercial port and a cultural gathering spot.

Ong Pagoda & Can Tho Museum

  • Ong Pagoda stands out with its colorful interior, intricate traditional Chinese decorations, and numerous large incense coils.
  • Open daily, typically from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry is free, though donations are welcome. Respectful attire.
  • Can Tho Museum is a regional museum demonstrating the history, culture, and natural environment of Can Tho and the broader Mekong Delta.
  • Open Tuesday to Sunday, typically from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM. It is a good brief overview of the region's heritage.

The pagoda is conveniently located in the city center, a short walk from Ninh Kieu Wharf. The museum gives valuable context for understanding Can Tho.

Binh Thuy Ancient House

  • A well-preserved traditional Vietnamese house, built in 1870.
  • It displays an unique blend of French colonial architectural influences with traditional Vietnamese design elements.
  • The house gained international recognition for its appearance in the film "The Lover."
  • This ancestral home of the Duong family means insight into wealthy landowners during the colonial era. Its architecture and furnishings show the prosperity and cultural fusion of the period.

Ancient House Visitor Info

  • Hours:

    Open daily, typically from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

  • Fees:

    A small entrance fee (around VND 15,000-20,000) applies.

  • Location & Transport:

    The house lies about 6km from the city center. Travel to the house by taxi or Grab.

  • Insider Tips:

    Pay attention to the intricate blend of architectural styles, the antique furnishings, and the well-maintained gardens.

Museums & Cultural Insights

Can Tho has cultural institutions for exploration beyond the main museum.

Can Tho's Cultural Offerings

Museums

  • Can Tho Museum

    Regional history, culture, and natural environment.

  • Ho Chi Minh Museum (Can Tho Branch)

    Focus on Ho Chi Minh's life and activities in Southern Vietnam. It has historical artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the Vietnamese struggle for independence. Entry is free.

Cultural Complexes

  • Phu Sa Tourist Area

    Located on an island, this is a recreational and cultural complex. It sometimes has traditional performances, showcases local crafts, and may have historical displays. It is more of a recreational park with cultural elements.

Can Tho Museum

A regional museum on the history, culture, and natural environment of Can Tho and the broader Mekong Delta.

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Focuses on Ho Chi Minh's life and revolutionary activities in the Southern region of Vietnam. Entry is free.

Phu Sa Tourist Area

A recreational and cultural complex on an island, sometimes having traditional performances and local craft showcases.

Historical Sites

Can Tho's history is visible in its architecture and significant sites.

  • Binh Thuy Ancient House: A well-preserved traditional Vietnamese house.
  • Can Tho Prison: A historical site and stark reminder of the region's turbulent past.
  • Khmer Pagoda (Chua Pitu Khosa Rangsay): Its unique design and colorful murals make a different spiritual experience.

Natural Attractions

Can Tho's natural beauty comes from its lush landscapes and waterways.

Fruit Orchards

Numerous orchards surround Can Tho. Visitors walk among fruit trees, pick, and taste a wide variety of fresh tropical fruits directly from the source.

Phong Dien Floating Market

A smaller and often more authentic floating market compared to Cai Rang. It sees less tourist traffic and retains a strong focus on local trade and daily life.

Can Tho Bridge

A prominent cable-stayed bridge spanning the Hau River, connecting Can Tho with Vinh Long province. It is a modern architectural landmark.

Exploring Natural Charms

Orchard Visits

Walk among fruit trees, pick, and taste fresh tropical fruits directly from the source. Some are part of tourist villages.

Explore Fruit Farms

Orchard Visitor Info

Entry fees vary. Best visited during fruit seasons (May-August). Many tours include an orchard stop.

Book a Tour

Phong Dien Market

A smaller, more authentic floating market than Cai Rang. Less tourist traffic, strong focus on local trade.

Visit Local Markets

Phong Dien Info

Best visited early morning (5:00 AM - 7:00 AM) for activity. This needs a longer boat trip from the city or staying nearby.

Plan Your Trip

Can Tho Bridge Views

A prominent cable-stayed bridge. It is an important piece of infrastructure.

See Attractions

Hidden Gems

Venture beyond main attractions to discover Can Tho's quieter, equally rewarding spots.

Con Son Islet

  • A small, tranquil island community accessible only by boat.
  • Its reputation comes from friendly locals, traditional crafts, and fruit orchards.
  • It is a truly local, non-touristy experience. This is a peaceful escape.

Local Industry & Culture

Beyond well-known spots, explore more intimate cultural facets.

Workshops & Temples

  • Can Tho Temple of Literature: A less visited temple dedicated to Confucius and Vietnamese scholars. It has a peaceful atmosphere. It is a quiet place for reflection.
  • Local Rice Noodle & Rice Paper Workshops: Many floating market tours include stops at small, family-run businesses.
  • Observe traditional methods of making rice noodles and rice paper. These workshops have an authentic glimpse into local industries.

Additional Insights

  • Plan visits to make the most of your time in this captivating delta city.
  • Combine bustling markets with serene historical sites for a balanced experience.
  • Can Tho's attractions are a diverse range of experiences.

Summary of Attractions

Can Tho’s attractions mean a diverse range of experiences, from bustling markets to serene historical sites. Plan your visits to make the most of your time in this captivating delta city.

Riverine Culture

Experience Cai Rang Floating Market, a traditional way of life and trade on the waterways.

Historical Depth

Explore sites like Binh Thuy Ancient House and Can Tho Prison for insight into the region's past.

Natural Beauty

Enjoy fruit orchards and the tranquil Phong Dien Floating Market, showing lush landscapes.

Attraction Details & Visitor Info

Ninh Kieu Wharf Highlights

Central hub for boats, dining, and evening strolls. Open 24/7. No entry fee. Best at sunset.

Book River Tours

Ong Pagoda & Can Tho Museum Access

Pagoda: 7 AM - 5 PM, free entry, walk from wharf. Museum: Tue-Sun, 8-11 AM & 1:30-5 PM, free entry.

Discover Cultural Sites

Binh Thuy Ancient House Visits

Open daily 7 AM - 5:30 PM. Small entrance fee. About 6km from city center, taxi/Grab travel.

Plan Historic Excursions

Can Tho Bridge Views

A prominent cable-stayed bridge. It is a modern architectural landmark.

See City Landmarks

Hidden Gems Exploration

Con Son Islet (boat trip for local crafts, fruit orchards) and Can Tho Temple of Literature (peaceful, less visited).

Find Unique Tours

Museums for Insight

Can Tho has cultural institutions for exploration.

Can Tho & Ho Chi Minh Museums

  • Can Tho Museum: Regional history, culture, environment.
  • Ho Chi Minh Museum: Focus on his life and activities in Southern Vietnam.
  • It has historical artifacts and documents related to the independence struggle. Entry is free.

Historical Sites for Perspective

Can Tho's history is visible in its architecture and significant sites.

Sites of Significance

  • Binh Thuy Ancient House: A well-preserved blend of French colonial and traditional Vietnamese design.
  • Can Tho Prison: This historical site is a stark reminder of the region's turbulent past.
  • Khmer Pagoda (Chua Pitu Khosa Rangsay): Its unique design and colorful murals make a different spiritual experience.

Additional Attraction Tips

Attraction ticket booking via GetYourGuide.

Plan visits to fully experience Can Tho's diverse offerings.

Hidden Gems

Venture beyond main attractions to discover Can Tho's quieter, equally rewarding spots.

Con Son Islet

A small, tranquil island community accessible only by boat. Its reputation comes from friendly locals, traditional crafts (like rice paper making and fish cake production), and fruit orchards. It is a truly local, non-touristy experience.

Con Son Visitor Information

  • Arrange a boat trip from Ninh Kieu Wharf.
  • Visitors participate in local activities, learn about traditional crafts, and enjoy home-cooked meals prepared by the island residents.
  • It is a peaceful escape.

Local Industry & Culture

Beyond well-known spots, explore more intimate cultural facets. These workshops are frequently tucked away in rural areas along the canals.

Workshops & Temples

  • Can Tho Temple of Literature: A smaller, less visited temple dedicated to Confucius and Vietnamese scholars. It has a peaceful atmosphere away from main tourist crowds. It is a quiet place for reflection.
  • Local Rice Noodle & Rice Paper Workshops: Observe traditional methods of making rice noodles and rice paper.
  • Some workshops allow hands-on participation. These workshops have an authentic glimpse into local industries.

Con Son Islet Charm

A tranquil island known for its friendly community, traditional crafts, and fruit orchards.

Features

  • Accessible only by boat.
  • Friendly locals and traditional crafts.
  • Home to lush fruit orchards.

It is a local, non-touristy experience.

Temple of Literature

A peaceful, less-visited temple dedicated to Confucius and Vietnamese scholars.

Cultural Significance

  • It has a peaceful atmosphere away from crowds.
  • It is a quiet place for reflection and appreciation of traditional learning.

This site offers a glimpse into local spiritual life.

Craft Workshops

Family-run workshops for traditional rice noodles and rice paper.

What to See

  • Observe traditional production methods.
  • Some workshops allow hands-on participation.
  • Buy products directly from producers.

These workshops have an authentic glimpse into local industries.

Planning Your Visit

Optimize Exploration

Plan visits to make the most of your time in this captivating delta city.

Balance Activities

Combine bustling markets with serene historical sites for a comprehensive experience.

Diverse Experiences

Can Tho's attractions are a diverse range of experiences.

Booking Tips

Attraction ticket booking is possible via GetYourGuide.