Can Tho Market (Vietnamese: chợ Cần Thơ; chợ mean market) also known as Can Tho Ancient Market is located right next to Ninh Kiều wharf and is a symbolic work of Can Tho city. The market has a long history and impressive architecture, attracting people to visit when traveling to this city.
General information of Can Tho Market
The market was built around 1915, at the same time as Ben Thanh market and Binh Tay market in Ho Chi Minh City. The market is also known by many different names, such as when it was first built, it was Luc Tinh market (means 6 old provinces in Mekong Delta Region which belong to Vietnam, due to being a focal point of river trade in the Delta and Can Tho market).
Old capture in 1955
About 40 years later (1950 – 1955), the bustling character of Luc Tinh market gradually disappeared due to the shift in transporting goods mainly by river. Most of the time, traders exchange and buy and sell goods directly at floating markets on the Tien and Hau rivers such as: Cai Be floating market (Tien Giang), Tra On floating market (Vinh Long), floating market Cai Rang and Phong Dien (Can Tho), … therefore, from a market that was acting as a trading center, it suddenly became a gathering place for small stalls. And from here, the name Luc Tinh market disappeared and was replaced by Ham Duong market. The name Ham Duong implies a market with many small stalls both on the river and on land.
The name Ham Duong market remained until 2005, when there was another change. The old market was so degraded that it could no longer be used, so the Can Tho city government invested money to rebuild the market on the old architectural foundation and named it Can Tho market.
However, people here do not call Can Tho market but call it Can Tho ancient market because the market is more than 100 years old. But along with the name Can Tho ancient market, the market is also called another name, Can Tho cage market. This name is because right in the market there is a cage that specializes in serving food and drinks for tourists when visiting.
Can Tho Market also has beautiful architecture, ranked among the most wonderful in the Mekong Delta with its unique beauty and nostalgic. This is also considered one of the places that preserves the traditional culture and clear history of the city.
The market still retains most of the ancient architecture from when it was first built, such as herringbone-shaped ceilings, yin-yang tiled roofs, and an ancient atmosphere.
Roof of Can Tho Market.
Up to now, the campus of Can Tho Market has a total area of 1,723 square meters, with the front overlooking the night market and the rear overlooking the gentle Hau River.
Unique features of Can Tho Market
Can Tho Market is an attractive place to visit when displaying a variety of local specialties as well as souvenirs. There are currently more than 20 shops selling souvenirs such as conical hats, items made from wood, coconut, ao dai or traditional handicrafts.
In particular, discovering ancient culture and shopping in a traditional space has attracted a large number of foreigners to explore Can Tho. The items also seem to evoke historical stories through the skillful hands of artisans. Besides, the market also sells processed agricultural and aquatic products.
In addition to sightseeing, shopping, and admiring the architecture, what makes many people excited when coming here is discovering the delicious culinary delights of Europe and Asia.
In 2009, Can Tho began implementing a project to build a walking street, food court, night market and souvenir sales at Ninh Kieu Wharf and Can Tho Market. This area operates from about 18:00 p.m. the previous day until 4:00 a.m. the next day, to create the best conditions for people to shop, visit or have fun.
Can Tho market at night time
Thanks to that, we can also walk around the market and enjoy eating and drinking in the cool breeze blowing from the Hau River. From waiting, you can also watch the shimmering lights on Ninh Kieu wharf reflecting on the water surface. Besides, the restaurant also has boat service for those who want to visit many other famous places such as: My Khanh Tourist Garden, floating market… You can enjoy delicious dishes on the river while listening Southern amateur music. Although the market has gradually been upgraded and changed more to preserve and develop into a key tourist destination, it still retains its classic, never-changing quality.
Can Tho Market
- Location: Hai Bà Trưng street, Ninh Kiều District, Cần Thơ city.
- Other tourist spots nearby: Binh Thuy temple, Phong Dien floating market, Bang Lang stork sanctuary, Truc Lam Phương Nam Monastery, Binh Thuy ancient, Cai Rang floating market…
Source: collected
