Exploring the orchard of storks, floating markets, and fruit-picking are experiences you must try during the Lunar New Year holiday in the “Western Capital.”
Can Tho is one of the most captivating destinations in the South. Despite its rapid economic development, the “Western Capital” retains the distinctive cultural features of the Mekong Delta. Below are some suggestions for travelers to discover the famous attractions of the Western Capital comfortably.
Floating markets are the specialty of the Mekong Delta. You’re missing out big time if you’re in Can Tho and haven’t visited the Cai Rang Floating Market. The market usually operates from dawn, so you must wake up early to enjoy the lively atmosphere. The ideal time to visit is around 5 am – 7 am.
Cai Rang Floating Market is about 6 km from the city center. You can get there by waterway or road. The market is near Cai Rang Bridge, and locals know this famous floating market so that you can ask for directions easily.
Over hundreds of years, the locals have maintained the habit of trading goods on their boats. Over time, the floating market has become an exciting type of river tourism. Travelers can go to the pier, buy tickets, and board a boat to explore Can Tho’s most famous floating market. If you’re in a large group, it’s recommended to rent an entire ship, costing around 350,000 – 400,000 VND. You can buy individual tickets for about 30,000 VND each if you’re alone.
If you visit the market during its peak hours, you’ll witness the lively scene on the boats. Most goods are fruits and specialties of the Mekong Delta. What’s unique about the floating market is that you hardly hear the typical market calls or bargaining you often find in mainland markets.
Here, if a boat owner has something to sell, they will hang the items on a tall pole. Many poles are hung with fruits such as bananas, pomelos, mangoes, and vegetables. Larger boats usually sell in bulk, while smaller boats cater to retail customers.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, many small boats also sell breakfast, drinks, and snacks to serve both locals and tourists. Enjoying a hot bowl of noodles on a sampan gently drifting on the water, surrounded by the bustling buying and selling, is an unforgettable experience for travelers.
The market starts to wind down around 9 am. Now, you can return to the mainland and explore other exciting destinations in the Western Capital.
The hundred-year-old house near Binh Thuy canal is one of the most beautiful architectural structures in the Mekong Delta. You can rent a motorbike from the city center or take a taxi to visit the ancient house in Bui Huu Nghia Street, Binh Thuy Ward. The entrance fee is 15,000 VND per person.
This house is designed in a European style, appearing as a French mansion from the outside, but its interior architecture is purely Vietnamese. It reflects the harmonious cultural blend of East and West among the wealthy class in the Mekong Delta in the late 19th century.
Binh Thuy Ancient House gained popularity after being featured in many famous films such as “The Silt Roads,” “The Beauty of the Western Capital,” “Debts of Life,” and “Lover.” Many tourists come here out of curiosity about the extravagant architecture from a hundred years ago, which is still well-preserved.
After lunch, you can explore Bang Lang Stork Garden for the entire afternoon. This is an ideal destination for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Located about 50 km from the city center, Bang Lang Stork Garden is a beloved ecotourism area.
The best time to visit the stork garden is from August to January of the following year. This is the breeding season when many stork species gather here. During peak season, thousands of storks can nest, creating an impressive scene.
To avoid disturbing the storks, buses must stop at the entrance, and visitors can walk or rent bicycles or motorbikes to enter the garden. Along the way, there are lush green bamboo groves providing shade. The garden has an observation tower with a spiral staircase, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the stork garden from above.
It’s recommended to stay at the observation tower until dusk, when hundreds of flocks of storks in various colors and sizes return to their nests, leaving many visitors in awe.
In the evening, you should return to the city center, go to Ninh Kieu Wharf, walk on the Love Bridge, and visit the night market to fully experience the Can Tho nightlife.
Ninh Kieu Wharf has been transformed into a park with an area of about 7,000 square meters. In the evening, this place attracts many tourists and locals who come to enjoy the scenery and cool breeze.
Ninh Kieu Wharf is located at the confluence of the Hau River and Can Tho River, near the city center of Can Tho. From Ninh Kieu Wharf, you can see the Can Tho Bridge, which was once the longest main-span bridge in Southeast Asia in 2010.
If you have time, you can buy a cruise ticket to fully appreciate the splendid view of Ninh Kieu Wharf when it lights up.
Walking to the end of Ninh Kieu Wharf, you will come across the pedestrian bridge spanning the Hau River. The youth of Can Tho call this the “Love Bridge” due to its romantic scenery. In the middle of the bridge are two large lotus flowers designed sophisticatedly. Along the bridge are colorful LED lights. Many gather here on important occasions, such as September 2nd or Lunar New Year, to watch fireworks.
A few steps from the pedestrian bridge is the Can Tho Night Market. There are various goods here, from food and clothing to handmade crafts and souvenirs. The Can Tho Night Market will surprise you with its spacious and clean layout.
The night market offers various entertainment activities for tourists, such as outdoor music stages and electronic games…
On the second day in Can Tho, visitors can visit Truc Lam Zen Monastery in My Nhon hamlet, My Khanh commune, and the Phong Dien district.
The monastery is built in the architectural style of the Ly-Tran period. The main gate features curved roof arches with decorative dragon heads and wooden doors. Beyond the main gate is a spacious brick courtyard. From here, visitors can witness the majestic appearance of the Main Hall (Dai Hung Buu Dien).
The Drum Tower, Bell Tower, Main Hall, and the One-Pillar Pagoda are the most impressive structures of Truc Lam Zen Monastery in the Southern region. The serene beauty of the monastery attracts many visitors for sightseeing and seeking peace.
After exploring Truc Lam Zen Monastery, visitors can spend the entire afternoon visiting ecotourism areas such as Con Son or fruit orchards. Some famous fruit orchards that tourists can consider are My Khanh, 9 Hong, Rach Ke, and Vam Xang.
This is the perfect time to visit fruit orchards as it is the harvesting season. Visitors can personally pick fresh fruits and enjoy them right in the orchard. The entrance fee is around 20,000 VND per person, and the price of fruits varies by type and timing.
Transportation: From Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can ride a motorbike, following National Highway 1A, to reach Can Tho, covering a distance of approximately 170 km. If taking a coach, you can go to the Mien Tay Bus Station or various bus agencies along Le Hong Phong Street, District 10, to purchase tickets. The bus fare from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho is around 120,000 VND per ticket.
Dining: In addition to fruits, Can Tho’s seafood offers some specialties you should try, such as Banh tet la cam (purple leaf sticky rice cake), Nem nuong Cai Rang (Cai Rang grilled pork rolls), Banh tam bi (coconut milk with jelly), Banh Hoi Phong Dien (Phong Dien fine rice vermicelli sheets), Lau ban Phu Sa (Phu Sa marsh hot pot), and Banh cong Can Tho (Can Tho mung bean cake).
Accommodation: Can Tho does not have many homestays; you can rent a hotel room near Ninh Kieu Wharf for convenience in transportation. Room rates during holidays may be higher than usual, so making reservations in advance is advisable.
Weather: Currently, it’s the rainy season in the South. However, the weather in Can Tho during the Tet holiday is predicted to be pleasant, not too hot. It’s recommended to bring a light jacket for the evening, a hat, or an umbrella for daytime outings.
Estimated Budget: The total budget for two fun days in Can Tho ranges from 1 – 2 million VND per person, depending on individual preferences. Not many services experience price hikes during holidays, so tourists can comfortably explore the Western Capital without too much worry.
In conclusion, a two-day getaway to Can Tho, the Western Capital of Vietnam, promises an unforgettable blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and gastronomic delights. From the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market to the serene Truc Lam Zen Monastery and the delightful fruit orchards, every moment offers a unique experience. To make the most of your journey, consider exploring the enchanting wonders of Can Tho with VietnamPeace.com. For more travel inspiration, detailed itineraries, and seamless planning, visit VietnamPeace.com – your gateway to the heart of Vietnam’s peace and beauty. Embark on this remarkable journey and let the Western Capital weave its magic on you.
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| Visitors can pick fruits, take pictures in the garden, and buy them at the garden to bring as gifts. Photo: Phong Vinh. |
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| After walking around the floating market, visitors are often taken to several traditional noodle shops nearby, such as Nine Cuu and Sau Hoai, to observe and try out the steps themselves to create famous chewy rice noodles. Here. Photo: Phong Vinh. |
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| Rooms at the resort have balconies overlooking the garden, lake, or river. Photo: Azerai Can Tho. |
