Can Tho, Vietnam Photography

Photographing Can Tho

Can Tho is the Mekong Delta's largest city, built entirely around the rivers and canals that carry its produce to market. The Cai Rang floating market is the main draw, but the narrower waterways threading out from the city hold just as much of the delta's daily life.

Where to shoot

Cai Rang Floating Market — the delta's largest floating market, best seen from a hired boat between 5am and 8am before the wholesalers pack up
Ninh Kieu Wharf — Can Tho's riverside promenade and the easiest place to arrange a sunrise boat trip to Cai Rang
Can Tho's back canals — narrower waterways lined with stilt houses and orchards, best explored by smaller sampan away from the main river
Binh Thuy Ancient House — a well-preserved French-Vietnamese colonial house near the canals, used as a filming location for The Lover

When to go

December to April, during the dry season, when river levels are lower and mornings on the water are clear rather than washed out by rain.

What to eat

Try bun cha ca (fish cake noodle soup), banana fritters (chuoi chien) bought straight off a market boat, and hu tieu Nam Vang, a Mekong-style noodle soup often eaten for breakfast on the water.

Where to stay

Stay near Ninh Kieu Wharf, within walking distance of the riverfront where boats to Cai Rang depart before sunrise.

Book your boat the evening before through your hotel or directly at Ninh Kieu Wharf, and ask for a 5:30am departure — arrive at Cai Rang any later than 7am and the wholesale boats have already sold out and left.