For international travelers, Can Tho is one of the favourite destinations in the Mekong Delta. Besides the beauty of the countryside, rivers and canals, tourists would love to experience culture, customs and cuisines of the land that still maintains its orchard civilization within a young and dynamic city.

Local culture

Lots of international travelers love cycling to enjoy the green environment and explore the real life of local people in Phong Dien, Cai Rang. “We can stop anywhere on the street, talk with local people and know more about the culture here. People sell home-grown produce such as fruits and vegetables at roadside stands. The price is depended on their estimate and it’s so interesting. Sometimes, I have got some more for free,” a French named Margaux said.

Foreign tourists get to know worship rites at Gian Gua historical relic.

Many visitors like to choose the shortcut from Ut Hien Homestay (Area 4, Ba Lang Ward, Cai Rang District) to Gian Gua historical relic (Nhon Khanh Hamlet, Nhon Nghia Commune, Phong Dien District) or roads of Thuong Thanh Ward, Phu Thu (Cai Rang). There are many fields, orchards and handicraft villages. “I’m lucky to see some ceremonies of their culture,” shared Savio, an Australian. Meanwhile, a French visitor Cynthia said: “I like country roads, rice fields, orchards ... and it's great to wake up early to see the dawn in the field."

 In the eyes of foreign tourists, Can Tho has a special attraction from simple things such as rice fields, ponds, rivers, gardens or customs and rustic life of local people. The most interesting to visitors is the lifestyle and landscape that seems very old but exists next to the urban areas and high buildings of Can Tho city.

Staying with local dwellers

Many international visitors choose to live with local people when they are in Can Tho. “At first, we did not have service for guests but they persuaded us: Treat them as faraway relatives returning home. They also do the daily work of gardeners and enjoy it very much,” said Mrs.Nam Phuoc (Phan Thi Kim Phuoc), owner of Song Khanh Garden House (Area 1, Bui Huu Nghia Ward, Binh Thuy District).

Foreign tourists eargerly make sweet rice pasta dessert.

Natalia is a tourist who used to stay at Mrs. Nam Phuoc Homestay. Before returning home, she decided to leave her tour (which continued to travel to Bac Lieu as planned) to stay on Son Islet for a few days. She became a special member of Mrs. Nam Phuoc family, helping people to prepare food, serve dishes and clean up. When saying goodbye, she couldn’t stop crying and promised to come back soon.

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Can Tho has a long history of reclaiming and culture besides its friendly people. These are unique and valuable resources for a tourism destination. Perhaps, it is a major factor that attracts foreign tourists.

Ai Lam (Translated by Mai Quyen)