Cần Thơ is a centrally governed city located in the heart of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.
Geographical Location
North: Borders Hậu Giang Province
East: Borders Vĩnh Long Province
West: Borders An Giang Province
South: Borders Kiên Giang Province
Cần Thơ covers a natural area of 1,438.96 km².
Terrain
Cần Thơ has a low, flat terrain with an average elevation of about 2 meters above sea level. The city has a dense network of rivers, with the Hậu River being the largest that flows through the city.
Climate
Cần Thơ has a tropical monsoon climate, hot and humid throughout the year. The average annual temperature is 27.5°C, and the average annual rainfall is 1,500 mm.
History
The Cần Thơ area was first settled in the 18th century. In 1739, it was named Trấn Giang. In 1802, Trấn Giang was renamed Cần Thơ.
During French colonial rule, Cần Thơ was a province of Cochinchina. After 1954, Cần Thơ became the capital of South Vietnam.
After 1975, Cần Thơ was a province within the Mekong Delta region. In 2004, Cần Thơ was recognized as a centrally governed city.
Economy
Cần Thơ is the economic, cultural, social, healthcare, education, and trade center of the Mekong Delta. The city's economy is diverse, with key sectors including agriculture, industry, commerce, and services.
Culture
Cần Thơ is known for its rich and diverse culture. The city is home to many historical sites, cultural landmarks, and scenic spots.
Cần Thơ is a famous tourist city in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The city boasts numerous attractions that draw both domestic and international visitors.
Cái Răng Floating Market is one of the largest and most famous floating markets in Vietnam. The market operates every early morning, with hundreds of boats laden with fruits, agricultural products, and other goods moored side by side on the Hậu River. Visitors can board a boat to explore the market and purchase local products.
Picture: Cái Răng Floating Market
Bình Thủy Ancient House is a historic house built in 1870, featuring a blend of French and Vietnamese architectural styles. The house is lavishly decorated with intricate patterns and is a prime example of ancient architecture in the Mekong Delta region.
Picture: Bình Thủy Ancient House
Sơn Island is a small island located in the Hậu River, about 7 km from the center of Cần Thơ City. It is an ideal spot to experience the riverine lifestyle of the Mekong Delta. Visitors can explore fruit orchards, enjoy local specialty dishes, and participate in recreational activities such as rowing boats and fishing.
Picture: Cồn Sơn
Bằng Lăng Heron Sanctuary is a large bird sanctuary located in Thốt Nốt District, about 10 km from Cần Thơ City center. The sanctuary is home to thousands of herons, storks, egrets, and other bird species. Visitors can come here to watch the flocks of birds soaring in the sky and explore their natural habitat.
Picture: Bằng Lăng Heron Sanctuary
Ninh Kiều Pier is a riverside quay located in the heart of Cần Thơ City. It is a popular spot for viewing the Hậu River and the activities on it. Visitors can stroll along the pier, enjoy street food, and watch the sunset over the river.
Picture: Ninh Kiều Pier
Ông Temple is a pagoda built in 1893, dedicated to the worship of Chinese deities. The temple is elaborately decorated with intricate patterns and wooden Buddha statues.
Picture: Ông Temple
Cần Thơ Love Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Hậu River, connecting Ninh Kiều District and Cái Răng District. The bridge is designed in the shape of a heart and is a popular spot for photos and romantic dates.
Picture: Cần Thơ Love Bridge
Cần Thơ City Museum is a place that preserves and displays artifacts and historical relics of the city. The museum features several galleries with various themes, providing visitors with insights into the history and culture of Cần Thơ.
Picture: Cần Thơ City Museum
Bà Bộ Flower Village is a renowned flower village in Cần Thơ. Covering an area of about 100 hectares, the village grows various types of flowers such as roses, chrysanthemums, and orchids. Visitors can explore the village and purchase fresh flowers.
Picture: Bà Bộ Flower Village
Mỹ Khánh Fruit Orchard is one of the largest fruit orchards in Cần Thơ. Covering an area of about 60 hectares, the orchard grows a variety of fruits such as rambutan, durian, and mangosteen. Visitors can explore the orchard, enjoy tasting fresh fruits, and participate in recreational activities such as rowing boats and fishing.
Picture: Mỹ Khánh Fruit Orchard
Ấu Island, Ba Cống Fruit Orchard, Giàn Gừa, Phật Học Pagoda, Munir Ansay Pagoda, Phong Điền Eco-Tourism Area, Mỹ Khánh Eco-Tourism Area, Thốt Nốt Eco-Tourism Area...
Picture: Cần Thơ
Cần Thơ's cuisine is one of the distinctive features of the Mekong Delta region. It brings together the culinary treasures of the southwestern river area, with rich, delicious flavors that reflect the local cultural identity.
Cần Thơ's food features a harmonious blend of fresh, regional ingredients such as linh fish, yellow lotuses, snails, and eel, along with distinctive spices like fish sauce, fermented tofu, and lemongrass, creating unforgettable dishes with unique flavors.
Bánh xèo is a signature dish of the Mekong Delta region, featuring a crispy, golden-brown crepe filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, fresh herbs, and served with a tangy and sweet dipping sauce.
Picture: Sizzle cake (Bánh xèo)
Bún mắm is a dish made from linh fish paste, pork, shrimp, fish cake, duck eggs, fresh herbs, and rice noodles. The broth has a distinctive orange-red color and a rich, savory flavor.
Picture: Fermented Fish Noodle Soup (Bún mắm)
Fish Sauce Hotpot (Lẩu mắm): This is a signature hotpot dish from the Mekong Delta region, with a broth made from fermented fish, snakehead fish, pork, shrimp, fish cake, fresh vegetables, and noodles. The broth has a rich, savory flavor and is very well-suited to the weather in the Mekong Delta.
Picture: Fish Sauce Hotpot (Lẩu mắm)
Grilled Snakehead Fish: This dish is made from fresh snakehead fish, grilled over charcoal. Grilled snakehead fish has a distinctive aroma and the fish meat is sweet and firm.
Picture: Grilled Snakehead Fish (Cá lóc nướng trui)
Broken Rice with Grilled Pork, Pork Skin, and Vietnamese Meatloaf: This is a signature dish from Southern Vietnam, featuring broken rice, grilled pork chops, pork skin, Vietnamese meatloaf, fried egg, fresh vegetables, and sweet and sour fish sauce.
Picture: Broken Rice with Grilled Pork, Pork Skin, and Vietnamese Meatloaf (Cơm tấm sườn bì chả)
Crispy Fried Giant Gourami: This dish is made from fresh giant gourami fish, which is deep-fried to a crispy texture. The crispy fried giant gourami has a delicious flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Picture: Crispy Fried Giant Gourami (Cá tai tượng chiên xù)
Bánh Cống: This dish is made from rice flour, with a filling of shrimp, meat, bean sprouts, fresh vegetables, and sweet and sour dipping sauce. Banh Cong has a golden, crispy exterior and a flavorful filling of shrimp and meat.
Picture: Bánh cống
Grilled Nem from Cái Răng: This dish is made from pork, pork skin, shrimp, green onions, mung beans, and seasonings. Grilled Nem from Cái Răng has a delicious, rich flavor and is typically served with rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Picture: Grilled Nem from Cái Răng (Nem nướng Cái Răng)
Purple Sticky Rice Cake (Bánh Tét Lá Cẩm): This dish is made from sticky rice, mung beans, pork, salted egg yolks, and purple leaf. The Purple Sticky Rice Cake has a distinctive purple color and a delicious, rich flavor.
Picture: Purple Sticky Rice Cake (Bánh Tét Lá Cẩm)
Palm Sugar Steamed Cake (Bánh Bò Thốt Nốt): This dish is made from rice flour, palm sugar, and coconut milk. Palm Sugar Steamed Cake has a sweet, delicate flavor and is a distinctive treat from the Mekong Delta region.
Picture: Palm Sugar Steamed Cake (Bánh Bò Thốt Nốt)
Cần Thơ is a city in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. It has a tropical monsoon climate, divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.
The rainy season in Cần Thơ lasts from September to November, with wet weather and frequent rain. The dry season extends from December to August, characterized by hot and sunny weather.
The ideal time to visit Cần Thơ is from February to April, when the weather is relatively cool and comfortable, making it perfect for outdoor sightseeing and activities.
If you want to visit fruit orchards in Cần Thơ, you should travel during the summer months from May to July.
For those interested in participating in festivals in Cần Thơ, consider visiting during the following events:
Lantern Festival: Held on the 15th day of the first lunar month each year.
Boat Racing Festival: Celebrated in the 7th lunar month annually.
Vía Bà Chúa Xứ Festival: Takes place on the 22nd day of the fourth lunar month each year.
Cần Thơ is a city in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam with many attractive sightseeing spots. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a pleasant and memorable trip.
1. Prepare Appropriate Clothing for the Weather
Cần Thơ has a tropical monsoon climate, with distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from September to November, with wet and rainy weather. The dry season lasts from December to August, with generally hot and sunny conditions.
Therefore, you should prepare clothing suitable for the weather when traveling to Cần Thơ. If visiting during the rainy season, bring rain gear such as a raincoat and umbrella. If traveling during the dry season, bring sunscreen, a hat, and a cap to protect yourself from the sun.
2. Bring Mosquito Repellent
Cần Thơ is a water-rich area with many mosquitoes. Bring mosquito repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
3. Be Safety-Conscious During Recreational Activities
Cần Thơ offers many exciting recreational activities, but safety is important. For example, when visiting fruit orchards, go in a group and be careful when climbing. When taking a boat tour, wear a life jacket to ensure safety.
4. Choose the Right Mode of Transportation
Cần Thơ has a convenient transportation system. You can choose from various modes of transport such as motorcycles, taxis, and buses.
5. Learn About Local Culture and Customs
Cần Thơ is a culturally diverse city, so it's helpful to learn about local customs and traditions to avoid any cultural misunderstandings.
Here are some specific tips for visiting tourist spots in Cần Thơ:
- Cái Răng Floating Market: Visit the floating market early in the morning to fully experience the lively atmosphere.
- Fruit Orchards: Visit fruit orchards during the summer months, from May to July, to enjoy a variety of fresh fruits.
- Ninh Kiều Pier: Take a stroll along Ninh Kiều Pier in the evening to enjoy the riverside scenery and sample local specialties.
- Cần Thơ Museum: Spend about 2-3 hours at the museum to learn about Cần Thơ's history and culture.
I hope these tips help you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Cần Thơ.