Can Tho

Can Tho, Vietnam's capital and commercial hub in the Mekong Delta, with a population of 1.6 million people (2016). This picturesque city is bordered by five other provinces: An Giang, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, and Vinh Long, making it easier for visitors to learn about local life in Vietnam's south.

Best time to visit:

Can Tho, like many other regions in Vietnam's south, has two different seasons. May to November is the wet season, and December to April is the dry season. The average temperature is 29-33 degrees Celsius throughout the year, with April being the hottest month. Monsoon rains cause the mighty Mekong to swell throughout the rainy season, especially in October and November, creating floods in the area. The greatest time to experience Can Tho's spirit is in April, May, or June, when the weather is pleasant and the rainy season is not yet in full flow. 

How to get there:

Located 170 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, you can rent a car or take a direct bus that will take you there in around 3,5 to 5 hours.

Direct flights to Can Tho are available from Hanoi; however, no flights from Ho Chi Minh are available.

Can Tho's attraction:

• Ninh Kieu Wharf is only a few kilometres from the city center. You've arrived at this popular destination when you see a verdant park adjacent to Hai Ba Trung street, a night market, a plethora of restaurants and bars, hotels, a statue of Uncle Ho, and a spectacular view! Make sure to take in the vista from the riverbank, as well as the vivid fish swimming around. At sunset, the merchant boats are also very photogenic. When the sun sets, travel to a pub for a bite to eat and a few drinks to sample Can Tho's vibrant nightlife.
• Cai Rang floating market: the biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta. Make sure you bring your camera to take shots of the bridge, which is a highly photogenic location! The best time to visit the market is between 6 and 7 a.m., when you can avoid the crowds of tourists and the heat.
• Phong Dien floating market is known for the sale and exchange of many goods and visited by many who come to the region! It opens at 4 a.m. and closes at 8 a.m. The finest aspect about this market is that it sells a wide range of items in addition to agricultural products, such as canoes, boats, roofing sheets, knives, hoes, machetes, fishing instruments such as fishing nets, weaving products such as baskets, and various general local and international cargoes.

>> Read more: Floating markets in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

• Ong Temple: The temple, which overlooks the Can Tho River, is a fine example of Chinese architecture in the area. The temple was built in the 19th century to serve Kuang Kung devotees, a deity who represents justice, loyalty, intelligence, honor, and courage.
• Binh Thuy ancient house: Binh Thuy ancient house is the most beautiful old one, which is over 100 years old. It has appeared in a number of well-known films. Mr. Duong Chan Ky, the house's owner, is a wealthy businessman who is also an accomplished artist. He enjoys discovering new and unusual Western-style objects, particularly in the field of architecture. As a result, guests will observe that the house is built in the manner of an ancient French opulent chateau.

>> Read more: Binh Thuy ancestral house in Can Tho, Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Best things to do: 

• Top 5 things to do in Can Tho