When it comes to the West of Viet Nam, Can Tho is pretty well-known and has become an ideal tourist destination in the hearts of all visitors. This is the fourth-largest city in Vietnam and the largest city along the Mekong Delta region. Here, you will feel the peaceful, rustic life, fresh air, and especially the intertwined river system. Because there is a large river system, Cai Rang floating market is the first interesting place I visited.
Cai Rang is the largest floating market in the province where a place to exchange, wholesale, and retail all agricultural products, fruits of the regions. We enjoy sitting on boats or canoes to visit the activities of buying and selling items with all kinds of cheerful colors and the feeling of floating on the river. Well, we can also buy and try delicious local foods while visiting the floating market. The atmosphere of the bustling market leaves in the hearts of us lots of happy impressions.
We are advised to come here around 4 -5 am when we're able to catch the sunrise on the river, witness the busiest period of the day's market, and a great time for photography, but we could not wake up early. It's a bit disappointing as the authentic floating market is not maintained like before and very different from the stunning photography that I saw on the internet (so many things have changed); however, we love the trip🙂, enjoy the food and the lovely view along the river. Especially we have a fascinating insight into how local people make a living on a floating boat and what they sell. It's definitely a beautiful memory of the people in the delta of Viet Nam.
After the Floating Market, I recommend visiting some more tourist destinations in the area.
If you are a Buddhist, so Truc Lam Monastery is a place not to be missed. It is located 12km from Can Tho city. You can see 18 representations of 18 arhats and the Buddha Shakyamuni and the Bodhisattva statue with creative sculpture. The more you go inside, the more you will feel the fresh air with the faint smell of burning incense, creating antiquity and holiness. Entering the monastery feels like stepping into another world, where all the hustle and bustle does not exist; only pure hearts are directed towards the door of the Buddha. Take a cool walk around the lotus pond, find yourself a tranquil place to calm down, and pray to wish you good luck. It's so quiet! (Sorry, I don't have many pictures here)
Another place I stopped by is the Ninh Kieu wharf. This area is always crowded with tourists because it is very close to the center. When the lights are on, Ninh Kieu's wharf becomes more sparkling. You can enjoy local specialty drinks to chat with friends, watch the Hau River and enjoy the breeze. Sometimes, that's how you slow down. Along Ninh Kieu wharf are yachts serving tourists, taking visitors around to enjoy the beautiful scenery on the river and perform the typical music and singing performances of the southwestern region.
Few steps from the Ninh Kieu Wharf, Ong Ancient Pagoda is an outstanding Buddha architecture and more than 100-year-olds. It was recognized as a national cultural and historical relic in 1993. Recommend not to missed if you want to learn more about Buddism in the country.
Thanh Dat Resort
With a river view and greenery setting, this is a lovely and rustic resort that I really enjoy staying in.
Room very spacious, clean, and of great value for the price (25usd/ night, including breakfast). However, the inconvenience is a bit far from other touristic places and city center. The rest are good :)
Food
If you are a fan of Vietnamese cuisine and street food, Can Tho is probably food heaven. Fortunately, it's a non-tourist price, very flavorful and delicious. Can Tho is also the home of various local food specialties that you must try and experience the authentic taste of the food in the South (Vietnamese Fried Shrimp Cake, Steamed Rice Cake, Minced Crab Noodles, Sticky rice, Can Tho Noddles). I'm pretty sure that you will want to stay here to eat everything all day long 😋😜
Luckily, I still keep some short videos on my phone. I just created it and uploaded it on Youtube today😆😃 Oh, my first time !!
Travel Memory: Can Tho, Viet Nam July 2019/ April 2020
Thanks for checking this out, and Hope you will enjoy it.