25 Best Things to Do in Can Tho Vietnam (2025 Local Picks)

Looking for the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam? This guide highlights 25 top-rated experiences, trusted by locals and rooted in everyday life. From floating markets at sunrise to street food stalls, family-run workshops, and quiet riverside temples, these are the places that make Can Tho feel alive, both day and night.

I’ve returned to Can Tho more than five times, not just to visit but to understand. Each trip deepened my perspective, from the softness of a grandmother’s voice as she pours tofu pudding, to the rhythm of boats at dawn, to a surprise conversation in a hammock workshop hidden behind the orchards.

You’ll find the must-dos here like Cai Rang Floating Market, Ninh Kieu Wharf, and temples worth a pause. But this isn’t just another checklist. This guide also includes lesser-known gems, personal stories, and local traditions that don’t always appear on maps. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam and want to go beyond the surface, this list is for you.

25 best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam (2025 local guide)

1. Float into morning light at Cai Rang Floating Market

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One of the most iconic things to do in Can Tho.

One of the top things to do in Can Tho Vietnam is to visit Cai Rang Floating Market. No matter how many new cafés or attractions pop up, this riverside market still captures what makes the Mekong Delta so special.

Long before sunrise, boats begin gliding in from narrow canals, each one marked by a tall bamboo pole topped with fruit or vegetables. Pineapples, watermelons, a pot of hot hủ tiếu gently rocking on the water. You sit low in a wooden boat, holding a cup of coffee, watching the sun rise over a river that’s already full of life. Vendors move barefoot from bow to bow, stirring broth, slicing fruit, and calling out to old customers like neighbors at a street corner.

Cai Rang isn’t just for tourists. Locals still come to buy wholesale fruit, breakfast, or even household goods. It’s this blend of utility and beauty that keeps people coming back. No wonder Gordon Ramsay once said the noodles he ate here were the best in Vietnam.

Local tip:
Skip the group tours if you can. A private boat lets you take your time, snap better photos, and soak in one of the most authentic things to do in Can Tho Vietnam.

2. Wake up with the boats at Phong Dien Floating Market

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam.

About 17 kilometers from downtown Can Tho, Phong Dien Floating Market offers a quieter, more authentic river trading scene than its famous sibling, Cai Rang. If you leave around 4:30 AM, you’ll arrive just in time to catch the sunrise over the water as the market begins to stir. By 5:30, the canal fills with boats selling everything from fresh produce to noodles, socks, and dish soap. Some vendors even offer short boat rides for about 80,000 to 100,000 VND per person.

Each boat feels like a floating convenience store, and the sellers are just as friendly as they are resourceful. A bowl of noodle soup costs around 20,000 VND, and sipping iced coffee while drifting on the river is a memory you’ll carry with you. What makes Phong Dien special is how naturally tourism blends with everyday local life.

Local tip:
Head out by 4 AM from Can Tho city to catch the market at its best. Don’t be shy, wave to a vendor and they’ll likely take you on a short ride around.

3. Sip sock coffee from a sidewalk cart

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One of the most local things to do in Can Tho Vietnam for enjoying a slow morning in Mekong Delta.

Nestled in a quiet alley off Phan Dang Luu Street, Mrs. Linh’s cà phê vợt cart has been a local fixture for nearly 40 years. She inherited the stall from her mother-in-law in 1995, but the tradition goes back even further. Every morning from 5 AM, the alley fills with the smell of strong coffee and the gentle clatter of tiny stools. Despite the hidden location, she sells around 200 cups a day.

This is one of the most authentic Can Tho attractions for travelers who want a real slice of daily life. Students say the calm setting helps them start the day without screens. Elders sip slowly, lost in memory. Some even come just to watch Mrs. Linh pour steaming coffee through the cloth strainer with practiced grace. The setup is humble, but the flavor, pace, and sense of routine stay with you.

Local tip:
Come between 5:00 and 7:00 AM when the streets are quiet. Order cà phê sữa đá if you like it iced. This spot may not be in guidebooks, but it’s one of the most beloved Can Tho attractions for locals.

If you love old-school brews, don’t miss this guide to the oldest cà phê vợt spot in Saigon.

4. Learn to make hu tieu noodles at a family-run workshop

things to do in can tho vietnam
This ranks among the top local things to do in Can Tho Vietnam for travelers interested in hands-on cultural experiences.

Just ten minutes by boat from Cai Rang Floating Market, you’ll find two of Can Tho’s oldest noodle workshops: Sáu Hoài and Chín Của. These are not tourist sets. They’re living kitchens where rice is still ground, steamed, and sun-dried the traditional way. Each morning, clouds of steam rise from bamboo trays, and the scent of fresh batter fills the air.

What makes these places special isn’t just the food. It’s the chance to try it yourself. Visitors are invited to pour batter, lift noodle sheets by hand, and chat with the artisans. Mr. Chín has been doing this since 1982. At Sáu Hoài, don’t miss their “noodle pizza,” a crispy version of hu tieu that’s become a local favorite. These workshops are among the most unique things to do in Can Tho Vietnam for food lovers and photographers alike.

Local tip:
Ask your boat guide to stop by after Cai Rang. Wear sandals, as the ground can be wet. For the best light and active noodle-making, aim to arrive before 9 AM.

5. Browse Can Tho’s century-old market by the river

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the top things to do in Can Tho Vietnam.

Built between 1912 and 1915 alongside Saigon’s Ben Thanh Market, Can Tho Old Market is one of the most iconic colonial-era buildings in the Mekong Delta. Located right by Ninh Kieu Wharf, its yellow facade, arched doorways, and green wooden shutters echo a time when Can Tho was a major river trading hub. The market still functions today, blending everyday commerce with echoes of the past.

Step inside and you’ll find vendors selling tropical fruit, dried fish, lotus seeds, coconut candy, and woven goods. Morning light pours through the arches, while in the evening, food carts light up the riverfront with warm bulbs and local music. Visiting this market is one of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam if you want to connect with its living history.

Local tip:
Spend time browsing inside, then follow the riverside to Ngọc Khánh Park. Don’t miss a plate of xôi gà Hữu Phước, just outside the market, served by a family loved by generations of locals.

6. Try colorful cakes from a third-generation baker

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam for food lovers with a sweet tooth.

Located at 11 De Tham Street, just a short walk from Ong Pagoda, Huynh Huong is a beloved spot for Vietnamese traditional cakes in Can Tho. This third-generation family-run bakery serves more than 50 different types of traditional cakes, each carefully handmade and wrapped in banana leaves. You could spend days just tasting your way through the full range.

Their bestsellers include chè bưởi (grapefruit sweet soup) and tàu hủ lá dứa (pandan tofu pudding), both priced at just 15,000 VND. Unlike many modern versions, the desserts here are not overly sweet, which keeps locals coming back for a balanced, satisfying treat. Many people say they’ve spent half the morning simply watching the owner scoop tofu into cups with slow, practiced hands. There’s something almost hypnotic about the process.

Local tip:
Visit between 8:00 and 9:30 AM for the freshest selection. It’s takeaway only, but locals often walk over to a nearby park bench to enjoy their cakes in peace. This is a classic Can Tho attraction for food lovers.

Want to learn more about these colorful treats? Here’s our guide to traditional Vietnamese cakes.

7. Pick ripe fruit in Phong Dien orchards

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the unique things to do in Can Tho Vietnam.

Known as the fruit basket of Can Tho, Phong Dien is covered in lush orchards filled with mangoes, rambutans, jackfruits, longans, and even durians when in season. Just 15 to 20 kilometers from the city center, this is where local families open their gardens to visitors for slow walks, fresh meals, and fruit-picking straight from the trees.

Some popular orchards include 9 Hồng, Vàm Xáng, and Ba Hiệp, where you can join a countryside lunch or help make bánh xèo over a wood fire. Many places also offer short boat rides along shaded canals. The air smells like ripe fruit and wet leaves, and the pace of life naturally slows with every step. Exploring these gardens is one of the most immersive things to do in Can Tho Vietnam if you want to escape the city and connect with local land.

Local tip:
Bring mosquito spray and cash in small bills. Morning visits are best, both for the light and the cooler air. Ask your host which fruits are at their peak that day.

8. Wander through time at Binh Thuy’s living museum

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam for history lovers.

Built in 1870, Binh Thuy Ancient House is a rare surviving example of French-style architecture in the Mekong Delta. Located just 6 kilometers from downtown Can Tho, this home once belonged to the Duong family, one of the wealthiest landowners in the area. It blends Western design with Vietnamese spiritual elements, featuring carved wooden altars, pastel walls, arched windows, and antique furnishings.

This house is not a museum. Descendants of the original family still live here and maintain the space with quiet pride. Visitors can explore rooms filled with family heirlooms, tiled floors, and photos dating back over a century. Outside, the orchid garden, once famed across the Delta, still blooms with seasonal color. Visiting this house is one of the most atmospheric things to do in Can Tho Vietnam, especially if you enjoy places that still feel lived in.

Local tip:

Take your time in the garden early in the morning when the light is soft. The family sometimes shares stories about the house if you arrive during quiet hours. Shoes off before entering.

9. Find peace beneath the tree at Nam Nha Temple

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam.

Tucked under tall tamarind trees near the Hau River, Nam Nha Temple is more than just a place of worship. Built in 1895, it once operated as both a traditional medicine house and a spiritual center for Minh Su Dao, a Vietnamese Buddhist sect focused on self-cultivation and harmony. Over time, it became a quiet gathering place for patriotic scholars and early revolutionaries who believed in change through education and unity.

What strikes you here is the peace. The yellow-painted temple is modest but filled with layers of history. Inside, statues of Buddha sit calmly as incense drifts upward. Outside, bonsai trees line the walkway and you can hear the rustle of leaves in the breeze. If you’re looking for Can Tho attractions that go deeper than sightseeing, this is a must-visit.

Local tip:
Visit during the full moon in the first or seventh lunar month, when the temple is decorated with flowers and lanterns. It’s one of the few times you’ll see the space come alive with quiet celebration.

10. Step into Khmer culture at Pothi Somron Pagoda

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One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam to dive into the country’s spiritual heritage.

Located along the Ô Môn River, Pothi Somron Pagoda is one of the oldest Khmer temples in Can Tho, dating back to 1735. The current structure, rebuilt in 1952 by a Cambodian architect, is a striking example of Khmer-Thom design. Its dragon roofs, towering stupas, and symbolic corridors reflect centuries of spiritual tradition and cross-border heritage.

Inside, the pagoda holds ancient Buddha statues, palm-leaf manuscripts with Khmer script, and a sacred sala tree said to be brought from India. The space feels open and timeless. For travelers seeking cultural things to do in Can Tho Vietnam, this temple offers a rare connection to the Khmer community’s long-standing presence in the Mekong Delta.

Local tip:
Bring a scarf for modest dress and remove your shoes. Pause by the centuries-old stupa or sala tree to sense the temple’s calming energy before the local monks begin their chants.

11. Hear Southern folk music by the riverside

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam for cultural lovers.

Đờn ca tài tử is the traditional chamber music of southern Vietnam, blending poetry, folk melodies, and delicate string instruments. Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, it often sounds in garden courtyards, on boats, or at community gatherings

In Can Tho, you may find intimate performances at riverside homestays, during local festivals, or on floating stages held by Mekong tour groups . The music flows slowly and expressively, weaving stories of love, longing, and the rhythm of Delta life. Singers in áo dài add nostalgic charm, and bamboo lanterns or floating candles enhance the mood.

Local tip:
Ask your host or boat guide if there’s a performance during your visit. Smaller shows in local homes feel more personal than staged ones, and you might even get invited to sing along.

12. Slow down at Truc Lam Phuong Nam Monastery

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam for spiritual travelers.

Truc Lam Phuong Nam is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the Mekong Delta, designed in the architectural style of the Ly and Tran dynasties. The grounds are calm and spacious, with lotus ponds, red-tiled walkways, and statues of Zen masters shaded by trees. In the center stands a peaceful prayer hall supported by ironwood columns, where the scent of incense lingers quietly.

I came here one morning during Tet with my family. We lit incense together, wrote our wishes on small red cards, and sat in silence by the lotus pond. Even as visitors came and went, the stillness remained. If you’re looking for meaningful things to do in Can Tho Vietnam, this is a place to breathe, reflect, and slow your pace.

Local tip:
Visit in the late afternoon for fewer crowds and golden light. Bring water and wear modest clothes. A quiet walk through the garden after your visit makes for a perfect ending.

13. Cycle the countryside beyond Can Tho city

cycling in ho chi minh city
One of the off-the-beaten-path things to do in Can Tho Vietnam.

Cycling through Can Tho’s rural backroads lets you see the Mekong Delta at its most authentic. The paths are lined with coconut trees, vegetable gardens, and canals where kids splash in the morning light. In districts like Phong Dien and Nhon Ai, locals wave from their porches, and the air smells of rice husks and lemongrass.

On one of my visits, a ride took me to a tiny family house where they still make bánh hỏi using only wood-fired stoves and steady hands. It wasn’t part of the plan, but it turned into one of the most memorable mornings I’ve had. If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path Can Tho attractions, a bike ride through this countryside is a quiet kind of magic.

Local tip:
Start early to avoid the heat. Ask if your guide can include a food stop or a visit to a home garden. Wear sunscreen, bring water, and stay open to detours. That’s often where the best memories are made.

14. Experience real Mekong life on Son Islet

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the unique things to do in Can Tho Vietnam.

Son Islet, or Cồn Sơn, sits just across the Hau River and offers one of the most heartwarming things to do in Can Tho Vietnam. This tiny islet is home to a close-knit community that has turned everyday life into a welcoming experience for visitors without losing its authenticity. Each household focuses on something different. One family might teach you how to catch fish with your bare hands. Another prepares bánh xèo over a wood stove. Others guide guests through shaded orchards to pick fresh fruit.

The families here don’t compete. They share guests, help each other when a house is full, and rotate hosting duties. Many young guides were trained at Can Tho University and now help carry their community forward with quiet pride. I’ve returned to Cồn Sơn several times, and each visit reminds me what true hospitality feels like.

Local tip: Book through a homestay or the village’s guide network to make sure your visit supports the locals directly. The number of visitors is limited daily, so it’s best to plan ahead.

15. Watch banana hammocks being woven by hand

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the unique things to do in Can Tho Vietnam.

While Son Islet is well known for its gardens and riverside meals, one of the most meaningful experiences here is watching bà Xiếu weave banana-fiber hammocks by hand. At nearly 80 years old, she still weaves every evening under the soft light of a kerosene lamp. Each hammock is crafted from dried banana bark, twisted and knotted with a rhythm that she learned as a child. It’s not just a skill. It’s a story of care, tradition, and quiet patience.

Guests gather around to listen to her share memories of lullabies, sleepless nights, and the way each hammock once welcomed a newborn in the family. Some travelers even get to try weaving themselves, guided gently by bà Xiếu’s voice and steady hands. Among all the Can Tho attractions, this one stays with you long after the trip ends.

Local tip:
Ask your host in Cồn Sơn to help arrange a session with bà Xiếu. She usually weaves around 5:30 to 6:30 PM. If she has hammocks available, they make meaningful gifts or souvenirs.

16. Make hammock-patterned noodles at Ut Dzych’s house

things to do in can tho vietnam
A hands-on way to experience one of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam.

In the peaceful countryside of Phong Dien, the family of Út Dzách has spent nearly 60 years crafting bánh hỏi, a type of rice noodle pressed into a hammock-like pattern. These noodles are not just a specialty, but a symbol of handmade tradition in the Mekong Delta. If you’re looking for hands-on cultural activities, this is one of the most unique things to do in Can Tho Vietnam.

You’ll get to see each step of the process, from soaking the rice to pressing the dough through bamboo molds. Visitors are encouraged to try it themselves, and even a crooked noodle sheet becomes a memory. Afterward, the family serves a simple yet delicious meal of bánh hỏi with grilled pork, herbs, scallion oil, and house-made dipping sauce.

Local tip:
Wear sandals or shoes with good grip, as the ground can be damp. Don’t be afraid to ask for help pouring the batter. Even if the first sheet isn’t perfect, you’ll leave with sticky fingers, full stomachs, and great memories.

17. See storks return at sunset in Bang Lang Sanctuary

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One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam for nature lovers.

Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary is one of the most serene Can Tho attractions for nature lovers. Located about 50 kilometers from the city center, this 16-hectare sanctuary is home to tens of thousands of birds, including over 20 species of storks. The best time to visit is at dusk, when flocks return to roost, filling the sky with movement and sound.

This place began as a simple rice field in the 1980s, until a flock of ghost storks arrived unexpectedly. Since then, they’ve returned every year, drawn to the quiet bamboo groves and calm waterways. The sanctuary is privately maintained by Mr. Bảy Thuyền and his family, who built small trails and a watchtower for visitors. If you’re interested in off-the-beaten-path things to do in Can Tho Vietnam, this sunset wildlife experience is unforgettable.

Local tip:
Plan your visit between August and the first lunar month for peak nesting season. Aim to arrive by 5 PM and bring mosquito repellent. A local driver or guide is recommended since the sanctuary is tucked away in Thoi Thuan Hamlet.

18. Kayak the quiet canals of the Hau River

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam.

If you’re looking for a calm and immersive way to explore Can Tho Vietnam, consider a sunrise kayaking trip on the Hau River. These guided tours typically begin early in the morning, when the water is still, and the city hasn’t yet woken up. As you paddle out from the wide river into narrow canals lined with nipa palms, you’ll see birds flitting through the trees and catch the scent of the wet earth around you.

Kayaking is a great alternative to boat tours and lets you get closer to the water and the landscape. Most trips last about two hours and include all gear. Some even offer breakfast and coffee on the water, turning this into one of the most refreshing Can Tho attractions for early risers. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or a seasoned traveler, the slow rhythm of the river helps you connect deeply with the Mekong Delta’s natural charm.

Local tip:
Book a sunrise slot for the best light and fewest crowds. Wear light, quick-drying clothes and bring sunscreen. Ask for a dry bag if you plan to bring your phone or camera.

For more outdoor thrills beyond the Mekong, explore our favorite adventure things to do in Vietnam.

19. Join the evening flow at Ninh Kieu Wharf

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One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam at night.

In the heart of Can Tho Vietnam, Ninh Kieu Wharf is where the city gathers after sunset. Like Bach Dang Wharf Park in Ho Chi Minh City, this riverside promenade is a favorite spot for young people and families to enjoy cool breezes, casual snacks, and the soft lights of passing boats. Street vendors line the walkway, offering grilled corn, coconut ice cream, sweet soups, and other local treats.

As the evening deepens, the Love Bridge lights up, curving gently over the Hau River and connecting the wharf to Cai Khe Islet. It’s a popular place for photos, but also one of the best places in Can Tho to watch the river sparkle under city lights. Musicians, food stalls, and locals chatting by the water give this area a welcoming, everyday charm that’s easy to fall into.

Local tip:
Bring small cash for snacks and drinks. If you’re visiting during the full moon, check for folk music shows or lantern festivals along the riverside. It’s when the wharf feels most alive.

20. Light incense and make a wish at Ong Temple

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the top things to do in Can Tho Vietnam.

Located on Hai Ba Trung Street near Ninh Kieu Wharf, Ong Temple is a must-see Can Tho attraction for travelers interested in culture and heritage. Built by Cantonese immigrants in the late 19th century, this colorful temple is dedicated to Quan Cong and other revered deities. It stands out with its red pillars, green tiled roof, and incense spirals hanging overhead.

Stepping inside, you’ll find a peaceful courtyard lit by a skylight known as the “sky well.” The scent of incense fills the air while worshippers light coils for luck, health, or safe travels. Despite being one of the top things to do in Can Tho Vietnam, Ong Temple still feels grounded in daily life. Locals come to pray, chat, or simply sit in the shade while tourists quietly observe the rituals.

Local tip:
Write your name and wish on a red slip to hang with an incense coil. It’s believed to bring good fortune. Visit in the early morning for a quieter experience.

21. Cool down with herbal coconut tea at Ba Sau’s cart

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the unique things to do in Can Tho Vietnam.

In a quiet courtyard of the Children’s Cultural House on Đại Lộ Hòa Bình, there’s a little cart that has quietly captured the hearts of locals for more than 40 years. This is where Bà Sáu and now her children and grandchildren serve sâm dừa, a chilled herbal drink made from chrysanthemum, pandan, and fresh coconut water. It’s sweet, refreshing, and topped with silky coconut strands. The kind of drink that cools your body and brings you to Can Tho’s millennials memories all at once.

Many overseas Vietnamese return to Can Tho just to taste this again. For them, it’s not just a drink. It’s afternoons after school, stories shared by the bus stop, and the feeling of home. With coconuts chopped at dawn and herbs simmered every day, this simple stall continues to serve comfort to generations.

Local tip: Come between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM, Monday to Saturday. Ask for sâm mía lau if available, and don’t forget to bring small change. The drinks cost around 15,000 to 20,000 VND and are worth every sip.

Love local drinks like sâm dừa? Discover more in our guide to 11 must-try Vietnamese drinks.

22. Visit the Hung Kings Temple in northern Can Tho

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam for history lovers.

Hung Kings Temple is not just a beautiful site, but a spiritual connection to the origins of Vietnamese identity. Opened in 2022, this temple complex honors the Hung Kings, who are regarded as the founding ancestors of the Vietnamese people. The architecture draws from ancient bronze drums and lotus forms. Eighteen tall columns represent the eighteen kings, and fifty-four segments around the structure symbolize Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups, united as one.

Inside the main shrine are sacred relics brought from Phu Tho, including soil and water from the ancestral land. More than just symbols, they reflect a belief that spans generations. The Hung Kings are remembered not only for building the nation, but for planting the seeds of unity, resilience, and gratitude. This temple in Can Tho brings that heritage into the south, reminding visitors that “drinking water, remember its source” is not just a saying, but a way of life. In 2012, UNESCO recognized the worship of Hung Kings as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Local tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the temple is quiet and the light is golden. Walk slowly through the pine-lined courtyard and take a moment to reflect on the story of Vietnam’s beginnings.

23. Taste a late-night tradition at Mrs. Anh’s bánh mì cart

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam at night for food lovers.

Every night at 9:30 PM, a tiny bánh mì cart quietly opens inside Alley 20 on Nguyễn Trãi Street. It has no sign, no menu, and only one dish. Locals call it bánh mì “âm phủ,” or underworld bánh mì, not because it’s spooky, but because it only appears in the dark. Run by bà Ánh since 1993, the cart now draws long lines of regulars and food lovers from other provinces.

Each sandwich is made to order with grilled pork, Vietnamese meatballs, pork skin, pickled vegetables, scallion oil, and a signature garlic fish sauce. The bread is toasted over charcoal until golden and crisp. Despite the late hours, bà Ánh and her team of neighbors work nonstop, often selling out 400 sandwiches a night. At just 20,000 VND, it’s rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying. Locals say it’s the kind of bánh mì you could eat two of without getting tired.

Local tip: Come early and expect a wait. The cart is busiest between 10:00 and 11:30 PM. Bring small cash and enjoy your sandwich right on the curb like everyone else.

24. Join a Lô Tô drag bingo show

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the unique things to do in Can Tho Vietnam at night.

Lô Tô is one of the most vibrant and unexpected cultural experiences you can find in the Mekong Delta. It’s part bingo game, part drag performance, and all heart. Under colorful tents or open-air stages, performers dressed in glitter, wigs, and sequins call out numbers in rhyme and song. The crowd laughs, claps, and shouts along as the next number becomes a punchline. Even if you don’t speak Vietnamese, you’ll feel the energy.

Many of these performers come from LGBTQ+ communities across southern Vietnam. Their shows mix humor with pride, resilience, and local flavor. You’ll hear pop songs, cheeky jokes, and warm cheers from grandmothers and children alike. It’s loud, unapologetic, and full of joy. What started as a game to raise money for funerals has now become a celebration of identity and community.

Local tip:
Bring small bills to buy a bingo card or tip your favorite performer. Ask around or check local events near Ninh Kieu Wharf for pop-up shows by troupes like Hương Nam or Sài Gòn Tân Thời. It’s one of the most entertaining Can Tho attractions at night.

25. End your night with sticky rice at Huu Phuoc’s stall

things to do in can tho vietnam
One of the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam at night for food lovers.

In the middle of Ninh Kieu Night Market, there’s a small food cart that locals have loved for more than 20 years. It doesn’t have flashing lights or loud music, just two steamers full of fragrant sticky rice and trays of toppings stacked neatly behind a glass case. This is xôi gà Hữu Phước, a late-night favorite for those who want something warm and filling before heading home.

Each box of sticky rice comes with shredded chicken, pork floss, Chinese sausage, roasted peanuts, and green onion oil. Some nights, if you’re lucky, they’ll still have soft-boiled egg yolks left. The flavors are rich but balanced, and the texture is soft and chewy. It’s comfort food that sticks with you in the best way. Most regulars eat standing up or sitting on nearby steps, enjoying the bustle of the market around them.

Local tip:
Arrive early if you want to try extras like soft-boiled egg yolk or extra sausage. Enjoy your sticky rice on the nearby steps while watching the night market in full swing. This is one of the best local food experiences in Can Tho Vietnam.

Final thoughts: Why these things to do in Can Tho Vietnam stay with you

cycling tour in ho chi minh city

After returning to Can Tho again and again, I’ve realized this city doesn’t shout for your attention. It invites you to listen. Whether it’s a bowl of noodles shared at dawn, the steady hands of a hammock weaver, or a quiet bike ride along shaded canals, the best things to do in Can Tho Vietnam leave a mark that’s gentle but lasting.

This list was shaped by real encounters, not just reviews. It blends the top Can Tho attractions with local insights you’d only notice after slowing down. These are experiences locals are proud of, and that I’m proud to share as someone who keeps coming back.

If this kind of travel speaks to you, keep exploring with us. You can follow the Delta deeper with our guide to things to do in Southern Vietnam, or take a broader view with the best things to see and do in Vietnam. Curious about city life? Here’s what to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night, where the streets never sleep and every corner has a story.

And if you’re the kind of traveler who values real connection, consider joining Jackfruit Adventure’s Saigon last Mekong countryside cycling tour. It’s a four-hour cycling trip that begins just 20 minutes northeast of Saigon, through Thanh Da’s morning markets, lotus ponds, floating houses, and peaceful canals. Not just a ride, but a window into everyday life beyond the tourist trail.

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