Spending ten days in Can Tho allows families to bypass the rushed day-tripper experience and settle into the slow, water-bound rhythm of the Mekong Delta (메콩 델타 / 湄公河三角洲 / メコンデルタ). This itinerary balances early morning river adventures with lazy afternoons in fruit orchards, keeping travel distances short and kid-friendly.
Day 1 — Arrival and Ninh Kieu Wharf
Start your trip by settling into your hotel and heading down to Ninh Kieu Wharf, the central hub of Can Tho (껀터 / 芹苴 / カントー). The pedestrian area is wide, paved, and safe for children to walk without worrying about motorbike traffic.
In the evening, walk across the pedestrian bridge to see the colored lights reflecting on the Hau River. For dinner, skip the touristy cruise boats and head to the night market stalls along Phan Boi Chau street.
- Off-script suggestion: Grab plastic stools near the water and order "banh trang nuong" (grilled rice paper with egg, minced pork, and green onions) from a local street vendor. It is cheap, crispy, and a hit with kids.
Day 2 — Cai Rang Floating Market and Noodle Making
An early start is required to see the floating market at its peak. Hire a private wooden boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf for around 350,000 to 500,000 VND. The boat ride to Cai Rang takes about 30 minutes each way, which is short enough to keep children entertained.
Watch the merchant boats sell pineapples, pumpkins, and watermelons from tall bamboo poles. Stop at a floating noodle boat to eat breakfast. Afterward, have your boat captain pull up to a nearby "hu tieu" (rice noodle) workshop.
- Off-script suggestion: At the noodle workshop, ask the workers to let your kids try stretching the wet rice sheets over the grass drying mats. It is a tactile, memorable experience that beats just watching.
Day 3 — Binh Thuy Ancient House and Gian Gua
Take a short 6 km taxi ride north of the city center to the Binh Thuy Ancient House. Built in 1870, this French-style villa features a blend of European arches and traditional Vietnamese interiors. It is a quiet spot where kids can look at antique furniture and the courtyard garden.
In the afternoon, drive further out to Gian Gua, a historical site covered by a massive, single giant ficus tree that has spread its roots over 2,700 square meters.
- Off-script suggestion: Let the kids play hide-and-seek among the tangled, vine-like roots of the Gian Gua tree, which feel like a natural playground.
Day 4 — Con Son Islet Community Tourism
Take a five-minute ferry ride from Co Bac boat station to Con Son, a river island dedicated to eco-tourism. The island is car-free, making it incredibly safe for walking.
Here, local families open their homes to show visitors how they farm fish and grow fruit. You can watch the famous "flying snakehead fish" jump out of the water for food and participate in making traditional southern folk cakes.
- Off-script suggestion: Skip the standard restaurants and ask to have lunch directly at a local home on the island. They will serve fresh "tai tuong" (elephant ear fish) fried crispy and rolled in rice paper with herbs.
Photo by Emily Le on Pexels
Day 5 — Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm
Located in Phong Dien district, about 10 km from the city center, this small family-run farm is a great educational stop. The owner, Mr. Muoi, walks families through the entire process of making chocolate, from harvesting the raw pods to fermenting and roasting the beans.
Kids can taste the sweet, pulpy white flesh surrounding the raw cacao beans before it is processed into bitter chocolate.
- Off-script suggestion: Try the fresh cacao juice, a sweet and slightly tart drink made from the fruit pulp that you rarely find outside of cacao-growing regions.
Day 6 — Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary
Plan a afternoon trip to Thot Not district, about 45 km from Can Tho, to visit the Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary. The drive takes about an hour, so it is best to book a private car for the family.
Arrive around 4:00 PM to climb the viewing platform. You will watch thousands of white storks return to the bamboo forest to roost as the sun sets over the rice fields.
- Off-script suggestion: On the drive back, look for roadside stalls selling "banh tet la cam" (purple sticky rice cake stuffed with salted egg yolk and pork) and buy a warm one to slice up in the car.
Day 7 — Cycling in Ba Cong Orchard
Rent bicycles with child seats from your hotel or a local tour operator and head to the quiet paths of Phong Dien. Stop at Ba Cong Orchard, one of the oldest fruit gardens in the area.
Walk under the canopy of rambutan, durian, and wax apple trees. The paths are flat and shady, providing a cool break from the afternoon heat.
- Off-script suggestion: Ditch the main concrete paths and ask the orchard owner if you can walk along the narrow dirt dikes between the irrigation ditches to spot small river crabs.
Photo by Emily Le on Pexels
Day 8 — Khmer Culture at Munirangsyaram Pagoda
Spend a quiet morning exploring the Khmer heritage of Can Tho. Munirangsyaram Pagoda, located right in the city center on Hoa Binh Boulevard, features bright gold spires and detailed carvings that represent Theravada Buddhism.
It is a peaceful place to teach children about different cultures and architectural styles without leaving the city.
- Off-script suggestion: Visit the nearby local wet market early in the morning to see the giant freshwater prawns with long blue claws, a local specialty of the Mekong.
Day 9 — Family Cooking Class
Book a private family cooking class at a local homestay. Many classes start with a trip to the neighborhood market to buy fresh herbs, pork, and shrimp.
Back in the kitchen, you will learn to make "banh xeo" (savory, crispy crepes filled with bean sprouts and pork) over traditional clay stoves.
- Off-script suggestion: Challenge the kids to see who can roll the neatest "goi cuon" (fresh spring rolls) using wild herbs they picked themselves.
Day 10 — Slow Morning and Departure
Use your final morning to pack up and enjoy a slow breakfast. Head to a cafe along the riverfront for a final "ca phe sua da" (iced coffee with condensed milk) while the kids enjoy fresh coconut water.
- Off-script suggestion: Stop by the local market to buy dried lotus seeds. They are lightweight, easy to pack, and make a healthy, crunchy snack for the journey back to Saigon or your next destination.
Practical notes for families
Can Tho is highly accessible from Saigon via a three-hour private car transfer or limousine bus. The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April, though the floating markets operate year-round. Pack plenty of mosquito repellent and sunscreen, as you will spend most of your days outdoors near the water.
Last updated · May 30, 2026 · independently researched, never sponsored.
