What is Ninh Kieu Wharf?
Location & Layout
Ninh Kieu Wharf sits at the confluence of the Hau and Can Tho rivers, right in the city center. It’s not a single pier but rather a broad riverfront area that includes Ninh Kieu Park, walking paths, and boat docks. The park covers about 7,000 square meters with neatly trimmed trees, paved promenades, and the large bronze statue of Ho Chi Minh as its centerpiece. From here you also get wide views of the Hau River and, in the distance, the impressive cable-stayed Can Tho Bridge.
History & Name
The area has served as a busy riverside trading hub since the 19th century, when merchants used the wharf to load and unload goods. Locals once referred to it simply as the “Trading Wharf” or “Hoang Duong Wharf.” In 1958 it was officially named Ninh Kieu, a reference to a historical battle site associated with Vietnam’s struggles for independence. Since then, it has remained one of Can Tho’s most recognizable landmarks and a focal point for both residents and visitors.
Architecture & Atmosphere
Today the wharf is more of a riverside park and leisure zone than a working pier. The promenade has been upgraded with embankments, landscaped gardens, and modern lighting, giving it a pleasant atmosphere for evening walks. The statue of Ho Chi Minh, at over 7 meters tall, dominates the park and is a common meeting point. While there isn’t much in terms of historic architecture left, the combination of riverside views, open public space, and cultural monuments makes it an easy and enjoyable place to spend some time. It’s not a spectacular site on its own, but it is the heart of Can Tho’s riverside life.
Things to Do and See at Ninh Kieu Wharf
1. Boat trips to Floating Markets & Canals
Ninh Kieu Wharf is the main departure point for boat trips in Can Tho. From here, most visitors head out early in the morning to Cai Rang Floating Market, which is still the city’s signature experience. You can also arrange shorter rides through nearby canals to see rural life, orchards, and stilt houses along the water. Prices and boat quality vary, so it’s best to book through your hotel or a trusted operator rather than negotiating last minute at the pier.
2. Strolling around Ninh Kieu Park
The park around the wharf is one of the nicest open spaces in Can Tho. A riverside promenade runs alongside the Hau River, lined with shady trees and benches where locals gather to relax.
At its center stands a tall bronze statue of Ho Chi Minh, a common meeting point and symbol of the park. It’s not a major attraction in itself, but it’s a pleasant spot to walk, especially at sunset when the light over the river is at its best.
3. Can Tho Walking Bridge (Love Bridge)
On the edge of the park is the pedestrian bridge, often called the Love Bridge. Opened in 2016, it has a distinctive S-shape and is illuminated with colorful LED lights after dark. In the evening it fills with couples, families, and groups of friends out for a stroll. While the bridge isn’t particularly impressive during the day, it does add atmosphere at night and often hosts events such as the lantern festival.
4. Ninh Kieu Night Market
From late afternoon until around midnight, the streets near the wharf turn into a lively Can Tho night market. It’s more about food than shopping, with dozens of stalls selling snacks like grilled rice paper, skewers, sweet soups, and fresh fruit. There are a few souvenir stalls, but the main draw is the casual, bustling street food vibe. Expect to pay between 15,000 and 50,000 VND per dish, making it an easy and inexpensive way to eat out in Can Tho.
5. Can Tho Central Market (Old Market)
Just a short walk from the wharf is Can Tho’s Central Market, also called the Old Market. It’s an active wet market where locals shop for fish, fruit, vegetables, and daily goods. The busiest time is in the early morning, when traders unload their produce straight from the river. While not a polished tourist attraction, it’s a good place to experience the everyday rhythm of the city.
6. Ong Pagoda
A few streets inland stands Ong Pagoda, one of Can Tho’s most distinctive temples. Built by the Chinese community, it is filled with large hanging incense coils that burn for hours and fill the air with fragrance. The temple is still very much in use, so dress modestly and be respectful of worshippers. Even if you only stop briefly, it’s worth visiting for its colorful details and atmosphere.
7. Restaurants, Bars & Rooftop Views
Around Ninh Kieu Wharf you’ll find plenty of options for eating and drinking. Floating restaurants moored along the river are popular with domestic tourists, offering a lively atmosphere and classic Vietnamese dishes. For something more relaxed, riverside cafés and small bars provide a nice spot to enjoy the breeze. A few nearby hotels have rooftop sky bars with views over the Hau River and Can Tho Bridge. The vibe is not like Saigon’s nightlife — expect a cozy, sociable evening rather than loud parties.
8. Dinner Cruises on Hau River
In the evenings, several large boats depart from the wharf for dinner cruises. These combine Vietnamese meals with live entertainment, sometimes including traditional Cai Luong performances. The highlight is drifting along the river with views of Can Tho Bridge lit up at night. The cruises are more geared toward Vietnamese groups and families, but foreign visitors are welcome and it can be a fun way to spend a few hours if you don’t mind the touristy setup.
Best time to visit Ninh Kieu Wharf (By time of day)
Early Morning
The wharf is busiest at dawn, when boats set off for Cai Rang Floating Market and smaller canal tours. Sunrise over the Hau River can be beautiful, with soft light reflecting on the water and early trading already underway. The nearby Central Market is also in full swing, making morning the best time to see the working side of Can Tho’s river life.
Daytime
During the day, Ninh Kieu Wharf is much quieter. The park remains open, but most people are indoors avoiding the heat, and the atmosphere can feel a little sleepy. It’s fine for a short stroll, though not the most exciting time to visit. If you do come in the daytime, bring water and sun protection as shade is limited along the promenade.
Evening & Night
Evenings are when the wharf really comes alive. The walking bridge glows with colorful LED lights, the night market sets up with food stalls, and locals head to the park for a walk or to sit by the river. Dinner cruises depart around this time, and the riverside restaurants and cafés fill up. The overall vibe is lively but still relaxed, with a mix of families, couples, and groups of friends enjoying the riverfront. For most visitors, this is the most enjoyable time to experience Ninh Kieu Wharf.
Staying around Ninh Kieu Wharf
If you want to stay in the city itself, Ninh Kieu Wharf is the most convenient area. This is where you’ll find the largest cluster of hotels in Can Tho, from budget guesthouses to mid-range business hotels and a few luxury options with river views. Staying here means you can walk to the night market, restaurants, bars, and easily catch an early boat to the floating markets.
That said, many travelers prefer to stay outside the city in rural homestays for a more authentic Mekong Delta experience. These are usually set among orchards or canals and give you a better feel for local life. If you choose this option, you can still visit Ninh Kieu Wharf in the evening or for a boat trip — it’s just a short taxi ride into the city.
Is Ninh Kieu Wharf worth visiting?
Ninh Kieu Wharf is not the kind of place that will blow you away with one must-see attraction, but it is the heart of Can Tho’s riverfront life. It’s the best spot in the city for an evening walk, with good views, a lively night market, and plenty of places to eat or have a drink. It’s also the central departure point for boat trips to Cai Rang Floating Market and the surrounding canals, which makes it practical as well as pleasant.
If you’re staying overnight in Can Tho, an evening at the wharf is almost essential. And even if you base yourself in a rural homestay outside the city, it’s still worth coming into town for a stroll along the promenade and to see the walking bridge lit up after dark.
