Best Experiences In Can Tho For An Unforgettable Discovery
When it comes to Can Tho, most travelers think about an embarkation/disembarkation point or a port of call for some Mekong River cruises. But more than that, Can Tho is the capital of the Mekong Delta, a major commercial city and a tourist destination with a lot to discover and experience. If you want an escape from the hustle and bustle of the bustling city, here are our suggestions of the best activities for a wonderful trip to Can Tho.
1. Soak up the exotic spectacle of Cai Rang floating market
Cai Rang floating market is certainly the most popular tourist attraction in Can Tho. Though the development of modern traffic systems and inland markets has reduced the size of the floating market, it remains busy every day with the appearance of tourist boats. A visit to Cai Rang floating market is a must for any visitor to Can Tho.
Embark on a local boat in the wee hours and enjoy a glamorous sunrise over the delta river. You will also see an extremely vibrant and crowd-trading scene of small and large vessels stocked with a variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, cooked food, and daily household goods. Simply lean over your boat and ask for what you want. If you’re curious about what each boat is selling, just find the long bamboo pole in the front, which displays samples of items sold on the boat.
2. Take a leisurely stroll along Ninh Kieu Wharf
Located on the bank of the Hau River within a few minutes from the city center, Ninh Kieu Wharf is a must-see attraction and a symbol of Can Tho. Built in the nineteenth century, the spot has since evolved into Ninh Kieu Park, which covers an area of 7,000 square meters. The venue is a favorite site to capture the sunset over the Mekong River tributary. At dusk, the view across the river is breathtaking, with colorful fishing and trading boats anchored at every angle on the glistening golden water.
Come evening, the wharf changes into a thriving night market, where you can find numerous food stalls selling delicious street food and various local dishes. You can also take a walk on the nearby Love Bridge (Pedestrian Bridge), which is artistically sparkling with LED lights and giant lotus-shaped pillars on either side. This spot is a popular check-in location in the evening, drawing both youthful residents and visitors.
3. Step back in time at Binh Thuy Ancient House
Binh Thuy Ancient House, built in 1870, is one of the most magnificent historic residences in the Mekong Delta, where you can get an insight into the lives of Can Tho's affluent merchant families in the past. The vividly painted house, designed in modern French style, is a perfect blend of Eastern and Western culture, creating a classical and traditional home for several generations of the Duong family. The centerpiece of Binh Thuy Ancient House is the collection of valuable antiques, such as the Louis 15 French-style woven fabric, the 15th century white lanterns, and the Ming-Qing dynasty teacups.
The ancient house was also famously used as a film scene in the 1992 film “L'Amant” (The Lover), based on the novel of the same name by French author Marguerite Duras and directed by Jean Jacques Annaud. In 2009, it was recognized as a national architectural and artistic monument due to its distinctive architectural and historical significance.
4. Pay a visit to Can Tho Grand Prison
If you feel interested in the history of the city, a short visit to Can Tho Grand Prison will be worth your time. The building was originally built by the French during the colonial era but was later used by the South Vietnamese and Americans during the Vietnam War. The jail comprises 21 detention rooms, a chapel, a pagoda, the supervisor's housing, and a kitchen. The mannequins portray episodes from the prison's history, which are rather disturbing.
5. Tour around the islets
Can Tho seems to be a bustling and hectic city, but if you board a ferry for a few minutes from downtown, you’ll enter a whole other world. On the islets, time flows more slowly, paths are shaded by fruit-bearing trees, and leisurely lunches and tea are enjoyed outside. There, you can explore the islets by bicycle, visit a noodle-making village, pass by lush fruit orchards, or take a community-based tour to get a slice of the local culture in and around Can Tho.
Can Tho is a beautiful and tranquil place with floating markets, rice paddy fields, orchards, and a network of waterways and canals. Visitors to this countryside will have the opportunity to get close to the culture and history, as well as the daily lives of the locals. Hopefully, the above suggestions will help you plan your journey in Can Tho and the Mekong Delta. Have a safe Mekong River Cruise trip!
