Can Tho brings together historic sites, markets and experiences on the Hậu River. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the different times of day: From Bến Ninh Kiều Wharf, you can take either an evening river cruise with dinner or a sunrise boat trip to Cái Răng Floating Market. There are also places of worship, a museum and markets, each with its own focus.
Cultural History and Historic Sites
Đình Thần Thới Bình was designated a municipal architectural and artistic monument by the city of Cần Thơ in 2018. Đình Thới Bình is believed to have been built around the beginning of the 19th century. In 1853, it received a royal decree conferring the title “Bổn Cảnh Thành Hoàng.” These different dates offer a concrete insight into the history of this place of worship.
Chùa Ông is also a historic building of the Hoa community at Bến Ninh Kiều. It was built between 1894 and 1896 on a 532-square-meter plot. If you are interested in architecture, you could compare it with Cần Thơ Old Market: Despite being restored, it retains the overall form of the former Lục-Tỉnh Market.
Cần Thơ Museum was founded in 1976. It displays historical relics relating to the culture and population of Cần Thơ from different periods; its collection includes around 5,000 objects and relics. Khám Lớn Cần Thơ offers a different historical perspective: The monument served as a prison for revolutionary fighters and patriotic civilians. Together with the places of worship and the Old Market, these sites highlight different aspects of the city’s history—from religious traditions and historical collections to a former prison.
On the Hậu River: Wharf and Boat Experiences
Bến Ninh Kiều Wharf is a tourist attraction on Hai Bà Trưng Street in Tân An Ward, on the right bank of the Hậu River. It was established in the 19th century. In the evening, visitors can take a river cruise from there and have dinner on board. If you are planning this trip, check the current schedule in advance.
A boat trip to Cái Răng Floating Market offers a different time of day. Visitors can admire the riverbanks and experience the sunrise. The market is about six kilometers from the city center and was established in the early years of the 20th century. It mainly trades agricultural produce, fruit and regional specialties. The two boat options therefore differ primarily in timing: Cái Răng offers a morning experience, while the river cruise from Bến Ninh Kiều is an evening option.
Markets and Travel Choices
Ninh Kiều Night Market is a commercial center as well as a place for entertainment and tourism. Its offerings include fresh fruit, handicrafts, seafood and street food; the specific selection at the stalls may vary. The Old Market offers something different: Clothing, toys and souvenirs are sold there, and its restored form preserves the layout of the former market. This lets you choose between a market visit, the range of goods on offer and historic architecture.
When planning your trip, the time of day is also a helpful point of comparison: Would you like to experience the sunrise on a boat trip or combine an evening river cruise with dinner? Visits to the markets and historic sites complement these different options.
For the broader travel overview: Ninh Kiều.
