Can Tho International Airport

Gateway to the Mekong Delta's floating markets and river life.

Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta, sitting at the confluence of several major rivers about 170 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. It serves as the commercial and cultural hub of the delta, blending bustling riverside markets with French colonial architecture and lush waterways.

The city is best known for its iconic floating markets, where vendors sell tropical fruits, vegetables, and local goods from wooden boats at dawn. Beyond the markets, Can Tho offers a relaxed pace, friendly locals, and easy access to rural villages, orchards, and rice paddies that define delta life.

• •Cai Rang Floating Market — the delta's largest and most vibrant dawn market, best seen by boat.
• •Phong Dien Floating Market — a quieter, more intimate alternative popular with local vendors.
• •Ninh Kieu Riverside Promenade — scenic waterfront walkway ideal for evening strolls and street food.
• •Can Tho Museum — compact museum covering the region's history, culture, and wartime past.
• •Binh Thuy Ancient House — beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion blending French and Vietnamese styles.
• •Ong Pagoda — ornate Chinese Buddhist temple in the city center dating to the late 1800s.

Getting around: Can Tho has no rail service; visitors rely on xe om (motorbike taxis), Grab (the dominant rideshare app), metered taxis, and rented bicycles or motorbikes for exploring the city. Boat hire from Ninh Kieu Pier is essential for reaching floating markets and riverside villages.

Best time: The dry season from November to April offers the most comfortable weather and the best conditions for boat trips on the delta.

Local food: Do not miss bun ca (fish noodle soup), hu tieu Nam Vang, fresh spring rolls with river shrimp, and a bowl of chao ca at the riverside market stalls at sunrise.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.