Why Is Can Tho the Best Gateway to the Mekong Delta?
Can Tho is the best gateway to the Mekong Delta because it is the largest city in the region while still delivering the authentic waterway culture, floating markets, and tropical orchard experiences that define delta life. I arrived by bus from Ho Chi Minh City in under four hours and within twelve hours of checking into my riverside guesthouse, I was sitting in a wooden sampan at 5:00 AM watching the Cai Rang Floating Market come to life around me. No other Mekong Delta town offers that combination of accessibility and immersion.
My first morning on the water reshaped how I understood Vietnam. The sampan driver navigated us through the pre-dawn darkness along the Can Tho River, passing under the enormous Cai Rang Bridge, and into the floating market just as the sky turned from charcoal to violet. Boats were everywhere — wooden vessels stacked with pyramids of pineapples, watermelons, coconuts, and sweet potatoes, each one flying its wares on a tall bamboo pole so buyers could identify the cargo from a distance. A woman in a conical hat paddled alongside our boat and handed me a steaming bowl of hu tieu (pork noodle soup) from her floating kitchen. I ate it balanced on my knees while boats loaded with mangoes and pomelos drifted past. The bowl cost 20,000 VND ($0.80 USD). It was one of the defining food moments of my life.
What struck me most about Can Tho was the relationship between the people and the water. This is not a city that happens to be near a river — it is a city built on water, organized by water, and sustained by water. The canal networks that branch off the main Hau River are residential streets where people commute by boat, wash dishes in the current, and grow fruit trees on the banks. When I took a canal tour after the floating market, the sampan navigated passages so narrow that mango branches brushed both sides of the boat, past houses on stilts where families waved from their front porches.
I spent three days in Can Tho and could have stayed longer. The city has a rhythm that is entirely different from anywhere else in Vietnam — slower, more generous, more connected to the agricultural calendar and the rise and fall of the river. The food is extraordinary (sweeter and more fruit-influenced than the north), the people are among the warmest I have met anywhere in the country, and the landscape — flat, green, impossibly lush — has a beauty that grows on you the longer you stay.
The Mekong Delta is often rushed by travelers — a quick day trip from Saigon, a box to tick. Can Tho taught me that the delta deserves more time and attention than that. Sleeping here, waking before dawn, spending a full day on the waterways — that is how this region reveals its character.
What Makes Can Tho Different from Mekong Delta Day Trips?
The fundamental difference is time. Day trips from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta typically visit the tourist-oriented floating markets at Cai Be or My Tho, spend three to four hours in transit, and compress the experience into a rushed itinerary that barely scratches the surface. Can Tho puts you in the heart of the delta with enough time to experience the floating market at its authentic peak, explore the canal networks at a leisurely pace, and eat your way through a cuisine that is distinct from anything served in Saigon.
Cai Rang Floating Market is the other critical difference. Unlike the smaller, increasingly tourist-oriented markets closer to Ho Chi Minh City, Cai Rang is a genuine wholesale market where delta farmers have been trading for generations. The scale is impressive — hundreds of boats gathering before dawn in a choreographed chaos of commerce that has not fundamentally changed in decades. Tour boats are present, but they are vastly outnumbered by working vessels. What you see here is real.
Can Tho also functions as a base for deeper delta exploration. From here, you can reach fruit orchards, rice paddies, traditional craft villages, and rural canal communities that see very few tourists. The homestay options along the canals offer a level of cultural immersion that is simply not available on a day trip. If you want to understand the Mekong Delta rather than just photograph it, Can Tho is where you need to be.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Can Tho?
What Is the Cai Rang Floating Market Really Like?
The Cai Rang Floating Market is the largest and most authentic floating market in the Mekong Delta, and it is the single reason most travelers come to Can Tho. Located about 6 kilometers from the city center on the Can Tho River, the market gathers daily before dawn as farmers from across the delta converge to trade their produce wholesale.
To visit, you need to arrange a boat. Most guesthouses and hotels can organize this for 150,000–250,000 VND ($6–$10 USD) per person for a shared boat, or 400,000–600,000 VND ($16–$24 USD) for a private sampan that fits two to four passengers. Departure time is between 4:30 and 5:00 AM — this is non-negotiable if you want to see the market at its peak. By 7:30 AM, trading slows significantly.
The market’s signature visual element is the bamboo poles — each boat hangs a sample of its cargo (a pineapple, a watermelon, a bunch of bananas) from a tall bamboo mast, creating a floating forest of produce flags. Smaller boats weave between the larger vessels, selling pho, hu tieu, coffee, and banh mi directly to the traders. I bought coffee from a floating café (10,000 VND / $0.40 USD) and breakfast noodles from a cooking boat (20,000 VND / $0.80 USD) and ate while drifting through the market. The experience was unlike anything else I have done in Vietnam. Book a Cai Rang floating market tour on GetYourGuide.
What Are the Canal Tours Like?
The canal tours that follow the floating market visit are, in many ways, the more intimate and memorable part of the Can Tho experience. After the market winds down (around 7:30 AM), your sampan driver navigates into the narrower canals that branch off the main river, entering a world of stilt houses, fruit orchards, and tropical vegetation so dense it forms a green tunnel over the water.
Most floating market tours include a canal extension at no extra cost, lasting an additional 30 to 60 minutes. For a more in-depth experience, you can book a dedicated canal tour for about 300,000–500,000 VND ($12–$20 USD) per person that spends two to three hours exploring the smaller waterways and includes stops at fruit orchards and local homes.
I took an extended canal tour that included a stop at a family-run fruit orchard where the owner picked rambutan, longan, and pomelo directly from the trees and served them with tea on a shaded platform over the canal. The fruit tasting was included in the tour price. The narrow canals, the birdsong, the glimpses into daily delta life through open-walled kitchens and front gardens — this was the Mekong Delta experience I had imagined before arriving, and it exceeded my expectations. Explore Can Tho boat and canal tours on Viator.
Should I Visit the Fruit Orchards?
Visiting a Mekong Delta fruit orchard is one of the most enjoyable activities in Can Tho, particularly for food lovers. The delta’s tropical climate and rich alluvial soil produce an astonishing variety of fruit — mangosteen, rambutan, durian, jackfruit, dragon fruit, pomelo, longan, and dozens of varieties I had never encountered before.
Most canal tours include at least one orchard stop, but you can also visit independently. Vam Xang fruit garden and My Khanh tourist garden are the most accessible, located about 10 to 15 kilometers from the city center. Entrance runs 20,000–40,000 VND ($0.80–$1.60 USD), which typically includes a fruit tasting. If you visit during the peak fruit season (May–August), the variety and quality are extraordinary.
I visited an orchard in December during a canal tour and sampled six different fruits I could not identify by name. The owner explained each one through a combination of Vietnamese, gestures, and infectious enthusiasm. The highlight was a custard apple (mang cau) picked directly from the tree and eaten within minutes — the sweetest, most fragrant fruit I have tasted.
What Is There to See at Ninh Kieu Wharf?
Ninh Kieu Wharf is Can Tho’s riverfront promenade and the social center of the city. The wharf stretches along the Hau River in the downtown area and comes alive in the evenings when families stroll, street food vendors set up, and the city’s night market operates.
The night market is modest by Vietnamese standards — perhaps 50 stalls selling clothes, souvenirs, and food — but the food stalls are excellent. Grilled corn (10,000 VND / $0.40 USD), banh xeo (crispy pancakes, 30,000 VND / $1.20 USD), and fresh coconut ice cream (20,000 VND / $0.80 USD) are the highlights. The riverside setting, with boats illuminated on the water and the Can Tho Bridge lit up in the distance, makes for a lovely evening atmosphere.
During the day, Ninh Kieu is where most floating market boat tours depart. The Ong Temple (Chua Ong), a beautifully ornate Chinese-Vietnamese temple adjacent to the wharf, is worth a quick visit — entrance is free, and the interior woodwork and ceramic decorations are impressive.
Can I Take a Cooking Class in Can Tho?
Taking a cooking class in Can Tho is one of the best ways to understand Mekong Delta cuisine, which differs meaningfully from the cooking of Hanoi, Hue, and even Saigon. The delta’s cuisine is sweeter, more fruit-influenced, and relies heavily on freshwater fish, coconut, and the incredible variety of herbs and greens that grow in the tropical climate.
Several guesthouses and tour operators offer cooking experiences that begin with a market visit (where you shop for ingredients with your instructor), followed by a hands-on class preparing three to five dishes. Expect to pay 400,000–700,000 VND ($16–$28 USD) per person for a half-day experience including the market tour, ingredients, and a full meal.
I took a class at a homestay along one of the canals and learned to make banh xeo (the crispy pancake is folded differently in the delta than in Saigon), ca kho to (caramelized fish in clay pot using young coconut juice instead of sugar), and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls with local river shrimp). The instructor was a grandmother who had been cooking these dishes for fifty years and communicated more through demonstration than words. It was one of the most rewarding food experiences of my entire Vietnam trip.
Where Should I Eat in Can Tho?
Nem Nuong Thanh Van
Nem Nuong Thanh Van is a Can Tho institution specializing in nem nuong — grilled pork sausage served with rice paper, fresh herbs, green banana, star fruit, and a rich peanut-hoisin dipping sauce. You assemble your own wraps at the table, rolling the smoky-sweet sausage with the accompaniments into neat parcels. A full serving costs 80,000 VND ($3.20 USD) and is more than enough for one person. The restaurant has been operating since the 1970s and the recipe has not changed. I ate here twice.
L’Escale (Nam Bo Boutique Hotel)
L’Escale is the fine-dining option in Can Tho, located on the rooftop of the Nam Bo Boutique Hotel overlooking the river. The menu blends French and Vietnamese influences — think pan-seared river fish with lemongrass beurre blanc (220,000 VND / $8.80 USD) and duck breast with tamarind reduction (280,000 VND / $11.20 USD). The sunset views over the Hau River are magnificent, and the cocktail list is the most sophisticated in the city. Main courses range from 180,000–350,000 VND ($7.20–$14 USD).
Quan Com Sao Hom
Sao Hom is a bustling local restaurant on Hai Ba Trung Street that serves the kind of everyday Vietnamese home cooking that travelers rarely find. The com tam (broken rice with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, and a fried egg) costs 40,000 VND ($1.60 USD) and is one of the best versions I have had in the delta. The ca kho to (caramelized fish in clay pot) at 55,000 VND ($2.20 USD) is rich and sweet in the Mekong Delta style. Point at what you want from the display — no English menu, but the food speaks for itself.
Banh Xeo Ba Ut
Banh xeo — the crispy, turmeric-yellow Vietnamese pancake — reaches its apex in the Mekong Delta, and Ba Ut serves one of the finest versions in Can Tho. The pancake arrives sizzling-hot, stuffed with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and coconut milk, and you tear off pieces to wrap with lettuce, herbs, and dipping sauce. A large banh xeo costs 40,000 VND ($1.60 USD). The restaurant is simple — plastic chairs, fluorescent lights — but the pancakes are extraordinary. This is my strongest single food recommendation in Can Tho.
Night Market Street Food
The street food stalls along Ninh Kieu Wharf and the surrounding streets offer the cheapest and often the best eating in Can Tho. The hu tieu stalls (Can Tho’s signature noodle soup) serve bowls for 25,000–35,000 VND ($1–$1.40 USD). Grilled seafood skewers run 10,000–20,000 VND ($0.40–$0.80 USD) each. Che (sweet Vietnamese dessert soups) in a dizzying array of flavors cost 15,000–20,000 VND ($0.60–$0.80 USD). Budget 100,000–200,000 VND ($4–$8 USD) for a thorough evening graze through the market.
Where Should I Stay in Can Tho?
Budget: Mekong My Tho Hostel (from 130,000 VND / $5 USD per night)
A clean, friendly hostel near Ninh Kieu Wharf with dorm beds and private rooms. The owner arranges floating market tours at fair prices and provides excellent local tips. The location — walking distance from the wharf, night market, and main restaurants — is ideal for budget travelers. Private rooms from 300,000 VND ($12 USD). Check rates on Booking.com.
Budget-Mid: Kim Tho Hotel (from 400,000 VND / $16 USD per night)
Kim Tho is a reliable mid-budget hotel in the heart of Can Tho, a short walk from the wharf. Rooms are clean and modern with air conditioning and river views from the upper floors. The hotel has its own restaurant and can organize floating market tours. Solid value for the price. See availability on Booking.com.
Mid-Range: Nam Bo Boutique Hotel (from 1,000,000 VND / $40 USD per night)
Nam Bo is the most characterful hotel in Can Tho — a beautifully restored colonial building right on the riverfront with just a handful of rooms, each individually decorated with Vietnamese antiques and contemporary art. The rooftop restaurant (L’Escale, reviewed above) is excellent, and the river views from the terrace are the best in the city. This was my base in Can Tho and I would return without question. Book on Booking.com.
Mid-Range: Victoria Can Tho Resort (from 1,500,000 VND / $60 USD per night)
Victoria is a colonial-style riverside resort on the outskirts of the city, set in landscaped gardens with a large pool, a spa, and a waterfront restaurant. The design channels French Indochina elegance with dark wood, rattan furniture, and ceiling fans. The resort operates its own sampan for floating market tours, departing directly from the hotel dock. Check prices on Booking.com.
Luxury: Azerai Can Tho (from 2,500,000 VND / $100 USD per night)
Azerai is the luxury benchmark in the Mekong Delta — a minimalist, design-forward resort on a private island in the Hau River. The architecture is contemporary Vietnamese, all clean lines and natural materials, with rooms opening onto private gardens or river views. The pool is stunning, the spa is serene, and the restaurant serves refined interpretations of Mekong Delta cuisine. A free boat shuttle connects the island to the city. Reserve on Booking.com.
Scott’s Pro Tips for Visiting Can Tho
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
December through February is ideal — dry weather, comfortable temperatures (25–30°C), and the floating market at its most vibrant. I visited in January and the conditions were perfect. The fruit harvest peaks between May and August, which is worth considering if tropical fruit is a priority, though you will contend with afternoon thunderstorms and higher humidity during those months. The floating market operates every day of the year regardless of season.
How Do I Get Around?
Can Tho city center is compact and walkable — Ninh Kieu Wharf, the main restaurants, and the market are all within a 15-minute walk. For the floating market and canal tours, you will be on a boat (arranged by your accommodation). For the fruit orchards and countryside, rent a motorbike for 100,000–120,000 VND ($4–$5 USD) per day or use Grab. Cycling is another excellent option — the flat delta terrain and quiet roads make for pleasant riding. Some hotels rent bicycles for 30,000–50,000 VND ($1.20–$2 USD) per day.
What About Money and Payments?
ATMs are available throughout the city center, particularly along Hoa Binh Avenue and near the wharf. Credit cards are accepted at mid-range and luxury hotels and at the nicer restaurants, but the floating market, street food stalls, local eateries, and boat operators are all cash only. Bring at least 500,000 VND ($20 USD) in cash for the floating market morning (boat fare, floating breakfast, fruit purchases), and carry more for a full day of activities.
Is Can Tho Safe?
Can Tho is one of the safest cities in Vietnam. It is a university town with a large student population, giving it a youthful, friendly energy. There is virtually no crime targeting tourists. The primary safety considerations are sun exposure during boat rides (bring a hat and sunscreen — there is minimal shade on the river), motorbike traffic in the city center, and food hygiene at street stalls (choose stalls with high turnover and fresh ingredients).
SafetyWing travel insurance is my recommendation for any Vietnam trip. For Can Tho specifically, medical coverage is valuable because the nearest international-standard hospital is in Ho Chi Minh City — SafetyWing covers medical evacuation if needed.
What Should I Pack?
A hat with a wide brim is essential for the floating market — you will be on an open boat for two to three hours in direct sun. Sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and insect repellent are critical. Bring a light rain jacket even in dry season (the river generates its own microclimate). Wear shoes you do not mind getting wet — boarding and disembarking from sampans involves stepping through shallow water. A small, waterproof dry bag for your phone and camera is invaluable on the boat. If you are visiting orchards, bring a zip-lock bag for the fruit you will inevitably want to take home.
Cultural Tips
The Mekong Delta is deeply traditional, and the people here are among the most hospitable in Vietnam — but they see fewer foreign tourists than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, so a few cultural adjustments help. Learn basic Vietnamese greetings (xin chao, cam on) — they generate disproportionate warmth from locals who rarely hear foreigners try. At the floating market, buying something from a vendor (even just a piece of fruit for 5,000 VND / $0.20 USD) is more respectful than just photographing them. In the canal communities, you are a guest in people’s neighborhoods — smile, wave, and ask before photographing. Tipping boat drivers 50,000–100,000 VND ($2–$4 USD) is appreciated and appropriate given the early wake-up.
The Mekong Delta is the side of Vietnam that most travelers miss, and I have so much more to share. Join my newsletter for delta travel insights, floating market tips, and the kind of on-the-ground information that transforms a quick stopover into a genuine experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Tho
What is the best time to visit Can Tho?
The dry season from November to April is the best time to visit Can Tho. The floating markets operate year-round, but dry-season conditions mean calmer waters, less rain, and more comfortable temperatures for early-morning boat trips. The fruit harvest peaks between May and August, but the weather is wetter and hotter during those months. I visited in January and found the conditions ideal.
How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho?
The most common route is by bus, taking 3 to 3.5 hours. Phuong Trang (FUTA) and Thanh Buoi run frequent departures from Ho Chi Minh City for 120,000–180,000 VND ($5–$7 USD). Can Tho also has an airport with domestic flights from Hanoi. Private car or Grab transfers from HCMC take about 3 hours and cost around 1,200,000–1,500,000 VND ($48–$60 USD).
How early do I need to wake up for the floating market?
The Cai Rang Floating Market is most active between 5:00 AM and 7:30 AM. You should aim to board your boat by 5:00 AM to see the market at its peak. By 8:30 AM, most vendors have sold their goods and the market winds down significantly. Early rising is non-negotiable — this is not an experience that works later in the morning. Set two alarms and go to bed early the night before.
Is one day enough for Can Tho?
One full day allows you to visit the floating market at dawn and explore the city in the afternoon. However, two days is much better — it allows you to take a longer canal tour, visit fruit orchards, explore the countryside by bicycle, and experience the night market at a relaxed pace. The delta rewards slow travel, and I always tell people to resist the urge to rush through.
Is Can Tho safe for tourists?
Can Tho is extremely safe. It is a university city with a friendly, welcoming population. There is virtually no crime targeting tourists. The biggest concerns are sun exposure during boat rides, motorbike traffic in the city center, and occasional stomach issues from adventurous eating. Exercise normal food hygiene precautions and you will be fine.
What food is Can Tho famous for?
Can Tho and the Mekong Delta region are famous for hu tieu (pork and prawn noodle soup), banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes), lau mam (fermented fish hot pot), grilled snakehead fish, and an extraordinary variety of tropical fruits including mangosteen, rambutan, durian, dragon fruit, and jackfruit. The region’s cuisine is sweeter and more fruit-influenced than northern or central Vietnamese cooking. The banh xeo here is my personal favorite — different from the Saigon version and, I would argue, better.