Can Tho in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta – Best Floating Markets & Must-See Attractions

Can Tho is not only the largest and most important city in the Mekong Delta but also the fourth-largest metropolis in Vietnam.
Located at the confluence of the Song Can Tho and Song Hau rivers, a tributary of the mighty Mekong, the city attracts visitors from around the world.

Can Tho is best known for its floating markets, where boats loaded with exotic fruits, local delicacies, and more navigate the waterways for days, offering their goods.
But there’s plenty to discover on land as well: colorful temples, historic pagodas, bustling night markets, and a scenic riverfront promenade invite you to experience the city from all angles.

In this guide, we introduce you to the top attractions in Can Tho, share tips for unforgettable excursions, recommend a stunning place to stay, and provide essential travel information on how to get there and explore the city!

‍1. CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET – VIETNAM’S LARGEST AND MOST FAMOUS FLOATING MARKET

Let’s start with the absolute highlight and the main reason why most tourists visit the Mekong Delta.
The Cai Rang Floating Market, located about six kilometers upstream on the Song Can Tho River, is not only the largest but also the most famous floating market in the region.

Before the first rays of sunlight illuminate the horizon, the market comes to life.
Countless wooden boats and vessels, loaded with fresh fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies, float on the water as vendors loudly promote their goods.
The type of products being sold can be identified by the long bamboo poles at the front of each boat, where items like pineapples are prominently displayed for buyers to see.

The merchant boats often stay at the market for several days until their entire cargo is sold.
During this time, vendors—sometimes alone, sometimes with their families—live on board under the simplest conditions.
Without running water or electricity, they spend days on their boats until it’s time to navigate back through the many waterways of the Mekong Delta to their farms to restock with fresh goods.

It’s a fascinating spectacle best experienced on a guided boat tour.
‍Our top recommendation: a tour with Thanh! If you decide to join her tour, feel free to send her our warm regards.

Thanh’s private tour began with a convenient pickup just a few meters from our hotel.
Before sunrise, we cruised through narrow canals as the first rays of sunlight bathed the Mekong Delta in a golden glow.
Our first stop was the Cai Rang Floating Market, where we enjoyed an authentic Vietnamese breakfast right on the water.
Afterward, we had the unique opportunity to visit a boat that specialized exclusively in selling pineapples—offering a fascinating insight into the daily life of the local vendors.

We continued our tour with a visit to a floating rice noodle factory, where we got to experience the traditional production process up close—from rice processing to the final noodle. It was a fascinating insight into a craft that has been practiced in the Mekong Delta for generations.

After about an hour at the floating market, we finally docked at the riverbank and visited a small fruit plantation.

Thanh is not only incredibly warm and welcoming but also speaks excellent English and always tailors the experience to her guests' wishes whenever possible.
You can find the link to our outstanding tour here: Floating Markets with Thanh.

2. THE CITY OF CAN THO

Most tourists visit Can Tho primarily for the floating market. However, the city has much more to offer beyond its waterways.

CAN THO MARKET

Once a traditional marketplace, Can Tho Market has now transformed into a more tourist-oriented spot.
Instead of local produce, you’ll mostly find clothing stores, souvenir shops, and small street food stalls.
While it may not offer the authentic market atmosphere of Vietnam, we still believe it’s worth a short visit.

TAN AN MARKET

For an authentic market experience, we recommend visiting Tan An Market.
In the early morning hours, the market buzzes with activity as vendors and locals shop for their daily essentials.
You'll find fresh produce from the Mekong Delta, including fruits, vegetables, and rice from nearby plantations, as well as freshly caught fish and seafood.

RIVERFRONT PROMENADE & NINH KIEU WHARF

The riverfront promenade along the Can Tho River is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, lined with palm trees, flower beds, and blooming trees.
Ninh Kieu Wharf is where boats depart for the floating markets, while the Ho Chi Minh monument further north overlooks the bustling activity.
In the evening, a walk to the Can Tho Walking Bridge is highly recommended, as it lights up in vibrant colors, creating a fantastic atmosphere.

CHUA ONG PAGODA

The small Chua Ong Pagoda, located diagonally across from the Ho Chi Minh statue, is filled with the scent of incense.
Countless incense coils hang from the ceiling, enveloping the temple in a mystical atmosphere.
Despite its modest size, the pagoda impresses with intricate ornaments, elaborate porcelain figures, and detailed dragon motifs. A short visit is definitely worthwhile.

SHOPPING & NIGHT MARKETS IN CAN THO

If you enjoy shopping in large malls, Sense City Shopping Center and Vincom Plaza Xuân Khánh are the perfect spots for you.
These modern shopping destinations offer a wide range of stores, international brands, and a spacious food court with diverse culinary options.

For those who prefer strolling through night markets, be sure to visit the Ninh Kieu Night Market and the Can Tho Night Market for a lively atmosphere and local street food delights.

The Ninh Kieu Night Market (Chợ Đêm Ninh Kiều) is located in the Ninh Kieu district along the Song Can Tho River.
Here, you’ll mainly find street food specialties, including grilled skewers, sweet snacks, and a few clothing stalls.

Just a few minutes' walk away, at the end of the promenade, you'll find the Can Tho Night Market.
This market features numerous food and souvenir stalls, attracting mostly domestic tourists, which adds to its authentic atmosphere.
The offerings range from meat skewers and smoothies to dried octopus.
A visit is definitely worthwhile! Both night markets are open daily from 5 pm to 11 pm.

3. VISIT A COCOA FARM IN CAN THO

The cocoa farm was just a few minutes' bike ride from our accommodation, making it very easy to reach.
This small family-run business is managed by an elderly gentleman who humorously calls himself "Mr. Bean".
With great dedication and the support of his family, he runs and maintains the farm.

Even without a prior appointment, you can take a short tour of the garden and the small production facility with a bit of waiting time.
Using handcrafted and self-built machines, the family processes their own cocoa beans into cocoa powder, cacao nibs, and cocoa butter.
The farm’s cocoa beans are rarely exported and are mostly sold to visitors and local companies in Vietnam.
Although cocoa farming is not typical for Vietnam, we found the tour to be both insightful and fascinating.

To top off the experience, you can taste both hot and cold cocoa—made without milk—as well as homemade chocolate. The flavor? Rich, pure, and simply delicious!

If you're looking for a unique souvenir or a special treat for yourself, you can buy cocoa powder and cacao nibs directly on-site.
Back home, the rich cocoa not only tastes delicious but also brings back wonderful memories of your trip to Vietnam.

4. CYCLING TOUR THROUGH THE MEKONG DELTA

In the late afternoon, we decided to take a short cycling tour using the free rental bikes from our hotel.
To our delight, some of them were even equipped with child seats.
A friendly staff member provided us with a map featuring various routes in the area and recommended the most scenic one—a roughly 7-kilometer trail.

Our first stop was a small ferry, whose dock we almost missed. There were no signs, and the only way to find it was by following a narrow gravel path winding between houses to the riverbank. Good to know: ferry tickets can only be purchased with cash.

On the other side of the river, we arrived in a picturesque residential area surrounded by lush greenery.
The route took us past beautiful landscapes, small tributaries of the great river, and traditional local houses.
Many of the residents kept their doors and windows open, giving us fascinating glimpses into their daily lives—offering an authentic insight into life along the Mekong.

The cycling route was already beautiful in daylight, but as the sun began to set, the atmosphere turned magical.
The warm light bathed the landscape in a breathtaking scene, creating an unforgettable experience.

The entire cycling route, including short stops, took us about 2.5 hours. There are no restaurants or cafés along the way, so it's best to eat beforehand or bring some snacks and drinks.

ADDITIONAL TIPS & INFORMATION

HOW TO GET TO CAN THO

The fastest option is a flight to Can Tho International Airport (VCA), which has daily connections from Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
The airport is only about 10 kilometers from the city center. You can book your flight tickets through 12GoAsia.

If you prefer traveling by land, you can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho.
The journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours and is the most budget-friendly option.
Many companies offer buses with comfortable reclining seats.
Popular providers like Phuong Trang (Futa Bus) and Thanh Buoi operate regular services.

You can easily book your tickets in advance through 12GoAsia—often for just a few dollars.

In our opinion, one of the most convenient options is traveling with a private driver.
While this is one of the more expensive choices alongside flying, it offers maximum flexibility and allows you to bring as much luggage as you need.
Additionally, you can decide when and where to stop along the way.
Many accommodations provide this service, including ours.
We booked a private driver for both our arrival and departure and would do it again without hesitation.
It’s best to contact your accommodation in advance to check availability and pricing.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN CAN THO?

How long you should stay depends on how deeply you want to immerse yourself in the region. Here’s our recommendation:

• Stay for one night if you only want to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market.
• Stay 2 to 3 nights if you want to explore not only Cai Rang but also the less touristy Phong Dien Market, take a cycling tour through rural areas, and discover the city.
• Stay 3 to 4 nights if you want to explore the Mekong Delta beyond the typical tourist routes.
  With more time, you can visit remote floating markets, enjoy a relaxing sunset boat tour, and visit a cocoa farm.
  You’ll also have the chance to immerse yourself in the authentic, slow-paced life of Can Tho and fully experience the unique atmosphere of the region.

THE PERFECT ACCOMMODATION IN THE MEKONG DELTA

If you're still looking for a great place to stay in Can Tho, we have a true hidden gem for you!
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and instead enjoy the rural charm of the Mekong Delta, which is not only more idyllic but also much quieter and more relaxing.

With Vamxang Rustic Home, we found an amazing accommodation that offers excellent value for money. The spacious, clean bungalows with outdoor bathrooms are set in a beautiful, expansive garden. During the day, small waterways and bridges create an idyllic atmosphere, while at night, soft lighting adds a cozy ambiance. Another highlight is the large pool, complete with plenty of lounge chairs for all guests to relax and unwind.

The friendly and helpful staff made our stay perfect.
They provided valuable tips about the area and assisted with planning excursions.
Free rental bikes are available for exploring the surroundings, and a scooter can be arranged in no time upon request.
We were also absolutely impressed by the delicious and generous breakfast buffet, featuring authentic Vietnamese coffee.

You can find the link to the accommodation here: Vamxang Rustic Home.

GETTING AROUND CAN THO AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

The city center of Can Tho is easy to explore on foot, especially along the riverfront promenade near Ninh Kieu Pier.
For longer distances, taxis, motorbike taxis (Xe Om), and Grab drivers are available.
However, Grab taxis typically operate only within the central area.
If, like us, you’ve booked accommodation outside the city, renting a scooter is highly recommended to stay flexible and avoid expensive taxi fares.

For an authentic experience, renting a bicycle or scooter is highly recommended.
The streets in Can Tho are relatively calm, making it easy to explore not only the city but also the surrounding villages and rice fields at your own pace.

If you’re planning to rent a scooter, check out our guide “Renting a scooter in Vietnam – Helpful Tips & Information” for everything you need to know about the rental process.

THIS ARTICLE WASN’T ENOUGH FOR YOU? LOOKING FOR MORE TIPS, INSPIRATION, AND MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS FOR YOUR VIETNAM TRIP? THEN BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR FOLLOWING ARTICLES:

• Vietnam Travel Guide: Essential Tips & Information for your Trip
• Renting a scooter in Vietnam – Helpful Tips & Information
• Discover Ho Chi Minh City: Top Attractions, Insider Tips & Highlights
• Traveling to Vietnam with a Baby & Toddler – Tips, Must-Knows & Our Experience

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable Transfers with 12Go.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• The best Travel Guides for Vietnam
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Vietnam

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