The newly crowned Miss Vietnam, Nguyen Ngoc Kieu Duy, hails from Can Tho, a vibrant city in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Known as the “capital of the Mekong Delta,” Can Tho boasts lush natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant local culture.
Nguyen Ngoc Kieu Duy, a talented beauty from Can Tho, was crowned Miss Vietnam 2024 at the grand finale.
Ninh Kieu Wharf
Situated on the peaceful Hau River, Ninh Kieu Wharf is an iconic cultural and tourist destination in Can Tho. With its picturesque scenery and modern touches, it has long been a popular attraction for both domestic and international visitors.
Along the riverbank is the lush Ninh Kieu Park, featuring shaded pathways, clean stone-paved paths, and stalls selling local specialties. From here, visitors can admire the modern Can Tho Bridge, a symbol of the city’s development.
In the evening, Ninh Kieu Wharf transforms into a dazzling spectacle with brightly lit restaurants, cruise ships, and riverfront stalls. One of the most enjoyable experiences is dining on a cruise ship, savoring the local cuisine while listening to the soulful melodies of “don ca tai tu,” a traditional art form of the region.
Ninh Kieu Wharf is also renowned for its Ninh Kieu pedestrian bridge, designed with a modern, curved shape. At night, the bridge comes alive with a colorful LED lighting system, creating a romantic ambiance for visitors.
Binh Thuy Ancient House
Binh Thuy Ancient House, located in Binh Thuy district, Can Tho, is a late 19th-century architectural gem that attracts visitors interested in history and culture. This unique attraction blends French and Oriental styles, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of the time.
Constructed with wood and brick, the house retains its antique charm, featuring large windows and intricate details. Built by the Duong family in 1870, it stands as a testament to the region’s architectural heritage and offers a glimpse into the lives and culture of the past.
Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by spacious rooms with classic tiled floors, high ceilings, and elaborately carved wooden furniture. Preserved antique items such as ceramic vases, oil lamps, and paintings transport visitors back in time, offering a nostalgic experience. The ancient house provides a perfect backdrop for vintage-style photography.
Bang Lang Stork Garden
For those seeking a tranquil escape, Bang Lang Stork Garden in Thot Not district offers a serene setting to relax with friends, family, and loved ones. Spanning over 16,000 square meters, this garden is home to approximately 20 species of storks, including the cotton stork, fish stork, lotus stork, and fried stork. It also serves as a sanctuary for various bird species such as herons, egrets, ibises, and more.
The best time to visit the garden is from August to January, during the storks’ breeding season. At this time, tens of thousands of storks flock to the garden, creating a spectacular sight. Whether you choose to visit in the early morning or as the sun sets, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of these graceful birds in their natural habitat.
Bang Lang Stork Garden, with its natural beauty, is becoming a popular eco-tourism destination in Can Tho.
Con Son
Con Son captivates visitors with its serene natural surroundings. Fruit orchards, tranquil rivers, and fresh air make it a delightful destination. Visitors can explore the area by riding on a three-leaf boat through the small canals, immersing themselves in the simple yet charming beauty of the water landscape. The orchards, filled with delicious fruits like jackfruit, breast milk, guava, and mango, offer a delightful experience of picking your own fruit straight from the trees.
Con Son is also known for its unique fish circus, where fish seem to “fly” out of the water to catch prey at the trainer’s command. This extraordinary performance, held in the local fish farms, never fails to amaze visitors.
In addition to the fish circus, Con Son offers a glimpse into traditional crafts such as folk cake making, honey farming, and fish farming. Visitors can actively participate in these activities, creating memorable experiences.
Hu Tieu Factory
A trip to Can Tho is incomplete without visiting the famous hu tieu factories. Here, you’ll learn about the intricate process of making hu tieu, a type of rice noodle popular in Vietnamese cuisine. Friendly locals will guide you through the steps, from selecting the finest ingredients to the delicate production techniques. You’ll even have the opportunity to try your hand at some of the processes, making it a fun and educational experience. These factories also offer hu tieu as souvenirs for your loved ones back home.
The hu tieu factories are mainly concentrated in Ninh Kieu district, Can Tho city. Producing high-quality hu tieu requires a meticulous process, with each step demanding the utmost attention to detail from skilled artisans.
Cuisine of Can Tho
Banh Cong
Banh cong, a humble yet exquisite dish, has become an iconic delicacy of Can Tho. These golden, crispy fritters, sizzling in hot oil, entice visitors at Ninh Kieu Wharf. The perfect blend of savory mung bean paste, marinated pork, and fresh shrimp makes for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
What sets banh cong apart is its crispy outer shell and generous filling. It is best enjoyed with fresh herbs, such as lettuce and perilla leaves, and soft vermicelli, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The sweet and sour dipping sauce, made with a secret local recipe, is the key to balancing the richness of the fritter and leaving a lasting impression on diners.
Vit Nau Chao
Vit nau chao, or duck cooked in fermented soybean paste, is a signature dish of Can Tho and the Mekong Delta region. This mouthwatering dish combines tender duck meat with the creamy, savory flavors of fermented soybean paste, creating an irresistible aroma and taste.
The duck used in this dish is carefully selected, usually a free-range variety with lean, flavorful meat. Marinated with fermented soybean paste, garlic, chili, and a touch of rice wine to eliminate any unpleasant odors, the duck absorbs the flavors beautifully.
Vit nau chao is characterized by its robust flavors and aromatic spices.
Banh Tam Bi
Banh tam bi is a humble yet captivating dish unique to Can Tho. It brings together soft rice noodles, crispy pork skin, and creamy coconut milk, resulting in a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
The highlight of this dish is the “bi,” a mixture of shredded boiled pork, crispy pork skin, and toasted rice powder, providing a delightful contrast of crunchiness and creaminess. The rich coconut milk sauce, drizzled over the noodles, enhances the dish with its sweet and savory notes.
The rice noodles, made from rice flour, are soft yet slightly chewy, exuding the fresh aroma of rice.
Banh tam bi is not just a delicious breakfast option but also represents a unique cultural aspect of Can Tho’s cuisine.
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