Can Tho

Can Tho is the economic center of the Mekong Delta, defined by waterways rather than highways. You move through it by wooden sampan at dawn and motor scooter by night. Expect early mornings, distinct regional noodle dishes, and heavy river traffic along the Hau River.

Can Tho dining centers on fermented broth, deep frying, and fresh river herbs. The regional specialty bún mắm pairs thick rice vermicelli with a pungent broth made from fermented snakehead fish (mắm cá lóc), topped with pork belly, eggplant, and squid. You eat it accompanied by a large plate of water spinach, banana flower, and sesbania flowers.For afternoon snacks, look for bánh cống stalls along Ly Tu Trong street. These deep-fried muffins blend rice flour, mung beans, and whole prawns, fried until dark brown and wrapped in mustard leaves with dipping sauce.

• Eat Bún Mắm at 168 Ly Tu Trong

  This stall serves rich fermented fish soup starting at 15:00 until sold out around 20:00.

• Order Bánh Xèo at 7 Tới

  Located on Hoang Quoc Viet street, this local spot cooks extra-crispy Mekong-style coconut pancakes using duck eggs.

• Morning noodle boats

  On Cai Rang market boats, order a bowl of Hủ Tiếu directly from vendor sampans using bamboo poles to pass cash.

Can Tho developed as a trading outpost under the Nguyen Dynasty in the late 18th century. Located at the intersection of the Hau River and major canal networks, it became the natural funnel for rice shipments moving across the western Mekong Delta.During French colonial rule, the city was established as the administrative capital of the western delta region (Bassac). Post-1975, Can Tho expanded its university infrastructure and river infrastructure, culminating in the opening of the Can Tho Bridge in 2010.

1. 1739

   Town Establishment

   Mac Thien Tich incorporates the area into Tran Giang province under Nguyen Dynasty protection.

2. 1876

   French Administrative Center

   French forces select Can Tho as the regional command hub for the lower Mekong river basin.

3. 1966

   University Founded

   Can Tho University opens, establishing the city as the primary agricultural research center of southern Vietnam.

4. 2010

   Can Tho Bridge Opens

   The completion of the cable-stayed bridge replaces slow ferry crossings over the Hau River to Vinh Long.

Choose by your morning priorities. If you want early market access and night dining on your doorstep, stay along the Ninh Kieu waterfront. If you prefer low noise and tropical gardens, pick a homestay in the canal channels of Cai Rang or Phong Dien.

• First-time visitorsNinh Kieu Waterfront — Walking distance to piers, markets, and central dining options.
• Budget travelersXuan Khanh — Affordable guesthouses surround the university with cheap street food nearby.
• Nature seekersCai Rang District — Riverside homestays sit directly along minor canal tributaries.
• Architecture enthusiastsBinh Thuy — Quiet streets close to heritage homes and historical temples.

Can Tho relies on motorbikes and riverboats. Central Ninh Kieu is easily walkable, but reaching distant markets or outlying historical houses requires ride-hailing apps or hired wooden sampans.

• Negotiate boat charters directly with boat owners at Ninh Kieu Pier the evening before your market trip.

• GrabBike is faster and cheaper than cars for navigating narrow inner-city alleys.

• Hai Ba Trung street along the water is pedestrian-friendly after 18:00.

Can Tho is significantly cheaper than Ho Chi Minh City. Street food stalls and local markets offer low prices, while boat charters are the main variable expense for travelers.

• Private market boat (3 hours): 350,000–500,000 VND

  Covers a small sampan for up to 4 passengers to Cai Rang and back.

• Bowl of Bún Mắm: 40,000–60,000 VND

  Standard price at established local street stalls.

• Binh Thuy House ticket: 30,000 VND

  Flat entrance fee paid in cash at the front gate.

• Short Grab bike ride: 15,000–30,000 VND

  App-based fares across central Ninh Kieu district.

• Start at dawn

  River trade peaks between 05:30 and 07:00. Departing after sunrise means missing the market activity.

• Carry cash for boats

  Boat captains and street vendors do not accept cards or digital international transfers.

• Pack sunscreen for river trips

  Wooden sampans offer little shade once the sun rises above the tree line.

• Watch steps on slippery boat decks

  Wooden gangplanks at Ninh Kieu and floating market docks can be wet and unstable.

• Book buses during Tet

  Long-distance bus lines to Ho Chi Minh City sell out days in advance around Lunar New Year.