Get ready to experience river culture on a whole new level with the upcoming Can Tho Festival this December!
In the heart of the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta lies the city of Can Tho, best known as the river city where visitors can feast their eyes on the natural beauty of canals and the floating market. To close out the year, Can Tho will celebrate its first ever river culture festival with the theme “The Colours of the River,” which aims to showcase and celebrate the local traditions while raising environmental awareness, especially when it comes to river ecosystems.
The opening ceremony commences on December 27, featuring a fireworks and drone light display. The festivities will take place at the Hau River, where a parade of vibrant boats decorated with fruits and vegetables will play Don Ca Tai Tu Nam Bo—a traditional Southern Vietnamese music genre—while dancing lions and dragons surround visitors. This will be followed by activities spread across five days.
A cuisine festival will showcase the delicacies of the region at the Hậu River Park in Cái Khê Ward on December 27 and 28. Meanwhile, performances by Tay Do Cai Luong (Reformed Opera) Theatre and the Khmer Art Troupe are set to stage at the same venue from December 28 to 30, and a sailing competition will take place on December 28 on the river itself. A sup boat race is also scheduled at Cái Khê Canal on December 29.
The Nhip Song Tren Song – Mien Tay Xua Va Nay (Rhythm of Life on the River – Mekong Delta in the Past and Present) photo exhibit will be open at the Ninh Kiều Wharf Park throughout the festival. Lastly, everyone can visit Ninh Kiều Wharf Park and Hậu River Park to take photos of the flower-made miniatures, starting December 20 until January 1.
Experience the bustling river culture of Can Tho and watch the canals burst with life starting December 27 to January 1!