| City | about 6,360.83 km² and over 4 million people after the 2025 merger with Hau Giang and Soc Trang |
|---|---|
| Position | about 155 km from Ho Chi Minh City, in the center of the Mekong Delta; 72 km of coastline |
| Name | a former land called Tran Giang, opened in 1739; nicknamed Tay Do, the Western Capital |
| Sights | Cai Rang floating market, Phong Dien floating market, Binh Thuy communal house, Ninh Kieu wharf |
Located in the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is reached from Ho Chi Minh City by road; the city expresses its charm in the saying: “Can Tho, ivory rice, clear waters; Those who come want to stay forever”. Can Tho is also indicated as “Tay Do”, meaning “Western Capital”.
The river shows local life as you travel its banks. Observe the verdant gardens on the two river banks, sail through an intensive system of canals, buy exotic and qualified products at floating markets, and see how interesting it is as the old constantly shrug with the new. Such authentic cultural experiences will definitely be your unforgettable memories.
The two most renowned attractions of Can Tho are Bang Lang Stork Garden and Cai Rang Floating Market. Together with Ninh Kieu Wharf, Cai Rang Floating is consistently referred to in several musical and literary works about Can Tho. Also, it is the gathering place of nearly all agricultural products of Western Vietnam. With bustling boats from every part of the region, the Market is definitely attractive to tourists.
On the other hand, at Bang Lang Stork Garden, you will catch sight of thousands of storks in various colors and types flying gracefully in the sky, lying playfully at tree branches, calling eagerly for partners. Looking from afar, the green orchard is dotted with the white color of storks, looking like cherry blossoms blooming in the spring. This is one typical example of Can Tho’s different ecotourism areas. With beautiful and charming gardens which are full of fresh fruits and other orchard specialties, this form of tourism surely enriches the potential of Mekong Delta region.
The delta’s main city
Vietnamese Wikipedia describes Can Tho as the economic center of the Mekong Delta, called Tay Do, the Western Capital. After the 2025 reorganization the city merged with Hau Giang and Soc Trang, with about 6,360.83 square kilometers and more than four million people. It lies on the lower Mekong, about 155 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. The area was opened in 1739 under the name Tran Giang. The Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets, the Binh Thuy communal house, the Ninh Kieu wharf and the Nam Nha and Ong pagodas are the usual stops. We have not verified market hours or boat prices, so check them before you go.
Sources (read in Vietnamese, Vietnamese Wikipedia): Cần Thơ. Last checked November 2026.
Can Tho: FAQ
How far is Can Tho from Ho Chi Minh City?
About 155 kilometers.
What is Can Tho’s nickname?
Tay Do, the Western Capital.
Where are the floating markets near Can Tho?
Cai Rang and Phong Dien.
When was the Can Tho area opened?
In 1739, under the name Tran Giang.
How many days do you need in Can Tho?
One night is common as a base for the markets.