Top 08 best fun things to do in Can Tho Vietnam

Q: Is Can Tho worth visiting on a Vietnam trip?

Yes, Can Tho is definitely worth visiting on a Vietnam trip. As the heart of the Mekong Delta, the city offers unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere - vibrant floating markets, peaceful canal landscapes, lush fruit gardens, and rich local culture. It’s an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore authentic river life and enjoy a slower, charming side of Vietnam. Whether you love food, nature, or cultural discoveries, Can Tho adds something truly special to any Vietnam itinerary.

Best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam

Located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is a vibrant destination filled with lush fruit gardens, peaceful rice fields, bustling floating markets, and warm, welcoming locals. If you're searching for the best things to do in Can Tho, this charming city offers countless memorable experiences for every traveler. Whether you're wondering what to do in Can Tho, planning your itinerary, or simply exploring new destinations, this guide will help you uncover the top activities that showcase the region’s beauty and culture. From local markets to scenic waterways, you’ll quickly see why Can Tho City is a good place to visit. Dive in and discover all the exciting things to do in Can Tho as you prepare for an unforgettable journey.

What to do in Can Tho Vietnam ?

1. Take a boat to Cai Rang Floating Market
2. Visit Binh Thuy ancient House
3. Admire the architecture at Ong Pagoda
4. Enjoy fresh fruits in the tropical fruit garden
5. Visit Munirensay temple
6. Visit Can Tho rice noodle factory
7. Explore Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary
8. Sunset cruise on a mystic sampan

1. Take a boat to Cai Rang Floating Market

Address: Võ Tánh St, Lê Bình ward, Cái Răng district, Cần Thơ city, Việt Nam
Best time to visit: 05:00 am - 07:00 pm
Boat rental fee: 900.000 VND/ boat ~ 38 USD ( maximum 10 pax/ boat)
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/7TSXZuQ2uzaPW5Ar8
Travel tips: Bring a raincoat & insect repellent if you plan to go to Cai Rang floating market in the rainy season

Cai Rang Floating Market is located downstream of the Can Tho River, just 600m from Cai Rang Bridge, and is one of the biggest and most iconic floating markets in the Mekong Delta. The market opens from 4:00 to 10:00 AM, but for the best experience, especially if you're exploring the best things to do in Can Tho, you should visit between 5:00 and 7:00 AM. During these golden hours, travelers can fully enjoy a vibrant scene of local life and trading activities - an essential highlight for anyone searching for what to do in Can Tho.

The market’s charm lies in its authentic local atmosphere. Dozens of boats gather here, carrying everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts and local dishes. Visitors can interact with friendly merchants and discover the rich culture of the river region. Despite modern road development, the floating market continues to thrive as a symbol of long-standing traditions.

Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2016 and ranked among the world’s 10 most impressive markets by Rough Guides (UK), Cai Rang truly stands out. Visiting this market remains one of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam and shows why Can Tho City is a good place to visit. Wake up early, bring your camera, and immerse yourself in this colorful, unforgettable experience.

2. Visit Binh Thuy ancient House

Address: 144 Bùi Hữu Nghĩa St, Bình Thủy ward, Cái Răng district, Cần Thơ city, Việt Nam
Entrance fee: 15,000 VND/ pax ~ 1 USD
Opening hours: 08:00 am - 12:00 pm and 02:00 pm - 06:00 pm
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/R2RkqNmUn2gLyp6s8

Visiting Binh Thuy ancient house is one of the things to do in Can Tho if you want to have a perfect trip. Situated just 5 kilometers from the city center, Binh Thuy ancient house is the most beautiful house in the Mekong Delta. The Duong family has owned this home since it was built in 1870.

Binh Thuy ancient house is one of the few old houses with a combination of French classical architecture and traditional Vietnamese architecture left. This house also owns rare antiques from the West such as French loungers from the Louis XV period, 15th century white lanterns, etc.

In 2009, Binh Thuy Ancient House was recognized as a National architectural and artistic monument. In addition, this house was chosen as the setting of the 1992 film "L'Amant" ("Lover") based on the same-titled book by French novelist Marguerite Duras.

3. Admire the architecture at Ong Pagoda

Address: 32 Hai Bà Trưng St, Tân An, Ninh Kiều district, Cần Thơ city, Việt Nam
Opening hours: 07:00 am - 17:00 pm
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/xgJaVR3a3DRV4G3y7

What to do in Can Tho Vietnam? If you're seeking a serene and culturally rich experience in Can Tho, make sure to visit Ong Pagoda. Located in a central location, tourists can easily come here to visit and admire the unique architectural pagoda of the Chinese. Ong Pagoda was built in 1894 and completed over a span of two years. On June 21, 1993, Ong Pagoda was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The architecture of Ong Pagoda is distinctly Chinese, featuring enclosing walls, yin-yang tile roofs, and a spacious courtyard that bathes the interior in natural light. Materials for its construction were meticulously transported from Guangzhou. Unlike many other temples, Ong Pagoda is characterized by a single front gate and iron fence, supported by six pillars, rather than the traditional three-way gate.

Ong Can Tho Pagoda holds not only a religious significance but also a cultural and educational activity of the Chinese to maintain traditional cultural values such as wood carving and calligraphy.

Add this place to your list of best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam to experience a moment of peace in the midst of the bustling city!

4. Enjoy fresh fruits in the tropical fruit garden

Some popular fruit gardens:
- Ba Cong orchard: Bình Phó B, Bình Thủy ward, Cần Thơ city, Việt Nam
- Phong Dien orchard: 335 Lộ Vòng Cung, Mỹ Khánh commune, Phong Điền district, Cần Thơ city, Việt Nam
- Rach Ke Orchard: 396A My Nhon, My Khanh commune, Phong Dien district, Cần Thơ city, Việt Nam
- Entrance fee: 50,000 - 70,000 VND/ pax ( 2,1 USD - 3 USD) (including enjoying fruit at the garden)

A tropical fruit garden in Can Tho

Enjoying tropical fruits at the gardens will be one of the fun things to do in Can Tho that you cannot miss. With a mild climate and fertile soil all year round, Can Tho boasts numerous delectable fruit gardens. Specifically, Con Son, Phong Dien, My Khanh, Rach Ke... are the places where many famous fruit gardens are concentrated in Can Tho.

During a trip to Can Tho fruit garden, visitors will learn about tropical plants and their cultivation and growth process. Moreover, you will directly enjoy the taste of freshly harvested fresh fruits. Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to participate in many interesting traditional activities like canoeing, fishing, and shrimp catching.

Fruit usually ripens seasonally. So, if you want the perfect experience, visit the orchards between May and August. Don't miss out on this fantastic activity, which is undoubtedly among the top best things to do in Can Tho during your journey!

5. Visit Munirensay temple

Address: 36 Đại Lộ Hòa Bình, Tân An, Ninh Kiều district, Cần Thơ city, Việt Nam
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/iEFZ8vwS7TERfL2S9

Munir Ansay Pagoda is considered the most beautiful and has the most unique architecture in Can Tho. This is also a very famous religious site of the Khmer ethnic community in Can Tho.

This temple was built in 1948 using simple bamboo materials. The pagoda attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists with the design of "Angkor" of Cambodia. Like other Khmer temples, the main hall always faces east because in Buddhism the East is regarded as the direction of the gods.

There are several significant festivals held at Munir Ansay pagoda each year, including Kathina festival, Donta ancestor worship festival, Ok-om-Bok (October), and Cholchonam Thomay (Lunar new year) (March 13th–15th of the Chinese calendar). These rituals are conducted with both fun and solemnity, and guests can take part in a wide variety of folk activities. With so many activities, visiting Munir Ansay Pagoda will be one of the things to do in Can Tho Vietnam.

6. Visit Can Tho rice noodle factory

Chín Của rice noodle factory: 474c/14a, KV 7, An Bình ward, Ninh Kiều district, Cần Thơ city, Việt Nam
Sáu Hoài rice noodle factory: 476/14 kv7, An Bình ward, Ninh Kiều district, Cần Thơ city, Việt Nam
Quê tôi rice noodle factory: 2 Lộ Yên Hạ, Lê Bình ward, Cái Răng district, Cần Thơ city, Việt Nam

The profession of making noodles is maintained by many families in Cai Rang district, Can Tho as a local tradition. When coming here, visiting the noodle factory will be one of the best things to do in Can Tho that you cannot miss.

During the tour of the noodle factory, you will not only observe the process of noodle production but also make noodles like the locals of Can Tho. The people here are very friendly and hospitable, they will help you discover the secret to making unique noodles.

After you've explored the noodle-making process, get ready to indulge in a variety of delectable noodle dishes that Can Tho has to offer, such as the renowned Nam Vang noodle, seafood noodle, and pizza noodle. The memories you make at the noodle makers' will undoubtedly leave you with a content heart and a richer understanding of local traditions.

7. Explore Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary

Address: Thuận An, Thốt Nốt district, Cần Thơ city, Việt Nam
Opening hours: 05:00 am - 07:30 pm
Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/ pax ~ 1 USD
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/7P7VKvQpXJCsQMTg8

A visit to Bang Lang Stork Garden, also known as the White Stork Garden is another wonderful addition to your list of things to do in Can Tho. Located in Thuan An Ward, about 60 km from the city center, this peaceful sanctuary spans over 16,500 m² and offers a refreshing escape into nature. Its name, “Bang Lang,” refers to the crape myrtle tree, famous for its vibrant purple blossoms in summer.

Established in 1983 by a local resident named Mr. Bay Co, the garden has been carefully protected and nurtured for decades. Today, it is home to more than 20 bird species, including around 10 different types of storks. With such incredible biodiversity, visitors can enjoy close-up views of large stork flocks, observe nesting behaviors, and appreciate the serene beauty of the Mekong Delta’s wildlife.

For nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, exploring this garden is truly one of the best things to do in Can Tho - a relaxing, memorable experience that showcases why Can Tho City is a good place to visit.

8. Sunset cruise on a mystic sampan

Departure 16:00 at the Cần Thơ market hall
Duration: 2 hours
Cruise price: 2,330,000 VND ~ 97,32 USD ( + 400,000 VND/pax ~ 17 USD for snack tray and cocktail)

Watching the sunset aboard the Mystic Sampans will be our ultimate recommendation for the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam. Visitors will be traveling on the Mekong River and seeing the majestic scenery of Can Tho. After that, you will see Can Tho bridge and stop at a green canal for a walk. Here, you will have the opportunity to get close to the area's rustic lifestyle on both sides of the river in Can Tho.

When you step on this boat, you will not only be able to watch the sunset but also experience unique Asian-European cuisine and enjoy delicious Vietnamese dishes. Spend an afternoon in Can Tho and join the sunset cruise at the Mystic Sampans!

To wrap up, these activities showcase the very best of what Can Tho has to offer from vibrant floating markets to cultural treasures and peaceful natural sanctuaries. Whether you're seeking adventure, local life, or scenic beauty, this city delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn. Exploring these highlights will help you truly understand why Can Tho is one of the most captivating destinations in the Mekong Delta. Pack your bags, plan your journey, and let Can Tho surprise you with its charm, culture, and warm hospitality.

With so many things to do in Can Tho Vietnam, you will absolutely have a wonderful experience. Autour Asia - Vietnam tour agency - hope you enjoy a happy and meaningful trip with your loved ones! Also, if you want to find the best hotel and the best itinerary in Can Tho, please visit our website for more useful information!

5/5 - (1003 Vote)

Philippe Martin

5.0 Excellent

How many days should I spend in Can Tho?

Most travelers spend 1–2 days in Can Tho. One day is enough to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market early in the morning and explore a few cultural sites. Two days allow you to enjoy more experiences like fruit gardens, countryside cycling, boat trips, or nature reserves at a relaxed pace. This duration offers a perfect balance for discovering the highlights of the Mekong Delta.

Ophélie Marqué

5.0 Excellent

What is the best time to visit Can Tho?

The best time to visit Can Tho is from December to April, during the dry season. The weather is pleasant, skies are clear, and river conditions are ideal for exploring floating markets, fruit gardens, and canal tours. This period offers the most comfortable experience for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, Can Tho is a year-round destination, and each season brings its own charm, especially for travelers who enjoy lush green landscapes after the rains.

Helene Anne

5.0 Excellent

Is Can Tho worth visiting on a Vietnam trip?

Yes, Can Tho is definitely worth visiting on a Vietnam trip. As the heart of the Mekong Delta, the city offers unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere - vibrant floating markets, peaceful canal landscapes, lush fruit gardens, and rich local culture. It’s an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore authentic river life and enjoy a slower, charming side of Vietnam. Whether you love food, nature, or cultural discoveries, Can Tho adds something truly special to any Vietnam itinerary.