Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta, is known for its tranquil waterways, bustling floating markets, and fruit-laden orchards. The city not only embodies the rustic charm of the countryside but also boasts numerous unique attractions, suitable for both short and long trips.

On 14/9, Can Tho hosted the VnExpress Marathon for the first time, attracting thousands of runners from Vietnam and abroad. The race route passed many of the city's iconic landmarks, providing participants and their families with the opportunity to combine competition, sightseeing, and local cuisine.

Ben Ninh Kieu

Located on the banks of the Hau River, Ben Ninh Kieu is a symbol of the city. During the day, visitors can stroll, take photos, and admire the boats. In the evening, the area is illuminated with lights and comes alive with riverside shops and restaurants.

Ben Ninh Kieu at night. Photo: Hoai Thuong

Ben Ninh Kieu at night. Photo: Hoai Thuong

It is also the starting point for many boat tours to the floating markets and part of the marathon route.

Cai Rang floating market

From Ben Ninh Kieu, it takes only about 30 minutes by boat to reach Cai Rang floating market, one of the largest in the Mekong Delta, formed over 100 years ago. The market opens from dawn until around 9 a.m., with hundreds of boats selling agricultural products, fruits, goods, and breakfast.

Enjoying a bowl of hu tieu, bun rieu, or a cup of coffee right on a boat amidst the bustling trading atmosphere is a delightful experience. Runners can choose to visit early in the morning before or after the race day to soak in the river life.

Tourists take photos at Cai Rang floating market. Photo: Trung Pham

Tourists take photos at Cai Rang floating market. Photo: Trung Pham

Hu tieu workshops

Near Cai Rang floating market, traditional hu tieu workshops showcase the unique culinary culture. Here, visitors can observe the process of making the noodles, from spreading the batter and drying the noodles to cutting them. They can even try their hand at making them under the guidance of the workshop owners.

After the tour, visitors can enjoy a bowl of freshly made hu tieu that they made themselves. This "from grain to bowl" experience provides insight into the traditional craft and creates a memorable travel experience.

Binh Thuy ancient house

For those who want to explore the old Southern Vietnamese lifestyle, Binh Thuy ancient house is an ideal stop. This over 150-year-old structure, with its blend of French and Asian architecture, sits on a 6,000 m2 plot.

It has served as a backdrop for many films, including "The Lover," a famous 1992 film by French director Jean-Jacques Annaud. Inside, hundreds of antique items, from ceramics and intricately carved furniture to everyday objects, are preserved in their original state, transporting visitors back in time.

Binh Thuy ancient house attracts domestic and international tourists visiting Tay Do. Photo: Di Vy

Binh Thuy ancient house attracts domestic and international tourists visiting Tay Do. Photo: Di Vy

Can Tho Museum

About 6 km from Binh Thuy ancient house is the Can Tho Museum, which displays over 1,000 artifacts across various themed rooms, including ethnic cultures, traditional crafts, and the resistance wars against the French and Americans.

The museum is open from morning to afternoon and offers guided tours in Vietnamese and English, making it accessible to both domestic and international visitors.

My Khanh tourist village

Besides historical and cultural sites, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the Mekong Delta's orchard atmosphere at My Khanh tourist village. Located in An Binh ward (formerly My Khanh commune), the 4-hectare village is covered in lush fruit trees, offering a relaxing and natural environment.

Here, visitors can experience fruit picking, rowing, crossing monkey bridges, and watching pig and dog races. The cuisine is diverse, featuring many Mekong Delta specialties, from banh xeo and grilled snakehead fish to fish hotpot. This is a great choice for families and groups looking to combine entertainment and relaxation in one destination.

Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery

On the same route as My Khanh tourist village, Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery offers a place of tranquility amidst the city's hustle and bustle. The monastery preserves the Ly-Tran Vietnamese temple architecture. The spacious grounds, with a lotus pond, gardens, and the sound of temple bells, create a sense of peace, suitable for rest and contemplation.

Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist structures in the Southwest region. Photo: Phong Vinh

Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery is one of the largest Buddhist structures in the Southwest region. Photo: Phong Vinh

Con Son islet

Leaving the city, visitors can take a short boat trip to Con Son islet, a "green gem" in the heart of the Hau River. Here, they can fully experience river life, from visiting fish rafts and watching "flying snakehead fish" to enjoying a rustic meal on a house's porch.

A female guide on Con Son islet (purple shirt) introduces the three-compartment Southern Vietnamese house to tourists. Photo: Cuu Long

A female guide on Con Son islet (purple shirt) introduces the three-compartment Southern Vietnamese house to tourists. Photo: Cuu Long

The lush greenery, tranquil river, and hospitality of Con Son's people offer an authentic Mekong Delta experience.

Can Tho travel tips

The best time to visit Can Tho is during the flooding season (September-November), when the weather is cool and produce is abundant. Must-try dishes include banh xeo, fish hotpot, grilled snakehead fish, grilled sticky rice banana, and various orchard fruits. To make the most of their time, visitors should combine nearby attractions like Ben Ninh Kieu, Cai Rang floating market, and hu tieu workshops, or My Khanh, the Zen Monastery, and Con Son islet.

Coinciding with this period, VnExpress Marathon Can Tho 2025 promises a unique option for families, groups, and sports enthusiasts. The race route is expected to pass Ben Ninh Kieu, Can Tho Bridge, riverside streets, and local residential areas. The event is not only a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in a vibrant sporting atmosphere but also an opportunity to combine sightseeing, enjoying local cuisine, and experiencing the Mekong Delta culture.

Hai Long