Day Trips & Excursions: Can Tho

Chau Doc

Visit Sam Mountain for panoramic views of the flat delta landscape and numerous temples. Tra Su Cajuput Forest, a protected flooded forest and bird sanctuary, is best via sampan boat tours. Discover floating houses and fish farms on the river.

Experience the rich Khmer and Cham ethnic minority cultures prominent in the area.

Travel Notes

Transportation: Direct buses from Can Tho. Private car hire for more flexibility.
Overnight stay suggested for a full experience, especially Tra Su. Independent travel offers freedom.
Many tours combine Chau Doc with an onward journey to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, via speed boat.
A full day for attractions; an overnight stay for relaxed exploration.

Exploring Beyond Can Tho

Expand your journey to other locations from Can Tho.

Soc Trang

Visit Kh'Leang Pagoda, Som Rong Pagoda, and the unique Bat Pagoda (Chùa Dơi), known for its colony of fruit bats.

Travel Details

Easy day trip via direct buses from Can Tho or private car.
A half to full day trip for the main pagodas.
You can also hire a private car or take a local bus.

My Tho / Ben Tre

While often visited from Ho Chi Minh City, these areas are accessible from Can Tho. My Tho is known for Unicorn Island, Ben Tre for coconut candy production and Mekong Delta experiences.

Considerations

Direct buses connect Can Tho to My Tho.
Can Tho presents a less touristy delta experience than My Tho.
These are typical Ho Chi Minh City day trips, but accessible from Can Tho.

Long Xuyen

Attractions

Less touristy city, glimpses into everyday delta life.
Large floating market (Long Xuyen Floating Market).
Local temples, Ong Ho Island (Cù Lao Ông Hổ) with quiet, rural charm.
Former residence of Ton Duc Thang, a former President of Vietnam.

Access

Direct buses from Can Tho for easy access.
Private car hire for custom routes.
Road conditions vary, mostly paved.
Approximately 1.5 hours by bus/car.

Comparative Travel Costs

Local BusLow
Private Car (Day)Medium-High
Shared TourMedium
Speed Boat (Int'l)High

Domestic FlightMedium
Homestay NightLow
Hotel NightMedium-High
Street Food MealVery Low

Booking Tip

Book your day trips and excursions in advance, especially during peak seasons, for best availability and pricing.

Natural Escapes

The Mekong Delta features serene natural landscapes for peace and unique ecological experiences.

Tra Su Cajuput Forest

This protected flooded forest features tranquil sampan boat rides through lush cajuput trees. A bird sanctuary, home to diverse bird species. Visit during wet season for high water levels.

Vam Xang Rustic Charm

Within Can Tho province, this eco-tourism area features sprawling fruit orchards, local food, and activities like cycling and fishing. A relaxed natural setting.

Thoi Son Islet

An island accessible by boat, featuring fruit orchards, bee farms, and traditional Southern Vietnamese music. A pleasant spot for a leisurely visit.

Tra Su Forest Exploration

Explore the protected flooded forest near Chau Doc.

What to Expect

Tranquil sampan boat rides through cajuput trees.
Bird sanctuary with diverse bird species.
Best time is wet season for high water levels.

Vam Xang Eco-Tourism Area

A large eco-tourism spot within Can Tho province.

Activities

Sprawling fruit orchards and local food.
Cycling and fishing activities.
A relaxed natural setting for families and individuals.

Water Conservation Efforts

Minimize plastic wasteReusable bottle

Be mindful of water useShort showers

Report leaksInform staff

Support eco-friendly toursAsk questions

Local initiativesCommunity programs

Avoid single-use plasticsCarry reusable bags

Sustainable Practices

Consider tour operators committed to ecological protection.
Minimize your waste; recycling infrastructure has limits.
Be mindful of water consumption, as the delta experiences climate challenges.
Carry a reusable water bottle; many places offer refills.
Support eco-friendly accommodations with green practices.

Cultural Excursions

Deepen your understanding of the region's diverse cultures through these excursions.

Khmer Pagodas of Soc Trang

These temples provide unique insight into a different facet of Vietnamese heritage.

Pagodas

Kh'Leang Pagoda
Som Rong Pagoda
Bat Pagoda (Chùa Dơi) with its unique fruit bat colony.

Rural Village Exploration

Hire a bicycle or motorbike to explore quieter, off-the-beaten-path villages around Can Tho.

Village Discoveries

Experience daily life away from tourist crowds.
Observe local farming practices.
Interact with residents, a true local immersion.

Historical Can Tho

Explore the past with historical sites.

Significant Sites

Can Tho Museum: A historical overview.
Binh Thuy Ancient House: Colonial-era architecture.
Can Tho Prison: A solemn historical perspective.

Architectural & Spiritual Sites

Explore the diverse religious and architectural landmarks.

Cultural Landmarks

Ong Pagoda: Rich Chinese influence.
Munirangsyaram Pagoda: Khmer architectural style.
Can Tho Temple of Literature: A tranquil scholarly site.

Multi-Day Extension Opportunities

Can Tho serves as a strategic point for extending journeys into other parts of Vietnam or neighboring Cambodia.

Phu Quoc Island

Plan for 3-4 days. Vietnam's largest island, known for beautiful beaches and untouched national park.

Cambodia Transit

Allocate 3-5 days. Can Tho is a stepping stone to crossing into Cambodia (Phnom Penh or Kampot).

Regional Routes

Consider Mekong Delta to Island to City (Can Tho → Phu Quoc → HCMC) or Mekong Delta to Cambodia.

Travel Beyond Can Tho

Plan these excursions to maximize your Southern Vietnam experience. Can Tho can be a central point in your larger travel itinerary.

Day Trips & Excursions