13 outdoor activities to do in Can Tho

Can Tho, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, is a vibrant city known for its lively markets, picturesque canals, and lush greenery. The city is a popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic experience of the Vietnamese culture and its natural beauty.

If you’re planning a visit to Can Tho, there are plenty of outdoor activities to do that will help you explore the city’s landscape and immerse yourself in the local culture. In this article, we will discuss some of the best outdoor activities to do in Can Tho.

1. Explore the Canals & Floating Market

Can Tho is known for its intricate canal network, which is a defining feature of the city’s landscape. A boat tour of the canals is a must-do activity that will give you a glimpse into the daily life of the locals.

You can hire a private boat or join a group tour to explore the canals and witness the floating markets that are bustling with activity. The most popular floating market is Cai Rang, where you can buy fresh produce and sample local delicacies.

The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho has been ranked 10th in a list of the most beautiful canal cities in the world drawn up by the Earth and World website.

The floating markets in Can Tho are a unique attraction that showcases the city’s bustling trade scene. You can visit the markets and witness the locals trading everything from fresh produce to household items from their boats.

Learn more through the journey: Half day tour in Can Tho with Floating Market.

2. Cycle through the countryside

The countryside surrounding Can Tho is dotted with rice fields, fruit orchards, and quaint villages. Cycling through the countryside is an excellent way to explore the rural landscape and witness the local way of life. You can rent a bicycle and embark on a self-guided tour or join a guided tour that takes you through the most scenic routes.

Some of the popular routes include the Thot Not district, which is known for its rice fields, and the Phong Dien district, which is famous for its fruit orchards.

Learn more through the journey: Bike tour in countryside Can Tho.

3. Explore the fruit orchards

Can Tho is known for its tropical fruits like mangoes, durians, and pomelos. You can visit the fruit orchards and witness the process of fruit cultivation and harvest. Some of the popular fruit orchards include My Khanh, which has a wide variety of fruits and offers activities like fishing and boating, and Binh Thuy, which is known for its pomelo orchards and ancient house.

Learn about the dunes in the middle of the river with the local Mekong life: Son islet.

4. Take a sunset cruise

A sunset cruise along the Hau River is a romantic and serene way to end your day in Can Tho. You can enjoy the sunset while sipping on a cold drink and watching the local life along the river. You can choose from a variety of cruise options, including private boats and group tours.

5. Visit the rice paddies

Rice cultivation is an integral part of the Vietnamese culture, and the rice paddies in Can Tho offer a fascinating insight into the country’s agricultural practices. You can visit the rice paddies and witness the process of rice cultivation, from planting to harvesting. Some of the popular rice paddies to visit include the Phong Dien rice paddies and the Thot Not rice paddies.

6. Go bird watching

Can Tho is home to a diverse range of bird species, including the painted stork, the little egret, and the black-crowned night heron. You can visit the Bang Lang stork sanctuary and witness the birds in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is located in Thot Not district and offers guided tours.

7. Experience the countryside life

To experience the authentic countryside life, you can visit the local homestays in Can Tho. The homestays offer a chance to stay with a local family and witness their daily life. You can learn how to cook local dishes, go fishing with the locals, and explore the nearby villages. This is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn more about the people of Can Tho.

8. Take a motorbike tour

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a motorbike tour of the city and the surrounding countryside. This is an excellent way to explore the less touristy areas of Can Tho and witness the local life up close. You can rent a motorbike and embark on a self-guided tour or join a guided tour that takes you through the most scenic routes.

• Book the service to be well taken care of: Motorbike rental in Can Tho.
• Or find out more about: Car rental in Can Tho.

9. Explore the Ong De Ecological Garden

The Ong De Ecological Garden is a beautiful garden located on the outskirts of Can Tho. The garden is spread over 20 hectares and offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can take a walk through the garden, enjoy the picturesque views, and learn more about the local flora and fauna.

10. Try the local delicacies

Can Tho is known for its delicious local cuisine, and trying the local delicacies is a must-do activity. Some of the popular dishes include banh xeo, a savory pancake filled with shrimp and bean sprouts, and bun rieu, a noodle soup made with crab meat and tomatoes. You can explore the local markets and street vendors to sample the best of Can Tho’s food scene.

Come on a culinary journey: Can Tho street food tour.

11. Visit the Can Tho Museum

The Can Tho Museum is an excellent place to learn more about the city’s history and culture. The museum showcases the region’s unique heritage and offers insights into the Mekong Delta’s economic and cultural development. You can explore the exhibits, learn about the local traditions and customs, and appreciate the city’s rich cultural diversity.

12. Attend the Ninh Kieu Night Market

The Ninh Kieu Night Market is a vibrant market that takes place every night along the Can Tho River. The market offers a variety of goods, including local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food. You can explore the market, mingle with the locals, and sample the delicious street food.

13. Enjoy the city’s nightlife

Can Tho has a bustling nightlife scene that offers a range of entertainment options. You can visit the local bars and clubs, enjoy live music performances, and dance the night away. The city’s nightlife is a great way to meet new people, socialize with the locals, and experience the city’s vibrant culture.

In conclusion, Can Tho offers a wide range of outdoor activities that cater to all types of travelers. From exploring the canals and countryside to trying the local delicacies and experiencing the city's nightlife, there's something for everyone in Can Tho. So, if you're planning a trip to Vietnam, make sure to add Can Tho to your itinerary and experience the best of what the city has to offer.