Complete Travel Experience Guide to Can Tho for Self-Travel from A to Z

If you are planning a trip to Can Tho, this article will provide you with some travel tips for Can Tho to make your trip perfect. Let's explore with NVK Travel right away!

Preparation before arriving in Can Tho

The ideal time to travel to Can Tho

The best season: from November to April (dry season)

• Cool weather, little rain
• The river water is clearer
• Convenient for visiting floating markets and outdoor tourist attractions

Travel tips for Can Tho suggest going in the dry season

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Special times to visit:

• November-December: Flood season, the most beautiful scenery
• January-February (near Tet): Enjoy many flower gardens, Tet flower markets
• April-May: Peak fruit season

Note: Avoid going in the rainy season (May-October) due to unpredictable weather, many sudden rain showers that may affect your schedule.

Prepare clothing and items

Clothing:

• Cool, cotton, linen clothes
• Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
• Light jacket (for early morning visits to the floating market)
• Comfortable shoes for walking a lot

Essential items:

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Insect repellent
• Light raincoat (for backup)
• Personal water bottle (to avoid dehydration when outdoors in the sun)
• Personal medication (headache, stomachache, motion sickness medication)
• Power bank
• Waterproof bag to protect your phone and camera when on the boat

Plan your finances

Average cost for 1 person/day:

• Accommodation: 300,000d - 800,000d (depending on type)
• Food: 200,000d - 300,000d
• Transportation: 150,000d - 200,000d
• Entrance tickets: 100,000d - 200,000d

Money-saving tips:

• Book rooms early (1-2 months in advance) for better prices
• Travel in groups to share accommodation and transportation costs
• Choose to eat at local eateries instead of restaurants
• Buy combo tickets for multiple attractions to get discounts

Travel in groups to share accommodation and transportation costs in Can Tho

Travel experience

Transportation to Can Tho

From Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho:

• Bus: The most popular, prices from 130,000d - 180,000d/way
  • Reputable bus companies: Phuong Trang, Thanh Buoi, Kumho Samco
  • Travel time: 3-4 hours
  • Tip: Choose an early trip (5-6 AM) to avoid traffic and have time to explore Can Tho.
• Personal car: Drive along QL1A, over My Thuan Bridge, Can Tho Bridge. Note: It's best to leave early to avoid traffic when exiting Ho Chi Minh City.
• Airplane: 45 minutes flight from Tan Son Nhat to Can Tho Airport.
  • Ticket price: 700,000d - 1,500,000d/one way.
  • Tip: Book tickets 2-3 months in advance for better prices.

From Hanoi or Da Nang: Fly directly to Can Tho Airport or transit through Ho Chi Minh City.

Getting around in Can Tho.

Motorbike rental:

• Price: 120,000d - 150,000d/day.
• Tip: Book in advance through hotels or online services.
• Note: Check the bike carefully before receiving it, take photos of existing scratches.

Grab/Taxi services:

• Convenient for places near the center.
• Starting price from 12,000d - 20,000d.
• Tip: Using Grab will let you know the price in advance, avoiding being "overcharged".

Boat rental for sightseeing:

• Boat rental price for floating market: 350,000d - 500,000d/boat (4-6 people).
• Evening boat ride on Hau River: 400,000d - 700,000d.
• Tip: It's advisable to share a boat with other guests to save costs.

Experience: Renting a motorbike is the most flexible and economical means to explore Can Tho, especially if you want to visit places far from the center.

Accommodation tips

Recommended areas to stay

Ninh Kieu District: The ideal place to stay.

• Close to Ninh Kieu Wharf, night market, food area.
• Easy to catch boats to the floating market.
• Many hotel and guesthouse options with diverse prices.

Staying near Ninh Kieu District for the most convenience.

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Con Son: Experience a garden homestay.

• Quiet, close to nature.
• Experience the life of the Mekong Delta.
• Note: It's advisable to bring insect repellent.

Types of accommodation

3-4 star hotels (800,000d - 1,500,000d/night):

• Muong Thanh Luxury Can Tho.
• Victoria Can Tho Resort.
• TTC Hotel Premium Can Tho.

2-3 star hotels (400,000d - 700,000d/night):

• Hau Giang Hotel.
• West Hotel.
• Kim Tho Hotel.

Homestay/Guesthouses (300,000d - 600,000d/night):

• Mekong Rustic Can Tho.
• Green Village Mekong.
• Homestays in Con Son, Con Au.

Booking tips:

• Book 1-2 months in advance for better choices and reasonable prices.
• Choose a room with a river view if possible (a typical Mekong Delta experience).
• Check the hotel's location on the map for convenient travel.
• Read reviews from previous guests to avoid hotels with poor service.

Note: If traveling during holidays, Tet, or peak tourist seasons, book your room at least 1-2 months in advance.

Experience visiting tourist attractions

Must-see attractions

1. Ben Ninh Kieu.
   • Tip: Visit in the evening to enjoy the sunset and explore the night market.
   • Note: It's advisable to stroll across the pedestrian bridge for the best view of the city.
2. Ong Pagoda (Quang Duc Pagoda).
   • Tip: Visit in the morning when the weather is cooler.
   • Note: Dress modestly and respectfully when entering the pagoda.
3. Binh Thuy Ancient House.
   • Tip: Consider hiring a guide to learn more about the history.
   • Note: There is an entrance fee of 30,000 VND/person.
4. Mekong Delta Tourist Village.
   • Tip: It's best to go in the morning, spending at least 3-4 hours to explore.
   • Note: Bring small change to participate in folk games.
5. Fruit gardens, orchards.
   • Tip: It's best to visit during the fruit season (April-August).
   • Note: Bring insect repellent and a wide-brimmed hat.

Tips for planning your sightseeing itinerary

• Day 1: Focus on the Cai Rang floating market (early morning) and attractions in the city.
• Day 2: Explore attractions further from the center like the fruit gardens and My Khanh village.
• Spend the evening strolling around Ben Ninh Kieu, enjoying street food.

Suggestion: If you only have one day, prioritize visiting the floating market in the morning and exploring Ben Ninh Kieu and Binh Thuy Ancient House in the afternoon.

Golden tips from locals

"To see the Cai Rang floating market at its liveliest, you must start from 4:30 AM. Don't hesitate to wake up early because this is an experience you won't find anywhere else. And remember to bargain when buying goods on the boat!" - Ms. Huong, local tour guide.

Experience homestay in Con Son.

"Don't just eat at the famous places online. Pay attention to the local crowded spots; that's where you'll find delicious food at reasonable prices. And don't forget to try the coffee with a straw - a unique cultural feature of Can Tho." - Mr. Tam, a motorbike taxi driver in Can Tho.

"Always bring a thin raincoat no matter the season. Rain in the Mekong Delta often comes and goes quickly. Just wait 15-20 minutes and the sun will be back. Don't let a little rain ruin your plans." - Ms. Lan, homestay owner in Can Tho.

"Instead of staying in a central hotel, try homestays in Con Son or Con Au. They are more affordable and offer a much more unique experience. You'll live like a local and enjoy meals cooked by the hosts themselves." - Mr. Nam, a local resident of Con Son.

With the travel experiences shared in this article, you will surely have a complete trip, fully enjoying the beauty of "Tay Do" - the youthful and dynamic city in the Mekong Delta. For a more perfect trip, contact NVK Travel for comprehensive advice and support for your journey.Traveling to Can Tho. of yours!