Should You Visit Can Tho?

Is Can Tho worth visiting?

Can Tho is worth visiting for one to two days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta. It's a transportation and commercial hub in the area, and many visitors use it as a base for visiting the nearby floating markets. The region's waterways are best explored by boat, and many visitors come to the area as part of an organized tour out of Ho Chi Minh City. During our first trip to Can Tho in 2013, we fell in love with the fascinating floating markets and Mekong Delta tours. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in The Rough Guide's Best Travel Destinations for 2023.

Can Tho, Vietnam

Reasons to Visit Can Tho

Shopping
The city is large with malls and a central market, but most visitors come specifically for the nearby floating markets. These unique markets are best visited by boat. Goods and food are sold out of vendor boats and popular food dishes include noodle soup and local fruits. Each boat has a tall bamboo stick displaying the items that it sells.

Museums
The main attraction nearby is Cai Rang Floating Market, but visitors also enjoy seeing Binh Thuy Ancient House, the Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Ong pagoda, and Nam Nha Pagoda.

Food
It's the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and there are many restaurants with rooftop views and lively atmospheres. The food is local and fresh. Grilled meats, noodle soup, and local produce are all popular. Many visitors come to Cantho specifically to experience the nearby floating markets. You really must sample the many dishes available at the markets, which are unique to the area and offer a whole new approach to street food.

Nightlife
The city is very beautiful at night with many colorful lights. There are a number of bars and places for tourists to hang out and socialize.

The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Can Tho might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Can Tho here or see if Can Tho is expensive here.

Is Can Tho worth visiting in the Summer?

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

The low season for travel in Can Tho is during the summer. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

This is a great time of year to browse the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and grab some drinks at a bar.

Is Can Tho worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Can Tho. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums and discover the big city activities.

Is Can Tho worth visiting in the Winter?

The high season for travel in Can Tho is the winter, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.

The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 26°C (78°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.

During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the nightlife. Also, you can check out the big city activities.

Is Can Tho worth visiting in the Spring?

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 29°C (84°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Can Tho, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and take advantage of the local nightlife.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Can Tho

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

Related

What is Can Tho most famous for?

Can Tho is most famous for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. People visit this impressive city for its great shopping. It's also known for museums and food. And many travelers come for the nightlife, as well. It is often described as cultural, unique, fascinating, vibrant, and friendly.

What is the most famous sight in Can Tho?

The most popular sight in Can Tho is Cai Rang Floating Market. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Can Tho on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Cai Rang Floating Market and other attractions here.

How touristy is Can Tho? Is it a popular city to visit?

Can Tho is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• A unique tour of the floating market includes a cacao plantation.: $48
• Cai Rang Floating Market Tour -Amazing Can Tho: $45
• Cycling in the village in Can Tho - countryside bike tour: $55
• Discover Can Tho Floating Market and Small Canal Adventure: $35
• Son Islet Experiences: $52
• Half Day Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve Tour in Can Tho: $89
• Half-Day Private Cai Rang Floating Market & Small Canal Boat Tour: $33
• Magic Experience through Mekong Delta (Two Days): $140

How long should I spend in Can Tho?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Can Tho is one to two days. Since Can Tho has a variety of activities such as shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Can Tho? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Can Tho?.