What You Need to Know Before You Go
Can Tho Night Market has nothing to do with a floating market. Many travelers confuse the two. Cai Rang Floating Market is a morning activity (5 AM to 8 AM) on the water. The night market is on land, in the city center, and starts in the late afternoon.
It consists of two parallel pedestrian streets in the Ninh Kieu district. Phan Chu Trinh Street is dedicated to street food. Phan Boi Chau Street is for shopping (clothing, accessories, electronics). Both streets are active every evening from around 6 PM to 11 PM.
This market is frequented by Can Tho locals. Local families come here to stroll, eat, and shop. The proportion of foreign tourists remains small, especially on weekdays. This is a good point for authenticity, provided you know where to go.
Where is the Night Market and How to Get There
The market is held on two parallel streets in downtown Can Tho:
- Phan Chu Trinh Street: street food, desserts, drinks
- Phan Boi Chau Street: clothing, shoes, accessories, electronics
These two streets are located a 10-minute walk from Ninh Kieu Pier, the main promenade along the Hau River. From the pier, simply go up Hai Ba Trung Street and turn left.
Transport Options:
- On foot: 10 minutes from Ninh Kieu Pier. This is the recommended option.
- Taxi: expect 20,000 to 30,000 VND ($0.80 to $1.20 USD) from anywhere in the center.
- Grab: works well in Can Tho. A ride in the city center costs between 15,000 and 25,000 VND ($0.60 to $1 USD).
- Bicycle: some hotels lend bicycles for free. The center is flat and easy to navigate.
Practical Tip: Avoid taking a cyclo-pousse. Prices quoted to tourists are often three to four times the local rate. If you really want to try, negotiate firmly before getting on.
Phan Chu Trinh Street: Street Food Paradise
Phan Chu Trinh Street is entirely pedestrian in the evening. Dozens of stalls line up on both sides. The atmosphere is noisy, lively, and fragrant. This is where locals come to have dinner after work.
Must-Try Specialties:
- Banh xeo: crispy Vietnamese crepe filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Expect 25,000 to 35,000 VND ($1 to $1.40 USD).
- Nem nuong: grilled pork skewers served with fresh herbs and fermented sauce. Expect 30,000 to 40,000 VND ($1.20 to $1.60 USD) for a portion of 5 skewers.
- Che: sweet dessert made with beans, fruits, coconut milk, and crushed ice. Expect 10,000 to 20,000 VND ($0.40 to $0.80 USD).
- Grilled seafood: shrimp, squid, clams cooked on the barbecue. Expect 80,000 to 120,000 VND ($3.20 to $4.80 USD) per plate.
- Banh mi: the classic Vietnamese sandwich. Expect 15,000 to 20,000 VND ($0.60 to $0.80 USD).
How to Spot Good Stalls:
The best stalls are where locals are queuing. If a stall is empty, move on. If all the plastic stools are occupied by Vietnamese people, sit down without hesitation.
Warning: Some stalls near the street entrance increase their prices by 30 to 50% for tourists. Move 50 meters away and prices return to normal.
Phan Boi Chau Street: Shopping and Souvenirs
Phan Boi Chau Street is less known to tourists. Yet, this is where Can Tho locals come to buy their clothes and accessories.
What You'll Find:
- Clothing: t-shirts, shirts, dresses, jeans. Prices between 100,000 and 300,000 VND ($4 to $12 USD).
- Shoes: sneakers, sandals, flip-flops. Prices between 150,000 and 400,000 VND ($6 to $16 USD).
- Accessories: bags, belts, sunglasses, costume jewelry.
- Electronics: phone cases, chargers, earphones, cables.
- Souvenirs: magnets, keychains, decorative cups.
Should You Negotiate?
Yes, for clothing, shoes, and accessories. Negotiation is part of the local culture. Offer 60 to 70% of the listed price. The seller will generally accept around 80%.
No, for street food. Prices are fixed and very low. Negotiating for a 15,000 VND banh mi is frowned upon.
Shopping Tip: Avoid items marked "made in China." Instead, look for local products like silk clothing, conical hats, or rattan objects. They are more expensive but more authentic.
Traps to Avoid at the Night Market
Based on traveler feedback and local observations, here are the most common scams:
1. Pre-cut Fruit Sold Too Expensively
Vendors offer bags of fresh fruit (mango, pineapple, watermelon) for 30,000 or 40,000 VND. At a local grocery store, the same bag costs 10,000 VND. Solution: buy your fruit from a street vendor outside the market, or buy the whole fruit and ask to have it cut.
2. "Floating Coffee" Charged Double
Some coffee stalls near Ninh Kieu Pier offer a "floating coffee" (ca phe sua da) for 40,000 VND. The normal price is 15,000 to 20,000 VND. Solution: check the price before ordering.
3. Made in China Souvenirs
The magnets, keychains, and cups sold at the night market are almost all made in China. You'll find identical ones in all markets in Vietnam. Solution: don't spend more than 20,000 VND ($0.80 USD) on a magnet.
4. Overly Insistent Touts
At the entrance of both streets, touts try to attract tourists to specific restaurants or stalls. They receive a commission. Solution: politely ignore them and choose where to eat yourself.
How Much Time to Plan and What is the Best Time to Go
Best time: between 7 PM and 9 PM.
- Before 7 PM: it's still hot and some stalls are just setting up.
- After 9 PM: street food stalls start to close, especially those that have run out of stock.
- Between 7 PM and 9 PM: the atmosphere is at its peak, local families are numerous, the light is beautiful for photos.
Ideal Evening Schedule:
- 6 PM: stroll along Ninh Kieu Pier to enjoy the sunset.
- 7 PM: dinner on Phan Chu Trinh Street (street food).
- 8 PM: shopping on Phan Boi Chau Street.
- 9 PM: dessert and a drink before heading back.
Recommended Duration: 2 to 3 hours. The market isn't huge. Two hours are enough to eat, wander, and do some shopping.
Alternatives to the Night Market: What to Do in the Evening in Can Tho
For travelers looking for something else, here are three alternatives:
1. Dinner on a Restaurant Boat
Several boats are moored along Ninh Kieu Pier. They offer fresh seafood, soups, and regional dishes. Prices are higher than at the night market (150,000 to 300,000 VND per dish), but the view of the river is pleasant.
2. Night Boat Ride on the Mekong
One-hour boat excursions are organized in the evening. The boat follows the illuminated quays and passes under Can Tho's bridges. Expect 100,000 to 150,000 VND ($4 to $6 USD) per person. The atmosphere is calm and romantic.
3. Have a Drink by the Water
Several cafes and bars line Ninh Kieu Pier. A Vietnamese coffee costs between 20,000 and 40,000 VND ($0.80 to $1.60 USD). A local beer (Saigon, Bia Hanoi) costs between 15,000 and 25,000 VND ($0.60 to $1 USD).
Practical Tips for a Successful Evening
- Payment: cash only. No stall accepts credit cards. Budget 200,000 to 300,000 VND ($8 to $12 USD) per person for a full evening (meal + light shopping).
- Attire: light clothing (shorts, t-shirt, dress). In the evening, there may be mosquitoes. Repellent is recommended.
- Footwear: comfortable flip-flops or sandals. The streets are clean but you'll walk a lot.
- Water: buy bottled water (5,000 to 10,000 VND). Do not drink tap water.
- Ice: the ice sold at street stalls is made from filtered water. It is generally safe.
- Toilets: there are no public toilets. Some restaurants accept customers who don't eat there, but it's not guaranteed. Go before you come.
- Safety: the market is safe. As everywhere in crowded places, keep your phone and wallet in a closed pocket. Avoid wearing visible valuables.
For Families: the streets are pedestrian-only, so they're safe for children. Bring water and a fan. Strollers pass without issue.
Table: Indicative Street Food Prices
| Dish | Price in VND | Price in USD | Authenticity Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banh mi | 15,000 - 20,000 | $0.60 - $0.80 | High |
| Banh xeo | 25,000 - 35,000 | $1.00 - $1.40 | High |
| Nem nuong (5 skewers) | 30,000 - 40,000 | $1.20 - $1.60 | High |
| Che (dessert) | 10,000 - 20,000 | $0.40 - $0.80 | High |
| Grilled seafood | 80,000 - 120,000 | $3.20 - $4.80 | Medium |
| Pre-cut fruit | 10,000 - 15,000 | $0.40 - $0.60 | Medium |
Table: Comparison of Night Markets in Vietnam
| City | Size | Atmosphere | Specialties | Relative Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Can Tho | Small | Local, family-friendly | Street food, clothing | Low |
| Ho Chi Minh City (Ben Thanh) | Large | Touristy, lively | Souvenirs, handicrafts | High |
| Hoi An | Medium | Romantic, lantern-lit | Handicrafts, paintings | Medium |
| Hanoi (Old Quarter) | Large | Very lively, noisy | Street food, clothing | Low |
FAQ
Q: Is Can Tho Night Market free?
Yes, access to both streets is free. Only purchases (food, clothing, souvenirs) are payable. There is no entrance fee.
Q: What is the difference between the night market and Cai Rang Floating Market?
The night market is a land-based market in the city center, active in the evening. Cai Rang Floating Market is a wholesale market on the water, active early in the morning (5 AM to 8 AM). These are two completely different experiences.
Q: Can you eat at Can Tho Night Market?
Yes, Phan Chu Trinh Street is entirely dedicated to street food. You'll find a variety of dishes: banh xeo, nem nuong, seafood, desserts. Prices are very affordable (15,000 to 50,000 VND per dish).
Q: What are the prices at Can Tho Night Market?
A banh mi costs about 15,000 to 20,000 VND ($0.60 to $0.80 USD). A plate of grilled seafood can reach 80,000 to 120,000 VND ($3 to $5 USD). Clothing can be negotiated between 100,000 and 300,000 VND ($4 to $12 USD).
Q: Is Can Tho Night Market safe?
Yes, it's a safe place, even for solo travelers or families. Just be careful of pickpockets in the crowd and price scams. It is not recommended to wear visible valuables.
Q: Should you negotiate at Can Tho Night Market?
Yes, for clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, negotiation is expected. However, for street food, prices are fixed and very low. It is frowned upon to negotiate for a 15,000 VND dish.
Q: Until what time is the night market open?
Most stalls are open from 6 PM to 11 PM. Some street food vendors close earlier (around 10 PM) if they have run out of stock. Clothing vendors often stay until 11 PM.
Q: Can you visit Can Tho Night Market with children?
Yes, it's a family-friendly activity. The streets are pedestrian-only and traffic-free. There is plenty of food choice for children. Be mindful of the heat and mosquitoes. It is advisable to bring water and repellent.