Can Tho, in the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is known for its wealth of both culture and nature.

Just 170km from Ho Chi Minh City, it takes just four hours by sleeper bus to reach Can Tho. 

Once in the city, visitors have their pick of hotels, from cheap motels to resorts on the banks of the Hau (Back) River, where rooms cost several million Vietnamese dong per night. (VND1 million = US$43)

The best way to navigate the city is by motorbike, which guests can usually rent from their hotels for about VND120,000 ($5) a day.

The best time to visit Can Tho is in the summer, when tourists can take advantage of the dozens of fresh tropical fruits typically sold throughout the city, the most popular of which are mangosteens, water apples, and mangoes.

Con Son (Son Islet) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Mekong Delta city for visitors who want to pick their own fruits straight off the trees.

To get to the islet, travelers can take a five-minute boat ride from Co Bac Wharf, about 15 minutes by motorbike from the center of Can Tho. Tickets cost approximately VND20,000 (less than $1) each way.

Once on the small island, visitors can choose a garden, pay a VND40,000 ($1.72) entrance fee, and pick as many fruits as they want off the trees. 

Eating the fruits at the garden is free, but it costs more to bring some home.

In addition to its fruit gardens, Con Son charms visitors with its rows of areca trees that line the roads near local fish farms.

These farms are filled with a variety of freshwater fish, including snakeheads trained to jump out of the water during feeding time.

The ancient house of Binh Thuy is another popular tourist attraction in Can Tho.

This century-old house is known for its unique architecture that harmoniously blends Eastern and Western architecture.

The family that owns the house still lives on the estate, but in a newly built area in the back. The old section of the house is open to visitors for a small fee.

A family member is always on hand to answer questions from visitors.

The Purple House is another tourist hotspot in Can Tho, famed for its purple interior, including furniture, flowers, and decorations.

Tickets to visit The Purple House cost about VND60,000 ($2.6) and include a drink.

Other destinations to visit in Can Tho are Cai Rang Floating Market, Bang Lang Stork Garden, Ninh Kieu Wharf, and Can Tho Night Market.

Can Tho is full of places to see and feel, but visiting the city in different seasons can bring different experiences.

The rainy season in Can Tho lasts from June to August. The flood season begins in September and ends in November, while flower seasons run from December to February.

Can Tho also hosts several festivals each year, so tourists should be sure to check if there are any upcoming events before visiting the city. 

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