Can Tho (formerly Can Tho, Soc Trang, Hau Giang)

Can Tho travel guide

13 places · 9 free · 4 paid

CarRental Vietnam editorial teamTicket prices, opening hours and coordinates checked · Updated 30 Sep 2026

Overview

Can Tho is the largest city of the Mekong Delta, about 170 km from Ho Chi Minh City by expressway. The classic experience is a boat to Cai Rang floating market at dawn, then an orchard or Con Son islet. In town, Ninh Kieu wharf, Ong Pagoda, Binh Thuy ancient house and the night market are close together and easy to see in one session. Since July 2025 the new Can Tho city also includes Soc Trang and Hau Giang, so the Bat Pagoda or Chen Kieu Pagoda can be added on a second day. Two days and one night is ideal, staying in the centre to reach the floating market before 6 am.

Best time to visitYou can go all year; December to April has little rain and fruit season peaks around May–August. The floating market is busiest from about 5:30 to 7:30 am.

Getting thereFrom central Ho Chi Minh City take the Ho Chi Minh City – Trung Luong – My Thuan expressway, cross My Thuan Bridge and continue on the My Thuan – Can Tho expressway into the centre: about 165–175 km, 3–3.5 hours. From Can Tho to the Bat Pagoda (former Soc Trang) is another 60 km on National Road 1.

Travel to Can Tho by private car with driver

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Things to see in Can Tho

MarketFree

Cai Rang Floating Market

A market on the Can Tho River where boats hang samples of their goods from tall poles. Visitors weave between the boats by sampan and have noodles or coffee on the water.

Ticket: Free (boat hire extra)Time needed: 2–3 hours (including boat)Opening hours: About 5:00–8:30 am

Directions ›

AttractionFree

Ninh Kieu Wharf

A riverside park in the centre with a statue of Ho Chi Minh, a pedestrian bridge and tourist piers. Lit up at night and full of strollers.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 1 hourOpening hours: All day, best in the evening

Directions ›

MarketFree

Ninh Kieu Night Market

Rows of snack stalls and souvenir shops near Ninh Kieu wharf, easy to combine with a riverside walk.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 1 hourOpening hours: Late afternoon to late night

Directions ›

CultureFree

Ong Pagoda (Quang Trieu Assembly Hall)

A Cantonese assembly hall on Hai Ba Trung street dedicated to Guan Yu, with wood carvings and hanging incense coils, right opposite Ninh Kieu wharf.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 30 minutesOpening hours: Daytime

Directions ›

CulturePaid

Binh Thuy Ancient House

The Duong family house built in the late 19th century, French outside and Vietnamese in layout inside. It is still lived in, so please keep quiet.

Ticket: Paid – check the price on siteTime needed: 45 minutesOpening hours: Daytime

Directions ›

CultureFree

Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery

A large monastery in Phong Dien with a wooden main hall, bell tower and green grounds. Combine with Phong Dien floating market or orchards in the same direction.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 1 hourOpening hours: Daytime

Directions ›

NaturePaid

Con Son Islet

An islet in the Hau River with fruit orchards, fish farms and community tourism homes. Reached by small boat, usually after the floating market.

Ticket: Paid – check the price on siteTime needed: 2–3 hoursOpening hours: Daytime

Directions ›

NaturePaid

Bang Lang Stork Garden

A bamboo grove in Thot Not home to flocks of storks and herons, with a viewing tower. Arrive late in the afternoon when the birds return.

Ticket: Paid – check the price on siteTime needed: 1–1.5 hoursOpening hours: Daytime, best late afternoon

AttractionPaid

My Khanh Tourist Village

An orchard tourism site in Phong Dien with fruit gardens, an old house, folk games and traditional music. Good for families with young children.

Ticket: Paid – check the price on siteTime needed: 2–3 hoursOpening hours: Daytime

Directions ›

CultureFree

Can Tho Museum

A museum on Hoa Binh boulevard presenting the history and the Kinh, Chinese and Khmer cultures of the region. A good place to escape the midday heat.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 1 hourOpening hours: Office hours, usually closed on Mondays

Directions ›

CultureFree

Munirangsyaram Pagoda

A Khmer Theravada pagoda on Hoa Binh boulevard with tiered roofs and distinctive decoration, right in the centre for a quick stop.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 30 minutesOpening hours: Daytime

Directions ›

CultureFree

Bat Pagoda (Mahatup)

A Khmer pagoda in former Soc Trang, famous for the bats living in the old trees of its grounds; the main hall shows southern Khmer architecture.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 45 minutesOpening hours: Daytime

Directions ›

CultureFree

Chen Kieu Pagoda (Sa Lon)

A Khmer pagoda on National Road 1 in former Soc Trang, its walls and roof decorated with pieces of porcelain bowls and plates. On the way from Can Tho to the Bat Pagoda.

Ticket: FreeTime needed: 30 minutesOpening hours: Daytime

Map of the places

Request pickup or drop-off near the places listed in this guide. Staff confirm the accessible meeting point, travel date, vehicle and quote before booking.

Choose a place from the list to view its location on Google Maps. Use the Directions link on each place card to plan your journey.

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Where to stay

Victoria Can Tho ResortCai Khe, Ninh Kieu · Colonial-style resort on the Can Tho River with its own boat pier. View map ›

Legacy Mekong, Can Tho, Autograph CollectionCon Au islet, Cai Rang · Marriott resort on Con Au islet in the river, reached only by the hotel boat. View map ›

Muong Thanh Luxury Can ThoCai Khe islet, Ninh Kieu · High-rise riverside hotel in the Muong Thanh chain. View map ›

TTC Hotel Can ThoHai Ba Trung street, Ninh Kieu · Hotel opposite Ninh Kieu wharf, a short walk to the floating-market boats. View map ›

Vinpearl Hotel Can ThoCentral Ninh Kieu · High-rise Vinpearl hotel near the city centre.

We do not take commission from hotels. Room rates change with the season – please check directly.

Good to know

Book the floating-market boat the evening before at Ninh Kieu wharf or through your hotel; agree on price, duration and route.
Be at the pier before 5:30 am; after 8 am few boats remain.
Bring a light raincoat and sunscreen for the boat.
In the evening stroll along Ninh Kieu, the pedestrian bridge and the night market; try banh xeo, lau mam and hu tieu.
When visiting Khmer pagodas in Soc Trang, dress modestly and take off your shoes before entering the main hall.

Frequently asked questions

What time should I go to Cai Rang floating market?

Leave Ninh Kieu wharf at about 5:00–5:30 am to arrive at the busiest time. After 8 am most boats have sold out.

How long is the drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho?

About 3–3.5 hours via the expressways to My Thuan and Can Tho, depending on traffic and stops.

Should I add Soc Trang to a Can Tho trip?

Yes, if you have two days. The Bat Pagoda and Chen Kieu Pagoda are about 60 km from central Can Tho; travel and visits take about half a day.

How do I hire a boat for the floating market?

Book at Ninh Kieu wharf, through your hotel or a travel company. Check whether the price is per boat or per person, the duration, and whether it includes a noodle workshop or orchard stop.

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