The two Can Tho Night Markets
When people talk about Can Tho Night Market, they are usually referring to Ninh Kieu Night Market, the lively food-and-souvenir street running along the riverside near Ninh Kieu Wharf. It’s the main spot for evening street food, a casual walk, and a taste of the city’s nightlife.
There is also Tay Do Night Market, a smaller market located behind the Central Market building. On Google Maps it now shows up as Night Food Market, which explains why many travelers miss it. It’s less visited than Ninh Kieu and feels more local, but still makes for a quick stop if you’re exploring the area.
Both markets are within easy walking distance of Ninh Kieu Wharf, so you can comfortably see them on the same evening.
Ninh Kieu Night Market
Location
Ninh Kieu Night Market runs along Hai Bà Trưng Street, right next to Ninh Kieu Wharf. If you’re staying in the city center, it’s only a few minutes’ walk and hard to miss once the stalls are set up in the evening.
About Ninh Kieu Night Market
The market isn’t huge, but it’s lively and always busy after dark. Most of the action is centered on food, with a few souvenir stalls mixed in.
Parts of the street are closed to traffic, though motorbikes still weave through at times, adding to the slightly chaotic but authentic atmosphere.
Food at Ninh Kieu Night Market
Food is the main reason to come here. Stalls line the street selling quick snacks like grilled rice paper (“Vietnamese pizza”), sticky rice with chicken (xôi gà), skewers, fried seafood, and sweet soups. Prices are low, generally between 10,000 and 50,000 VND, so it’s easy to try a few different things. Hygiene is generally fine, but like at any street market, it’s worth choosing busy stalls where food is cooked fresh.
Other things to buy
Beyond food, there are a handful of stalls selling souvenirs, inexpensive clothing, accessories, and even printed T-shirts. The selection is limited, so don’t expect a full shopping experience—it’s more of a snack market with some light browsing on the side.
Tay Do Night Market
Location
Tay Do Night Market is not on Hai Bà Trưng Street like Ninh Kieu Night Market. Instead, it sits just behind the Can Tho Central Market (Chợ Cần Thơ) building. On Google Maps it usually shows up as Night Food Market, which is why many visitors miss it when searching for “Tay Do.” The easiest way to find it is to head to the Central Market by the riverfront and walk around to the back.
About Tay Do Night Market
This market was once promoted as one of Can Tho’s main night spots, but today it’s smaller and far less known. You won’t find the same buzz or variety as Ninh Kieu Night Market, and it doesn’t draw many tourists. Instead, it has a more local, everyday feel. For travelers, it’s worth checking out if you’re already in the area, but it’s better seen as a short food stop than a destination in itself.
What you can find at Tay Do
Food here is simple and cheap, with a focus on local seafood, dim sum, dumplings, and fresh juices. Prices are lower than at Ninh Kieu, and most of the customers are locals grabbing a bite rather than tourists.
he scale is small, but if you’re curious to see a more local version of a night market, Tay Do can be a nice addition to your evening.
Combine with Ninh Kieu Wharf
Both Can Tho night markets sit right by the city’s main riverside area at Ninh Kieu Wharf, so it’s easy to combine them with an evening walk. You can stroll along the promenade, stop by the Ho Chi Minh statue, or cross the pedestrian “Love Bridge” with its colorful LED lights. From there, it’s just a few steps to the night markets for food or souvenirs, and if you want to extend the night, you’ll also find cafés, bars, and dinner cruises departing from the wharf.
See our full guide to Ninh Kieu Wharf here.
Tips for visiting Can Tho Night Market
If you visit a Can Tho night market, there are a few simple things that will make the experience smoother and more enjoyable. The markets are fun but can be crowded and a little chaotic, so it helps to know what to expect.
- Bring cash – most stalls don’t accept cards.
- Bargaining – possible for clothes and souvenirs, but food prices are usually fixed.
- Go early evening (6–7 PM) – best time for food before some dishes sell out or stalls start repeating.
- Pick your timing – weekdays are calmer, weekends are busier and livelier.
- Watch your belongings – the markets are safe, but motorbikes weave through and it’s easy to get distracted.
Are the Can Tho Night Markets worth visiting?
The Can Tho night markets are worth checking out if you’re already in the city for the evening, but they shouldn’t be the sole reason to travel here.
Ninh Kieu Night Market is the livelier option, with plenty of street food and a fun atmosphere for a casual walk, though it’s not very big. Tay Do Night Market is smaller and more local, better if you want a quick, low-key stop rather than a full evening activity.
On their own, neither market is a major destination, but together they add a nice layer to an evening spent around Ninh Kieu Wharf, especially when combined with a stroll along the river or a visit to the pedestrian bridge.
