Read our comprehensive travel guide to Can Tho here.

Cái Răng – Cai Rang market is a wholesaler market located 6 kilometers from the city center. The market focuses on selling tropical fruits in Mekong Delta. It starts at dusk and turns active and busy until 9 a.m. You can book a boat tour, and it will take you across the Cần Thơ River. Here, the stall boats will approach yours, and you’ll have a minute to look at the products and decide whether to buy it or not. What you do here is, of course, trading and sightseeing. You can taste the Can Tho’s banana, watching the local life while welcoming the first sunlight of the day with a hot sip of ‘phin’ coffee – a good recommendation when you’re in Vietnam or eating a Vietnamese breakfast in the middle of the river, letting your mind “flow with the flows”. 

How to get to Can Tho?
Must Visits in Can Tho

How to get to Can Tho?

Top Must-Visits in Can Tho

Tip: Remember to ask the price before going on boat tours. The most expensive one is when you’re alone on a boat (150.000VNĐ) and usually, the price is at around 100.000VNĐ (you will share the boat with other visitors). 

What and Where to Eat in Can Tho?

What and Where to Eat in Can Tho?

All words and photos by Khoi Nguyen
Check out our Flickr album here

The post Cai Rang – Can Tho’s Floating Market appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

The park was named after the musician Lưu Hữu Phước, whose pieces are well-known for their howling depiction of history. It is one of the largest parks in Cần Thơ and some would even call it ‘a gem of the city’, thus it is only fitting for the park to be situated on one the grandest routes of Ninh Kiều district – the Hòa Bình avenue. In 2014 it received a massive renovation which added several features as well as conveniences, making it the ultimate gathering spot for many residents.

The play has been going on for quite some time. The tall sky is once again blue-washed, dotted with the occasional white clouds and illuminated by strands of soft sunlight, which makes for an extravagant backdrop for the ongoing performance. Birds are still chattering, trees still dancing and breezes continue to flow between the stoned paths. In the midst of all the action, several dew drops are to be seen hanging down from leaves enjoying their final moments of glory. Flowers open up in full bloom, sporting a multitude of colors in the early haze. It is, indeed, a sight to behold, but the real stars of the show have just made their entrance.

Five thirty in the morning and Lưu Hữu Phước park is already crowded with people of all ages seeking a fresh start to their day through an array of activities. Though the most popular one has to be jogging and running, many can be seen biking around the park or enjoying a game of badminton. Rarer are the shuttlecock kickers deeply immersed in their game, and here and there you can find some street vendors selling typical items like soybean curd. All look happy and full of beans, and there is a strong sense community that flows through the scene.

From the youngest kid to oldest man and woman, or even a park janitor, everybody seems to know everybody else through the friendly conversations they make about all sorts of things, and if you show enough interest, everybody is willing to let you enter their world and keep you company for the morning. It is truly amazing that, in a world that moves so fast, if you take the time to look closely, there are still places full of affable individuals like Lưu Hữu Phước park to balance out the harshness of day-to-day life, and thus is its wondrous beauty.

By 8 a.m. the actors have already rushed behind the wings. The majority of people – the working class – have left the park for their commute, trees have settled, breezes have weakened to nothing and birds, like humans, have also started their day of work. Such is the abruptness of the ending to this little play that it almost feels sad to witness, but then it is also uplifting to know that you can come back for more. Tomorrow, I guess…

To see more photos, check the open album below or go to Flickr:
Photo Album Flickr
(Please use the left/right arrows to navigate in the files of the open album)

To see Early Morning Hanoi, click here

Words by Duy Nguyen
Photos by Nhi Nguyen (more photos in Can Tho by Nhi Nguyen here )

The post Can Tho Early Morning appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Rice has always played an important part in the lives of the Southerners. The art of growing rice began in the 10th century B.C up in the North, but the conditions of the plains surrounding Mekong River and other rivers in the Southwest of Vietnam are still good enough for the rice plants to prosper. It would come as no surprise to know that the Mekong Delta is regarded as “the rice fields of Vietnam”, and is responsible for feeding the nation’s supply of grain. The rice plant and rice grain have become so embedded in traditional Vietnamese culture – a primarily agricultural society – that one simply cannot begin to comprehend the image of rice disappearing from our tables and meals. Whether a poor man’s plate or a rich man’s banquet, the rice grain would appear in one way or another.

The abundance of rice and other fresh products, such as bananas, coconuts or cassava, in the Mekong Delta has led to the creation of many special cakes and treats that are both delicious and reflective of the area. They are vibrant, colorful, rustic yet full of flavor, not unlike the people of the Delta. Some favorites include banh tam khoai mi, a string cake made from cassava flour served with coconut milk and toasted sesames; banh chuoi hap nuoc dua, a banana cake steamed with coconut water; and banh pia, a flaky pastry from the province of Soc Trang, filled with green bean paste and salted duck eggs; banh trang nuong, Vietnamese pizza made by rice paper” – Trung Tran

To see more photos, check the open album below or go to Flickr:
Photo Album Flickr
(Please use the left/right arrows to navigate in the files of the open album)

Words by Trung Tran
Photos by Nhi Nguyen

The post The Southern Folk Cake Festival in Can Tho appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

DAY ONE:

4:30 AM: Rise and shine! The people of Cần Thơ start their day really early, so get prepared, and catch a motor taxi or taxi and get to the floating markets.

5:00 AM: Visit Cái Răng Floating Market, and experience the hectic riverways and chaotic trading of the locals.

7:00 AM: After a visit to the floating market, grab yourself a bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette) and a cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) for breakfast. Enjoy a meal loved by locals and expats alike.

8:00 AM: Visit Chùa Ông (Ong Pagoda) and marvel at the Chinese architecture of the pagoda.

9:00 AM: Stop by Nhà Cổ Bình Thủy (Bình Thủy Ancient House). The home of the Duong family is a treat for any antique lover.

11:00 AM: Head to the stall opposite Western Hotel for some Mì Vịt Tiềm (egg noodle soup with braised duck).

3:00 PM: An afternoon walk to Nam Nha Pagoda, a beautiful place of worship and a centre for political movements in Can Tho

5:00 PM: Get back to the hotel, take a shower, and get ready to hit the streets.

6:00 PM: Head to Hẻm số 1 (Alley Number 1) for the best lẩu in town. From lẩu Thái to lẩu cá kéo, the restaurants in this alley have them all.

7:30 PM: Enjoy an evening stroll down Ninh Kiều Quay, and breathe in the fresh air.

9:00 PM: Shop for some souvenirs, or enjoy a late night snack at the New Can Tho Market.

10:00 PM: Head back to your hotel, and get a good night’s sleep. You’re going to need it.

DAY TWO:

6:00 AM: Get prepared for the second day in Can Tho.

6:15 AM: Try out Bánh Tằm Bì, a delightful breakfast dish made from strips of rice cake. Bánh Tằm Ung Văn Khiêm and Bánh Tằm Phạm Ngũ Lão are two places offering this delicacy.

6:45 AM: Hire a motorbike taxi, or rent your own bike, and head to Vườn Cò Bằng Lăng, which is about two hours away from the city centre.

9:00 AM: Arrive at Vườn Cò Bằng Lăng, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the garden, as you traverse along a network of canals and streams and watch egrets soar from the branches.

11:30 AM: Have lunch at Vườn Cò Bằng Lăng and enjoy some rustic Mekong Delta fare.

1:00 PM: Return to the city.

3:00 PM: Stop by Bánh Cống Cô Út for some bánh cống, a delectable fried pastry loved by locals.

3:30 PM: Another destination to visit in your little snack tour is the corner of Trương Định and Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh Street to get some Chuối Nếp Nướng, grilled bananas with coconut milk.

6:00 PM: Dine at L’Escale, a beautiful restaurant overlooking Ninh Kieu Quay. Experience Mekong-inspired dishes with a touch of elegance.

8:00 PM: Join a boat tour on the river, and marvel at the beauty of the city at night.

8:45 PM: Return to the corner of Trương Định and Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh Street, where a roadside stall serves up scrumptious Ốc Nướng Tiêu Xanh, a snail grilled with a special fish sauce. Sweet, savory and succulent, you’re gonna love it.

10:00 PM: Feel free to spend your time in the city of Cần Thơ.

The post 2-Day Can Tho Trip Itinerary appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

1. By bus

Most major cities such as Hồ Chí Minh City or Hà Nội will have regular bus lines from large operators. For smaller cities, there might also be minibus trips. Assuming you are departing from Hồ Chí Minh City, Thành Bưởi, Phương Trang and Mai Linh are major operators all offering daily bus services to and from Cần Thơ, and a typical trip is around 3 hours. Go to the Western Bus Station (Bến Xe Miền Tây) and look for the offices of Thành Bưởi, Phương Trang or Mai Linh. Alternatively, get to the main offices and buy a ticket, from which point a shuttle bus will take you to Bến Xe Miền Đông. You can also book a ticket over the phone, like many locals do, though the line operators’ English can be a little bit hard to comprehend. Do bring some headphones and a soft blanket, as Vietnamese buses are often chilly and noisy.

Address:

Bến Xe Miền Tây: 395 Kinh Dương Vương Street, An Lạc Ward, Bình Tân District
Thành Bưởi’s Office: 266-268 Lê Hồng Phong Street, Ward 4, District 5
Phương Trang’s Office: 272 Đề Thám Street, District 1
Mai Linh’s Office: 262 Đinh Bộ Lĩnh Street, Ward 26, Bình Thạnh District

Telephone:
Thành Bưởi: (+84) 838 339 242
Phương Trang: 1900 6067
Mai Linh: (+84) 839 393 939

2. By car or motorbike

The highway system of Vietnam, while nowhere near as good as neighboring countries, is still pretty decent. Therefore, a trip on your own bike or car is a feasible option when you travel to Cần Thơ. A one-way trip from Hồ Chí Minh City usually takes about 4 hours. There are also toll fees to pay when travelling by car. If you are interested in renting a car or motorbike for the journey, Tigit Motorbikes and VN Rent-a-Car are two providers of rental services you should look into.

Address:

Tigit Motorbikes: Office 36-37, Floor G, 360K Bến Vân Đồn Street, Ward 1, District 4
VN Rent-a-Car: 24 Trường Sơn Street, Tân Bình District
Website:
Tigit Motorbikes: http://www.tigitmotorbikes.com/
VN Rent-a-Car: http://www.hochiminhcarrental.com/

3. By air

You can travel by air to Cần Thơ, if necessary. Trà Nóc International Airport is connected to Hà Nội, Phú Quốc, Côn Đảo and Đà Nẵng. Vietnam Airlines, VASCO and Vietjet Air all offer daily flights to Cần Thơ. Vietnam Airlines offer routes from Hà Nội and Phú Quốc, VASCO has a route from Côn Đảo, and the Đà Nẵng route is operated by VietJet Air. Seats are wanted though, so you should definitely book ahead!

Contact:
Vietnam Airlines: https://www.vietnamairlines.com/vn/vi/home
VASCO: http://vasco.com.vn/
VietJet Air: http://www.vietjetair.com/Sites/Web/vi-VN/Home

The post How to get to Can Tho? appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

1. Have a drink by the quay

Spend a couple of hours like a local and enjoy fresh fruit smoothies or a traditional Vietnamese coffee. Sit back, relax and watch the hustle and bustle of Ninh Kieu Quay unfold before you. Amavo Cafe is a modern, sleek cafe with a view of the quay, while Kim Tho Cafe offers a rooftop view of the city centre.

Address:
Amavo Cafe: 16 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Ninh Kieu District
Kim Tho Cafe: 1 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Ninh Kieu District

2. Visit the night market

Night markets are a great place to buy some interesting souvenirs, as well as to experience the time-honored tradition of haggling. They also contain some of the most delicious (and cheapest!) food stalls around, so if you are looking for a taste of Southern Vietnamese cuisine, the night markets have that covered. A few markets worth a visit are the New Can Tho Market, An Binh Market, as well as the stalls on 30/4 Street and Mau Than Street.

Address:
New Can Tho Market: Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District
An Binh Market: Roundabout, An Binh Ward, Ninh Kieu District

3. Mingle with the locals

Can Tho is full of friendly people, so why not go out and have some fun? Bars and pubs are not common here, but are all high-quality establishments. For a nightclubbing experience, XK Club, King Beer Club and V18 Club are jam-packed with young locals, while Iris Sky Bar has some delicious mixed drinks wịth a touch of Mekong Delta flavors, and arguably the best view of the city.

Address:
XK Club: 108B Tran Van Kheo Street, Ninh Kieu District
King Beer Club: 27 Le Loi Street, Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District
V18 Club: 18 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District
Iris Sky Bar:  Rooftop, Iris Hotel, 224 30/4 Street, Xuan Khanh Ward, Ninh Kieu District

4. Take a dinner cruise

Let a sampan take you around Can Tho as you take in the sights of the bright lights and beautiful colors of this city. Then, stop at Sao Hom Restaurant, one of the most famous dining establishment in Can Tho for an authentic Vietnamese dinner. A wonderful experience all around, and definitely something you must try when you are in this city.

Address:
TransMekong Tours: 144 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District
Website: http://9dragons.mekong-delta.com/en/2_mystic/7_dinner

5. Go on a food tour

Can Tho is a city filled with good food, a place where the old intertwines with the new. What better way to explore it than on the back of a motorbike? Hop on a bike with a local guide as they take you around some of the city centre’s hidden street food gems, from fresh nem nuong to local beer and more. Guaranteed to satisfy you in every way. (It’s also super cheap, so the cost isn’t a problem)

Address: Mekong Tours: 93 Mau Than Street, Xuan Khanh Quarter, Ninh Kieu District
Website: http://mekongtours.info/cantho-food-tour/

The post Nightlife in Can Tho appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

NOTE: All prices are correct as of the time of publication. Prices may vary. Contact your hotel before booking.

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BUDGET

1. Hotel Xoai
Ranked the fifth best hotel on TripAdvisor, Hotel Xoai is a cheap hotel that definitely punches above its weight. The bright yellow-painted rooms are comfortable, and offer decent amenities. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace and bar overlooking the city centre, and is only a 10-minute walk from Ninh Kieu Quay.

Address: 93 Mau Than Str., Xuan Khanh Ward, Ninh Kieu District
Telephone: +84 907 65 29 27
Website: http://hotelxoai.com/
Prices: Single rooms are from 240000 VND a night, double rooms are from 330000 VND.

 

2. Nam Mon Hotel
An affordable hotel that’s anything but cheap on style, Nam Mon Hotel is one of Can Tho’s finest. Rooms are spacious and well-fitted with modern equipment, and Nam Mon also has “Local Ambassadors” who are willing to help you plan your trip around Can Tho.

Address: C233/4 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Hung Loi Ward, Ninh Kieu District
Telephone: (+84 710) 6250 866
Website: http://www.nammonhotel.com/
Prices: Rooms are from 340000 VND a night.

 

3. Mekong Delta Inn
Not a hotel, but a hostel. You’ll be sharing a room (and bathroom) with others, so if you want more privacy, the Inn is not for you. The beds are comfortable, lockers are spacious and most of the clientele are tourists from all over the world. If you are looking to make new friends during your travel, the Mekong Delta Inn is exactly what you need.

Address: 175A Nguyen Van Cu Street, An Hoa Ward, Ninh Kieu District
Telephone: +84 123 456 1758
Website: https://www.facebook.com/mekongdeltainn/
Prices: single bed 140000 VND/night.

 

4. Huynh Lac Hotel
A homely 2-star hotel close to the quay, Huynh Lac Hotel is an ideal spot to begin your journey in Can Tho. Close to major tourist destinations in the city such as Luu Huu Phuoc Park and Can Tho Market, Huynh Lac is also well-equipped and tidy, for your accommodation needs. A cheap hotel that’s anything but cheap.
Address: 56-56 Bis Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District
Website: www.huynhlaccanthohotel.com
Prices: rooms from 260000 VND/night.

MIDRANGE

5. Kim Tho Hotel
A respectable 3-star establishment, Kim Tho Hotel offers large, extremely comfortable rooms, with the newest amenities. The hotel also has a Spa and Jacuzzi on the 10th floor, and a beautiful rooftop bar with a scenic view of the bustling Ninh Kieu Quay.

Address: 1A Ngo Gia Tu Street, Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District
Telephone: (+84 710) 381 7517
Website: http://www.kimtho.com
Prices: single rooms from $45/night, double rooms from $60/night

6. Iris Hotel
Located near Ninh Kieu Quay, Iris Hotel is a grand and dazzling hotel with an exciting night scene. All rooms feature modern facilities, and the hotel also offers a large array of services. Relieve some stress in the karaoke rooms, enjoy a relaxing massage, or have a delicious Ca Phe (Cafe) Sua Da in the coffee lounge.

Address: 224 30/4 Street, Xuan Khanh Ward, Ninh Kieu District
Telephone: (+84 710) 368 6969
Website: http://www.irishotelcantho.vn/home.html
Prices: single rooms from $35/night, double rooms from $40/night

UPSCALE

 

7. Muong Thanh Hotel
One of the city’s rare luxury hotels, Muong Thanh Hotel is an accomodation for those who crave for the finest. With luxurious rooms that offer a dazzling view of the city centre, Muong Thanh is the home away from home. Feast on Mekong Delta cuisine in at Vien An Restaurant, or share a margarita or two with your friends at the bar.

Address: Area E1, Cai Khe River Islet, Cai Khe Ward, Ninh Kieu District
Telephone: (+84 710) 368 8888
Website: http://luxurycamau.muongthanh.com/
Prices: twin beds and king beds are from $53/night, triple beds are from $65/night

8. Victoria Resort
A charming blend of colonial architecture and the rustic beauty of the Hau River, Victoria Resort is a paradise far from the hustle of the city. Considered by many to be the best accommodation in Can Tho, Victoria is suited for those looking for peace and tranquility during their stay in the Western Capital. With a wide range of leisure activities, as well as daily tour offers to the city and surrounding provinces, Victoria Resort is the ultimate in relaxation and exploration.

Website: https://www.victoriahotels.asia/en/overview-cantho
Prices: Rooms w/o balcony from $142/night, rooms with balcony from $150/night, suites from $198/night

The post Where to stay in Can Tho? appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

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1. Bánh Cống

A deep-fried pastry filled with meat and shrimp, Bánh Cống is a popular dish with the locals. Roll it up with some fresh greens and dip in a mixed dipping sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, garlic and fresh chilli peppers. It is a hearty and filling, yet fresh and vibrant flavor combination in your mouth - one you never knew you wanted. Bánh Cống Cô Út is regarded as the place to go for Bánh Cống in Cần Thơ.

Address: Bánh Cống Cô Út: 86/38 Lý Tự Trọng Str, Tân An Ward, Ninh Kiều District

 

2. Bánh Tét Lá Cẩm

An interesting twist on the regular Banh Tet, Bánh Tét Lá Cẩm is rolled with magenta leaves, resulting in a purple color on the cake. Bánh Tét Lá Cẩm’s filling is well-marinated pork, and salted duck eggs (yep, salted duck eggs). One bite, and you get the sweet taste of glutinous rice, the succulent pork and the strong and tasty salted egg. Bánh Tét Lá Cẩm made by the Huỳnh family is regarded as the best in Cần Thơ, and it is available at markets such as Xuân Khánh or An Thới Market.

Address: Xuân Khánh Market: 30/4 Street, Xuân Khánh Ward, Ninh Kiều District

3. Lẩu

Ah yes, hotpot. The delicious broth-based dish is considered one of Vietnam’s hidden culinary gems, and many provinces have their own creations on the broth base - so diverse in style, in fact, that it would be unfair to group them under one name. Cần Thơ is no exception. With an abundance of greens, and river-dwelling creatures, the hotpots that are a specialty of this region are all fresh and flavor-packed. The alley on 1 Lý Tự Trọng offers some hotpots that locals love such as Lẩu Cá Kèo (hotpot with mudskipper fish), Lẩu Thái (spicy Thai-styled hot pot), or Lẩu Vịt Nấu Chao (duck and bean curd hot pot) while Lẩu Mắm (Fermented fish paste hot pot) at Dạ Lý restaurant comes with nearly 40 types of fresh vegetables.

Address: Alleyway, 1 Lý Tự Trọng Str, Ninh Kiều District (next to Lưu Hữu Phước Park)

4. Nem Nướng Cần Thơ

Nem Nướng, or grilled pork rolls, are a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. And here in Cần Thơ, locals are proud to say that they have their own version of the dish. The pork rolls are rolled with some banh hoi (bundled rice vermicelli) and vegetables into a sheet of banh trang (rice paper), and then dipped in a soy-based sauce. Natives and expats gobble it up, and you will too. Nem Nướng Thanh Vân has long been regarded as the best place for nem Nướng in the city, and a favorite destination for tourists who are looking for delicious nem.
Address: Nem Nướng Thanh Vân: 17 Hòa Bình Boulevard, Ninh Kiều District

Bánh Tầm Phạm Ngũ Lão: Alleyway, 2 Phạm Ngũ Lão Street, Ninh Kiều District

6. Chuối Nếp Nướng

A homely, simple, yet ever so decadent snack from the country, Chuối Nếp Nướng in Cần Thơ has its own little twist. Fresh bananas are coated with a layer of glutinous rice, and then grilled over a hot coal stove, then served with coconut milk for a scrumptious bite. What is the twist here? The Chuối Nướng in Cần Thơ does not have coconut milk! No, it is mixed into the glutinous rice, creating a smoky and succulent flavor, and it is also less messy! Visit the corner of Trương Định and Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh Street for some Chuối Nếp Nướng, won’t you?

Address: intersection between Trương Định and Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh Street

 

7. Ốc Nướng Tiêu Xanh

Succulent water snails still in the shell are poached lighly, then grilled over a hot coal stove with a special blend of fish sauce and green peppercorn to create Ốc Nướng Tiêu Xanh, a delectable light dish from the Mekong Delta. The beauty of this dish lies in the fish sauce. Spicy, salty and sweet at the same time, it provides a punch of flavor to the juicy snails. Feel free to chow down some water snails and slurp up the sauce, as the locals do, in any roadside seafood stall in Cần Thơ.

 

Address: Corner of Trương Định and Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh Street, near Châu Văn Liêm School.

The post What and where to eat in Can Tho? appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

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1. Floating Markets

The floating markets are the main points for trading in Cần Thơ, as locals would sell their products in wooden sampans. You will also experience the bustling canal system that plays an integral part in the life of locals. It is lively, noisy, and definitely unlike any other markets you’d ever seen. Cái Răng Floating Market is the biggest and most frequently visited floating market in Cần Thơ, while Phong Điền Floating Market is a smaller and lesser-known one.

• How to get there: Travel to Ninh Kiều Pier and rent a boat from local tour agents - prices begin at 100 000 VND. Alternatively, go to An Binh Market, a small market near Cái Răng Floating Market and take a motorboat tour for 50 000 VND. If you would prefer to take a planned tour, Mekong Tours (http://mekongtours.info/floating-market-tour/) and 9dragons (http://9dragons.mekong-delta.com/en/2_mystic/start) all offer well-reviewed tours of the floating markets.
• Opening hours: from 5 am til noon, although the majority of trade happens between 5 am and 7 am.

2. Bằng Lăng Egret Garden (Vườn Cò Bằng Lăng)

The egret garden is simply a must-see sight when you are in Cần Thơ. Travel along a network, a network of creeks and canals as you see tens of thousands different egrets soaring across the sky and land gracefully on bamboo branches everywhere. It is just one of those things that you have to see to believe.

 

• Address: Vườn Cò Bằng Lăng is in Thot Not District, about 60km away from Cần Thơ City.
• How to get there: Take the National Freeway 91 from Cần Thơ to Thot Not. From Thot Not, continue to Bằng Lăng Bridge and make a left turn. The road to Bằng Lăng Egret Garden is accessible only by motorbike, or in the monsoon season, by boat.
• Price: Locals 10 000 VND, foreigners 20 000 VND.
• Opening hours: 5am - 6pm

3. Bình Thủy Ancient House (Nhà Cổ Bình Thủy)

The family home of the Duong family, Bình Thủy Ancient House is a mix of Western and Eastern architecture. With French influence and materials, yet an unmistakable East Asian charm, the house is a gem for any architecture lover.

 

• Address: 142/144 Bui Huu Nghia Street, Bình Thủy District, Cần Thơ
• Price: free
• Phone: 0710 3826 395

4. Ông Pagoda (Chùa Ông)

Ông Pagoda is the spiritual gathering place for the Hoa ethnicity in Cần Thơ. Built in 1894, it has remained relatively unchanged over the years. A classic design in the style of Chinese temples, Ông Pagoda was designated as a National Arts & Architecture Monument in 1993.

• Address: 32 Hai Bà Trưng Street, Tân An Ward, Ninh Kiều District, Cần Thơ

5. Nam Nhã Pagoda (Chùa Nam Nhã)

Nam Nhã Pagoda is not only a beautifully constructed pagoda but also a location with a rich historical background: It was formerly a Chinese medicine store, before becoming an operating base for anti-colonisation movements in the Mekong Delta. A trip to Nam Nhã Pagoda will give you an insight into the early historical movements in the Delta, as well as a chance to appreciate a religious landmark.

Address: 612 Cach Mang Thang Tam, An Thoi Ward, Bình Thủy District, Cần Thơ

6. Ninh Kiều Quay

Ninh Kiều Quay is a well-known tourist destination for its scenic location overloọking the Hau Giang river. Have a meal in the floating restaurant, and enjoy Mekong Delta cuisine, or simply take a refreshing night walk along the quay, breathing in the fresh riverside air.

To learn more about Ninh Kieu Quay and see all the photos of it, please check this post out.

7. Lưu Hữu Phước Park

Named after prolific composer Lưu Hữu Phước, the park is a serene place and a favorite spot for the locals. Wake up early in the morning to see hordes of old women exercise to upbeat music, or observe a game of Chinese checkers. In the evening, children ride ‘kiddie wagons’ around the park, while the youth often have impromptu concerts or practice dance routines here. It is a window into the lives of residents in the bustling city centre.

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It must have been three years since its first establishment on 17th May 2014. Despite having a short time of existence, Trúc Lâm still bears the typical architecture that a place of Buddhism worshipping should have.  The whole monastery is a land area of approximately 38 016 square meters and it is, until the present, the largest monastery in Cửu Long Delta. The head temple is a complex of re-known oriental architecture with the eight-roof-tile pattern virtualizing Trần Dynasty art nouveau. The design, to be described, is way-near-to-perfection, a remarkable combination of old and new, of religious epitome and de rigueur formality.

Beside the head temple, the four-roof-tile temple complex is also a noticeable design with the architecture which resembles Lý’s pattern. The Bell Tower, also known as Đại Hồng Chung, is 1.5 tons in weight and bears many resemblances to Keo Pagoda’s bell tower in Thái Bình. One of the most outstanding features of Trúc Lâm Monastery is the bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha sitting and holding a flower.

As a whole, the monastery has mostly of its designs in common with that of others’ such as Trúc Lâm Monastery in Huế City. However, it is still a much-to-be-proud construction to Cần Thơ city and its citizens who often come to find the peace that is left in their souls.” – Trang Nguyen

To see more photos, check the open album below or go to Flickr:
Photo Album Flickr
(Please use the left/right arrows to navigate in the files of the open album)

Photos by Nhi Nguyen
Words by Trang Nguyen

The post The Southern Truc Lam Zen Monastery in Can Tho appeared first on Maze Vietnam.