Top things to do in Can Tho Vietnam
Can Tho
City Guide: Top things to do
If you plan on going to the very southern region of Vietnam to see the vast maze of rivers, swamps and islands of Mekong Delta, Can Tho is a place you definitely can’t miss. Follow these useful tips to make the most of your stay.
Food
Street Food & Fashion Night Market Famous night market that runs along the river is a perfect place to try some delicious street food as well as buying some souvenirs. Google maps link
Hoa Su restaurant Sit on a table, in a hut over the water in this local eatery. Dishes include eel, snake, fish, hotpots and other delights. Usually filled with locals only. Always a good sign. Google maps link
De Tham Street Located in the center of the city where you can try the famous “Vietnamese pizza” Bánh Tráng Nướng, Bun Rieu Cua, a noodle soup with tomato crab and rice vermicelli or Banh Xeo. maps link
Cho Dem Tran Phu is one out of many night markets you can visit in Can Tho. It’s around two kilometers north of the city center. You can find some beautiful fruit buffets that are super cheap, tons of fresh and grilled seafood. maps link
Cabin Coffee In Can Tho, besides all traditional markets, foods and local delicacies, you are able to find some great cafeterias serving world class quality coffee with modern yet rustic atmosphere like Cabin Coffee. maps link
L’Escale located in the center of the city placed on a rooftop overlooking busy streets of Can Tho is one of the very few spots with tasty selection of western foods as well as typical Vietnamese dishes. maps link
Culture
Cai Rang Floating Market The most famous floating market in Can Tho is Cai Rang. This not to be missed and if you’re on the Social Cycles tour, you’re in for a great day. If not, you can find scouting boat riders along the waterfront or you can book through a hotel. maps link
At Lam The Cuong’s family Cacao farm, visitors can learn about process of creating dark chocolate, cocoa butter, jam and alcohol. Tours usually cost around 1-3 USD per person. maps link.
Sau Hoai’s Rice Noodle Factory Allows you to Learn about every step of the manufacturing process of making rice noodles while making a batch yourself! maps link
Grand Prison of Can Tho Getting to know the country’s history is an important part of any trip. Visiting Grand Prison in Can Tho gives you a chilling insight into Vietnam’s past. maps link
Shopping
Can Tho Old Market is a great place for souvenirs that support the growth of local businesses. The Can Tho old market shows visitors the typical cultural features of the Mekong Delta region. maps link
Tran Phu Night Market is located in Cai Khe area at the end of Tran Phu Street where it meets Hau River Road and is popular among young people due to large amount of food options as well as locally made souvenirs. maps link
Sense Shopping Mall is a good place located in wider center of the city to buy everyday life necessities, with pharmacy and mobile services. maps link
VINCOM Plaza offers some of the best shopping in Can Tho, from restaurants through clothing to entertainment, you can find it all here. maps link
Avoid
Getting your pockets picked is a terrible way to start your holiday! Just keep in mind that it can happen anywhere in the world so take care of your belongings, but don’t let it deter you from visiting.
Visiting an orphanage. Orphanages are not tourist attractions. Donations can actually increase the amount of orphans, not help them. Read more about the issue here, and learn more about better ways to help here.
Short term volunteering. Unless you have a unique specialized skill, short term volunteering rarely has a positive impact, and can often have a negative impact. We’d recommend a minimum of 3 months to volunteer and only to train local adults in your speciality. Read more here.
Dodgy massages In order to avoid possible embarrassment, try to avoid places you haven’t researched before. There’s a possibility of your valuables being stolen as well, so don’t bring them with you if you don’t need them.