Overview Can Tho

Can Tho is the main centre in the Mekong Delta, being a hub for Vietnamese culture, politics and transportation. This city is in the centre of southern Vietnam, on three rivers, and makes a fine break from Ho Chi Minh City. Can Tho Tourism is booming, with people using it as a base for boat trips on the Delta and also as a day trip place from Hochiminh city. The city has floating markets and fruit stalls, and boasts many unique attractions and waterfront restaurants. There are tourist information offices in town, with the main one nestled along Hai Ba Trung street and it is easy to find, since it is next to Ho Chi Minh Statue on the riverside. Can Tho with floating markets and the plentiful cruises that are an integral part of its overall popularity. Located along different stretches of the river, the floating markets commence at the crack of dawn and see hundreds of traditional 'sampan' boats gather, with their wares piled high. Cai Rang market is amongst the best market here and is at its most appealing in the morning, before the temperatures begin to rise. Besides markets, there is still much to see and enjoy in the city, with Mekong River cruises and boat trips along the city's immense network of canals being recommended. The tourists may like to spend an afternoon cooling down at the Can Tho Water Park, or simply relaxing at the peaceful My Khanh Gardens. Can Tho has a little history is the centrally located Munirangsyaram Pagoda and also the southerly Cantonese Congregation Pagoda, while considerably older and with its feet firmly in the late 19th century is the Ong Temple at the Guangzhou Assembly Hall, which is enhanced by its riverside setting and built so that locals could pray to their Chinese God of War, Kuang Kung. At the opposite end of the tourist scale, the restaurant on the boat is still very much a prominent landmark in Can Tho, being found at the Ninh Kieu wharf and offering evening dining cruises. If you want to look for Vietnamese culture in Can Tho, You can explore the history of the city and the Mekong Delta, that is Can Tho Museum. If you want to know information about past wars, revolutionary struggles and famous leaders, the Military Museum is the place to come, with its aircraft, weaponry exhibits and Ho Chi Minh portraits. Roughly an hour to the south of the city and within the Mekong town of Soc Trang is Khmer Culture Museum, everything that you could ever wish to know about the ancient Asian kingdom of Khmer is showed in great detail. There are many enticing tourist destinations and Mekong Delta towns within comfortable travelling distance of Can Tho, often lending themselves to day trips or longer excursions. Near Cantho, Ben Tre is located to the north-east and brimming with pretty waterfront attractions and rustic lodging. It is also home to the Vien Minh Pagoda, it may be worth noting that Ben Tre is just under an hour away from the San Chim Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary. Further away is My Tho, this is regarded by many people as the 'Gateway to the Mekong Delta'. Sa Dec is also another popular town with colonial villas, gardens and festivals. Other possible day trips worth include the jungle attractions of Cao Lanh, the bustling town of Vinh Long, and the Khmer pagodas of Tra Vinh. If you have the time to travel a little further from Can Tho, you may like to explore the city of Chau Doc and the spectacular Ho Chi Minh City, which really deserve several days to see and experience what is on offer here.