Best areas to stay in Can Tho
1. Ninh Kiều
Ninh Kiều is the former central district and the most populated of the former districts, and it holds the Ninh Kiều port and Ninh Kiều Wharf. For a visitor this is the practical heart of the city: the riverside, the jetty, the markets and much of the downtown area sit within walking distance of each other, and the local television studio is based here too. It suits first-time visitors who want the sights on their doorstep and easy access to boats heading out to the floating markets.
You find the widest spread of places to stay here, from simple guesthouses and small hotels to larger riverside properties. One point to weigh: the riverside strip includes large neon-lit hotels that come with pounding karaoke, so if quiet matters to you, look at addresses set back from the water rather than on it.
2. Cái Khế
Cái Khế is an island ward in the river, reached from the Ninh Kiều side, and it is where you find resort-style accommodation with grounds rather than street-front rooms. It suits travellers who want space, a pool and a quieter setting while still being close to the centre.
Because it sits on the water, the island is a base for river views and boat trips rather than for wandering straight out into shops and restaurants. Plan on crossing back to Ninh Kiều for the markets, the wharf and the bus station.
3. Xuan Khanh
Xuan Khanh sits close to Can Tho University's main campus, opposite Quang Duc Pagoda, and the area around Mau Than Street has a young, friendly feel with small hotels and roof terraces. It suits budget and mid-range travellers who are happy to be a short ride from the river rather than on top of it.
This is a good choice if you want quieter evenings and cheaper rooms, with the downtown sights still reachable by a short trip into Ninh Kiều.
4. Phong Điền
Phong Điền is the area around the Phong Điền floating market and the Mỹ Khánh tourist village, set among orchards and canals rather than streets. It suits travellers who want a rural base, early starts on the water and a slower pace, and who do not mind being well outside the city centre.
Accommodation here is limited and spread out, so treat it as a countryside stay with the city as a day trip rather than the other way round.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: guesthouses, small local hotels and backpacker dorms, often on the side streets of Ninh Kiều and around the university area. Rooms at this level may lack windows, so confirm before you book; some cheaper places cater to short transit stays.
- Mid-range: comfortable hotels with private bathrooms, air-conditioning and Wi-Fi, well placed for walking to the bus station, jetty and markets. Front rooms facing the street can be noisy, and some rooms have no window.
- Splurge: riverside and island properties with restaurants, pools and spa facilities, including resort-style places on Cái Khế Island and boutique options in the middle of Ninh Kiều Pier.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in Ninh Kiều. It puts you within walking distance of Ninh Kiều Wharf, the markets and much of the downtown area, which is where you arrange the boat trips to the floating markets. It also has the broadest choice of places to stay across every budget, so you can match the area to your plans rather than the other way round.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Can Tho?
From Ho Chi Minh City you can follow National Highway 1A, a drive of about 170 kilometres that takes three to four hours during the day. Can Tho International Airport sits about nine kilometres north west of the municipal centre and has direct routes to other parts of Vietnam. From Phú Quốc you can transfer by ferry, passenger bus or taxi.
When should I visit?
Can Tho has a tropical wet and dry climate with two seasons: rainy from May to November and dry from December to April. Humidity is high year round, so the dry months are the more comfortable window for time on the water.
What should I check before booking a room?
Many buildings in Vietnam are narrow and deep, which means rooms next to each other often have no window. Check that your room has one, as some cheaper places offer rooms without windows. If you are sensitive to noise, ask for a room away from the street.
Are there areas I should avoid?
Be wary of the large neon-lit riverside hotels, which come with loud karaoke and unreliable service. If quiet and a straightforward stay matter to you, choose a smaller property set back from the riverside strip.
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