Can Tho
Can Tho, often known as Cantho, is the fourth-biggest city in Vietnam and the largest metropolis in the Mekong Delta area.
It is well-known for its floating markets, rice paper-making town, and scenic rural waterways. It has a population of roughly 1,282,300 people as of 2018, and is located on the south bank of the Hu River, a Mekong River tributary. In 2007, the Can Tho Bridge collapsed, killing around 50 people and generating Vietnam’s greatest infrastructure disaster. Can Tho International Airport opened in 2011.
The city is known as the “western capital” (Tay Đo in Vietnamese) and is approximately 169 kilometers (105 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City.
Can Tho, the Mekong Delta’s core, is the region’s largest city and seems like a metropolis after a few days exploring the backwaters. As the Mekong Delta’s political, economic, cultural, and transportation hub, it’s a bustling town with a busy riverfront bordered with sculpted gardens, an enticing mix of little backstreets and big boulevards, and possibly the highest number of foreigners in the delta. It is also an ideal starting point for seeing adjacent floating markets, which are a significant magnet for tourists who come to boat along the various canals and rivers heading out of town.
Can Tho appears to be a lively city, with a steady stream of business running down the Hau River. But treat yourself to a lodging on its green banks, feast on its sun-ripened fruits and fresh river fish, float on sampans through its steamy canals, and you’ll quickly learn Can Tho’s big city exterior is just half the story. Misty sunrises over the ocean, languid afternoons in a hammock, and balmy nights heralded by an insect symphony. Under the Mekong Delta’s dazzling blue sky, Can Tho creates a strong impact.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 10°02′N 105°47′E |
| Population | 1,250,792 (as of 2021) |
| Postal Code | 90xxxx |
| Phone Prefix | 292 |
| Area | 1,438.96 km |
| Established | 1789 |
| Language | Vietnamese |
| License Plate | 65 |
| Districts & Neighborhoods | 5 urban districts, 4 rural districts |
| Weather & Climate | Tropical climate, with heavy rainfall in summers and hot, dry weather for most of the year |
| Best Time To Visit | December and January, which are the coolest months |
| Attractions & Landmarks | Floating markets, rice paper-making village, picturesque rural canals |
Can Tho - Introduction
Area codes
Postal code
Population
Area
Founded
Time zone
Can Tho Travel Guide
How To Travel To Can Tho
Can Tho is easily accessible from cities in the Mekong Delta due to its location as a regional center. There are buses from all the larger cities and minibuses from the smaller ones. If you are coming from Cambodia, you would most likely stop at Chau Duc and take a bus to Can Tho from there.
There is also one bus route directly from Phnom Penh once a day. It is difficult, if not impossible, for a visitor to enter by automobile from Cambodia. This is most likely also true for bicycles and motorcycles.
Trà Nóc Airport presently features a big international terminal with comfortable facilities. As of 2011, the airport is connected to Hanoi, Phu Quoc with flights on Vietnam Airlines and Con Dao with flights on Mekong Air. The airport is also connected to Da Nang with a daily flight on VietJet.
How To Travel Around Can Tho
Can Tho is a large city, however the area between the university and the wharf is reasonably reachable on foot. Good hotels provide guests with a map.
It is simple to get around Can Tho by motorcycle or bicycle. Rental rates may be higher than in Saigon or other tourist destinations in central Vietnam. This is most likely because the quantity of overseas clients is substantially fewer and the cost is greater.
A 24 hour rental of an automated motorcycle will cost roughly 220.000 VND; older manual motorcycles may be significantly less expensive. Locals normally do not hire motorcycles or bicycles, and it is difficult to find a rental business where staff understand English.
Attractions & Things To See
Munirensay Temple (Khmer Pagoda; Munirangsyaram). A stunning Khmer pagoda that lends Can Tho a touch of Cambodia and evokes the region’s past as part of the Khmer Empire.
Chùa Ông (Ong Pagoda), 32 Hai Ba Trung Rd (Across from Ninh Kieu Park). Across from Ho Chi Minh’s statue at Ninh Kieu Park is a pagoda that was built in the 1890s. The pagoda, which was apparently a hidden refuge for communist rebels during the Vietnam War, is now a national monument.
Quang Duc Pagoda (Mau Than St). Monks reside on the premises of one of the largest and most active Buddhist temples. Visitors are welcome throughout the day.
Activities & Things to do in Can Tho
Can Tho is a location to enjoy local culture with ease. It is comparable to a real-life cultural experience, and there are several activities.
There are a few museums in the city, but they are only open on specific days, so even city-dwelling expats may have never visited or heard of them.
Traveling in the Mekong Delta is about experiencing the present moment and sensing the rapid change occurring in Asia, where “the old” and “the new” are continually blending.
The most popular morning activity in Can Tho is undoubtedly a visit to the floating market, but the city has much more to offer.
Food & Restaurants in Can Tho
Can Tho is renowned for its exquisite cuisine and extra-fresh fruit and vegetables, and is a great spot to sample and taste unfamiliar fruits. You may like to sample the numerous types of mangoes, oranges, jackfruit, pomeloes, grapefruit, as well as custard apple, corossol, longans, or even durian, among the local produce. Such marketplaces as Xuan Khanh Market are frequented by residents for fruit purchases.
Hem 1 Ly Tu Trong, also known as Hm Vit Nau Chao, the Hot Pot Alley, is one of the attractions for residents and students in the Xuan Khanh Quarter, even if it has just begun to become popular with foreigners as well (especially with those who are not afraid of Vietnamese only menus).
Shopping in Can Tho
The floating markets are quite active, serving as a hub for most of the region’s merchandise trading. And, the canal system surrounding Can Tho is a fantastic transport network that is far more tranquil than the roadways. Longer private boat visits to the floating markets typically involve transit through the canals.
Ensure that the boat you reserve is small enough to handle the narrow canals that larger tour boats cannot reach. You may rent a boat at the Ninh Kiu dock from the “boat women” or from local travel operators. Frequently, they would pick you up from your hotel, and the trip included refreshments. Prices are negotiable, and the longer the trip, the lower the price.
Nightlife in Can Tho
In one of the numerous little shops along the streets or in the markets, Vietnamese often enjoy a coffee (strong, with loads of condensed milk and ice), fresh coconut juice, and fruit beverages (lemonade, orange juice, etc.). Sugarcane with ice is also a popular drink. Sugarcane machines line the streets around the city. If you wish to spend a couple of hours like a local, there are numerous lovely cafes on Mau Than street and near Ninh Kieu pier.
Can Tho’s nightlife is not as active as that of Ho Chi Minh City, but it is also not as focused on “bottle service” as that of HCMC. Can Tho clubs frequently invite prominent Vietnamese singers to play live in their locations, and regular evenings include go go dancers.
FAQs About Can Tho
What are the top tourist attractions in Can Tho?
In Can Tho are many tourist attractions worth visiting, including Floating Market Cai Rang, Phuong Dien Floating Market, Ninh Kieu Harbour, Binh Thuy Old House, Ong Pagoda and Can Tho Museum.
Are there any famous floating markets in Can Tho?
Yes, Cai Rang floating market is one of such famous markets where tourists flock as it is considered the only biggest one in this area.
What are the best restaurants in Can Tho?
Some of the best restaurants in Can Tho include Mekong Restaurant, Sao Hom Restaurant and Riverside Restaurant.
Can I take a boat tour in Can Tho?
Yes, you can experience boat tour starting from CanTho which takes you to Mekong Delta and floating markets as well.
What are the must-try local dishes in Can Tho?
Some local foods that cannot be missed when traveling to CanTho are rice noodles with roasted pork- vermicelli dish at CaiRang market , HuTieu soup – one type of noodle soup typically found at street carts in Vietnam-, Pancake typical for Southern Vietnam made from rice flour served with sweet fish sauce called “nuoc cham”and Grilled Snakehead Fish.
What are the accommodations options in Can Tho?
CanTho offers accommodation options for all budget levels: guesthouses and hostels for those on lower budgets and luxury hotels or resorts for those who can afford more comfort.
Are there any festivals or events happening in Can Tho soon?
There are several events held throughout the year in CanTho like The Festival Of Southern Folk Cake; NinhKieu Flower Street Festival etc
How much time should I spend in Can Tho for a visit?
At least 2-3 days are recommended to spend in CanTho to discover the city as well its attractions.
Can I visit nearby attractions from Can Tho?
Yes, there are some other places around CanTho that you can reach such as PhuQuoc Island, ChauDoc or CaiBe Floating Market etc.
Is there a nightlife scene in Can Tho?
Can Tho has a nightlife with many bars, clubs and live music venues located throughout the city center area.
