Can Tho (or Cantho; Vietnamese: Cần Thơ) is the biggest city of the Mekong Delta, in Vietnam with an estimated population of 1.6 million in 2019. The name comes from "cầm thi giang", river of poems. It is also referred to as "Tay Do" meaning "western capital". The city is famous for its floating markets, Buddhist pagodas, delicious food, fresh fruit, its large student population, and welcoming atmosphere.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Can Tho is on the south bank of the Hậu River, the bigger branch of the Mekong River. It is in the vicinity of Sóc Trăng, 1½ hours from Long Xuyen, 3 hours from Châu Đốc, and Rạch Giá, about 6 hours from Cà Mau, and 169 km (3 hours) from Ho Chi Minh City. Can Tho is the biggest city in the Mekong Delta. Although it has been developing fast, it retains its charm as the center of a rural area, as urban development is taking place in a rather orderly manner. Can Tho has a reputation for being a welcoming place, where everybody is smiling and welcoming.
It is easy to get around in Can Tho by motorbike or bicycle. Mai Linh and Happy Taxi are the two main taxi operators of the city. If you want to travel on the river, you can easily rent a boat service at Ninh Kieu Pier. There are also ferries to surrounding areas here. Can Tho is a big city, but the centre can be easily explored on foot (đi bộ). Most hotels will offer you a map. Despite Can Tho's size, rush hour traffic is pretty bad, and the city center can get congested, even for motorcycles.
1 Ninh Kieu Park & Riverfront (Downtown, on Hai Ba Trung Rd). Ninh Kieu Park is a city park situated along the Can Tho River, stretching from the ferry terminal at Nguyen An Ninh Rd to the Ninh Kieu Hotel at the end of Hai Ba Trung Rd. Although the park sports some greenery, one of its most noticeable features is a public square surrounding a large statue of Ho Chi Minh. The other big attraction is Ninh Kieu Tourist Market, which houses souvenir vendors, cafes and restaurants. Just outside the market, you'll also find a ticket booth, selling boat trips up the river to places like Cai Rang Floating Market.
Canals. The canal system around Can Tho is a fascinating travel network, much more relaxed than the bustling roads. Hire a small rowboat (probably with a small motor as well) that can take you through the small canals that the larger tour boats cannot navigate. Tours from 06:00-14:00, including two floating markets and various sites along the canals, can be found for less than 250,000 dong per person. Ask around at the riverfront and make sure to negotiate the price. Some boat operators will ask for more money to visit the canals. The price should already include them. Floating markets.
The night food market across from the main covered market on Phan Boi Chau offers a selection of mostly local hot food including bánh xèo. Get a "banh mi" sandwich in the morning at Saigon Bakery on Mau Than St. Buy and eat local fruit at Xuan Khanh Market. Depending on the season there are different fruits. Mangos from sour to very sweet grow in the Mekong Delta and pineapples are available most of the year. A nice speciality are the bon bon fruits. Phương Nam Restaurant, 48 Hai Ba Trung St. Caters to tourists. Specials includ snake, crocodile and lamb with satay, good food and service. Nam Bo Restaurant, 50 Hai Ba Trung St.
Vietnamese typically enjoy a coffee (strong, with lots of condensed milk, and ice), fresh coconut juice, and fruit drinks (lemonade, orange juice, etc.) in one of the many small stalls along the streets or in the markets. Sugarcane with ice is also very popular. There are sugarcane presses along the roads everywhere in the city. If you want to spend a couple of hours like a Vietnamese, some nice cafes are located on Mau Than St or at Ninh Kieu Pier. The nightlife in Can Tho is not as vibrant as Ho Chi Minh City, but it is not as "bottle service"-centric as HCMC either. Can Tho clubs often hire famous Vietnamese singers to perform live in their venues and feature go dancers on regular nights.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Nov, Can Tho typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 23 rainy days.
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