Rough Guide to Vietnam - Jan Dodd [103]
* * *
The Mekong Delta | Can Tho and around |
Arrival, information and city transport
Construction began in 2005 on the much-touted bridge across the Hau Giang River to Can Tho (see "Bridging the Delta"), but until its completion, probably in 2010, all visitors have to approach the city by ferry. Buses from all destinations currently roll off the ferry and into Can Tho’s bus station, 1200m northwest of town at the junction of Nguyen Trai and Hung Vuong; a xe om into town costs around 10,000đ.
For information about boat trips and other local attractions, drop in at the helpful Can Tho Tourist at 20 Hai Ba Trung (0710/382 1852, canthotour@hcm.vnn.vn). Can Tho Tourist tour boats along the river and to the markets depart from the tourist jetty (“Ben Tau Du Lich”), as do evening river cruises (daily 8–9.30pm; 10,000đ), which feature Vietnamese music.
The Mekong Delta | Can Tho and around |
Accommodation
Hai Ba Trung and Chau Van Liem together form the axis of Can Tho’s healthy hotel scene, with the more expensive and mid-range properties clustered around the northern end of Hai Ba Trung, and budget places located around Chau Van Liem and streets further south. If you’d rather stay in a rural setting than amid the downtown bustle, consider the Victoria or the more affordable My Khanh Village(see "Boat trips and floating markets"). Xe om drivers at the bus station will try to take you to a hotel of their choice (thus receiving a small commission), so be firm if you know where you want to go.
Can Tho Guest House 41 Chau Van Liem 0710/381 1773, 0710/3820 356. A good-value, budget place. Some rooms are large, with carpets, bathtubs and all facilities. US$11–20
Golf 2 Hai Ba Trung 0710/381 2210, www.vinagolf.vn. With over a hundred rooms, a pool and all facilities, not to mention fabulous river views, this place stands at the head of the pack in Can Tho, even though it’s all a bit soulless and international. US$76–US$151 and over
Kim Tho 1A Ngo Gia Tu 0710/322 2228, www.kimtho.com. Squeezing in beside the established hotels along the riverfront, this new place promises stiff competition with its state-of-the-art fixtures and fittings, plus sweeping river views. US$31–50
Ninh Kieu 2 Hai Ba Trung 0710/382 4583. Attractive place offering good-value, well-appointed rooms off coolly tiled halls; all rates include breakfast. A new extension has more expensive rooms that enjoy great river views. US$31–75
Phong Nha 70 Nguyen An Ninh 0710/382 1615. Recently relocated in a smart new building, this represents one of Can Tho’s best budget options. All rooms have a/c and bathrooms are spotless. US$11–20
Tay Do 61 Chau Van Liem 0710/382 1009. Possibly the best mid-range option in town, with over forty cosy rooms boasting all mod cons, including cable TV. US$31–50
Victoria Can Tho Cai Khe Ward 0710/381 0111, www.victoriahotels.asia. Built and furnished in classic French-colonial style but with all the modern facilities you’d expect from the delta’s first international standard hotel. It’s set in a grand riverside location opposite the town and surrounded by lush tropical growth. US$151 and over
Xuan Mai 2 17 Dien Bien Phu 0710/382 3578. Tucked away down a side street off Chau Van Liem, this is a decent budget option, with large, bright rooms, some with fan and others with a/c. US$10 and under–20
The Mekong Delta | Can Tho and around |
The City
Though its boat trips (see "Boat trips and floating markets") are the main reason for visiting Can Tho, a handful of lesser diversions on dry land will help keep you amused in the meantime. Broad Hoa Binh is the city’s backbone, and the site of the impressive Can Tho Museum, 1 Hoa Binh (Tues–Thurs 8–11am & 2–5pm, Sat & Sun 8–11am & 6.30–9pm; free), which presents “the history of the resistance against foreign aggression of Can Tho people”, as well as local economic and social achievements.
The 1946-built Munirangsyaram