Evening illuminated bridge with city skyline in Can Tho, Vietnam

Ninh Kieu Quay

Ninh Kieu Quay Visiting Hours, Tickets & Travel Guide in Cần Thơ

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Ninh Kieu Quay, the iconic riverside promenade of Cần Thơ—Vietnam’s largest city in the Mekong Delta—serves as a vibrant hub of culture, history, and modern leisure. Once a critical trading port in the 19th century, it has transformed into a lively destination offering landscaped parks, bustling night markets, riverside dining, and panoramic views of the Hau River. This comprehensive guide provides essential information on Ninh Kieu Quay visiting hours, ticket details, local attractions, culinary highlights, accessibility, and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit (Scooter Saigon Tour; Vietnam Travel; VietnamVisa.org.vn; Step Into Vietnam; Origin Vietnam).

Ninh Kieu Pier in Can Tho with boats and river scene

Introduction
Historical and Cultural Significance
Key Attractions & Experiences
Local Cuisine & Dining
Visiting Hours & Ticket Information
Accessibility & Travel Tips
Nearby Can Tho Historical Sites
Festivals & Events
Sample Itineraries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion & Call to Action
References & Further Reading

Historical and Cultural Significance

Ninh Kieu Quay (also called Ninh Kieu Wharf or Park) traces its roots to the 19th century as a vital river port at the confluence of the Hau and Can Tho rivers (Scooter Saigon Tour). Its strategic location spurred trade and interaction across the Mekong Delta, helping Can Tho blossom into a dynamic urban center. Over time, Ninh Kieu Quay has become a symbol of the city’s poetic beauty, celebrated in literature and song, and anchored by a prominent bronze statue of Hồ Chí Minh—a focal point for reflection and community events.

Recent revitalization projects have enhanced the quay with modern amenities, including flood-resistant embankments, pedestrian streets, and decorative lighting, while preserving its rich cultural legacy. Today, it’s a beloved gathering place for locals and a must-visit for travelers seeking an authentic Mekong Delta experience (Vietnam Travel; Origin Vietnam).

Key Attractions & Experiences

Ninh Kieu Park & Promenade

The quay features a beautifully landscaped park with scenic river views, flower gardens, sculptures, and shaded benches. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or people-watching at any time of day (VietnamVisa.org.vn).

Ninh Kieu Pedestrian Bridge

Opened in 2016, this S-shaped bridge showcases lotus-inspired LED lighting and offers stunning views of the river and city, especially at sunset and night (Step Into Vietnam).

Night Market

Operating daily from approximately 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the night market buzzes with street food, local snacks, handicrafts, souvenirs, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great place to sample Mekong Delta specialties and mingle with locals (Step Into Vietnam).

Floating Restaurants & Dinner Cruises

Experience authentic Mekong cuisine on floating restaurants or join a dinner cruise for a unique perspective of the illuminated cityscape (Step Into Vietnam).

Boat Tours

Ninh Kieu Quay is the main departure point for boat tours on the Hau River and its tributaries. Early morning tours to the Cái Răng Floating Market are especially popular (Step Into Vietnam).

Street Performers & Walking Street

On Saturday evenings, nearby Hai Ba Trung Street becomes pedestrian-only, hosting musicians, dancers, and family-friendly entertainment.

Local Cuisine & Dining

Signature Dishes

Bánh xèo: Crispy rice pancakes with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts (Klook).
Hủ tiếu: Rice noodle soup with pork, seafood, and quail eggs.
Bún riêu: Crab-based noodle soup with a tangy tomato broth (Vemekong).
Bánh mì: Vietnamese sandwiches with regional twists.
Cá lóc nướng trui: Grilled snakehead fish served with fresh herbs.

The night market and riverside eateries provide ample opportunities to sample these local flavors. Floating restaurants and dinner cruises offer more formal dining with panoramic river views (Mytour).

Rooftop & Sky Bars

For evening relaxation, the Ninh Kieu Sky Bar atop the Ninh Kieu Riverside Hotel delivers sweeping vistas and a romantic atmosphere (Vemekong).

Visiting Hours & Ticket Information

Ninh Kieu Quay & Park: Open 24/7. Most lively from early morning to late evening.
Night Market: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily.
Ninh Kieu Pedestrian Bridge: Accessible 24 hours; best visited in the evening.
Entry Fees: Free for the park, promenade, market, and bridge.
Boat Tours: Typically 100,000–200,000 VND per person or 200,000 VND per group for private 40-minute trips (Fiona Travels from Asia).
Museums/Pagodas: Can Tho Museum (~20,000 VND), Ong Pagoda (free).

Accessibility & Travel Tips

Location: Central Can Tho, easily reached by foot, bike, or taxi.
Accessibility: Paved walkways and ramps make the area wheelchair-friendly. Some boat tours may have limited accessibility; inquire in advance.
Facilities: Public restrooms, convenience stores, and ATMs are available nearby.
Safety: The area is generally safe, but remain mindful of belongings, especially at night or in crowds. Life jackets are provided for boat tours (Fiona Travels from Asia).
Best Visiting Time: Dry season (November–April), late afternoon, and evenings for festivals and markets.

Travel Essentials

Lightweight clothing, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.
Modest attire for temple visits.
Cash for small purchases and market stalls.

Nearby Can Tho Historical Sites

Ong Pagoda (Chùa Ông): 19th-century Chinese temple, 5 minutes’ walk from the quay (VietnamVisa.org.vn).
Can Tho Museum: History and culture of the Mekong Delta (VietnamVisa.org.vn).
Can Tho Old Market: Colonial-era market adjacent to the quay.
Munirangsyaram Pagoda: Khmer Buddhist temple nearby.
Tarot Museum: Unique specialty museum within walking distance (vemekong.com).

Festivals & Events

Major Annual Festivals

Can Tho Floating Market Festival: Early spring, celebrating river commerce and local food (Adventure Backpack).
Southern Folk Cake Festival: April, featuring 100+ varieties of traditional cakes (Can Tho Government).
Lantern Festival: November/December, with hundreds of lanterns and cultural performances (Vietreader).
River Festival: March, with boat races and riverside food fairs (Adventure Backpack; Vemekong).
Tan Loc Fruit Festival: May (lunar calendar), celebrating regional fruits (Vietreader).
Moon Festival (Mid-Autumn): Citywide lanterns, lion dances, and mooncake tastings (Adventure Backpack).

Festival Tips

Visit early for the best experience.
Be prepared for crowds and variable dates (check local listings).
Respect local customs and dress codes.

Sample Itineraries

One-Day Classic Experience

Morning: Breakfast with bánh mì or phở, visit Can Tho Museum.
Late Morning: Explore Ong Pagoda.
Afternoon: Stroll along the promenade, lunch at a riverside restaurant.
Mid-Afternoon: 40-minute boat tour of the river and floating houses.
Evening: Dinner at a floating restaurant, explore the night market, walk the pedestrian bridge, and enjoy a sky bar view.

Two-Day Immersive Tour

Day 1: Culture and riverside life (museums, pagoda, evening market).
Day 2: Early morning Cai Rang Floating Market tour, local breakfast on the boat, relax in the park, and visit additional temples or museums.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Ninh Kieu Quay?
A: The quay and park are open 24/7. Most activity occurs from early morning to late evening.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, entry is free. Boat tours and museum visits require separate tickets.

Q: How can I book a boat tour?
A: At the quay, through hotels, or local agencies.

Q: Are there accessible facilities?
A: Yes, but confirm with tour operators for boat accessibility.

Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: During the dry season (November–April) and festival periods.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Ninh Kieu Quay embodies the spirit and diversity of Can Tho, offering visitors a seamless blend of scenic beauty, historic depth, and vibrant local life. Explore its lively markets, sample authentic Mekong Delta cuisine, join a boat tour, or immerse yourself in cultural festivals for an unforgettable experience.

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