The largest city in the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is famously referred to as the “river of poems” and is a bustling trade and tourist spot in Vietnam. The stunning canals, floating markets, delicious cuisine and surrounding natural beauty make this a unique place to visit. Historically, the French colonizers turned this town into one the commercial hubs of their empire. This is the go-to spot in the Mekong River Delta, with a palpable and exciting atmosphere. The wooden rowboats or Sampan, are the best and most enjoyable way to navigate through the river canals. Visitors can stop off at any point and explore an area that catches their fancy. The activities on offer provide something fun and special for every kind of visitor. Here are the things to do in Can Tho.

A beloved tourist spot in the city, spending an afternoon at this charming wharf is one the best and most enjoyable things to do. The wharf is home to a gorgeous green park, night marketplaces, bars and fantastic restaurants as well. The surrounding views of corals and diverse marine drive are stunning. Additionally, this is a great spot to catch the sunset and is frequented by young couples and families alike. Post sunset the wharf really comes to life with visitors enjoying the local cuisine and some drinks!

Another one of the most popular activities in Can Tho is to check out the legendary Cai Rang Floating Market. Due to its uniqueness the space is frequented by thousands of tourists who flock here throughout the year. The ideal time to check this space out is between 6:00 to 7:00 AM every morning when the boats just come in the dock. This place is a dream for photographers and visitors who are curious about the local trading industry.

A sampan is basically a wooden rowboat that visitors can hire to explore the surrounding area of Can Tho. It is an amazing activity as it gives visitors deep insights into the lifestyle of this floating town. Visitors can explore the wooden stilt houses, parks, markets and even stop off at any point to enjoy some of the fresh cuisine on offer. The cost of renting one of these boats can be negotiated but should be around 1000 INR.

A slightly offbeat activity, visitors are recommended to experience Can Tho’s fabled agriculture first-hand by partaking in the farming of cocoa. There are several homestays on farmlands like the Mien Tay Homestay, which allow visitors to explore the rural countryside of Can Tho as well. Additionally they prepare some delicious meals using local produce on request.

Exploring the Grand Prison is a popular thing to do for historians due to its deep and dark past. The prison served as the holding ground for revolutionaries and rebels during the French Colonization of Vietnam which lasted several decades. This is just one of hundreds of such prisons where soldiers and Vietnamese citizens were shackled and treated inhumanely. It now serves an important reminder of the country's troubled past and is frequented by visitors throughout the year.

This market is one of 7 floating markets in the Mekong River Delta and is a cultural melting pot where visitors get mesmerized by the hustle and bustle of the local traders and sellers. Opening early at 4 in the morning and shutting by 8 at night, this market is where most visitors come to shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, handmade clothing and fresh produce.

A trip to Can Tho is incomplete without sampling the delicious local delicacies on offer. These can be tried in a variety of restaurants or any of the street and floating markets. The cuisine is primarily non-vegetarian and seafood based and is used in a variety of soups, noodles and rice-based dumplings. The cuisine is prepared using freshly sourced and organic ingredients and visitors are recommended to inquire with locals about the best food spots to visit.