Can Tho was the final stop on Mathias Fernandez-Diaz, his wife, and their 7-year-old son's month-long journey through Vietnam. They chose Can Tho for its unique river life. "I truly love this place because it's not as flashy as other destinations. We experienced the authenticity of the Mekong Delta," he said.

The Fernandez-Diaz family visited Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Ha Long, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, and Ho Chi Minh City before arriving in Can Tho. Photo: NVCC

The Fernandez-Diaz family visited Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Ha Long, Da Nang, Quy Nhon, and Ho Chi Minh City before arriving in Can Tho. Photo: NVCC

Arriving in Can Tho in the morning, the family rested before strolling along Ninh Kieu wharf in the afternoon. Mathias found Can Tho pleasant, though not bustling or dazzling. "The city isn't as impressive as a major metropolis, but its slow, fresh pace made us feel at ease," he commented.

The next morning, the family woke at 3:30 a.m. to visit the Phong Dien floating market. They met Toby, a tour guide with over 16 years of experience in the Mekong Delta. "He was energetic, patient, and spoke slowly so we could follow. Toby's sincerity and enthusiasm made the trip complete," Mathias praised.

Their boat glided down the river, reaching the market at dawn. Phong Dien is one of Can Tho's oldest floating markets, less touristy than Cai Rang, and retains its original charm. Vendors exchanged bunches of vegetables and bananas with friendly smiles.

Mathias described the family watching the sunrise, painting the river gold, creating a rare sense of peace. He used his drone to capture the magical, everyday scene. "The moment the sun rose, seeing vendors exchanging food and smiling, it was one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen," he shared.

Mathias and his son took a photo at Binh Thuy ancient house. Photo: NVCC

Mathias and his son took a photo at Binh Thuy ancient house. Photo: NVCC

Mathias's wife was impressed by the breakfast of hot hu tieu noodles on the boat. She noted its rich yet light flavor, distinct from European noodles. They then explored the market's boats, buying fresh fruit and chatting with vendors. The family also visited a riverside workshop where hu tieu is still made traditionally.

There, they witnessed each step of the process and even tried spreading the batter and cutting the noodles. Mathias said his son, Isaac, was thrilled to touch a warm rice paper sheet for the thu nhat time, while his wife enjoyed trying to extract noodles from the mold.

Leaving the market, the family rented a motorbike, grabbed banh mi sandwiches, and set off to explore the countryside. They visited the Binh Thuy ancient house, featured in the film "The Lover," then roamed through villages and rice paddies. They saw children joyfully jumping into the river in the golden afternoon light and enjoyed coffee for only 10,000 VND. "It was magical. That moment was truly authentic and simple, the very soul of the Mekong Delta," he expressed.

The Fernandez-Diaz family explored Can Tho by motorbike. Photo: NVCC

The Fernandez-Diaz family explored Can Tho by motorbike. Photo: NVCC

As dusk fell, they returned to the floating market, crossing long bridges back to the city. At their son's request, they visited the night market, although most stalls were closed.

"We found true peace here. This will be a place our family will remember forever for its simplicity, tranquility, and the feeling of living fully," he concluded.

Beyond these simple tours, visitors can also experience Can Tho's local life through large-scale events. On 14/9, Can Tho will host the VnExpress Marathon for the thu nhat time, with 9,000 participants, including hundreds of international runners. This promises to be a new destination for sports tourism enthusiasts.

Hai Long

The inaugural VnExpress Marathon Can Tho will start on the morning of 14/9. The route will pass Ninh Kieu Wharf, the iconic Can Tho Bridge, riverside streets, and local residential areas. The race promises a unique experience for runners, combining a challenging course with the Mekong Delta's distinctive river life.

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