Can Tho Museum is a cultural treasure that captures the essence of the Mekong Delta’s heritage. With over several thousand artifacts on display, it offers visitors a deep insight into the region’s diverse ethnic cultures and heroic past.

1. Quick facts about Can Tho Museum

1.1. Address, opening hours & entrance fee

Address: No. 1, Hoa Binh Avenue, Ninh Kieu Ward, Can Tho
Opening hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 8 AM - 11 AM | 2 PM - 5 PM
- Weekends, holidays: 8 AM - 11 AM | 6:30 PM - 9 PM
Entrance fee: Free

Can Tho Museum, or Can Tho City Museum, showcases the land and people of Can Tho throughout different historical periods. It also presents the economic and cultural achievements of the Kinh, Hoa, and Khmer ethnic groups in the region over time, along with the growing accomplishments in economy, security, and society of today.

1.2. History

From 1975 to 1977, to meet the urgent need for revolutionary tradition education, the Department of Information and Culture of Can Tho formed an artifact collection team. In June 1978, they set up the Preservation - Museum Division with six staff at No. 01, Phan Dinh Phung Street (now Can Tho Public Library), then moved to No. 06, Phan Dinh Phung Street in 1979.

To expand the operations of the Preservation - Museum Division, on July 31, 1980, the People’s Committee of Hau Giang founded Hau Giang Province Museum. In 1992, when Hau Giang was divided into Can Tho and Soc Trang, it became Can Tho Province Museum. In 2004, after Can Tho was split again into Can Tho and Hau Giang, it was renamed Can Tho City Museum, as it is known today.

1.3. Scale

Can Tho Museum has a total usable area of 2,700 square meters, with 1,388 square meters for exhibitions. The museum has two floors. The ground floor introduces Can Tho’s natural and social features, including its geography, land, climate, rivers, plants and animals, landscapes, the Oc Eo culture, and the cultures of the Kinh, Khmer, and Chinese communities, along with photos showing Can Tho in the past and today. The second floor focuses on the history of Can Tho and Hau Giang’s resistance during the French and American resistance wars.

Can Tho Museum has an area of nearly 3,000 square meters

>>> Read more: Mekong Delta: A one-stop guide to the largest delta in Vietnam

2. Highlights of the Museum of Can Tho City

2.1. Exhibitions

Can Tho Museum has four permanent exhibitions and one special exhibition:

Exhibition 1 - Solemn hall: This exhibition honors President Ho Chi Minh along with other notable figures such as Bui Huu Nghia (Valedictorian Scholar), Phan Van Tri (Bachelor Scholar), Chau Van Liem (Secretary of the Annam Communist Party), and Professor-Academician-Musician Luu Huu Phuoc. It also highlights the collectives, individual heroes, and Heroic Vietnamese Mothers of Can Tho.
Exhibition 2 - The land and people of Can Tho: This exhibition presents Can Tho’s history, landmarks, administrative boundaries, and natural resources. It also features the Oc Eo culture and the cultural traits of three ethnic groups: Viet, Hoa, and Khmer.
Exhibition 3 - The history of resistance against foreign invaders: Here, visitors can learn about the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the local Party organization in Can Tho, as well as the people’s role in the two resistance wars against French colonialists and American imperialists.
Exhibition 4 - Can Tho’s socio-economic achievements: This exhibition showcases the city’s accomplishments in economy, culture, society, and security from 1975 to the present.
Special exhibition: Each year, the museum organizes three new thematic displays. Recent exhibitions include “Can Tho Literature and Arts: A 50-Year Journey (1975 - 2025)” and “80 Glorious Years: A Historic Journey”.

Can Tho Museum boasts an expansive exhibition space

2.2. National treasures

The Museum of Can Tho City preserves 4 national treasures that showcase the spiritual life, artistry, and craftsmanship of the Oc Eo culture:

Nhon Thanh wooden Linga - Yoni (5th century): This artifact has a rectangular base with the Linga (symbolising Shiva’s masculine energy) fitting inside the Yoni (feminine energy), featuring a slender pointed shape. It reflects the strong beliefs in fertility worship of ancient communities and highlights their creative adaptation of imported cultural influences.
Nhon Thanh Buddha statue (4th-6th centuries): Carved from dark brown wood, this statue depicts Buddha standing gracefully in the Tribhanga pose on a two-tier lotus base. It features detailed sculpting of the usnisa (cranial bump), spiral hair curls, and a long monastic robe with traces of gold leaf, demonstrating the sophisticated wood-carving skills and Buddhist artistic traditions of the Oc Eo culture in Southern Vietnam.
Nhon Thanh ceramic vase (5th century): This ritual vase reflects the peak of handcrafted pottery during the Oc Eo period. Made from fine clay with a light grey body and pale yellow slip, it has a rounded shape, low narrow neck, flared rim, wide shoulders, and a straight spout with ring decorations. The vase embodies both local artistic aesthetics and Indian religious influences.
Nhon Thanh mould set (1st - 7th centuries): Recognised as Can Tho’s first national treasure, this set of metal casting moulds provides a complete picture of ancient jewellery-making techniques in the Funan civilisation. It includes tools for designing, moulding, and casting intricate ornaments, reflecting the advanced metallurgical knowledge and craftsmanship of Oc Eo artisans.

Can Tho Museum features 4 national treasures

2.3. Special events

Can Tho Museum actively participates in various cultural and tourist events by organising photo and document exhibitions. Some notable events include the Phong Dien - Can Tho Ecotourism Festival, which promotes local tourism and heritage, and the 2nd National Don Ca Tai Tu Festival in Binh Duong, which celebrates a traditional Southern Vietnamese music art form. These events help bring the museum’s collections closer to the public and connect Can Tho’s culture with visitors from around the country.

>>> Check out: Mekong Delta tour: A fascinating journey through Vietnam's iconic region

3. Tips for first-time visitors to Can Tho Museum

3.1. Transportation

Can Tho Museum is conveniently located in the city center, making it easy to reach. Make your way to Vo Van Kiet Street and head southeast. It will connect to Mau Than Street. Keep going along Mau Than Street until it intersects with 30 Thang 4 Street. Turn left and follow 30 Thang 4 Street until it connects to Hoa Binh Avenue. The museum is at the end of the avenue. If you prefer public transport, you can take Bus 01 departing from Ba Lang Bus Station and get off at the stop on Hoa Binh Avenue. From there, walk a short distance to the museum.

3.2. Nearby attractions

After exploring Can Tho Museum, visitors can easily discover other attractions nearby:

Military Zone 9 Museum (300 meters away): This museum displays weapons, military vehicles, documents, and photos that share the story of Military Zone 9’s brave resistance during the wars against the French and Americans.
Ninh Kieu Wharf (500 meters away): Here, visitors can take a peaceful riverside walk to admire the Hau River, rent a boat to explore Cai Rang Floating Market, or enjoy street food and Don Ca Tai Tu folk music in the evening.
Ong Pagoda (600 meters away): Ong Pagoda is a vibrant temple built in the late 19th century by the local Chinese community. It features intricate wood carvings, colourful altars, and large hanging incense coils.
Luu Huu Phuoc Park (850 meters away): This spacious park is named after Luu Huu Phuoc, a famous Vietnamese composer. The locals often gather here to exercise, join communal events, or relax under shady trees.

Tips for first-time visitors to Can Tho Museum

3.3. Notes

To ensure a respectful visit to Can Tho Museum, keep the following in mind:

Dress appropriately (avoid shorts and revealing tops)
Park vehicles in designated areas
Do not damage the museum property
Weapons, flammable or toxic items, livestock, bulky or unhygienic items are prohibited
Do not smoke, litter, lean on glass displays, or damage exhibits
Photography and filming inside the exhibitions are not allowed without permission
To book your visit, call 02923 818 075 or email [email protected].

Can Tho Museum is a must-visit if you want to see the rich history and culture of the Mekong Delta. With extensive collections, detailed exhibits, and a central location, the museum offers visitors a deeper appreciation of the region’s heritage.

If you are planning more of Vietnam travel after Can Tho, consider the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc, the stunning limestone karsts of Ha Long, the ancient streets of Hoi An, or the vibrant coast of Nha Trang. For a truly relaxing trip, stay at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, where you can enjoy luxurious rooms and top-notch services. And don’t forget to explore VinWonders - a world-class paradise of entertainment - for unforgettable excitement during your journey.