No trip to the south of Vietnam is complete without a stop in the Mekong Delta and the usual destination is Can Tho. Though primarily known for its vibrant floating markets, it has enough to see to keep you occupied for a little longer. Here’s how we’d suggest spending two days.

You’ll probably arrive in the early afternoon if you take the early bus from Ho Chi Minh City, so the first order of business is finding accommodation. Due to its popularity as a tourist destination, there is plenty to be had across price ranges. If you are on a budget, Tay Ho Hotel is a good option due to its central location, clean rooms and cheap prices, with rooms starting at 300,000 VND. If this is booked out, try Hien Guesthouse (do try the house-made yoghurt) or neighbouring Thanh Ha. Good midrange options are Hau Giang and Saigon Can Tho, while if you are looking to splash out, look no further than Kim Tho or Golf Hotel.

For lunch, check out Phong Nam, which has front and centre seating to the action on the riverside. Or try Cay Me, which has some of the best banh cuon this side of the Mekong. Originally a dish from the north, southerners spruce these pork-stuffed rice rolls by adding in fresh basil, bean sprouts and a tangy nuoc cham dipping sauce.

Can Tho Museum

Next morning, wake up way too early to check out Cai Rang floating market — most tours start at 6am as the market tends to wind down by 9am. The Delta’s abundant produce is on show as you watch a lively scene that has played out across the generations living on and around the Mekong. Farmers in small boats ply their wares to buyers in larger boats, which will eventually make the long trip to Ho Chi Minh City.

Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho

If you are in need of breakfast, be patient — someone will eventually pull up to your boat with coffee and either some hu tieu or chao for you to munch on. Depending on how long your tour is, you might be able to check out some of the smaller canals as well, which we would recommend.

Coffee in Cai Rang market

Load up on some more caffeine at Hop Pho, a Can Tho mainstay serving coffee and ice cream, then for lunch, head to Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, which offers an abundance of local eats such as nem nuong. If you are in the mood for pho, head to Pho Oanh on Ly Tu Trong and make sure to get a stick of bo nem nuong with your soup.
Spend the rest of your afternoon touring Can Tho’s four notable pagodas: Buu Tri, Quang Duc, Phat Hoc and Chua Munirensay. While the first three are typical of pagodas in Vietnam, the last reflects the style of the former Khmer owners of the region, with its bright yellows and oranges standing in contrast to the usual browns seen in Vietnamese pagodas. Monks in the pagoda will gladly show you around.

Street food in Can Tho

For something a bit cheaper, head to De Tham Street, a magnet for hungry locals. We suggest the tasty grilled chicken wings you’ll find at a small green house about 100 metres past Hem 88. Round out your night with a bit of shopping at the Can Tho Night Market.