A weekend in Can Tho: 4 must-visit tourist destinations

Living in Can Tho, one of the most dynamic cities in the Mekong Delta, creates a strong desire to find a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life, away from the traffic, dust, and daily pressures.

With the city center as your starting point, you can easily plan flexible short getaways. Whether you're traveling with family members, including older adults and young children who need a safe and relaxing environment, heading out with close friends in search of excitement and new experiences, or exploring cultural destinations on your own, this fertile alluvial region always has something special to offer.

Nestled in the gentle flow of the Hau River, Son Islet in Binh Thuy, Can Tho, is often described as a hidden gem of local ecotourism. After a short ferry ride, the pace of modern life seems to come to a complete standstill. With its flat terrain, year-round cool breeze, and safe surroundings, the islet is an ideal destination for families traveling with both older adults and young children.

The journey begins on a relaxed note, with ferry tickets costing just VND 5,000 to VND 10,000 per trip. Son Islet's greatest appeal lies not in thrilling amusement rides, but in its genuine connection with nature and authentic orchard experiences.

Once on the islet, the whole family can stroll beneath the shady trees of fruit orchards filled with seasonal produce such as rambutans, longans, and star apples. Entrance fees range from VND 35,000 to VND 50,000 per person, allowing visitors to pick and enjoy the fruit on-site. Children growing up in the city will have a wonderful opportunity to witness the unique “flying snakehead fish” performance presented by local residents, with tickets costing VND 35,000 per person. Alternatively, they can visit Chu Bay Bon's fish farm to experience a distinctive Koi fish massage for VND 45,000 per person.

Families can also gather on a house veranda to enjoy a buffet of traditional Vietnamese cakes, including banh lot, banh kep cuon, and banh khot, for approximately VND 50,000 to VND 100,000 per person. At lunchtime, a simple orchard-style meal featuring dishes such as featherback fish cakes, sour catfish hot pot, and fire-roasted snakehead fish can bring the day to a warm and satisfying close. These dishes can be ordered in advance from local households, with prices starting at VND 100,000 to VND 150,000 per dish.

Located in Phong Dien District, the Ong De Ecotourism Area is a popular weekend destination among young people. With an entrance fee of just VND 70,000 per person, it offers a space inspired by traditional Southern Vietnamese village life, specially designed for group activities and outdoor folk games.

One of the most memorable experiences is for the whole group to spend VND 30,000 per person renting traditional ao ba ba outfits before throwing themselves into a muddy battle together. Activities such as racing in three-plank wooden boats, cycling across a wobbly monkey bridge, or signing up for a fish-catching experience in a drained canal can lead to plenty of laughter and hilarious mishaps. The canal fish-catching package costs between VND 210,000 and VND 360,000 for the entire activity, depending on the group size.

After hours of energetic fun, gathering with friends in a bamboo house to enjoy a pot of Ong De fermented fish hot pot, served with more than 20 types of local vegetables, is the perfect way to recharge. The hot pot costs VND 250,000 to VND 350,000. Other tempting choices include clay-baked chicken, known for its succulent, naturally sweet meat, at VND 250,000 to VND 320,000, or fire-roasted snakehead fish served with tamarind fish sauce for VND 150,000 to VND 180,000 per fish. Sharing these local specialties is a wonderful way to strengthen friendships and leave behind the stress of tight office deadlines.

For independent travelers seeking a quiet escape with educational value and distinctive experiences, Muoi Cuong Cocoa Garden in Phong Dien, Can Tho, is an ideal choice. Unlike busier ecotourism attractions, this garden covers more than 1.2 hectares and is home to thousands of mature cocoa trees. It preserves a long history of how this tropical crop was cultivated and adapted to life in the Mekong Delta, a region often known as the Land of Nine Dragons.

The visit is remarkably affordable, with an all-inclusive ticket priced at just VND 50,000 per person. This covers admission, a guided explanation, and a drink.

At Uncle Muoi Cuong's garden, visitors can stroll beneath a leafy canopy while listening to an experienced farmer explain the cocoa-growing process in detail, from the tiny flowers that emerge on the tree trunks to the fruit as it ripens and turns golden yellow. The experience becomes particularly rewarding when visitors observe and take part in the meticulous traditional production process. This includes splitting the pods, fermenting the beans in bamboo baskets, drying them in the sun, roasting and grinding them, and separating the cocoa butter to produce pure chocolate bars.

Before leaving, visitors can also purchase locally made specialty products, such as cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and handmade cocoa wine. Priced affordably at VND 80,000 to VND 250,000 per product, these items make thoughtful gifts for family and friends.

For independent travelers looking for a quiet place to unwind while enjoying a distinctive local attraction, Can Tho's artificial beach, also known as the sandy beach at Ninh Kieu Wharf, offers a surprising alternative. Unlike the wild or dramatic scenery of natural beaches, this approximately 400-meter-long stretch of sand along the Hau River is a unique man-made attraction. It reflects the creativity involved in bringing a taste of the sea to the heart of the river-filled Mekong Delta.

At Can Tho Beach, visitors can stroll along the fine sand, admire the impressive Can Tho Bridge in the distance, and listen to waves generated by a modern wave-making system as they mingle with the refreshing breeze from the Hau River. The experience also offers a chance to observe how life along the river changes from day to night, watch the sunset paint the sky in brilliant shades of red, and enjoy recreational activities such as kayaking and jet skiing. For a more leisurely experience, simply sitting back with a chilled coconut drink is enough to make the visit worthwhile.

Before heading home, visitors can stop by the nearby night market or souvenir stalls to pick up local specialties, including dried fruit, sweet rice paper, and handmade crafts. With prices ranging from VND 30,000 to VND 150,000 per item, these products make affordable and meaningful gifts for loved ones.