Vietnam / Mekong Delta & Phu Quoc / Can Tho (Mekong Delta)Can Tho (Mekong Delta)
Floating Markets and River Life in the Delta
The largest city of the Mekong Delta, three and a half hours from Saigon. Boats leave Ninh Kieu pier before dawn for the Cai Rang floating market (much smaller than it was, but still trading), then wind through canals to fruit orchards and rice-noodle workshops. Bicycle the river islands, stay in a garden homestay, and eat the delta's fruit. From September to November the river is at its highest.
Highlights
- Cai Rang floating market at dawn
- Canal boat to fruit orchards
- Rice-noodle workshop
- Cycling Con Son island
- Ninh Kieu night market
- Binh Thuy ancient house
- Garden homestay
Things to do
- Dawn boat to Cai Rang floating market and the canalsMorning · 5h
- Cycle Con Son island's orchardsAfternoon · 3h
- Binh Thuy ancient house and Ong TempleAfternoon · 2h
- Ninh Kieu riverside night marketEvening · 2h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: December – April
Worth knowing
Tet: Closures and a Travel Rush
Tet (Lunar New Year) falls on 6 February in 2027. In the week before, trains, buses and flights sell out and fares rise; for three to five days after, many shops, restaurants and family-run hotels close. Check the date for your year, book transport a month or more ahead, and expect higher prices.
- Tet (Lunar New Year) — Vietnam's biggest holiday. In the week before, trains, buses and flights sell out and prices rise as everyone travels home; for three to five days after New Year's Eve many shops, restaurants and family-run hotels close, while temples and flower markets are at their liveliest. Book transport a month or more ahead, or avoid travelling in the days either side.
Part of a longer route
Can Tho (Mekong Delta) is a stop on a curated circuit through Vietnam.