(TITC) – Located at the heart of the Mekong Delta, Cần Thơ enjoys abundant natural advantages, with a dense network of rivers and canals, a promising coastal zone, and diverse ecosystems. In recent years, the city has actively developed ecotourism stretching from rivers to the sea, leveraging its local strengths while meeting the growing demand for green, sustainable travel among both domestic and international visitors. Visitors shall recognize that Can Tho has more than just a river to offer.
The crown jewel of Cần Thơ’s ecotourism is its vibrant river-based tourism. The iconic Cái Răng Floating Market – a cultural symbol of the Mekong Delta, is not only a bustling hub for trade but also a unique attraction where visitors can witness the authentic rhythms of local life. Complementing this are destinations such as Mỹ Khánh Tourist Village, the community-based tourism area of Cồn Sơn, and the lush fruit orchards of Phong Điền and Thốt Nốt. Here, travelers can take a boat ride through winding waterways, sample fresh fruits right in the garden, watch the famous “flying snakehead fish” show, make traditional cakes, or join in agricultural activities alongside local farmers.
Photo: TITC
Beyond its river tourism routes, Cần Thơ is expanding its ecotourism footprint toward the sea. The Trần Đề Seaport and the coastal area bordering Cù Lao Dung are being earmarked for marine and island tourism. Blessed with mangrove ecosystems, melaleuca and mangrove forests, and expansive coastal mudflats, the area holds great potential for new tourism models such as ecological experience tours, community-based tourism, coastal resorts, and even international waterway cruises via the seaport.
However, achieving sustainable ecotourism requires addressing certain challenges. Despite welcoming over 6.3 million visitors in the first half of 2025, the city’s average tourist spending remains low. One key reason is the lack of large-scale entertainment complexes and engaging nighttime cultural programs to encourage longer stays. Additionally, tourism products across the Mekong provinces remain quite similar, lacking distinctive features to set Cần Thơ apart.
Photo: TITC
To tackle these issues, Cần Thơ is gradually re-planning its tourism development space, zoning areas based on local strengths, and attracting investment in tourism infrastructure, eco-resorts, and multi-purpose entertainment complexes. The city also places strong emphasis on developing unique cultural–ecotourism products closely tied to the daily life of its Khmer, Hoa, and Chăm communities creating a rich cultural identity that is uniquely Tây Đô.
Furthermore, Cần Thơ is strengthening partnerships with neighboring provinces and regions nationwide to establish interregional river–sea tourism routes. These connections, linking Cần Thơ with Đồng Tháp, Vĩnh Long, Cà Mau, and beyond, aim to build a sustainable ecotourism value chain stretching from the upper reaches of the Hậu River all the way to the East Sea.
With a clear vision and the joint efforts of local authorities and businesses, Cần Thơ is steadily affirming its position as the Mekong Delta’s leading hub for river, marine, and island ecotourism, offering visitors unique experiences deeply connected to nature and the vibrant local culture.
Tourism Information Technology Center
