Where to Stay in Can Tho

Can Tho is a compact and easy-to-navigate city, with most attractions and amenities concentrated near the Hau River waterfront. Choosing the right area to stay can enhance your experience of this charming Mekong Delta city. Traveloka offers a comprehensive range of Can Tho hotels to suit every budget and preference.

Ninh Kieu District (City Centre) is the heart of Can Tho and the most popular area for tourists. It is home to Ninh Kieu Wharf, a beautiful riverside promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, and market stalls. Most mid-range and luxury hotels are located here, providing easy access to river boat tours and the city's best dining options.

Cai Rang District is located southwest of the city centre and is where the famous Cai Rang Floating Market operates. Staying here puts you closer to the market, which is ideal if you plan to visit at dawn when it is most active. Several homestays and budget guesthouses are available in this area.

Binh Thuy District is known for the historic Binh Thuy Ancient House, a beautifully preserved 19th-century home that was featured in the film "The Lover." This quieter residential area has a handful of guesthouses and offers a more local experience.

Riverside & Resort Areas along the Hau River and surrounding countryside feature several boutique resorts that provide a tranquil escape. These properties often include gardens, river views, and traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Explore more Vietnamese destinations through Traveloka, including An Phu District, Ba Dinh District, and An Duong District.

Can Tho Hotel Prices

Can Tho is one of the most affordable cities in Vietnam for accommodation, offering excellent value for Malaysian travellers seeking a Mekong Delta experience.

Budget Hotels & Homestays: RM 50 – RM 100 per night. Clean, basic rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi are widely available. Many homestays along the river offer an authentic local experience and include home-cooked meals.

Mid-Range Hotels: RM 100 – RM 250 per night. Comfortable hotels with swimming pools, breakfast buffets, and river views. Properties in Ninh Kieu District in this range offer the best combination of comfort and convenience.

Luxury Hotels & Resorts: RM 250 – RM 800 per night. Can Tho has several premium properties including international brands and boutique resorts. Victoria Can Tho Resort, Azerai Can Tho, and Vinpearl Hotel Can Tho are among the top choices, offering private piers, spa facilities, and fine dining.

Prices remain relatively stable throughout the year, with slight increases during Vietnamese public holidays and Tet. Booking on Traveloka allows you to compare prices easily and take advantage of promotional offers.

Top Attractions in Can Tho

Can Tho's attractions revolve around its river culture, agricultural heritage, and warm local hospitality.

Cai Rang Floating Market is the largest and most famous floating market in the Mekong Delta. Operating daily from around 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM, vendors sell fruits, vegetables, and prepared food from their boats. The best way to visit is by hiring a boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf — tours cost approximately RM 15–30 per person and typically last 2–3 hours.

Ninh Kieu Wharf is Can Tho's scenic waterfront promenade, established in the 19th century and spanning 7,000 square metres. It is the starting point for most river tours and comes alive in the evening with food stalls, live music, and beautiful views of the Can Tho Bridge illuminated at night.

Binh Thuy Ancient House is a stunning 19th-century home that blends Vietnamese and French colonial architecture. It was used as a filming location for the movie "The Lover" and remains a private residence that is open to visitors. Entry costs approximately RM 3.

Ong Pagoda (Quang Trieu Assembly Hall) is a richly decorated Chinese temple built in the 19th century. Its ornate carvings, colourful lanterns, and peaceful atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop for cultural exploration.

Fruit Orchards & Gardens in the surrounding countryside allow visitors to sample seasonal tropical fruits directly from the trees. Boat tours to nearby islands and orchards offer a delightful half-day excursion and typically cost RM 15–25 per person.

Can Tho Museum provides an overview of the region's history, culture, and natural environment. The museum features exhibits on the Mekong Delta's ecosystem, the Khmer minority community, and the region's role in Vietnamese history. Entry is free.

Best Time to Visit Can Tho

Can Tho has a tropical climate similar to southern Malaysia, with warm temperatures year-round.

Dry Season (November – April): This is the best time to visit Can Tho. Skies are clear, rainfall is minimal, and the floating markets are at their busiest. The fruit harvest season peaks between December and February, making orchard visits especially rewarding.

Wet Season (May – October): Afternoon thunderstorms are common but usually brief. The Mekong River rises significantly during this period, creating lush green landscapes. Hotel prices are lower, and the floating markets still operate daily. The rising water levels can actually make boat tours more scenic.

Can Tho is a year-round destination, though early mornings are always the best time for visiting the floating market regardless of season.

Getting to Can Tho from Malaysia

Can Tho International Airport (VCA) receives limited international flights, so most Malaysian travellers fly to Ho Chi Minh City first and then travel overland to Can Tho.

By Air: Some carriers offer flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho, taking about 45 minutes. However, domestic flight availability can be limited.

By Bus: Express buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho depart from various stations in District 1 and take approximately 3.5–4 hours. Tickets cost around RM 20–40 for comfortable sleeper buses with air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

By Private Car: A private car transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho takes about 3–3.5 hours via the expressway and costs approximately RM 150–250. This option is ideal for small groups who want flexibility and comfort.

Malaysian passport holders enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days.

Can Tho Food Guide

Can Tho's cuisine reflects the abundance of the Mekong Delta, featuring fresh river fish, tropical fruits, and distinctive southern Vietnamese flavours.

Banh Cong is a crispy deep-fried cake made from rice flour and mung beans, typically stuffed with shrimp. It is a beloved Can Tho street snack that costs just RM 2–4 for a serving.

Lau Mam is a fermented fish hotpot that is a quintessential Mekong Delta dish. It features a rich, pungent broth served with fresh vegetables, noodles, and various meats. A shared pot costs RM 15–30 at local restaurants.

Bun Nuoc Leo is a thick, flavourful fish-based noodle soup unique to the southern Mekong Delta. It has Khmer origins and is a must-try for adventurous eaters. Expect to pay RM 4–7 per bowl.

Fresh Tropical Fruits are available in abundance at the floating markets and local orchards. Mangosteen, rambutan, durian, longan, and dragon fruit are sold at incredibly low prices — often under RM 5 per kilogram.

Hu Tieu is a southern Vietnamese noodle soup with a clear, sweet pork broth and a variety of toppings. The Can Tho version is considered one of the best in the country, costing around RM 4–6 per bowl.

Getting Around Can Tho

Grab: Available in Can Tho for both car and motorbike rides. Most trips within the city cost RM 3–10. This is the easiest way to get between your hotel and attractions.

Boat Tours: Essential for visiting the floating markets and fruit orchards. Boats can be hired from Ninh Kieu Wharf, with prices starting at RM 15 per person for group tours or RM 50–80 for a private boat.

Bicycle: Many hotels and guesthouses offer bicycle rentals for free or at a nominal fee. Cycling along the riverside roads and through the countryside is a wonderful way to experience Can Tho's peaceful landscape.

Motorbike Rental: Available for RM 20–35 per day. Can Tho's roads are much quieter than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, making motorbike riding a more manageable option here.

Walking: Ninh Kieu District is compact and walkable. The waterfront promenade, night market, and many restaurants are all within easy walking distance of most centrally located hotels.

Hotel Booking Tips for Can Tho

Stay Near Ninh Kieu Wharf: For the best Can Tho experience, book a hotel within walking distance of Ninh Kieu Wharf. This gives you easy access to boat tours, the night market, and riverside dining.

Book Floating Market Tours in Advance: While hotels can arrange tours, booking through Traveloka or your hotel the evening before ensures you get picked up on time for the early morning market visit.

Consider Homestays: Can Tho has excellent homestays that offer a more authentic experience than hotels. Many are run by local families who provide home-cooked meals and river tours.

Check for River View Rooms: Hotels along the Hau River often offer rooms with stunning water views. These may cost slightly more but provide a memorable experience, especially at sunset.

Use Traveloka Promotions: Traveloka frequently offers discounts on Can Tho hotels, especially during off-peak periods. Enable app notifications to catch flash sales and limited-time deals.

Pack Light Layers: While Can Tho is warm year-round, early morning boat tours to the floating market can be breezy. Bring a light jacket for comfortable dawn excursions.