After exploring the vibrant city of Saigon, hop on a bus to Can Tho, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its lush gardens, bustling markets, and stunning architecture, Can Tho is as captivating as more famous destinations, yet blissfully uncrowded. Here, you can experience authentic Vietnamese life without the tourist rush.
Top 8 Things to Do in Can Tho, Vietnam
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled the top 8 things to do in Can Tho. Let this guide inspire your journey and help you discover the true essence of this charming city for your Vietnam tour. Enjoy an unforgettable adventure in Can Tho!
#1. Watch the Sunrise at Cai Rang Floating Market
Markets are the best places to get an authentic glimpse of a city and experience the local way of life. For this reason, we recommend making Cai Rang Floating Market your first destination. The largest floating market begins trading around 4 am and typically winds down by 10 am. It’s worth getting up early to watch the stunning sunrise over the market and buy the freshest fruit and snacks. Try communicating with the traders and purchase some food for the rest of the day.
#2. Take Photos at the Filming Location of The Lover
Binh Thuy Ancient House is a beautiful 100-year-old house built in the French style. It is known for its unique architecture and the invaluable collection of artefacts inside. In 1992, it gained international fame as the filming location of the romantic movie L’Amant (The Lover), starring Tony Leung Ka-Fai and Jane March. For many years, the house has attracted tourists, including architects, film enthusiasts, and photographers. To enhance your visit, consider dressing in vintage style and take nostalgic photos with friends or loved ones.
#3. Learn More About Cocoa at Muoi Cuong Cocoa Farm
To make your trip to Can Tho more educational, why not visit Mr Muoi’s Cocoa Farm and learn the basics of cocoa production?
The warm-hearted farm owner, Mr Muoi, will guide you around the farm, showing how cocoa trees grow and how cocoa products are made. Besides the educational tour, you can also buy natural cocoa products, such as cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and artisanal chocolates.
#4. Admire the Beautiful Flowers in Ba Bo Flower Village
Visiting Ba Bo Flower Village in Can Tho during Tet is a delightful experience. Spanning 20 hectares and home to nearly 250 families, the village is filled with a variety of flowers and ornamental plants. The best way to appreciate its charm is by wandering leisurely through the village, immersing yourself in the sea of blooming flowers. If you’re short on time, renting a bicycle or motorbike is a convenient option. To truly enjoy the vibrant display, visit between October and January on the lunar calendar—outside of these months, you might only see bare flower beds.
#5. Discover More About the City at Can Tho Museum
When visiting a new city, don’t miss the museum—it’s the perfect place to explore the city’s history. The Can Tho Museum, established in 1976, spans 2,700 square metres and covers a wide range of topics related to the city.
With detailed English translations, the museum showcases historical relics, cultural artefacts, native plant and fish specimens, and the rice production achievements of Can Tho’s three main ethnic groups: Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the rich history and diverse heritage of Can Tho.
#6. Pray for Good Luck and Happiness at Ong Pagoda
Ong Pagoda is a must-visit in Can Tho, drawing hundreds of visitors with its distinctive Chinese architectural style. Shaped like the old Chinese character “國” (meaning "nation"), the pagoda features a central courtyard surrounded by square apartment ranges.
Dedicated to the Chinese military god Kuang Kung, the pagoda's main house also enshrines Tho Dia (the god of soil), Thien Hau Thanh Mau (the goddess of the sea), and Tai Bach Tinh Quan (the god of wealth). It’s a great place to pray for good luck and happiness. Beyond its religious significance, Ong Pagoda’s traditional Chinese architecture, artefacts, and calligraphy offer fascinating insights into the cultural ties between Vietnam and ancient China. If you’re interested in Chinese traditions, this pagoda is not to be missed.
#7. Encounter Beautiful Birds at Bang Lang Stork Garden
Not far from Can Tho lies a stork paradise. The garden used to be a rice farm surrounded by trees, but since 1993, more and more storks and other birds have made it their home. The garden’s owner did not chase the birds away but instead planted bamboo to protect them. Today, the garden is home to over 20 species of birds. We recommend visiting in the morning to hear the birds’ melodious chorus and enjoy the cool shade of the bamboo trees.
#8. Visit the Rice Noodle Factory
Vietnam is famous for its delicious rice noodles (pho), and Can Tho’s version is no exception. After savouring the local rice noodles, why not learn how they’re made? In Can Tho, traditional methods are still used to produce rice noodles, including mixing, making, drying, cutting, and packing—all done by hand. These handmade noodles are more pliable and flavourful than machine-made ones. The best time to visit is early in the morning, as you’ll be able to see more of the production process. After your visit, you’ll have the knowledge to make rice noodles. Try making your own noodles and share this delicious dish with your family.
Wrap Up: Top 8 Things to Do in Can Tho, Vietnam
Can Tho, with its serene atmosphere and smaller crowds, offers a range of captivating experiences waiting to be explored. Choose your favourite activities and experience them first-hand. We hope this guide inspires you and helps make your trip to Can Tho memorable. If you’re planning a trip to Can Tho or need more details about the city, contact Indochina Tour. We’re here to help you customise your tour and create unforgettable memories in charming Can Tho.
What about you, have you ever been to Can Tho? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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