1. Things to know about Ninh Kieu Wharf
1.1. Location, opening hours and entrance fee
- Location: Tan An Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City
- Opening hours: 4 AM – 11 PM
- Entrance fee: Free
Ninh Kieu Wharf, also known as Ninh Kieu Park, has etched its name onto the hearts of the locals as well as many travelers. Blessed with a beautiful location – on the banks of the Hau River and the Can Tho River, this area offers multiple chances for sightseeing and getting to know the culture of Can Tho.
1.2. History and architecture
Ninh Kieu Wharf boasts a rich history, having been a witness to multiple eras. After the French colonial period, the authority removed all colonial influences in the area and constructed a simple park as part of the makeover for Can Tho. Around 1957, the park area was established along with a promenade. The wharf received the name of Ninh Kieu in 1958. This naming was a commemoration of King Le Loi’s victory against the Ming Dynasty.
From 1958 to 1975, the wharf remained almost unchanged. At that time, it was 14 meters wide and 440 meters long. On one end was the old regime’s Navy base while on the other was Can Tho Market. After 1975, Ninh Kieu Vietnam has been renovated many times. Nowadays, the entire area has taken on a new, more modernized but still traditional look with a statue of Uncle Ho, gorgeous flower displays, restaurants, hotels, etc.
Find out more about the Mekong Delta!
2. The highlights of Ninh Kieu Wharf
2.1. Ninh Kieu Park
Ninh Kieu Park boasts a charming green space spanning over 7,000 square meters, acting as an upbeat gathering spot amidst the vibrant energy of the city. Lush greenery provides a welcome respite, inviting visitors to relax and soak in the fresh air.
One of the park’s most prominent features is the majestic 7.2-meter tall bronze statue of Ho Chi Minh, which weighs a staggering 12 tons. Other things to see here include the panoramic views of the Can Tho River and the Can Tho Bridge. The park is also a great spot to indulge in some street food at the many stalls here, giving you an authentic local experience.
Ninh Kieu Vietnam is a gem of Can Tho (Source: Collected)
2.2. Ong Pagoda
Ong Pagoda offers a unique glimpse into the heritage of the Chinese community in Can Tho. Dating all the way back to the 19th century, the pagoda is a testament to the architectural mastery of the past. From ornate roof tiles to intricate carvings and vibrant colors, the pagoda perfectly showcases Chinese traditional architecture.
Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by an atmosphere of serenity with incense burning at the altars. Here, you can take some time to pay respects to Guan Yu, a hero in Chinese culture.
When Tet or other major occasions roll around, Ong Pagoda comes alive with vibrant celebrations and colorful decorations. On top of that, you might even be lucky enough to catch traditional lion dances, a performance believed to bestow luck and fortune.
Ong Pagoda is a historic corner of the city (Source: Collected)
2.3. Ninh Kieu Night Market
As the city lights flicker on, Ninh Kieu Night Market opens, inviting visitors into a bustling site and showcasing the local life in the area. Stretching along the Can Tho riverfront, the night market boasts a kaleidoscope of brightly lit stalls. The most appealing spots are the street food stalls with tasty snacks like fresh seafood, grilled rice paper, fried fish balls, hakao, and many more. Beyond the culinary delights, the night market in Ninh Kieu Can Tho Vietnam is a shopper’s paradise. You can browse through a captivating array of handcrafted souvenirs to commemorate your visit.
There are many dishes and souvenirs on offer at the night market (Source: Collected)
2.4. Ninh Kieu Pedestrian Bridge
The Pedestrian Bridge is another highlight of Ninh Kieu Wharf. Known as the first pedestrian bridge in the Mekong Delta, this 199-meter-long bridge stretches gracefully over the water. Since 2016, the bridge has become a favorite place amongst travelers. The pedestrian walkway provides breathtaking panoramic views of the bustling river traffic below. As night falls, the LED lights installed along the bridge illuminate the skyline, adorning the landscape with a myriad of colors and providing you with some amazing photo ops. As a bonus, these lights are all powered by solar energy, a testament to the city’s commitment to environmental protection efforts.
The pedestrian bridge provides incredible photo ops for visitors (Source: Collected)
2.5. Ninh Kieu Cruise Restaurant
Since Ninh Kieu Wharf overlooks the water, the best place to enjoy the scenery here is the cruise restaurant on the Hau River. The floating restaurant offers a unique opportunity to indulge in delicious cuisine on a captivating cruise.
With a capacity of around 500 people, the cruise has a large venue on the first floor, plenty of VIP rooms on the second, and an open area on the top. It caters to romantic weddings, friendly gatherings, and everything in between.
The food is prepared by professional cooks, showcasing the best flavors of Can Tho. While eating at this Ninh Kieu restaurant, you can enjoy live don ca tai tu performances, a cultural heritage of the Mekong Delta.
Ninh Kieu Cruise Restaurant offers a one of a kind dining experience (Source: Collected)
Check out Can Tho Bridge, another great attraction in the city!
3. Guide for first-time visitors to Ninh Kieu Wharf
3.1. When is the best time to visit?
Can Tho provides a pleasant experience for tourists almost year round. From May to August, fruit gardens around the city bring you fresh produce, while the dry season from December to April is when you will not have to worry about rain. In addition, there are certain periods during the year when your trip will coincide with some major occasions. During the 4th and 12th lunar months, Ninh Kieu Wharf will see many traditional festivals. If you are looking for a great view, going sightseeing on full-moon days will let you enjoy a serene view of the bright moon reflected on the waters.
3.2. How to get there?
To get to Can Tho, most travelers will depart from Ho Chi Minh City, which is the nearest transportation hub. From there, you can take a Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho bus or rent a motorbike to ride to Can Tho yourself. From the center of Can Tho, you can either take a taxi to the wharf or ride a motorbike there (if you have rented one). Just follow Mau Than Street, Nguyen Viet Hong Street, and Vo Van Tan Street to get to Ninh Kieu Wharf.
3.3. What to eat?
Last but not least, these dishes are usually on the menu when you are at a Ninh Kieu restaurant:
- Crispy rice with caramelized sauce: This widely beloved Southern Vietnamese snack combines tasty rice and fresh vegetables with a sweet and savory sauce.
- Rice noodle pizza: This dish is simply fried eggs, braised meat, and coconut milk on top of a crispy bed of fried rice noodles.
- Fish hotpot: Ninh Kieu Wharf has its fair share of hotpot eateries, where you and your friends can enjoy a piping hot serving of tender fish and fresh vegetables cooked in a heartwarming broth.
- Snake hotpot: Substitute fish with snake and you will have one of the Mekong Delta’s signature delicacies. The natural sweetness of the snake combined with a traditional broth will give you a feast for the senses.
The best dishes in Can Tho can be found at Ninh Kieu Wharf (Source: Collected)
Check out: Song Hau Park: An ideal destination for the weekend
Ninh Kieu Wharf takes you from its historical roots to its present-day status as a captivating tourist attraction. It continues to enchant visitors with its timeless charm. For your next trip in Can Tho, head over to Ninh Kieu Wharf for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Mekong Delta.
Can Tho can be a memorable part of your Vietnam travel, but it does not have to be the only one. Expand your itinerary to other destinations like Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long, Danang to experience the very best that Vietnam has to offer.
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