There are many legends on the origins of Can Tho.
Discover the Heart of the Mekong Delta
There are many legends on the origins of Can Tho. One to tell is the story of a princess of the Nguyễn Dynasty who was traveling to the Mekong Delta with her entourage. As she reached the region that would soon become Can Tho, she was struck by the beautiful sounds and voices singing a poetic rhythm. The land was named “Cam Thi Giang” meaning a river of poems and music. Moreso, this land was gifted with abundance of the rivers, rice fields, and lush greenery.
The story of Cam Thi Giang brings deeper admiration to Can Tho’s fertile lands, its cultural richness, and its vital role in keeping the rhythm of life in the Mekong Delta. You are welcomed on a journey to discover a deep connection between the people of Can Tho, the land they live on, and the stories being passed down through generations.
Street Walk and Sacred Spaces
As you explore Can Tho city, step into a place shaped by both history and legend. The Mekong River, flowing through the heart of the city, was once blessed by the Princess with peace, prosperity, and harmony. This walking experience starts from the lively Ninh Khieu Wharf, where the river connects people and cultures. Visit the historic Can Tho Prison, where stories of struggles for freedom shaped the region’s future, you’ll feel the resilience of the town’s spirit. Make your way to the Munirensay Khmer Temple, where you’ll sit with a monk for a blessing and offering. Followed by the Chua Phat Hoc (Vietnamese Temple), where you can reflect the spiritual balance and abundance that envisioned unity between 2 distinct cultures. Continue to stroll along De Tham Street, famous for its street food, and savor local bites. The Old Market area showcases the prosperity of commerce thriving within the community. As you relax at a cafe overlooking the wharf and Bassac boats, the river’s continued flow reminds you of the peace and prosperity that define Can Tho today, exactly as the legend it was admired for.
Delta Trails: Exploring Everyday Life
An easy cycling and family-friendly adventure brings you to the Phong Dien market, vibrant with the local produce that thrives thanks to the fertility of the land, a prosperous gift from Cam Thi Giang’s legend. As you continue to pedal through the Mekong villages, witness the abundance of tropical fruit gardens, filled with durian, mangosteen, and jackfruit. Coming towards Truong Tay hamlet, enjoy the lush green shades and cross bridges overlooking the small canals. A stop at a local café offers a refreshing interaction with local villagers, whose hospitality reflects the unity and spirit of the region. In between the homes, you will stop at a Khmer Theravada temple. Join traditional ceremonies, offer to light an incense for your own wishes, and connect to the heart and diverse culture that lives within. Close the day with a local meal or continue cycling through the lush orchards of Giai Xuan and My Khanh villages, where you’ll see how the land continues to flourish in alignment with a peaceful, thriving Can Tho.
Delta Trails: A Blend of Cultures
For a more challenging ride, this intermediate cycling journey begins with a short transfer to the Binh Minh area. Start to cycle across the Can Tho suspension bridge to enter a landscape rich in culture and history. Pedal through the fertile lands of My Hoa pomelo farms, famous for their sweet fruits and is part of the abundant territory that the legend once blessed with the wishes for prosperity and peace. As you continue your ride along Dong Thanh Khmer village, experience the cultural blend where different traditions live side by side in harmony. A 350-year-old Phu Ly Temple, will strike you by the beauty of its Khmer architecture, a testament to the lasting spiritual legacy of this region. Pedal past tropical farms and rice paddy fields and stop by at a local village known for its craftsmanship. Observe local artisans at work as they preserve traditions passed down through generations. Finish the day with a homemade lunch or continue to cycle on to Cai Ngang village, where the peaceful rural life embodies the landscape and culture of Can Tho.
Breakfast Cruise to the Floating Market & Small Canals
The floating markets in Can Tho also have their own folklore. Traders on boats were said to come from distant villages, using the waterways to bring goods and tales from far and wide. The market itself became a living poem, where every exchange between sellers and buyers were seen as part of an ongoing dance that was both a cultural expression and a practical way of life.
This folklore is not far from reality. The Cai Rang floating market stands timeless for its contribution to the livelihood of the people of the Mekong Delta. Most local sellers travel more than 100 kilometers by boat to reach Can Tho to sell their harvests for several days before they return home to their families. A visit to the floating market is an authentic experience that allows you to observe daily life in the Mekong and to support the local commerce and community life.
As your journey through Can Tho comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the city you’ve explored. Bring home with you the legacy of Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta where the cultures flow together, shaped by the enduring spirit of its people and prosperous livelihood.
“Cần Thơ gạo trắng nước trong,
Ai đi đến đó lòng không muốn về.”
“Cần Thơ with its white rice and clear waters.
For those who visit, who would ever want to leave.”
Connect with your Vietnam Travel Designers at sales.vietnam@khiri.com to discover the beautiful tales and stories of Can Tho.