1-Day Travel Itinerary for Can Tho: Explore the Capital of the Mekong Delta

1-Day Travel Itinerary for Can Tho: Explore the Capital of the Mekong Delta

With just 1 day, you can fully explore the beauty of Can Tho through an optimized itinerary by NVK Travel. The article below will provide a detailed itinerary for a 1-day trip to Can Tho, meeting the needs of travelers, along with information about time, costs, transportation, and notes to make the trip more complete.

5:30 – 8:30: Cai Rang Floating Market – The Soul of the Waterway

Activity: Start the new day with a visit to Cai Rang Floating Market, a cultural symbol of Can Tho, where bustling trading activities take place on the river. Visitors will sit on boats, weaving through hundreds of boats carrying fruits and agricultural products while enjoying unique breakfast dishes like hu tieu and coffee on the boat.

A 1-day tour in Can Tho starts with the Cai Rang floating market.

A 1-day trip to Can Tho starts with Cai Rang Floating Market

  • Ideal time: 5:30-7:00, when the market is busiest. After 8:00, the market starts to quiet down.
  • Transportation: From the center of Can Tho (Ninh Kieu Wharf), rent a boat at the dock for 300,000-500,000 VND/boat (4-6 people). Travel time: 20 minutes.
  • Cost:
    • Boat rental: 70,000-100,000 VND/person (if joining a group).
    • Breakfast on the boat: 20,000-50,000 VND/dish.
  • Note: Wear a life jacket and a conical hat to avoid the sun. Ask for the boat price in advance to avoid being overcharged.

>>> See more: Explore the Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Can Tho Worth Experiencing

8:30 – 10:00: My Khanh Tourist Village – Western Fruit Garden

Activity: After the floating market, move to My Khanh Tourist Village (My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien District) to experience the rural atmosphere of the South. Here, you can stroll through the fruit garden, pick and taste fruits like rambutan, durian, mangosteen, or participate in folk games like paddle boating and pig racing.

  • Ideal time: Early morning, cool atmosphere, fresh fruits.
  • Transportation: From the floating market, take a taxi or motorbike about 10 km (20 minutes). Motorbike rental: 120,000-150,000 VND/day.
  • Cost:
    • Entrance fee: 80,000 VND/person.
    • Fruit picking: 30,000-50,000 VND/kg (depending on the type).
  • Note: Wear low-heeled shoes for easy movement in the garden. Buying fruits at the garden is usually cheaper than at the market.

10:30 – 12:00: Binh Thuy Ancient House – Architectural Heritage

Activity: Visit Binh Thuy Ancient House (Binh Thuy Ward, Binh Thuy District), a house over 150 years old belonging to the Duong family. With its unique French-Vietnamese architecture, this place has been the backdrop for many famous films like "The Lover" and "The Story of the Flamboyant Tree." Visitors will hear about the history of the house and take photos in the ancient space.

Visit the Binh Thuy ancient house.

Visit Binh Thuy Ancient House

  • Ideal time: Morning, beautiful lighting for photography.
  • Transportation: From My Khanh village, take a motorbike or taxi 7 km (15 minutes).
  • Cost: Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/person.
  • Note: Respect the space, do not touch the artifacts. If you want to take wedding photos, contact the management in advance.

>>> See more: Thien An Pagoda - The Pagoda Associated with 300 Years of History

12:30 – 14:00: Lunch with Western Cuisine

Activity: Have lunch at one of the famous restaurants in Can Tho to enjoy Western specialties like banh xeo, hotpot, grilled snakehead fish, or sour salad. Here are some suggested addresses:

  • Nam Bo Restaurant (Ninh Kieu Wharf): Luxurious space, prices 100,000-200,000 VND/dish.
  • Muoi Xiem Restaurant (Le Loi Street): Crispy banh xeo, prices 30,000-50,000 VND/piece.
  • Da Ly Hotpot (30/4 Street): Rich hotpot, prices 200,000 VND/pot for 3-4 people.
  • Note: Reserve a table in advance if going on weekends. Inquire about the prices of side dishes like vegetables and dipping sauces.
Enjoy the rich and flavorful Da Ly hotpot.

Enjoy the rich Da Ly hotpot

14:30 – 16:00: Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery – Peaceful Space

Activity: Visit Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery (My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien District), the largest pagoda in the Mekong Delta with unique architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. Here, you can worship, pray for peace, and take photos with the prominent 7-story bell tower.

  • Ideal time: Afternoon, less sunny, spacious atmosphere.
  • Transportation: From the center of Can Tho, take a motorbike or taxi 8 km (15 minutes).
  • Cost: Free. Donations are welcome.
  • Note: Wear respectful clothing, no short skirts or sleeveless tops. Turn off your phone ringer when entering the main hall.

16:30 – 18:00: Ninh Kieu Wharf and pedestrian bridge – Can Tho's Symbol

Activity: End the journey with a stroll at Ninh Kieu Wharf and the Can Tho pedestrian bridge. Ninh Kieu Wharf is a great spot to watch the beautiful sunset on Hau River, while the pedestrian bridge with colorful LED lights is an ideal check-in point. If you have time, you can take a dinner cruise on Hau River (prices 150,000-300,000 VND/person).

The 1-day itinerary in Can Tho cannot miss the Ninh Kieu Wharf.

The 1-day itinerary for Can Tho cannot miss Ninh Kieu Wharf

  • Ideal time: 17:00-18:00 to watch the sunset.
  • Transportation: Located right in the center, you can walk or ride a motorbike from the meditation center (10 minutes).
  • Cost: Free. Dining at the pier: 50,000-150,000 VND/person.
  • Note: Avoid going during peak hours (18:00-19:00) as the area is crowded. Be careful with your belongings when taking photos.

18:30: End of the journey – Buy local specialties as gifts.

Activities: Before leaving Can Tho, visit the Tay Do night market or Can Tho market to buy specialties such as banh tet la cam, nem chua Lai Vung, coconut candy, or dried fruits. Prices range from 50,000-200,000 VND/kg, depending on the type.

Note: Check the expiration date of the specialties. Buy from reputable stalls to ensure quality.

Estimated cost for 1 day

  • Transportation: 50,000-150,000 VND (renting a motorbike or taxi).
  • Sightseeing: 100,000-200,000 VND (boat tickets, entrance fees).
  • Dining: 200,000-400,000 VND.
  • Buying specialties: 100,000-200,000 VND.
  • Total: 450,000-950,000 VND/person, depending on travel style.

Can Tho is a must-visit destination to fully experience the beauty of the Mekong Delta. NVK Travel offers a tour to Can Tho with quality, hotel booking services, vehicle rental, and support for organizing itineraries as requested. Let us accompany you on your memorable exploration of Tay Do!