Can Tho, the vibrant heart of Vietnam's Mekong Delta, beckons travelers with its lush landscapes and lively culture. Located in southern Vietnam, this charming city is the largest in the delta region and serves as a gateway to the area’s unique waterways and floating markets. Known for its picturesque riverside views and warm hospitality, Can Tho offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from bustling markets to serene boat tours.
Population: Approximately 1.5 millions in 2024.
Economy: With two industrial parks and a sizable freshwater port, the city has developed over the course of 120 years to become the delta's most significant hub for economy, culture, science, and technology.
Landmarks: Famous for the Cai Rang Floating Market, Binh Thuy Ancient House, and Can Tho Bridge.
Vietnam
Can Tho's history is a tapestry woven with the threads of various cultural influences. Originally a small river town, it has grown into a bustling city while preserving its traditional charm. The region was significantly impacted by the French colonial period, which left an imprint on its architecture and urban layout. Cultural influences from the Khmer and Cham civilizations are evident in local festivals, crafts, and temples. This blend of traditions creates a unique cultural atmosphere, making Can Tho a living museum of Vietnam’s rich past.
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Can Tho, a bustling city in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, has a population of approximately 1.5 million people. The city's residents are a diverse mix of ethnic Vietnamese and various minority groups, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry. Can Tho’s citizens are known for their warmth and hospitality, making visitors feel welcome as they explore the city’s vibrant markets, historical sites, and scenic waterways. This dynamic population adds to the city’s charm and offers an authentic glimpse into life in the Mekong Delta.
Ninh Kieu, Can Tho - © Tan Dao
Binh Thuy Ancient House - © Tuoi Tre News
Are you in love with Vietnamese cuisine? Learn more about the popular dishes in Vietnam's old capital, Hue, in this article.
Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancake) - © Knorr
Can Tho is a city that celebrates its traditions with vibrant festivals and local celebrations. These events offer a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage and provide opportunities for visitors to join in the festivities.
The Cai Rang Floating Market Festival takes place annually during the Lunar New Year and the harvest season, celebrating Can Tho’s famous floating market. The festival is a lively event where local merchants decorate their boats with colorful flags and flowers. Visitors can experience the bustling market atmosphere, enjoy local dishes cooked on the boats, and watch traditional music and dance performances that highlight the region’s cultural traditions.
The Banh Xeo Festival, which takes place in Can Tho, pays tribute to the popular Vietnamese pancake. This festival, which usually takes place in late spring, showcases cooking demonstrations and tastings of Banh Xeo. Attendees can learn about the preparation of these crispy pancakes, which are filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, and enjoy various regional variations. The festival also features local entertainment, including traditional music and dance.
The Nghinh Ong Festival, which takes place in late September or early October, is a traditional celebration honoring the whale, who is revered as the protector spirit of fisherman. The festival involves a maritime procession where locals pay respects to the whale deity. Participants offer ceremonial offerings on boats, perform traditional rituals, and join in festive activities, including folk games and traditional music.
Cai Rang Floating Market Festival - © The World and Vietnam Report
Can Tho offers a range of activities that cater to diverse interests, from exploring its waterways to engaging in local traditions.
Can Tho’s shopping scene offers a mix of traditional markets and modern retail options, making it easy for visitors to find unique souvenirs and local products.
Mekong Delta Boat Tours - © Vietnam Tourism
Understanding Can Tho’s weather patterns is essential for planning your visit. The city experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, each offering a unique experience.
The dry season is the perfect period to visit southern Vietnam regions, including My Tho. Read our article about My Tho here.
The optimal time to visit Can Tho is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is more predictable and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The pleasant conditions enhance your experience at the city’s attractions and markets. If you prefer a quieter visit and don’t mind occasional rain, the wet season can also be enjoyable, offering a different perspective of Can Tho’s natural beauty and local life.
Dry season in Can Tho made the best oranges - © Vietnam Tourism
Navigating Can Tho is convenient with various transportation options catering to different needs and preferences.
Accessing banking services in Can Tho is straightforward with a variety of options available for both locals and tourists. Numerous banks provide services including cash withdrawals, currency exchange, and account management. ATMs are prevalent throughout the city, particularly in popular areas like the city center and shopping districts, and most accept international credit and debit cards for convenient cash withdrawals. While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, smaller vendors and street food stalls may only accept cash.
Can Tho offers a diverse range of accommodation options to cater to various preferences and budgets, from luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses. For those seeking luxury, there are upscale hotels along the Hau River that blend modern amenities with traditional Vietnamese charm, featuring spacious rooms, large pools, and multiple dining options. Mid-range hotels provide comfortable stays with well-furnished rooms, restaurants, and fitness centers, conveniently located for exploring the city. Budget travelers can choose from guesthouses and hostels that offer basic amenities and a more local experience. Additionally, homestays are available, providing an authentic glimpse into daily life in Can Tho and the opportunity to experience local hospitality.
Hide away in the gentle hills of Tochigi Prefecture, Mashiko is more than a stop on a map, it’s a living gallery of clay, craft, and community. Known worldwide for its Mashiko-yaki pottery, this charming rural town draws travelers seeking hands-on creativity and a slower pace of life. Here, kiln smoke curls into blue skies, and artisan shops spill treasures onto narrow streets. Only a few hours from Tokyo, Mashiko offers the perfect escape for lovers of traditional Japanese culture, authentic local food, and countryside landscapes.
Population: Approximately 22,000 in 2020.
Economy: Mashiko’s economy thrives on its renowned pottery industry, attracting both domestic and international buyers. Tourism plays a vital role, fueled by pottery fairs, local crafts, and cultural events.
Landmarks: Famous for the Mashiko Pottery Museum, Pottery Street, and the Saimyoji Temple.
Tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go feels like a scene from an old Japanese folktale. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, wooden homes with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy winter snow. Here, each season paints the village in new colors: spring blossoms, green summer paddies, golden autumn leaves, and glistening winter snow.
Population: Approximately 60,000 in 2020.
Economy: Shirakawa-go’s economy blends heritage preservation with sustainable tourism. While agriculture, especially rice farming, remains part of local life, tourism is now the main economic driver.
Landmarks: Famous for Ogimachi Village, Wada House, and Shiroyama Viewpoint.
Fuji-shi, or Fuji City, is a vibrant gateway to Japan’s most iconic peak, Mount Fuji. Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, this coastal city blends scenic beauty with rich traditions. From its bustling streets to the peaceful banks of the Fuji River, every corner offers a postcard-worthy view of the mountain. Just an hour from Tokyo by train, Fuji-shi is ideal for travelers seeking authentic Japanese city life with nature close at hand.
Population: Approximately 245,000 in 2019.
Economy: Fuji-shi is a major hub in Shizuoka Prefecture’s manufacturing sector, known for its paper and pulp production. The city also benefits from the logistics and transport industries due to its location along the Tōkaidō corridor.. Fishing at Tagonoura Port, tea production in nearby plantations, and tourism linked to Mount Fuji further diversify the local economy.
Landmarks: Famous for Mount Fuji viewing points, Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, and Tanuki Lake.
Nestled in the far west of An Giang Province, Châu Đốc is where the Hậu River bends toward the Cambodian border. This riverside city is a blend of cultures, faiths, and flavors. Here, Vietnamese, Khmer, Cham, and Chinese communities live side by side, shaping a rich tapestry of daily life. For travelers, Châu Đốc offers more than stunning river views. It’s a city of floating markets, sacred temples, and bustling border trade.
Population: Approximately 100,000 in 2019.
Economy: Chau Doc’s economy thrives on cross-border trade, aquaculture, and agriculture, especially rice and fish farming. Tourism also plays a key role, fueled by its cultural diversity and proximity to Cambodia.
Landmarks: Famous for the Sam Mountain, Ba Chua Xu Temple, and the Chau Doc Floating Market.
Tucked away on the southeastern edge of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay is a dazzling mosaic of emerald waters, hidden beaches, and towering limestone karsts. Often called the “quiet sister” of Halong Bay, it offers the same breathtaking scenery without the tourist crowds. Here, over 300 islets and unspoiled coves create a paradise for kayakers, nature lovers, and those seeking authentic cultural encounters. This is where the rhythm of the sea shapes daily life, and where travelers can slow down to embrace Vietnam’s coastal charm.
Population: As a part of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is home to a small population, primarily concentrated in Viet Hai village, which has a population of around 300 people.
Economy: Lan Ha Bay’s economy is closely tied to tourism, fishing, and aquaculture. The bay attracts visitors with its scenic beauty, supporting hotels, boat tours, and local services. Fishing and seafood farming, especially oysters and squid, provide income for coastal communities. Eco-tourism and sustainable aquaculture are increasingly promoted to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Landmarks: Famous for the Monkey Island, Dark & Bright Cave, and the Nam Cat Island.
Hai Phong, known as the City of Red Flamboyant, blends coastal beauty, historical depth, and vibrant urban life. Sitting on Vietnam’s northeast coast, this dynamic port city opens the door to famous attractions like Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay. Stroll along tree-lined boulevards, admire French colonial architecture, or wander through bustling markets alive with local flavors.
Population: Approximately 2 million in 2022.
Economy: Hai Phong is one of Vietnam’s key economic hubs, driven by its strategic position as a major seaport in the north. The city’s economy thrives on shipping, logistics, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and fisheries. Tourism and hospitality also play a growing role, supported by Hải Phòng’s coastal attractions and cultural heritage.
Landmarks: Famous for the Ky Co Beach, Do Son Beach, and the Tam Bac Lake & Flower Street.