Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Can Tho

Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery is located in My Nhon Hamlet, My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien District, Can Tho City, and is an intriguing destination for visitors. Upon arrival, visitors are immediately greeted with unique architectural features. The monastery's main gate is designed with elegant curved arches and stylized dragon heads, with doors made of exquisite wood painted in a glossy brown finish. On either side of the gate are two towering golden statues: to the left stands the statue of Vi Da Ho Phap (The Good Deity) who protects the Three Jewels, and to the right is the statue of Tieu Dien Dai Si (The Evil Destroyer) who subdues demons and helps save sentient beings. Behind the gate lies a vast courtyard with balanced landscaping that immediately gives visitors a sense of tranquility. On either side of the courtyard, two pavilions rise over a round pond adorned with blooming lotus flowers. A red bridge leads visitors to the pavilions, where sacred statues are housed. The left pavilion features a wooden statue of the Laughing Buddha, while the right pavilion displays a 2-meter tall white stone statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Quan Am.

With all its distinctive features, Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery is considered one of the most unique artistic constructions in the region. It was built on the land of Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta, to fulfill the vision of reviving and developing the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen tradition founded by Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. As such, the monastery holds significant cultural and spiritual value. Visiting Truc Lam Phuong Nam is like stepping into a sanctuary of peace, where your soul can be cleansed from the dust of worldly life. Here, visitors learn the simple yet profound philosophies of Buddhism. Entering the monastery feels like stepping into another world, where the chaos of life fades away, leaving only pure hearts focused on the teachings of Buddha.

Address: My Khanh, Phong Dien, Can Tho.

When it comes to the unique cultural traits of the Mekong Delta, the floating markets are an unmissable part of the experience—an extraordinary form of market that is found nowhere else in Vietnam. Among these, the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho stands out as the busiest and most iconic. It was even named one of the top 10 most impressive markets in the world by the British travel magazine Rough Guide and was also featured as one of the five most beautiful and intriguing floating markets in Asia by the renowned travel website Youramazingplaces. Located on the Cai Rang River in Cai Rang District, the market is approximately 6 km from the center of Can Tho City, and about a 30-minute boat ride from Ninh Kieu Wharf.

The market starts bustling as early as 4 AM, when small boats carrying visitors head towards the floating market. The reason for this early start is that the market usually begins at dawn and tends to wind down by 8 or 9 AM. The goods sold in the market are typically specialized; each boat generally sells one type of product, and the products are often displayed on poles—these boats are called "beo boats." Not only does the floating market preserve the rich cultural heritage of the waterway region, but it has also become a popular tourist destination. International tourists, in particular, are drawn to this experience, with four out of five boats entering the market carrying foreign visitors who are fascinated by the sights and sounds of the river, the local people, and even the charming sales calls like the “grilled sugarcane” chants of the women of the Mekong Delta.

Address: Cai Rang District, Can Tho.

Ong Temple is one of the oldest temples in Can Tho, showcasing the unique cultural heritage of the Chinese community. With its refined architectural style and rich Chinese motifs, the temple's beauty has endured through the years, making it one of the most renowned temples in the Mekong Delta region. Visitors to Ong Temple can experience a serene, spiritual atmosphere and take a moment to pray for the well-being and happiness of loved ones. The temple is located at 32 Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City. Originally named the Quang Trieu Assembly Hall, it was a gathering place for Chinese people from the Guangdong provinces of Guangzhou and Zhaoqing, where they would meet, worship, and support one another to establish themselves in their new home.

The construction of Ong Temple began in 1894 and was completed in 1896. Unlike some other Chinese temples, Ong Temple does not have an inscription stone marking the founding or completion dates, but it does feature carved wood panels, couplets, and incense burners with the names of the contributors and the year of completion. The temple is commonly called Ong Temple by the locals because it enshrines Quan Thánh Đế Quân, also known as Guan Yu, a legendary general from the Three Kingdoms period. Some locals also refer to it as the Ba Temple, as it is also dedicated to Thiên Hậu Thánh Mẫu, the Goddess of the Sea, and the compassionate Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, who are revered in the Chinese community for their role in protecting and saving people in times of need. Ong Temple plays an important role in enriching the cultural and religious diversity of Vietnam and serves as a space for the blending of different local beliefs and traditions.

Address: Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho.

Ba Lang Fruit Orchard is located 9 km from Can Tho city center, on National Road 1A towards Soc Trang, near the Cai Rang Bridge. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in nature, breathe in the fresh air, and pick their own fruit, enjoying it without concerns over food hygiene. If you wish to stay overnight, there are small, charming cottages nestled under the shade of trees, all at affordable rates. Additionally, guests can experience 'Đờn ca tài tử,' a traditional music form unique to the Mekong Delta. This type of tourism, which connects visitors with nature while escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, is one that deserves to be expanded and developed.

Thanks to its favorable climate and fertile land, Can Tho boasts orchards filled with sweet, aromatic fruits. Among the many orchard destinations in Can Tho, the Phong Dien Fruit Orchards are particularly notable. Phong Dien is famous for its eco-tourism spots and family-owned orchards, always welcoming tourists. Known as the land of fruit orchards, Phong Dien has been cultivated for over 100 years. Through hard work and passion, the locals have created a vast landscape of specialized orchards, renowned not only in Vietnam but also internationally. The simple beauty of Phong Dien, steeped in the essence of the Mekong Delta, offers visitors a unique and relaxing experience. The highlight of visiting Phong Dien is undoubtedly the warmth and hospitality of the local farmers.

Address: Cai Rang and Phong Dien Districts, Can Tho.

When traveling to Can Tho, after visiting Cai Rang Floating Market, strolling along Ninh Kieu Wharf, and enjoying the local fruits and traditional cuisine, don't forget to explore the ancient houses that reflect the distinct cultural heritage of the Mekong Delta. Among them, the Binh Thuy Ancient House stands out as the most beautiful and historic house in the region. Over 100 years old, this house has been featured in many popular films. Located at 142/144 Bui Huu Nghia, Binh Thuy, Can Tho, it is an essential stop for anyone visiting the city, whether on a guided tour or independently. Built in 1870, the house belongs to the Duong family and is one of the few ancient houses that have remained intact over the years. It holds great value for research into the culture and customs of the people in the Mekong Delta during the transition between the 19th and 20th centuries. Recognized as a National Cultural Heritage site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the Binh Thuy Ancient House is a masterpiece of architectural artistry.

The house's owner, Mr. Duong Chan Ky, was a wealthy businessman and intellectual, as well as a landowner with an eye for art. He was particularly interested in the latest Western architectural trends, which is evident in the house's French colonial-style villa design. What makes this house unique is its seamless blend of Eastern Feng Shui principles with Western architectural style, creating a harmonious space that bridges the two cultures. The house is built on a 6,000 m² plot of land, aligned east to west, with the foundation raised more than a meter above the surrounding garden. The property is beautifully landscaped with meticulously pruned trees and vibrant flowers that bloom year-round, giving the house a timeless, yet fresh, vibrant charm.

Address: 142/144 Bui Huu Nghia, Binh Thuy, Can Tho.

Tay Do Market is a major commercial hub for the southern provinces of Vietnam, and it also serves as an exciting entertainment and tourism destination. Located about 1 km west of Can Tho's city center along the Hau River, within the Can Tho International Exhibition Fairgrounds, this market offers much more than just shopping. It combines trade with dining and entertainment services. Tay Do Night Market’s importance to the region is reflected in its large scale and vibrant atmosphere. The market's architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment and showcases the unique Southern Vietnamese style. The market is organized into clearly defined, spacious stalls, making it easy to navigate and pleasant to shop. The roads within the market are well-paved and wide, adding to the overall aesthetics and functionality of the space.

The products available at Tay Do Night Market are diverse and cater to both locals and tourists alike. In addition to the shopping experience, visitors can enjoy modern entertainment options such as arcade games, live music performances, and other fun activities. A visit to Tay Do Night Market is a delightful experience that offers a snapshot of life in the Mekong Delta, particularly in the bustling Mekong Delta's lower reaches. The lively, vibrant atmosphere of the market makes it a perfect place for photo ops. Visitors can snap pictures with the colorful stalls and friendly vendors. As the night falls, the temperature in Can Tho cools, but the market remains lively and inviting, ensuring that tourists wander through the market long into the evening.

Address: Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho.

Bang Lang Heron Garden is located about 60 km from Can Tho city, accessible via National Route 91, passing through O Mon District and continuing to Thot Not District, where the Bang Lang Bridge awaits. This unique garden is owned by a true Southern farmer, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thuyen, also known as Mr. Bay Co (Mr. Seven Herons). He recalls that in January 1983, a flock of small black herons with greyish-white wings arrived, filling a corner of his garden. After a brief time, they disappeared, only to return almost a year later, this time with more species—around ten types of herons, numbering in the thousands. These herons decided to stay, and the garden has since been their permanent home, where they thrive and multiply.

The garden, now covering 15 hectares, features bamboo groves and palm trees, which have long been considered the herons' natural homes. Every year, Mr. Thuyen makes improvements to their habitat, deepening the ditches, adding fish, snails, and planting more greenery to keep the place cool and inviting. Like humans, the herons need a peaceful, fertile environment to settle in. The best time to visit is between 6:00-7:00 AM, when you can watch flocks of herons take off, creating a beautiful spectacle as they scatter across the sky. In the evening, around 5:00-6:00 PM, they return to their nests, making a grand entrance. Bang Lang Heron Garden is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those who wish to experience the peaceful rural landscape of rice fields, bamboo groves, and lush greenery with flocks of herons soaring above.

Address: Thoi Thuan, Thot Not, Can Tho.

Located at the strategic junction of the Hau and Can Tho rivers in Ninh Kieu District, near the heart of Can Tho city, Ninh Kieu Pier is a historic river dock that has existed since the 19th century. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Can Tho. From the pier, visitors can admire the red, silt-laden waters of the Hau River, while watching boats and barges rowed by locals transporting goods to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. This charming scene preserves the area's nostalgic beauty and continues to be a symbol of Can Tho. Often described as the soul of the city, Ninh Kieu Pier remains a popular place for both locals and tourists, a spot where you can leisurely stroll and take in the scenic views.

Over the years, this vibrant pier has evolved into a bustling public park. As you wander around, you can taste local delicacies at the night market, explore ancient houses offering souvenirs, or enjoy the various cultural activities held at the pier. A key highlight is the Can Tho Walking Bridge, which spans the Khai Luong Creek, connecting Ninh Kieu Pier with the picturesque Cai Khe Islet, offering visitors a perfect spot for a leisurely walk. The Ninh Kieu Floating Restaurant, a beautiful boat-turned-restaurant, adds a poetic touch to the area. Enjoying tea while listening to music, with gentle waves lapping beneath, transports visitors to a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Address: Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho.

Can Tho Bridge was initiated on September 25, 2004, and completed on April 24, 2010. It is a cable-stayed bridge with the longest main span in Southeast Asia. On December 21, 2015, the bridge was illuminated with an artistic lighting system costing 30 billion VND. This engineering marvel has become a unique landmark in the Mekong Delta, attracting both domestic and international visitors. With 350 high-powered lights, the bridge comes alive at night, creating a colorful and radiant spectacle. The lights reflect off the cables, transforming the bridge into a glowing work of art, especially when paired with the bustling traffic. Can Tho Bridge has evolved from a mere connection between Can Tho and Vinh Long to an iconic structure of beauty and culture.

The bridge holds the record for the longest main span in Southeast Asia. The total bridge length, including the main span of 2.75 km, stretches over 15.85 km, with a height of 175.3 meters. The bridge is 23.1 meters wide with four lanes, each meters wide, and two pedestrian sidewalks, each 2.75 meters wide. More than just a transportation link, the bridge has greatly boosted trade between Can Tho and Vinh Long, contributed to the region's economic development, and improved the quality of life for local residents. Furthermore, the vibrant lighting and graceful design have cemented Can Tho Bridge as one of the most beautiful bridges in Vietnam.

Address: Cai Rang District, Can Tho, and Binh Minh Town, Vinh Long.

My Khanh Tourist Village is a renowned eco-tourism destination not only in Can Tho but across the Mekong Delta region. Spanning over 50,000 m2, My Khanh attracts visitors with its lush fruit orchards, traditional Southern Vietnamese houses, fish ponds, canals, and a variety of exciting activities. It offers a unique snapshot of the Mekong Delta’s rural charm. The first thing visitors notice upon arriving is the vast green space, providing a refreshing and cool atmosphere. The village also offers a range of engaging activities for tourists to enjoy.

As a peaceful and rustic rural village, My Khanh Tourist Village is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Mekong Delta. In addition to the picturesque garden landscapes typical of the region, My Khanh frequently updates its theme-based decorations and has become a popular spot for visitors to take beautiful photos for their social media. With a favorable climate year-round and fertile soil nourished by the alluvial deposits of the Tien and Hau Rivers, My Khanh is often considered a miniature version of the Mekong Delta. It is an essential destination for those visiting Can Tho to experience the authentic lifestyle of the riverine South, and to learn about the culture and traditions of the Southern people.

Address: No. 335, Vong Cung Road, My Khanh, Phong Dien, Can Tho.