Can Tho: The beating heart of the Mekong Delta

Can Tho is the city in the heart of the Mekong Delta and the experience as well. Can Tho is a charming snapshot of life in the South of Vietnam with floating markets, street food, rice paddies and green canals. This city has everything you want whether you are looking to have a cultural experience, historical experience or even a gastronomic experience.

Based on personal experiences of traveling and paddling down the Hau River to the discussions with the locals at the Cai Rang Market, this article captures the true spirit of Can Tho. So, let us take a closer look at the so-called Western Capital of Vietnam and find out why it is a place to visit.

What is Can Tho?

Can Tho is the biggest city in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and a political, economic and cultural center of the southwest of the country. It is a vibrant metropolis with a population of more than 1.3 million people who have turned a sleepy riverside town into a vibrant city with a traditional soul intact.

Can Tho (the so-called Western Capital) lives on water - the Hau River (a branch of Mekong) is its lifeline. Although Can Tho remains less hectic than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, it has grown into a vibrant tourist destination, especially during peak seasons

Cai Rang is famous market in Mekong Delta, Vietnam

History of Can Tho

Historically part of the Khmer Empire, Can Tho became part of Vietnam during the southward expansion. The city was significant in the French colonial era, a fact that is reflected in the architecture scattered across the streets.

During the Republic of Vietnam era, Can Tho was the capital of Phong Dinh Province and served as a strategic base for American and South Vietnamese forces. The city has today transformed itself into a serene urban city with rich historical backgrounds.

Where is Can Tho located?

Can Tho is in south-western part of Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 170 km away). It lies in a strategic location on the south bank of the Hau River and is surrounded by fertile plains which are crisscrossed by a sophisticated network of canals and waterways.

The location of Can Tho in the lower Mekong Basin makes it a trade, agricultural and transport center in southern Vietnam. The coordinates are 10.0452; 105.7469.

Why visit Can Tho?

Curious why Can Tho is a hidden gem?

• Authentic Experiences: Float along vibrant morning markets or bike through banana plantations.
• Unique Culture: Discover a fusion of Vietnamese, Khmer and Chinese influences.
• Food Paradise: Experience dishes you won’t find in Hanoi or Da Nang.

Can Tho is ideal as the destination that can satisfy visitors who seek to explore the off-the-beaten-path destinations with diverse cultures and picturesque sceneries.

Getting to Can Tho

By air

Can Tho International Airport (VCA) offers domestic flights year-round and occasional international routes to destinations like Bangkok or Taipei, depending on seasonal schedules.

By road

From Ho Chi Minh City, a bus or private van takes about 3–4 hours. Buses depart frequently from Mien Tay Bus Station.

By water

Thrill-seekers may prefer taking up luxurious cruises between Saigon and Can Tho via the Mekong, where they can immerse in river life during the trip.

Floating markets of Can Tho

Cai Rang floating market

While Cai Rang operates until around 9 a.m., the liveliest time is between 5 and 7 a.m. Traders in wooden boats sell pineapples, noodles and even coffee - right on the water!

Cai Rang floating market, Can Tho, Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Phong Dien floating market

More traditional and less touristy, Phong Dien offers a look at local commerce untouched by time. Expect quieter surroundings and friendlier prices.

Top attractions in Can Tho

• Ninh Kieu Wharf: A beautiful boardwalk that is ideal to take an evening stroll and enjoy food in the riverboat.
• Can Tho Bridge: It is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in Southeast Asia.
• Can Tho Museum: Gives an in-depth look at the history, cultures and resistance wars of the region.

Can Tho also has beautiful temples such as Ong Pagoda and Munirangsyaram Theravada Temple which is a sign of cultural diversity.

Exploring local life along the canals

Hiring a small boat to go through the maze of backwater canals in Can Tho is a unique experience of the Mekong way of life. You can see families fishing, children paddling to school and rice fields being harvested all within arm length.

These experiential activities give a richer insight into the countryside of southern Vietnam, well off the beaten track.

Can Tho cuisine you must try

Food is central to the Can Tho experience. Below are must-try dishes:

Best time to visit Can Tho

Can Tho has two seasons: the dry season (Dec–April) and the wet season (May–Nov).

• Best time: December to February, when temperatures are mild and rain is scarce.
• Avoid: September, due to potential flooding.

Note: Floating markets are most active during the early morning and best enjoyed on dry days.

Cai Rang Floating Market is the biggest floating market in The Mekong Delta

Where to stay in Can Tho

Whether you’re on a backpacker’s budget or seeking luxury, Can Tho caters to all:

• High-End: Azerai Can Tho (5-star island resort)
• Mid-Range: Victoria Can Tho Resort
• Budget: Casa Inn Hostel, Mekong Delta Inn

Homestays like Ba Luoi or Mekong Rustic provide close-knit experiences with local families and home-cooked meals.

View from above of Can Tho city at sunset

Day trips from Can Tho

• Tra Su Cajuput Forest: Explore this emerald mangrove forest by paddle boat.
• Bang Lang Stork Garden: Birdwatching paradise in Thot Not District.
• Vinh Trang Pagoda: A possible stopover if traveling between Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, though it’s not located in Can Tho itself.”

Culture & traditions in Can Tho

The people of Can Tho - largely ethnic Kinh, Khmer and Hoa - celebrate many festivals:

• Tet (Lunar New Year): Fireworks and flower markets line the streets.
• Chol Chnam Thmay: Khmer New Year with folk dancing and rituals.
• Ok Om Bok Festival: A moon-worshipping event with boat races and offerings.

Locals are known for their warm hospitality, often greeting foreigners with smiles and fruit.

Travel tips for first-time visitors

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cash is king in the floating markets.
• Language: Basic English is understood at tourist spots; learn a few Vietnamese phrases.
• Transport: Use Grab for city travel. For the authentic experience, hire a "xe ôm" (motorbike taxi).

Always carry insect repellent and beware of counterfeit goods in street markets.

Sunset Can Tho bridge, Can Tho city, Vietnam

Conclusion

Can Tho is not a place, it is an invitation to the heart of the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. In places where floating markets thrive, the canals harbor the secrets of the previous generations as each meal is a feast of local wealth.

You may be a backpacker, a culture seeker or a travel writer, Can Tho can offer you lots to write about in terms of real experiences that would make a world of a difference. Therefore, the next time you want to design your Vietnam itinerary, do not forget to add Can Tho to your list of priorities.