River life, garden treats, chocolate making in Vietnam's Can Tho charm local, int'l visitors

As part of efforts to attract more domestic and international tourists, the city has developed a range of short tours centered on ecotourism, local cuisine and the natural beauty of the Mekong Delta, offering families and groups of friends a chance to explore the region at a leisurely pace.

The journey can begin at around 5:30 am with a boat trip from Ninh Kieu Wharf to Cai Rang floating market, where boats laden with agricultural products gather as the market gets busier.

Local and foreign tourists can watch vendors display their goods from the boats while enjoying a cup of coffee or a hot bowl of 'hu tieu' (Vietnamese rice noodle soup) and taking in the bustling river scene. 

From the floating market, visitors can head to Ong De Ecotourism Village, where fruit gardens, traditional southern Vietnamese cakes and team-building activities offer a taste of rural life.

Local dishes such as 'banh xeo' (Vietnamese sizzling cake), river shrimp with banana blossom, and meat-stuffed apple snails add a distinctly Mekong Delta flavor to the experience.

In the evening, travelers can stay in central Can Tho and stroll along Ninh Kieu Wharf, which offers views of the city illuminated after dark.

The second day can take a more leisurely turn, beginning at Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery, one of Can Tho's notable Buddhist sites, known for its spacious grounds, peaceful setting and distinctive architecture.

The next stop is Muoi Cuong Cocoa Garden, where visitors can learn how locally grown cocoa beans are turned into handmade chocolate.

Garden owner Lam The Cuong said cocoa trees produce fruit year-round and can be grown alongside jackfruit or mangosteen trees without being affected by their shade.

The beans can be processed into white cocoa butter, cocoa powder and chocolate candies, Cuong said.

Visitors can also watch Cuong demonstrate the chocolate-making process and try making chocolate themselves under his guidance.

The itinerary then takes visitors to Son Islet, a lush river islet where they can step away from the fast pace of urban life and immerse themselves in a quieter Mekong Delta experience.

Visitors can walk along rural paths, sample fresh fruit in gardens, make traditional cakes and chat with local residents.

The laid-back experience is part of the islet's appeal, with each garden and household offering a glimpse into the everyday life and hospitality of the local community.

Traditional dishes such as grilled snakehead fish can round out the journey, giving travelers another taste of the region's rustic cuisine.