Can Tho night markets: Must-visits for first-time visitors

1. Tran Phu Night Market 

• Address: Tran Phu Street, Cai Khe Ward
• Opening hours: 5 PM - 11:30 PM
• Directions: From downtown Can Tho, follow Nguyen Van Cu Street - Cach Mang Thang 8 Street - Tran Phu Street. The trip takes about 15 minutes.

Tran Phu Night Market is one of the most popular Can Tho markets thanks to its wide variety of seafood. You can find everything here, from grilled oysters and squid with mustard sauce to pepper-grilled snails and hotpots. The seafood is fresh, clean, and clearly priced. The market also offers fruits, snacks, and drinks, giving you a full taste of the Mekong Delta. Whether you are looking to enjoy dinner, try something new, or simply soak in the atmosphere, stop by this Can Tho night market.

2. Ninh Kieu Night Market

• Address: Phan Chu Trinh Street, Ninh Kieu Ward
• Opening hours: 3 PM - 12 AM
• Directions: From downtown Can Tho, follow Nguyen Van Cu Street - Mau Than Street - 30 Thang 4 Street - Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street - Phan Chu Trinh. The trip takes about 20 minutes.

Ninh Kieu Night Market is a popular evening spot in Can Tho for both locals and tourists. Located just a short walk away from Ninh Kieu Wharf, it is a perfect place to explore after enjoying the riverside view there. Also known as Hang Dua Night Market, this Can Tho night market is a food lover's dream, packed with stalls selling a wide variety of delicacies. You can try grilled skewers, fried treats, sweet soups, and even some Thai- and Japanese-inspired street food. Chicken sticky rice is a must-try here.

3. Tay Do Night Market 

• Address: Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu Ward (near Ninh Kieu Night Market)
• Opening hours: 7 AM - 10 PM
• Directions: From downtown Can Tho, follow Nguyen Van Cu Street - Mau Than Street - 30 Thang 4 Street - Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street - Phan Chu Trinh - Hai Ba Trung Street. The trip takes about 20 minutes.

Tay Do Night Market in Can Tho is one of the largest trading hubs in the region and a standout among night markets in Vietnam. It has had several names over time, including Luc Tinh Market and Hang Duong Market, before becoming known as Can Tho Market. 

The locals take great pride in this market’s long-standing presence. Tay Do Night Market offers a wide variety of goods, including fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, blooming flowers, and local specialties. The pathways are wide, making it easy to walk around. 

The market also hosts various entertainment activities such as live music and electronic games. Its thoughtful design blends in with the surrounding landscape, giving the feel of a miniature Mekong Delta. 

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4. FAQs about night markets in Can Tho

4.1. Are Can Tho night markets open every day?

Yes, most night markets in Can Tho are open daily. Here are their typical opening hours:

• Tran Phu Night Market: 5 PM - 11:30 PM
• Ninh Kieu Night Market: 3 PM - 12 AM
• Tay Do Night Market: 7 AM - 10 PM

4.2. Are there any nearby attractions to combine with a night market visit?

Yes, there are several interesting places close to these Can Tho night markets:

• Song Hau Park (Cai Khe Ward): This riverside park is a peaceful spot to relax after visiting Can Tho night markets. It is great for an evening walk with views of the river and plenty of spaces to unwind.
• Can Tho Museum (1 Hoa Binh Avenue): This museum offers a closer look at the history of the Mekong Delta. Visitors can explore artifacts, traditional costumes, and exhibits about the region’s ethnic groups.
• Ong Pagoda (32 Hai Ba Trung Street): Built by the local Chinese community, Ong Pagoda stands out with its detailed carvings and incense-filled halls. It is a peaceful place to visit and admire traditional architecture.
• Ninh Kieu Wharf (106 Hai Ba Trung Street): This promenade is perfect for watching boats, taking photos, or joining a river cruise. It is one of Can Tho’s most iconic landmarks and is especially lively in the evening.
• Military Zone 9 Museum (6 Hoa Binh Avenue): This museum features 10 exhibitions on Vietnam’s military history, including themes such as the resistance against French colonialism, the war against American intervention, and tributes to national leaders like Ho Chi Minh and Ton Duc Thang.

4.3. What should I be aware of when exploring Can Tho night markets?

Keep the following tips in mind while exploring Can Tho night markets:

• Stay alert in busy spots: Night markets can get crowded, so it is smart to keep your bag close and your phone tucked away. Being aware of your surroundings helps prevent any unwanted surprises.
• Check prices before buying: If you are unsure about the cost of something, just ask. It is better to know upfront than risk paying more than you should.
• Practice friendly bargaining: Vendors are often open to negotiating. Keep it light and respectful, and you might get a better deal.
• Carry cash with you: Most stalls do not take cards, so having some Vietnamese dong on hand makes things easier. Bring smaller bills to avoid delays when paying.

Can Tho night markets are a highlight of the city's nightlife and a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the local way of life. From the lively Ninh Kieu Night Market near the wharf to the more spacious Tay Do Night Market, each spot offers something different. You can try a wide range of street food, shop for handmade souvenirs, or simply enjoy the energetic atmosphere filled with sights, sounds, and smells unique to the Mekong Delta.

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While there, you can also enjoy VinWonders, a series of world-class entertainment complexes filled with exciting games, shows, and attractions for all ages.