With just 48 hours in Can Tho, prepare for a journey that immerses you in the tranquil charm of Vietnam’s river region, where the heritage and culture of Tay Do unfold in every detail.
If you’re planning a visit to the Mekong Delta, make time for Can Tho, the beating heart of this lush region. Two days here offer a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the gentle rhythm of life. This is where culture lingers in the air, from its storied past to its hospitable present. Join Tatler on a special journey where each moment promises something unforgettable, from animated floating markets and bountiful orchards to evenings filled with the melodies of Don Ca Tai Tu. Can Tho is more than a destination; it’s a love letter written in the rhythm of water, people and time.
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Check-in: Sheraton Can Tho
Often described as the jewel of the West, Sheraton Can Tho stands proudly in the heart of the city, moments from the romantic Ninh Kieu Wharf. As the tallest five-star hotel in the Mekong Delta, it offers a refined stay with panoramic views and generous space. Each room spans at least 46m² and is thoughtfully appointed, blending modern convenience with a touch of timeless elegance. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal mesmerising vistas of the Hau River as it curves around the flourishing Tay Do landscape and the lively centre of Can Tho.
Day 1

Above Sheraton Can Tho stands proudly in the heart of the city, moments from the romantic Ninh Kieu Wharf (photo: Sheraton Can Tho)

Above As the tallest five-star hotel in the Mekong Delta, it offers a refined stay with panoramic views and generous space (photo: Sheraton Can Tho)
Be sure to experience the Terrace Suite on the 26th floor, a highlight of the hotel. Covering 86m² and featuring a private garden balcony, it’s the perfect setting for sipping afternoon tea or watching the sun dance on the Hau River as it rises or sets in golden splendour.
Dinner at Saravan Restaurant

Above Saravan Restaurant boasts a commanding view of the city and seats over 100 guests (photo: Sheraton Can Tho)

Above The menu draws inspiration from the region, offering a journey through the bold, intricate flavours of Thai, Vietnamese and Khmer cuisine (photo: Saravan Restaurant)

Above The menu draws inspiration from the region, offering a journey through the bold, intricate flavours of Thai, Vietnamese and Khmer cuisine (photo: Saravan Restaurant)
Perched on the 6th floor of Sheraton Can Tho, Saravan Restaurant boasts a commanding view of the city and seats more than 100 guests. The interiors strike a delicate balance, modern in form, traditional in spirit, setting the tone for a memorable dining experience. The menu draws inspiration from the region, offering a journey through the bold, intricate flavours of Thai, Vietnamese and Khmer cuisine. At the helm is Chef Art, a Thai culinary maestro with more than ten years of expertise in crafting Asian dishes that linger on the palate.
Visit Tay Do night market

Above Tay Do Night Market invites visitors into a vibrant world of culture, cuisine and camaraderie (photo: vietnamtourism)
Set beside the gentle flow of the Hau River, Tay Do Night Market invites visitors into a vibrant world of culture, cuisine and camaraderie. The moment you arrive, you’re met with a glow of lanterns and stalls lined close together, each one exuding its own charm. The aroma of sizzling street food fills the air, from crispy banh xeo and smoky grilled snakehead fish to golden skewers fresh from the fryer. Pause at a stall for a late-night bite, and you’ll find yourself caught between the animated calls of vendors and the cheerful hum of locals and travellers alike.
Day 2
Experience Cai Rang floating market and enjoy local cuisine on a boat

Above From the break of dawn, with mist still lingering over the water, the river comes alive with boats jostling for position (photo: Unsplash)
There is little more magical than waking to the sounds and scents of Cai Rang Floating Market, a vibrant emblem of the Mekong Delta. From the break of dawn, with mist still lingering over the water, the river comes alive with boats jostling for position. Each vessel acts as a floating “store”, adorned with beo poles showcasing an array of fresh produce and fruits, painting a vivid and animated scene.

Above Each dish carries the spirit of the countryside, much like the generous smiles shared across the water (photo: Unsplash)

Above Each dish carries the spirit of the countryside, much like the generous smiles shared across the water (photo: Unsplash)
Drift towards a smaller boat, where a warm smile welcomes you to a steaming bowl of noodle soup, the broth sweetened by snakehead fish, subtly perfumed with lemongrass and a touch of local fish sauce. Perhaps a toasted meat sandwich or a bold glass of iced black coffee served mid-river will tempt you too. Humble though they may be, each dish carries the spirit of the countryside, much like the generous smiles shared across the water.
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Have fun at Con Son tourist village

Above At Con Son, visitors are invited to embrace the life of a true local (photo: Con Son - Community tourism village)

Above Take part in a traditional cake-making class, crafting banh xeo, banh la mit or banh bo with the joyful guidance of local aunties and uncles (photo: Con Son Community tourism village)

Above Take part in a traditional cake-making class, crafting banh xeo, banh la mit or banh bo with the joyful guidance of local aunties and uncles (photo: Con Son Community tourism village)
At Con Son, visitors are invited to embrace the life of a true local. Glide along narrow canals in a sampan, where the banks are fringed with water coconut palms and tranquillity lingers in the air. Take part in a traditional cake-making class, crafting banh xeo, banh la mit or banh bo with the joyful guidance of local aunties and uncles. One unmissable highlight is the delightful "flying snakehead fish" performance. Watching these fish leap and twirl on the water’s surface is sure to bring laughter and leave a lasting impression.

Above Watching these fish leap and twirl on the water’s surface is sure to bring laughter and leave a lasting impression (photo: Con Son Community tourism village)
Lunch at Spices Restaurant

Above Spices Restaurant in Can Tho offers the perfect interlude (photo: Spices Restaurant)

Above pices delivers a feast for the senses, rooted in the distinct flavours and hues of the Mekong Delta (photo: Spices Restaurant)

Above pices delivers a feast for the senses, rooted in the distinct flavours and hues of the Mekong Delta (photo: Spices Restaurant)
After a morning rich in river adventures and hands-on activities at Con Son, Spices Restaurant in Can Tho offers the perfect interlude. Living up to its name, Spices delivers a feast for the senses, rooted in the distinct flavours and hues of the Mekong Delta. Begin with grilled snakehead fish wrapped in rice paper, the natural sweetness of the flesh, the crispy skin, and the medley of fresh herbs come alive with a splash of pungent fish sauce. The sizzling banh xeo follows, golden and crisp, stuffed with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts, best dipped in the house sweet-sour sauce. To end, the region’s beloved fish sauce hotpot is a must, its bold flavour drawn from fermented linh fish, simmered with dien dien blossoms, morning glory, and slices of fresh fish.

Above Going downstream on a gently gliding wooden boat, you’ll find yourself immersed in the lyrical atmosphere of Can Tho (photo: mia)

Above Traditional melodies such as Da Co Hoai Lang or Ly Con Sao float through the air (photo: laodong)
Going downstream on a gently gliding wooden boat, you’ll find yourself immersed in the lyrical atmosphere of Can Tho, where shimmering lights from the riverbank mingle with the evening breeze. This tranquil journey opens a path into the very soul of the Mekong. Onboard, the soft strains of the zither intertwine with sweet, expressive voices, evoking stories of love and life along the river. Traditional melodies such as Da Co Hoai Lang or Ly Con Sao float through the air, unpretentious yet deeply moving, revealing the beauty of Southern folk music. With warm smiles and heartfelt delivery, the performers not only sing but share the stories behind each song, creating an experience that feels as intimate as a family gathering in the heart of Tay Do.
Dinner at The Grill Restaurant
To conclude a day filled with discovery, The Grill Restaurant at Azerai Can Tho offers a refined and memorable dining experience. Set in an elegant, cosy space, the restaurant is ideal for those looking to savour premium grilled fare in style.

Above The Grill Restaurant at Azerai Can Tho offers a refined and memorable dining experience (photo: Azerai Can Tho)

Above A meal at The Grill is a celebration of taste, a moment of indulgence and connection on your journey through Tay Do (photo: Azerai Can Tho)
Here, dishes are crafted from top-quality imported meats and the freshest local seafood, grilled with precision to preserve their natural flavours. Each plate is artfully arranged in small portions, making it perfect for sharing in the resort’s breezy lobby, by the serene poolside or amid the lush greenery of the garden. A meal at The Grill is a celebration of taste, a moment of indulgence and connection on your journey through Tay Do.
Sip with LEGI Cocktails & Dining

Above Step into LEGI and you’re immediately drawn to its intimate yet sophisticated ambience (photo: LEGI Cocktails & Dining)

Above Try the Rosita cocktail, a bold blend of strong spirits balanced by a whisper of citrusy sweetness, evoking the magnetic allure of Tay Do after dark (photo: LEGI Cocktails & Dining)
Step into LEGI and you’re immediately drawn to its intimate yet sophisticated ambience, where every detail is carefully considered. Try the Rosita cocktail, a bold blend of strong spirits balanced by a whisper of citrusy sweetness, evoking the magnetic allure of Tay Do after dark. For something softer, the Cusago Tea mocktail is an inviting mix of citrus, cinnamon and honey, perfect for unwinding while staying refreshed. And for those in the mood to share, cocktail shots like the B52 or B55 offer a lively burst of flavour, ideal for a night among friends.
Day 3
West Vietnamese cuisine for breakfast

Above Start your day in Can Tho with a nourishing breakfast, where local classics shine (photo: alltop)

Above Each bite is a window into the understated elegance of Can Tho’s culinary heritage (photo: cachnaubunrieu)
Start your day in Can Tho with a nourishing breakfast, where local classics shine. Enjoy a bowl of the city’s signature dry noodles springy and rich with a thick, flavourful sauce, topped with char siu, fresh prawns and crispy pork skin, accompanied by a clear, comforting soup. For a lighter option, crab noodle soup with rich roe, pork roll and delicate cubes of congealed blood makes for a warming start. Or explore fried breads and savoury sticky rice with a range of tempting toppings. Each bite is a window into the understated elegance of Can Tho’s culinary heritage.
Visit Binh Thuy ancient house

Above Binh Thuy Ancient House ranks among the three oldest and most enchanting heritage homes in the Mekong Delta (photo: wemekong)
Binh Thuy Ancient House ranks among the three oldest and most enchanting heritage homes in the Mekong Delta, a favourite for architecture lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Built in 1870 by the Duong family, the residence is a harmonious blend of French colonial elegance and traditional Vietnamese artistry. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a manicured garden where king arecas and Japanese pines flourish, creating a picturesque backdrop for vintage-inspired photos. Inside, the space is adorned with intricately carved wooden furniture, classic murals and precious antiques from mother-of-pearl inlaid tables to 19th-century wall clocks, offering a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of the era.

Above The Duong family residence is a harmonious blend of French colonial elegance and traditional Vietnamese artistry (Photo: tripadvisor)

Above The Duong family residence is a harmonious blend of French colonial elegance and traditional Vietnamese artistry (Photo: tripadvisor)

Above The Duong family residence is a harmonious blend of French colonial elegance and traditional Vietnamese artistry (Photo: tripadvisor)
With its rich history and distinctive architectural charm, Binh Thuy Ancient House in Can Tho has served as the backdrop for numerous acclaimed films. Its timeless beauty has featured in titles such as The Beauty of Tay Do, The Prince of Bac Lieu, The Alluvial Roads, The White Flower River, Storm U Minh, Debt of Life, Underground Trap, The Autumn Female Commando Team, and more.
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