On the busy waterways of Can Tho, Vietnam’s Mekong Delta hub, boat tours offer the best way to experience local life. The most rewarding options range from half-day floating market visits to full 2-day cultural adventures. I’m especially fond of the early morning Cai Rang Market tours – you’ll get the most authentic experience before the tourist crowds arrive. The sunset tours through small canals give you an intimate look at riverside communities, while combination tours with cooking classes and biking provide excellent value. For visitors short on time, the small-group cultural tours pack plenty of local tradition into a single day. Let’s explore the top boat tours that showcase Can Tho’s watery world.
Good To Know
- The 2-day Mekong tour from Ho Chi Minh City offers a diverse itinerary including boat rides, cooking classes, biking, and forest visits for a personalized experience.
- The Mekong River Boat Tour showcases breathtaking sunsets and small canals, providing a private and personalized exploration for up to 60 travelers.
- The Cai Rang Floating Market Tour offers an early morning private experience with a focus on local trade and small canal navigation.
- The Cultural Tour with River Cruise highlights the history and traditions of the Mekong Delta, including a scenic cruise and a street food adventure.
- The tours cater to diverse preferences, including cultural, nature, and culinary interests, though accessibility and dietary needs should be considered.
2 Days Tour in Can Tho With Boat Trip and Cooking Class
The 2-day Mekong tour from Ho Chi Minh City offers travelers an immersive experience in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Over the course of two days, visitors can enjoy a boat ride, biking, a cooking class, and a forest visit. The tour accommodates up to 15 travelers, providing a personalized and intimate group experience.
Included in the tour are two lunches, breakfast, snacks, and coffee/tea. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately. An English or French-speaking guide is available for an additional fee.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Can Tho city are provided, with an extra fee for locations outside the city center or airport pick-up. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.
Priced from $275.37 per person, the tour offers free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Vegetarian options are available, and dietary requirements should be advised at the time of booking.
Read our full review: 2 Days Tour in Can Tho With Boat Trip and Cooking Class Review
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Boat Tour on Mekong River See the Sunset, Small Canal, Vegan Dinner, Street Food
Travelers embark on a captivating boat tour along the Mekong River, where they witness the breathtaking sunset and explore the region’s intricate network of small canals.
The tour, which is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 11 reviews, includes a vegan dinner and street food experiences, providing a unique culinary adventure. With a maximum of 60 travelers per tour, the private nature of the experience allows for a more personalized exploration of the local culture and scenery.
The tour includes boat tickets, snacks, a local guide, and private transportation, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey. Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and great local snacks, while travelers appreciated the unique sunset experience and the company’s excellent problem-solving and responsiveness.
The tour starts at 4:30 PM and ends back at the meeting point, which is located at Chùa Ông in Cần Thơ. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps, making it unsuitable for pregnant travelers.
Read our full review: Boat Tour on Mekong River See the Sunset, Small Canal, Vegan Dinner, Street Food Review
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Half-Day Private Cai Rang Floating Market & Small Canal Boat Tour
Embarking on an early morning adventure, the Half-Day Private Cai Rang Floating Market & Small Canal Boat Tour offers travelers a unique glimpse into the vibrant heart of Can Tho’s waterways.
Starting at 5:30 AM, this 5.0-rated tour provides a private experience, including breakfast, coffee, and tea, as well as private transportation and all fees and taxes.
Guests will be picked up from the Ninh Kieu Wharf or an alternative location nearby, before embarking on a journey to the renowned Cai Rang Floating Market.
Here, they’ll witness the bustling trade of local produce and goods, all while navigating the small canals in a private boat.
The tour also includes exploration of the surrounding areas, allowing visitors to enjoy the traditional way of life along the Mekong Delta.
With free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours before the start, this tour caters to most travelers, though it’s not suitable for those with serious medical conditions.
The exceptional reviews highlight the unique and memorable experiences participants have enjoyed on this half-day adventure.
Read our full review: Half-Day Private Cai Rang Floating Market & Small Canal Boat Tour Review
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Can Tho Small-Group Cultural Tour With River Cruise
This small-group cultural tour of Can Tho immerses visitors in the vibrant history and traditions of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region.
Starting at the Ong Pagoda, the tour explores three Vietnamese pagodas, showcasing the country’s rich religious heritage. Guests then embark on a scenic cruise along the Mekong and Binh Thuy Rivers, witnessing the sunset over the serene waterways.
The tour also includes a street food adventure, allowing participants to savor the flavors of the local cuisine. With a maximum group size of 100, this experience provides personalized attention and an intimate glimpse into Can Tho’s canals, brickyards, and the iconic Can Tho Bridge.
Priced from £47.37 per person, the tour includes all transportation, tickets, snacks, and an English-speaking guide.
Whether you’re interested in culture, nature, or culinary delights, this small-group tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Can Tho’s highlights.
Read our full review: Can Tho Small-Group Cultural Tour With River Cruise Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Recommended Duration for the Boat Tours?
The recommended duration for boat tours can vary, but typically ranges from 1 to 3 hours. Shorter tours often focus on specific highlights, while longer ones allow for more in-depth exploration and experiences along the waterways.
Are Life Jackets Provided During the Boat Trips?
Life jackets are typically provided during boat tours and cruises to ensure passengers’ safety. Most reputable tour operators take this precaution seriously, supplying life vests for all participants as a standard safety measure.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated on the Tours?
Most boat tour operators can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. They’ll work to provide suitable meals or snacks for passengers with allergies, vegetarian, or other dietary needs to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience.
What Are the Cancellation Policies for the Boat Tours?
Cancellation policies for boat tours generally vary, but many allow full refunds if cancelled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled departure. Some may charge a fee for late cancellations. It’s best to check the specific policy before booking.
Are the Boats Wheelchair Accessible?
Many boat tour operators strive to offer wheelchair-accessible vessels, providing ramps or lifts for easy boarding. Customers should inquire about specific accessibility features when booking to ensure the boat tour meets their needs.
The Sum Up
Can Tho offers a range of boat tours and cruises that provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the Mekong Delta region. From half-day tours of the Cai Rang Floating Market to multi-day excursions that include cultural experiences and cooking classes, there’s something for every traveler. These tours offer a chance to witness the vibrant local life along the waterways and savor the flavors of the region.