I. Introduction: The Expanded Heart of the Mekong Delta in 2026
Can Tho: The Dynamic Fusion of Riverine Culture and Heritage
As of 2025, the administrative landscape of Southern Vietnam fundamentally transformed. The expanded Cần Thơ Mega-Hub, integrating the rich agricultural land of Hậu Giang and the profound Khmer cultural heritage of Sóc Trăng, now stands as the definitive capital of the Mekong Delta. Consequently, travelers in 2026 experience a unified region offering unparalleled diversity—from bustling riverside commerce to ancient Khmer temples and serene Zen monasteries.
This guide presents the Top 10 Can Tho Attractions, deliberately structured to explore this vast, new territory. We move beyond the city core to encompass the key historical, spiritual, and ecological sites of the expanded region, giving you the ultimate Delta itinerary.
II. River Commerce and Core City Life (TOP 1-3)
1. Cái Răng Floating Market (Chợ Nổi Cái Răng)
The Cái Răng Floating Market is the undisputed emblem of Cần Thơ and remains the most vibrant floating market in the Mekong Delta.
A Dawn of Commerce: Visitors must arrive early—ideally between 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM—to witness the market at its peak. Consequently, you watch hundreds of boats converge to trade agricultural goods, primarily fruits and flowers. Local vendors cleverly advertise their offerings by hanging samples on a tall pole (cây bẹo) at the bow of their boat.
The Experience: Therefore, hiring a small sampan is essential to navigate the larger vessels, allowing you to stop for breakfast, coffee, or fresh fruit purchased directly from the water, providing a complete sensory immersion into Delta life.
2. My Khanh Tourist Village (Làng Du Lịch Mỹ Khánh)
This large cultural village offers a consolidated and engaging look into the traditional life and agricultural diversity of the Delta, providing a perfect counterpoint to the busy markets.
Delta Heritage and Horticulture: The village actively preserves traditional Southern Vietnamese houses and architecture. Consequently, visitors explore ancient homes and learn about the local customs of wealthy landowners. Furthermore, you navigate large fruit orchards, sample various local delicacies, and enjoy traditional folk music performances.
The Experience: Mỹ Khánh is an excellent destination for families. Moreover, travelers often enjoy local activities like pig racing and fishing, making it a comprehensive cultural and recreational experience.
3. Ninh Kiều Wharf (Bến Ninh Kiều)
Ninh Kiều is the historic pier and riverside park in the heart of Cần Thơ, serving as the city’s main promenade, social hub, and transport nexus.
The City’s Social Heartbeat: The park is bustling in the evening with locals strolling, exercising, and enjoying the cool river breeze. Therefore, the pier is lined with restaurants and cafés. It is the primary departure point for all river tours, including the Cái Răng Floating Market.
Evening Charm: Consequently, the area truly comes alive after sunset. You find food vendors and performers, and the Cần Thơ Bridge and various floating restaurants are beautifully illuminated, creating a vibrant scene.
III. History, Agriculture, and Urban Life (TOP 4-6)
4. Muoi Cuong Cocoa Farm (Nông Trại Cacao Mười Cương)
This specific, unique farm provides travelers with a deep dive into Vietnam’s specialty cocoa industry, contrasting the typical rice and fruit focus of the Delta.
From Bean to Bar in the Delta: Visitors actively tour the farm, learning about the complex processes of harvesting, fermenting, and drying that transform the cocoa pods into high-quality chocolate and powder. Consequently, you gain a profound appreciation for the agricultural complexity of the region.
The Experience: The highlight involves tasting the diverse products made right on the farm, including pure cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and unique cocoa wine. Furthermore, this accessible farm is easily reached by bicycle or a short car ride from the city core.
5. Binh Thuy Ancient House (Nhà cổ Bình Thủy)
This remarkably preserved family home offers an essential look into the life of wealthy, sophisticated landowners in the Mekong Delta during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Architectural Fusion and Elegance: The house showcases an exquisite, rare blend of traditional Southern Vietnamese wooden structure with elegant French colonial architecture. Therefore, you observe ornate tiled floors, stained-glass windows, and beautiful antique furniture that tell a story of cultural exchange.
Historical Significance: Moreover, the house is famous for its role in the French film The Lover, cementing its place as a historical and cinematic landmark.
6. Can Tho Museum (Bảo tàng Cần Thơ)
The city museum provides crucial historical context for understanding the cultural and ecological development of the entire expanded Mekong Mega-Hub region.
Chronicling the Delta’s Identity: The museum houses comprehensive exhibits detailing the region’s diverse ethnic groups (Kinh, Hoa, Khmer), the history of the resistance wars, and the vital role of agriculture and river transportation. Consequently, a visit here enriches your appreciation for everything you observe on the rivers and in the surrounding provinces.
The Experience: The exhibits are well laid out, featuring artifacts, photographs, and life-size models of traditional Delta houses and boats, offering a thorough educational experience.
IV. Spiritual and Regional Grandeur (TOP 7-10)
7. Som Rong Pagoda (Chùa Som Rong, Sóc Trăng)
With the inclusion of Sóc Trăng, this majestic temple becomes a top-tier attraction of the expanded Cần Thơ Mega-Hub, offering stunning examples of Theravada Buddhist architecture.
The Grandeur of Khmer Artistry: The pagoda is renowned for its immense, colorful campus and, most notably, a massive reclining Buddha statue. Consequently, the scale and intricate detailing of the temple grounds attract travelers and pilgrims alike.
The Experience: Furthermore, Som Rong showcases the unique design elements of Khmer temples, which contrast sharply with the Vietnamese-style pagodas in the city center.
8. Chen Kieu Pagoda (Chùa Chén Kiểu / Sóc Trăng)
Also located in the Sóc Trăng region, Chen Kieu (or Sà Lôn Pagoda) is famous for its distinct use of shattered ceramics and porcelain to decorate its exterior walls.
A Mosaic of Color and History: This temple is a truly unique architectural marvel. Local artisans embedded pieces of broken ceramic bowls and plates into the temple walls and pillars to create vibrant mosaics. Therefore, the effect is stunningly intricate and colorful.
Historical Note: Moreover, the pagoda served as a temporary shelter for revolutionary soldiers during the war, adding a layer of historical significance to its spiritual role.
9. Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery (Thiền Viện Trúc Lâm Phương Nam)
Located in the former Hậu Giang province area, this is one of the largest and most magnificent Buddhist monasteries in Southern Vietnam, representing the country’s main Zen school.
Majestic Scale and Serenity: The complex is massive, featuring traditional Northern Vietnamese and Buddhist architectural styles with expansive courtyards, detailed wood carvings, and large statues. Consequently, it provides a sense of peace and overwhelming grandeur.
The Experience: Therefore, visiting offers a deep insight into Vietnamese Zen philosophy. The tranquil grounds and the sheer scale of the architecture make it a powerful spiritual and visual stop.
10. Muniransay Pagoda (Chùa Muniransay)
Returning to the Cần Thơ city core, this pagoda reinforces the region’s cultural diversity, representing the urban Khmer population.
Khmer Culture in the City: While the Sóc Trăng temples are vast, Muniransay is central and active, featuring the characteristic colorful, high, and tiered roof designs of Theravada architecture. Furthermore, the temple often serves as a central point for the city’s Khmer community.
The Experience: Visitors observe the intricate murals and the unique sala (meeting hall) design, providing an accessible look at the Khmer contribution to the Mekong Delta’s cultural fabric.