Can Tho: Floating Market, Canals, Nature Reserve & Forest

Can Tho , Vietnam

Can Tho: Floating Market, Canals, Nature Reserve & Forest

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(33 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

What makes this tour special:
• A unique tour in Can Tho combining the Cai Rang Floating Market and Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve — an experience you won’t find anywhere else, at a great price.
• Sunrise at Cai Rang Floating Market – the liveliest and most colorful time of day to witness real river life.
• Cruising through peaceful small canals – escape the crowds and explore the hidden beauty of the Mekong Delta.
• Visit a traditional noodle factory
• Connect with local people – hear personal stories and learn about daily life in the countryside.
• Guided by a passionate local expert – who brings the region’s culture and traditions to life in an authentic and engaging way.
• Explore Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve & Forests

Available options

Small Group - Minimum 2 guests

Note:: This tour requires a minimum of 2 guests. Please kindly do not book if you are traveling alone.<br/>Pickup included

Private Tour -Minimum 2 guests

Note: This tour requires a minimum of 2 guests. Please kindly do not book if you are traveling alone.
<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Breakfast (vegetarian option available)

Comfortable A/C car to Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve

Sampan (small boat) with local boat driver

All entrance fees

English speaking guide

Tea and coffee

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Can Tho or nearby

Fruit

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Discover the real Mekong Delta — beyond the crowds.
A unique tour in Can Tho combining the famous Cai Rang Floating Market with the untouched Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve. Authentic, peaceful, and full of local life.

At 5:45 AM, we pick you up at your hotel in Can Tho by car and take you to the boat station, where you’ll board a traditional wooden sampan — the beginning of your Mekong journey.
⸻

Visit Local Market
Before heading to the river, you’ll stop by a small morning market where locals buy fresh produce, flowers, and breakfast food. It’s an authentic glimpse of daily Mekong life before the city wakes up.

Sunrise on the Mekong River
Around 6:00 AM, the river is quiet and the sky begins to glow. As the sun rises over the water, you’ll enjoy one of the calmest and most beautiful moments of the day.

⸻

Cai Rang Floating Market
When the river gets busier, you arrive at the famous floating market, where boats sell fruits and vegetables right on the water. Here, you’ll enjoy a hot bowl of noodle soup on the boat — with a vegetarian option available.

⸻

Life on the River
You’ll switch to a smaller sampan to explore deeper. Fresh pineapple will be cut and served right on the river. Your guide shares stories about how local people live, trade, and raise their families on the water.

Stop 3

Traditional Rice Noodle Factory
You visit a small family workshop where colorful rice noodles are made by hand. This is a working place, not a tourist shop — you’ll see the full process from steaming to drying and cutting.

Lung Ngoc Hoang Wetland Conservation Area

About 45 minutes from Can Tho, Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve is a 2,800-hectare protected wetland and a hidden gem of the Mekong Delta, far from mass tourism.

Explore the reserve by small traditional boat, gliding through quiet natural canals covered with water hyacinths and aquatic plants. Surrounded by flooded forest, reeds, and palms, you’ll experience a peaceful and authentic side of the wild Mekong.

Highlights
• Boat ride through hidden forest canals
• 25-meter watchtower with panoramic wetland views
• Birdwatching in a natural habitat
• Optional 1.4 km nature walk or return by boat

What's not included

Personal expenses

Available languages

Audio guide

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

32 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Can Tho

Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta, known for its vibrant floating markets, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The city offers a unique blend of traditional and modern Vietnamese life, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic experience.

Top Attractions

Cai Rang Floating Market

One of the largest and most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang is a bustling hub of activity where vendors sell goods from their boats.

Cultural Half day Free to enter, boat tours around 100,000 VND (5 USD)

Ninh Kieu Night Market

A vibrant night market located along the riverfront, offering a variety of local food, souvenirs, and handmade crafts.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for food and souvenirs

Binh Thuy Ancient House

A beautifully preserved 19th-century house that showcases traditional Vietnamese architecture and history.

Historical 1 hour 10,000 VND (0.5 USD)

Mekong Delta Rice Fields

Explore the lush, green rice fields that are the lifeblood of the Mekong Delta, offering a glimpse into the region's agricultural heritage.

Nature Half day to full day Free to explore, guided tours available

Must-Try Local Dishes

Banh Xeo

A crispy Vietnamese pancake made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and pork, can be made vegetarian

Che

A sweet, colorful dessert made with a variety of ingredients such as beans, jelly, fruit, and coconut milk

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available

Bun Ca

A noodle soup made with fish, herbs, and a tangy tamarind broth

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish, can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Boat tours Hiking in the Mekong Delta Cycling through rural villages Riverfront dining Spa and wellness treatments Gardens and parks Temple visits Local markets and street food

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with lower humidity and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Can Tho is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Exercise caution and common sense to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs and exchanging money

Getting there

By air

Can Tho International Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Can Tho Railway Station

By bus

Can Tho Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around Can Tho. Buses are often crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ninh Kieu District Binh Thuy District Cai Rang District

Day trips

Chau Doc

120 km from Can Tho • Full day

A charming town near the Cambodian border, known for its floating villages, historic temples, and the iconic Sam Mountain.

Vinh Long

50 km from Can Tho • Half day to full day

A peaceful town in the Mekong Delta, known for its lush gardens, historic pagodas, and scenic boat tours.

Soc Trang

80 km from Can Tho • Full day

A town known for its vibrant Khmer community, historic temples, and unique cultural experiences.

Festivals

Cai Rang Floating Market Festival • Annual, typically in August Can Tho Flower Festival • Annual, typically in January Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) • Annual, typically in January or February

Pro tips

Visit the Cai Rang Floating Market early in the morning to experience the bustling atmosphere and fresh produce
Hire a local guide or join a tour to fully experience the floating markets and learn about the local way of life
Try local street food and snacks, such as banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake) and che (sweet dessert)
Explore the lush rice fields and rural villages of the Mekong Delta on a guided tour or by bicycle
Visit the historic Binh Thuy Ancient House to learn about the region's rich history and cultural heritage