Ninh Kieu, Can Tho: a day walking around the wharf and night streets

The most crowded place in Can Tho after administrative reorganization, Ninh Kieu ward (5.42 km2, nearly 120,000 people) gathers all the typical experiences: walking on Ninh Kieu Wharf, taking a cruise on Hau River, visiting Ong Pagoda and Can Tho Market, sightseeing from the pedestrian bridge, exploring the Great Prison; at night, walking on Ninh Kieu walking street which is about to be expanded.

Ninh Kieu Wharf and Hau River experience

Ninh Kieu Wharf is a tourist and cultural destination formed in the 19th century, located on the right bank of the Hau River, between the confluence of the Hau River and the Can Tho River, adjacent to Hai Ba Trung Street. Walking along the wharf, you can hear the sound of water lapping against the boat and feel the gentle rhythm of river life.

In the evening, a popular experience is a cruise on the Hau River: enjoy Western specialties, listen to traditional music and watch the city lights reflected on the water.

Architectural and cultural imprints

Ong Pagoda (Hai Ba Trung Street)

Built by Cantonese Chinese (China) over 120 years ago, the pagoda has a unique architecture, is a place for religious activities and cultural exchange. Unlike some other Chinese pagodas, Ong Can Tho Pagoda does not have a stele recording the name of the person who started the construction or the year of its formation.

The pagoda was ranked as a national historical relic in 1993. People often come to visit, pray for luck in work or peace in life.

Can Tho Market (Hai Ba Trung Street)

Established in the early 20th century, the market is considered one of the beautiful architectures of the Mekong Delta, and is also a familiar check-in point. Today, the market has been renovated with an airy, harmonious design; focusing on selling souvenirs, handicrafts, travel accessories and traditional costumes.

Urban view from Ninh Kieu pedestrian bridge

Ninh Kieu pedestrian bridge (also known as the love bridge) is 199 m long, 7.2 m wide, and curved in an S shape. The bridge has 2 expansion points with lotus platforms and a resting place with a roof. You can visit anytime, but the most beautiful are:

Early morning: sunrise through a thin layer of mist.
Late afternoon: sunset dyed the water surface golden.
At night: cool breeze, panoramic view of the city and Can Tho bridge – the longest cable-stayed bridge in Southeast Asia – glowing.

Urban history at Can Tho Central Prison

Can Tho Prison Historical Site (Ngo Gia Tu Street) is a prison built by the French colonialists in the period 1876-1886, named Prison Provinciale (the largest provincial prison in the West at that time). The structure is solid with thick walls 3.6-5 m high, surrounded by iron fences; 6 m high watchtowers with floodlights.

Inside is divided into 2 areas, including 21 collective detention cells (capacity of 30-40 people) and many small cells used for solitary confinement.

Ninh Kieu walking street: nightlife is about to change

From December, Ninh Kieu walking street will be expanded and reorganized, aiming at a rich night cultural and artistic space, extending the length of stay of tourists and improving the spiritual life of the people.

In addition to traditional cultural and artistic activities continuing from the previous street, the new street is expected to add exchange activities between the audience and artists of various types of reformed opera, folk songs, etc.

Practical information

Main area: right bank of Hau River, junction of Hau River - Can Tho River.
Ninh Kieu Wharf: adjacent to Hai Ba Trung Street.
Ong Pagoda: Hai Ba Trung Street.
Can Tho Market: Hai Ba Trung Street.
Can Tho Central Prison: Ngo Gia Tu Street.
Ninh Kieu pedestrian bridge: has 2 expansion points, lotus platform and roof; beautiful time: early morning, sunset, night.

Quick Tip

Evening: take a cruise on the Hau River to enjoy Western specialties and listen to traditional music.
Combined sightseeing route along Hai Ba Trung Street: Ong Pagoda - Can Tho Market - Ninh Kieu Wharf - pedestrian bridge, convenient for walking.