Attractions & Things To See In Can Tho
Can Tho, located in the middle of Mekong Delta in Vietnam, is a vibrant city which blends wonderfully natural beauty with historical sites and thriving urban life. Referred to as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, Can Tho has made significant contributions to agriculture while equally being well-known globally for its tourist spots and landmarks. Therefore, we shall take a trip inside Can Tho so that we can explore some of its highly attractive attractions and marks.
The Cai Rang Floating Market is the place you must visit before leaving Can Tho. An early morning start will allow you to catch this bustling market on water where vendors peddle their wares from boats filled up with fruits, vegetables and other goods; it’s a colorful spectacle showing off local lifestyle. It is more than just a market but also presents visitors with an insight into how locals live hence if anyone wishes to understand what makes Vietnam what it is culturally they should pay a visit.
Ong pagoda or Quang Trieu (Cantonese) Assembly Hall is one of the most beautiful examples of Chinese architecture found in Can Tho. This pagoda has been around for over 100 years now and acts as focal point for Chinese living in the city. Its multicolored frontage, complex designs on the roof tiles combined with cool interior spaces make it an oasis from the city’s bustle while also demonstrating China’s influence on spirituality and culture throughout Vietnam.
A French colonial style house mixed with Vietnamese architectural features defines Binh Thuy ancient house which was built during the 19th century period. Owned by original family descendants until today, this house still retains its old stuff such as furniture sheltered rooms together with serene gardens surrounding it all reflecting yesteryears’ way of life. It is an impressive period in history and architecture that will stimulate the interest of any tourist.
The Can Tho Bridge, which spans the Hau River, is an engineering feat symbolic of rapid growth in the city. The cable-stayed bridge known to be one of the longest in Southeast Asia provides beautiful scenery by looking down at the river as well as catching sight of surrounding landscapes particularly at dawn or dusk. The bridge acts not only as a major transport link but also a sign of modern architectural achievements made so far.
My Khanh tourist village offers a place where people can enjoy some green space away from the city bustle. Here visitors get to experience rural life in Mekong Delta by trying activities like traditional farming and fruit picking, taking part in folk games and appreciating cultural performances among others. Specifically for families who want to have some fun with locals or just those who would like to see how life moves around these parts.
The largest museum ever found within Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region, Can Tho Museums portrays over 5000 collections on its walls making it become packed with artifacts day and night! Its aim is to display accurate information about culture, human beings and past events An expansive narrative unfolds here starting from ancient civilizations up through colonial times, right into Vietnam War era till now thus bringing it all back into life.
Hau River has Ninh Kieu Wharf, and it is the pulse of Can Tho’s night life and social life. This active area has a park, footpaths, eateries and an evening market where both locals and visitors come to see the river scenery, taste street foods or just feel the hustle and bustle around.
Pagodas and Temples
- Munirensay Temple (Khmer Pagoda; Munirangsyaram), 36 Hoà Bình St (Near corner of Hoa Binh & De Tham Rd). 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. Even if simply for the artistic value of its exquisite altars with carved wooden bas-reliefs, it is worth a visit.
- 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. Even though there are less people in the afternoon, when it is rather hot, the nights are frequently extremely bustling.
- Tham Tướng Church (On Mau Than St). Sunday service 18:30. Nice little church built by the French.
- Tin Lanh Baptist Church (Near Can Tho University in Mau Than). Sunday service 18:30. Approximately 8% of Vietnamese are Catholic, but this church illustrates the presence of Protestant groups as well.
Xuan Khanh Quarter
The Xuan Khanh neighborhood, which is part of the Ninh Kieu district, is the geological core of the city. In the 18th century, the district was named Tham Tng after the commander Tham Tng, who in 1772 opposed the Siamese army marching from Ha Tien. As was the case with so many locations following the Vietnam War, the area’s name was altered to reflect the philosophy of the new leadership.
- Mau Than Street is the main street in Xuan Khan and is renowned for being the longest street in the Mekong Delta at nearly 30 kilometers in length. The street is named after the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War, which was started on the Vietnamese New Year, January 30, 1968, in an attempt to free South Vietnam by the People’s Army of Vietnam. Tt Mu Than is the offensive’s name in Vietnamese (Tet, year of the monkey). Thus, “Mau Than” truly signifies “year of the monkey.” The Xuan Khanh Market at the beginning of the street is a daily destination for a large number of residents who purchase food and other necessities there. Mau Than is also the hub of the local community, as two churches and the Quang Duc Pagoda are located within a few hundred meters. Depending on the day of your visit, you may encounter a large number of monks and Buddhist residents dressed in traditional garb or a celebration ceremony of one of the churches that frequently extends onto the street in the evening (usually between 6pm and 8.30pm).
- Xuan Khanh Student Quarter: Many students from the adjacent Can Tho University reside in Xuan Khanh or conduct their regular shopping at a local store. There are little cafés and cafes on the street and in the alleys to serve the expanding student population. As this neighborhood is less visited by visitors, Xuan Khanh offers a more authentic local experience than the upscale Ninh Kieu pier. The optimal time to visit is between early afternoon and early evening. If you’re up for a local student’s experience, you may dine at one of the street restaurants after visiting one of the churches or temples. Locals have called this area Hot Pot Alley or Hm Vit Nau Chao, the Vietnamese term for a street lined with a dozen hot pot eateries (refer to food section for more info). In the narrow lanes and alleyways leading to Mau Than, there are frequently inexpensive eateries and snack bars. In Nguyen Cu Trinh Street (a side street of Mau Than), for instance, you may eat fresh mussels while sitting on those plastic chairs that are set up rapidly in the evening and used to serve clients. Try one of the native desserts if you dare in the narrow corner alley at Hem 95. (Alley 95). After that, you may visit one of the pubs or cafés in Mau Than or unwind at the rooftop bar of the yellow mango-colored Hotel Xoai, whose name means “Hotel Mango” as a mango grove once stood at this location.
Hai Bà Trung area
- Hai Bà Trưng street: This region is one of Can Tho’s most prominent places and attractions. Directly situated on the Mekong river. It features a riverfront park with a statue of Ho Chi Minh. There are several hotels and restaurants in the area, and from here you may schedule boat tours to the floating markets, for example. Simply seek for some amiable tour guides who speak English quite well. They will also assist you in planning a customized trip that delivers a more enriching experience than the conventional excursions supplied by the tourism office. (without paying commission, as well) This region is uninteresting during the day, but it comes to life after dark.
- Market at Cái Khế : On Trn Văn Khéo street, there is a daily local market. Also located here is the Can Tho water park.
