With its vibrant culture, rich history, and natural beauty, Can Tho, a waterfront city in Vietnam offers luxury stays, Mekong River adventures, and delicious local food for the perfect escape.

Chances are you’ve not heard much of this cool riverside destination located in Vietnam’s picturesque Mekong Delta, but that’s all about to change. Can Tho, Vietnam is a rising star of short getaways around Asia, for its vibrant, cultural and natural beauty. It’s no surprise that luxury boutique hotels are springing up around the area, enticing visitors to skip nearby cities like Ho Chi Minh and discover the charm of this vibrant waterfront city.

There’s plenty to see and do here, especially on the bustling Mekong River – and you can keep as active or as relaxed as you like. Can Tho’s blend of traditional charm, bustling food options and laid-back vibe, promises an exciting getaway.

Table of Contents

• Where to stay: 5-star luxury retreats to charming boutique hotels
• What to eat: Authentic local bites to sophisticated Vietnamese fare
• Things to do: From river tours to cooking classes
• How to get there
• Fact box for Singaporean travellers

Where to stay: 5-star luxury retreats to charming boutique hotels

1. Azerai Can Tho

Award-winning Azerai Can Tho is the place to be. This stunning property is tucked away on Con Au Islet in the Mekong Delta, accessible only by private boat along the Hau River. With 60 contemporary rooms and pool villas, Azerai Can Tho is the kind of modern hideaway you’ll never want to leave. This luxurious retreat, crafted by renowned hotelier Adrian Zecha, offers everything you need to unwind in style.

Guests can indulge in the serene onsite spa, which features holistic treatments, a steam room, a fully-equipped fitness centre, a Pilates studio, a kids club, and a stunning pool that overlooks a beautiful lily-filled lake. The culinary experience does not disappoint and surpasses expectations with restaurants offering both local and international cuisine.
Azerai Can Tho, Con Au Islet, Hung Phu Ward, Cai Rang District, Can Tho, Vietnam

2. Sheraton Can Tho

Five-star hotel Sheraton Can Tho is centrally located in Can Tho City, adjacent to the Ninh Kieu Pier. It’s all about the central location here as nearby local attractions like Binh Thuy Ancient House, Binh Thuy Temple and the Cai Rang Floating Market make this a favourite for those wanting to be amongst it all. This hotel offers an extraordinary blend of modern luxury and Vietnamese charm, making it an exceptional choice for both leisure and business travellers.

The elegantly designed rooms feature stunning city and river views, ensuring a serene retreat. Guests can indulge in top-notch amenities, including a rooftop pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a luxurious spa. Dining at the on-site restaurants provides a delightful culinary experience with a mix of local and international cuisines.
Sheraton Can Tho, No. 209, 30/4 Street, Ninh Kieu District Can Tho, Vietnam

3. Wink Hotel

Wink Hotel Can Tho is a colourful, affordable stay in the bustling heart of Can Tho. The hotel features compact yet stylishly designed rooms equipped with all essential amenities. The vibrant communal spaces, including a co-working area and an energetic bar, create a dynamic atmosphere ideal for both work and leisure.

Emphasising local culture and sustainability, Wink Hotel offers a unique and conscientious experience. This 4-star hotel has all the perks from air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, each with a private bathroom, a kids’ club, room service and luggage storage for guests. There’s also an abundant buffet breakfast available daily. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring the city’s attractions – Can Tho Museum is just a five-minute walk away.
Wink hotel, 14 Phan Đình Phùng, Tân An, Ninh Kiều, Can Tho, Vietnam

4. Charmant Suites Hotel Can Tho

For those looking for luxury blended with tranquillity, Charmant Suites Hotel is a standout destination. The hotel features 166 elegantly designed rooms with bespoke lighting and vintage rugs, ensuring a cosy and sophisticated ambience. Guests can indulge in the spa, enjoy breathtaking views from the infinity pool, and savour a diverse culinary experience with Western and Asian cuisine at the restaurant.
Charmant Suites Hotel, 45 Ngo Quyen Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho, Vietnam

What to eat: Authentic local bites to sophisticated Vietnamese fare

5. Azerai Cafe & Grill

The excitement of dining at the exquisite Azerai Can Tho Cafe & Grill, starts at the reception on the ‘mainland’ where you’ll be whisked across the river in a private speed boat to the resort. It’s all very James Bondy. What’s waiting for you is a range of international and Vietnamese fare, all cooked to perfection with fresh local and seasonal ingredients. You can’t go past the regional Vietnamese dishes for either lunch or dinner and for Western taste buds, the tapas-style dinner with imported meats and local seafood does not disappoint.
Azerai Can Tho, Con Au Islet, Hung Phu Ward, Cai Rang District, Can Tho, Vietnam

6. Sao Hom Restaurant

Sao Hom Restaurant in Can Tho offers an exquisite dining experience that blends authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a charming riverside ambience. Nestled along the Hau River, the restaurant features a beautifully designed space with traditional decor and a serene atmosphere. The menu boasts a variety of flavourful dishes, from fresh seafood to delectable local specialties, all prepared with the finest ingredients. The attentive staff and excellent service enhance the overall experience, making it a must-visit spot for food lovers. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner or a family meal, Sao Hom provides a memorable culinary journey.
Sao Hom restaurant, Nhà Lồng Chợ Cổ Cần Thơ – Đường Hai Bà Trưng, P.Tân An, Q.Ninh Kiều Can Tho, Cần Thơ, Vietnam

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7. Lua Nep

Lua Nep offers visitors an authentic Vietnamese culinary experience in a charming riverside setting. The restaurant features traditional decor and an inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed dining experience. The menu is a delightful mix of fresh local ingredients and classic Vietnamese dishes, hot pot and grilled seafood alongside unique regional specialties. The attentive service and warm hospitality add to the overall appeal, making it a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine. Lúa Nếp provides a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Vietnamese culinary traditions.
Lua Nep, Le Loi Street, Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu County, Can Tho, Vietnam

Things to do: From river tours to cooking classes

8. Experience the Cai Rang Floating Market

When visiting Can Tho it’s all about making the most of the early morning to experience the city’s hustle and bustle. Make sure you jump on a tour to explore one of the largest and most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta. There’s nothing quite like seeing vendors selling their wares, fresh produce, fruits, and local delicacies directly from their boats.

It’s a fascinating site, one that showcases just how important the water trade is on the Mekong River. You can enjoy breakfast on the river served fresh from a boat and buy local produce and delicacies to feast on that day. This is the number one travel experience in this city, and the unique atmosphere of a traditional floating market is one you will remember forever.
Azerai Cai Rang Floating Market Cruise, reservations.cantho@azerai.com or call +84 292 3627 888. Bookings are for a minimum two guests, children welcome.

9. Explore Ninh Kieu Wharf

Ninh Kieu Wharf in Can Tho is a vibrant waterfront destination perfect for a leisurely stroll along the promenade or a scenic boat ride on the Hau River. The highlight is the floating restaurants that look like brightly lit boats offering a unique dining experience with delicious Vietnamese cuisine and live traditional music. It’s here you’ll also find Can Tho’s Walking Street, known as Hai Ba Trung Street.

Overlooking the Mekong Delta, the wharf also edges Ninh Kieu Park and hosts the bustling Can Tho Market. This fun and lively area provides a memorable culinary and cultural journey. Don’t forget to try local dishes such as Banh Xeo Vietnamese savoury pancakes, Hu Tieu noodle soup and grilled elephant ear fish delicacy. Make sure to also check out the beautiful nearby Ong Pagoda, showcasing intricate architecture in this historical temple.

10. Visit Binh Thuy Ancient House

This beautifully preserved French colonial house, built in the late 19th century and featured in several films, is a must-visit for architecture lovers. Binh Thuy Ancient House stands as a stunning testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. Now a recognised national heritage site, the house boasts intricate wood carvings, elegant furnishings, and antique ceramics that capture the opulence of the era.

Visitors can explore its spacious rooms adorned with French tiles, wooden shutters, and antique furniture, offering a glimpse into the affluent lifestyle of a 19th-century Southern Vietnamese family. The lush gardens, filled with bonsai trees and exotic flowers, create a serene backdrop for this architectural gem.
Binh Thuy Ancient House, 144, Bui Huu Nghia Street, Binh Thuy Ward, Can Tho, Vietnam

11. Have a stab at Vietnamese cooking classes

Grab your cooking buddy and immerse yourself in the wonders of Vietnamese cooking under the beautiful Banyan tree at Azerai Can Tho. Embark on a culinary journey to explore the authentic flavours of Vietnam through three delectable courses. Learn the art of creating dishes such as local chicken salad with banana blossoms, or perhaps you will master the technique of rolling fresh rice paper with prawn and pork, and then uncover the secrets of preparing stewed sea bass fish in a clay pot. The best part, you get to enjoy eating your creations afterwards!
Azerai Vietnamese cooking class, make a booking online

How to get there

Fly from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Book a direct flight from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. Airlines such as Singapore Airlines, VietJet Air, and Vietnam Airlines offer regular flights on this route.

Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho: Take a domestic flight to Can Tho International Airport (VCA). Airlines like Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air provide frequent flights between these cities.

Alternatively, you can drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho via private transfer or car rental. The distance is approximately 170 kilometres and takes about three to four hours via the National Highway 1A.

Or, catch a bus from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), take a taxi or public transport to one of Ho Chi Minh City’s bus stations (such as Mien Tay Bus Station). Several bus companies, including Futa Bus Lines and Thanh Buoi, operate regular services from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho – the journey typically takes around three to four hours.

Fact box for Singaporean travellers

Visa: Singaporeans can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 30 days. Other nationalities should check visa requirements before entry.

Language: Vietnamese (English is widely understood in tourist areas)

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone: GMT+7 (1 hour behind Singapore)

Climate: Tropical, with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 29°C.

Visiting Can Tho, Vietnam is a truly wonderful way to immerse into the reality of local life on the Mekong Delta waterway. Not only is it a source of livelihood, and a place of trade, but it provides incredible sources of entertainment through popular boat cruises for vibrant nightlife or simply a relaxing sunset cruise on the constantly moving and ever-changing Mekong River.