Night tourism is becoming a growing trend in many large cities. Bangkok is famous for its food streets, while Ho Chi Minh City leads the way with its night markets. In Can Tho, local authorities have identified this as an important direction to exploit the strengths of the river and the city’s unique cultural life.

Ninh Kieu Wharf at night. Photo: Vu Khanh

Last May, the Can Tho Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism released a preliminary report on the "Night Tourism Product Development Models" project, showing that many pilot activities have yielded positive results, opening up opportunities to increase the city's attractiveness.

The most prominent of these is the Ninh Kieu walking street, a space for cultural and tourism events and street art performances. Weekend music and dance programs at Ninh Kieu Wharf alone attract an average of over 1,100 visitors each night, according to statistics from the provincial Tourism Development Center.

In addition, the Ninh Kieu walking street and night market on Hai Ba Trung Street combine food, art, and commerce, creating a vibrant atmosphere along the Hau River. These destinations are gradually becoming familiar spots for locals and tourists visiting Can Tho.

Besides Ninh Kieu walking street, the city has also launched many new spaces serving visitors at night. Le Binh Street now has over 100 businesses, from cafes and souvenir shops to entertainment services.

The Ho Xang Thoi food area gathers over 50 businesses selling signature southern dishes, becoming a familiar stop for visitors. Meanwhile, the 1.7 km service route around Bung Xang Lake with 60 food establishments open all night creates diverse options for visitors to experience western cuisine.

VPBank VnExpress Marathon Midnight 2025 attracted 12,000 runners. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

With the current boom in sports tourism, running events are increasingly contributing to the nighttime economy of cities, as highlighted in the Night Economic Development Project in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, conducted by the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies (HIDS).

Globally, many cities have successfully exploited this model. Singapore organizes the Sundown Marathon, which has attracted up to 30,000 participants, while Norway maintains the Polar Night Halfmarathon with about 2,000 athletes annually, almost half of whom come from abroad.

In Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has turned its central streets into nighttime sports festivals with events like the HCMC Night Run Eximbank and the VPBank VnExpress Marathon Midnight, attracting tens of thousands of participants. These events are both unique tourism products and contribute to promoting service consumption.

With the advantages of riverside scenery, walking streets, night markets, and established cultural events, Can Tho is considered to have favorable conditions for developing night tourism. The upcoming VnExpress Marathon Can Tho 2025, taking place on 14/9 with distances from 5 km to 42 km, is expected to attract 9,000 domestic and international athletes.

The route passing Ninh Kieu Wharf, Can Tho Bridge, and riverside streets promises to turn the city into a sports and cultural festival throughout the day and night, enriching tourism products and increasing Can Tho's attractiveness.

Hai Long