Ninh Kieu Wharf is the center of Can Tho, where you will experience river views, a vibrant river walk, and a lively night market. You can walk along the river, eat fresh seafood, and enjoy the Mekong Delta vibe!
Introduction To Ninh Kieu Wharf
Situated in the heart of Can Tho along the tranquil Hau River, Ninh Kieu Wharf is a must-see destination in the Mekong Delta region. This lively riverside location is always bustling with boats, food vendors, and performers, demonstrating the vivacity of local life daily. It features a beautiful boulevard, a tree-lined park, and sweeping views of the river; it’s an ideal location for relaxing and learning about local culture.
As dusk blankets the setting, a single scene becomes a sparkling array of lights and sounds. Words cannot describe the ambiance created by the gentle glow of neighbourhood cafés, soft smells of grilled seafood, and the sounds of music from the cruise boats. This creates a destination that is regularly frequented by locals and visitors alike.
History Of Ninh Kieu Wharf
Ninh Kieu Wharf can be traced back to the 19th century, during the reign of King Gia Long of the Nguyen Dynasty. It used to be a small riverside wharf at the end of Can Tho Market that served essentially as a trading wharf. Given its function as a trading area, the French referred to it as “Quai de Commerce”, meaning Commercial Wharf.
In 1957, it was renovated and renamed Ninh Kieu Park. “Ninh Kieu” came from the historic battle of Ninh Kieu, where the Lam Son army, led by national hero Le Loi, defeated the Ming invaders. This is a meaningful name that expresses the Vietnamese spirit of gratitude and remembrance of the roots of our nation.
Top 3 Iconic Attractions In Ninh Kieu Wharf
Ninh Kieu Wharf is an exciting cultural, historical, and waterfront destination full of life in Can Tho. Visitors can admire the brilliant views overlooking the Hau River, visit classic historical sites, and take pleasure in the casual open-air atmosphere at this well-known river site
The Pier
The pier is located on the right bank of the Hau River, where it meets the Can Tho River, and is a historical symbol for the city. For many years, it has been a center for trade and transit and exemplifies Can Tho’s cultural and economic development. Visitors will love watching and taking pictures of local boats, best enjoyed while admiring the canal views.
The Pedestrian Bridge (Love Bridge)
The pedestrian bridge is a gracefully S-shaped bridge, 199 meters long and 7.2 meters wide. Two large lotus flowers have been designed into the center of the bridge. There are solar-powered LED lights and seating areas throughout the bridge that provide spectacular views of the Can Tho River and the city skyline. This charming bridge is a popular place for both locals and tourists.
The Riverside Park And The Walking Street
The riverside park and walking street host approximately 1.5 km of the riverfront, linking the Old Market, the walking bridge, and the park area next to the Hau River. It is a beautiful place to walk, unwind, and take in the view of the river. It has street merchants, local arts and entertainment, and an overall relaxing escape from the city, and is an excellent place to go with family, for an evening stroll, or to take pictures.
7 Unforgettable Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
A visit to Ninh Kieu Wharf wouldn’t be complete without exploring its most famous attractions: from leisurely walks along the riverbank to night markets with bright colors, each corner of this area shows its own charm and the soul of Can Tho.
Visit Ninh Kieu Park
Your journey in Can Tho often begins from Ninh Kieu Park, the green oasis just next to the Hau River. The park is full of green trees, stone benches, and open spaces where locals and tourists alike take their time to relax. At its very center, there is an enormous bronze statue of President Ho Chi Minh, 7.2 meters in height and weighing 12 tons.
Stroll Along Hau River
The Hau River is likely to be the most beautiful place in Ninh Kieu, representing a perfect combination of serenity and fascination. At dawn, you could enjoy the golden sun rising slowly in the sky and light up the day, showing you the images of locals getting ready to start a new day. At sunset, the river shines with beautiful shades of orange and red, evoking a perfect moment for travelers to take their cameras out. And by night, when lights from the nearby cafes and boats reflect beautifully in the water, the scene becomes really romantic and serene.
Walk Through The Can Tho Love Bridge
The Can Tho Love Bridge, or pedestrian bridge, is a modern landmark in the shape of an S, which is Vietnam’s land shape. It is beautiful with color-changing LED lights that illuminate magically along the riverside at night. Two big lotus-shaped platforms face the middle of the bridge for visitors to sit and rest or take memorable photos. If your luck permits, then you will get to see hundreds of floating lights surrounding the bridge during the lantern festival-a sight to remember.
Admire Can Tho Bridge
From Ninh Kieu Wharf, you can also admire the magnificent Can Tho Bridge – Vietnam’s first cable-stayed bridge. This masterpiece in engineering is especially dramatic at sunset, with a sky turning into a warm color palette. At night, the colors of the LEDs light up in the bridge, reflected across the Hau River. For the best view, take a river cruise from Ninh Kieu Wharf and watch it from the water. And before starting the trip, do not forget to agree on the fare with the boatman.
Enjoy A Ninh Kieu River Cruise
One of the highlights of visiting Ninh Kieu Wharf is the evening river cruise. Boats normally run from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM; this will take you down the quiet Hau River, and you can see the glittering city lights while on board. Onboard, you can appreciate traditional folk music forms, including Don Ca Tai Tu – the signature art form of the Mekong Delta. If your luck permits, a full moon night cruise gives the view an added poetic touch, with the moon reflected on the water. You will also be able to enjoy real local dishes right on the cruise for an unforgettable Can Tho experience.
Discover Ninh Kieu Night Market
End your day with a visit to one of the most dynamic shopping places in the city, the Ninh Kieu Night Market. The market is always busy, full of locals and tourists who take a walk along rows of different colorful stalls selling clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and local specialties. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, the friendly vendors will gladly let you look and sample their products. The glowing lights and happy noises of the market are also appropriate for an evening stroll. Grab a few Mekong Delta delicacies for home gifts!
Visit The Ong Pagoda
Ong Pagoda is a very sacred and one of the most beautifully designed Chinese temples in Can Tho, located just a short walk from the wharf. It is famous for its intricate architecture, bright red details, and hundreds of spiral incense coils hanging from the ceiling. The scent of the incense combined with the ringing of bells creates a serene, spiritual atmosphere. Every year, thousands of tourists come to pray and admire the beauty of Ong Pagoda, especially during festivals.
Entrance Fee
You can visit Ninh Kieu wharf and walk around the riverside park totally free. Some activities do require a ticket, for example, taking a river cruise (the price depends on the time and type of cruise), having dinner on a cruise, or walking through and shopping at the Ninh Kieu night market with a variety of products for sale.
Best Time To Visit Ninh Kieu Wharf
Can Tho has a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year. Therefore, you can visit Ninh Kieu Wharf at any time of year. Nevertheless, the best time to go there is in the dry season, starting in December and ending in April, when the weather is sunny and ideal for visiting. In April and December, when the traditional festivals of Thuong Dien and Ha Dien take place, you may encounter the lively cultural life of the city at that time. The riverside is the scene of historic celebrations and festivals.
One of the best times to watch local life in action is early in the morning. People can be seen exercising by the Hau River. They laugh and talk cheerfully while they wait for the sun to start rising. As the day moves on, things get busier both for the local farmers and tourists. At night, colorful LED lights reflect from the water, making Ninh Kieu Wharf a lively, sparkling destination with an abundance of music, laughter, and energy.
How To Get To Ninh Kieu Wharf
Knowing the most effective ways to get to Can Tho and around the city, planning a trip to Ninh Kieu Wharf is simple. Here is a list of useful options for the traveler.
Traveling To Can Tho
If you are departing from the Southern provinces like Ho Chi Minh city, traveling by motorbike could ultimately save you money and give you more convenience, though be cautious with potholes and take your time for safety. If you would like more comfort, intercity buses or limousines are other options. Mien Tay Station has tickets for around 130,000-140,000 VND, and if coming from Hanoi, expect to pay approximately 900,000 VND per ticket. Air travel is another substantial choice, providing speed, safety, and resources while onboard to make travel pleasant.
From Can Tho Airport To Ninh Kieu Wharf
It takes roughly 40 minutes to travel to Can Tho City Center from the airport, since the airport is at a distance of 22 km. Travelers can taxi, Grab, or city bus to downtown, or arrange for an airport transfer. Ninh Kieu Wharf is located on the right bank of the Hau River in downtown Can Tho, and is accessible from nearby streets such as Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ngo Quyen, and Hai Ba Trung.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Ninh Kieu Wharf
Planning ahead of time can help make your visit to Ninh Kieu Wharf a fun experience. Here are a few tips to make your trip easier and more enjoyable:
- Schedule your visit late in the day when you can enjoy the river in daylight and experience the lights along the riverside at night.
- Wear comfortable shoes because you will probably be walking a lot on the wharf, in the park, and at the night market.
- Be sure to have a bit of cash with you for the river cruise, snacks from street vendors, and shopping at the night market.
- Take a camera or your cellphone to take scenic pictures, including at the love bridge and sunsets along the riverside.
Final Thoughts: Is Ninh Kieu Wharf Worth Visiting?
For anyone looking to experience the heart of Can Tho’s riverside allure, Ninh Kieu Wharf is a prime destination worth a stop. Ninh Kieu Wharf boasts a convivial riverside atmosphere, a lovely night market, and pretty views of the river. It also offers an idyllic space to experience culture, cuisine, and leisure. The wharf will have enough photo opportunities and things to do that it can enchant visitors of all ages. Make an appointment with Seni World today to experience Ninh Kieu Wharf to the fullest!
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