Can Tho truly shines as a hub for exploring Vietnam’s natural beauty, especially for those interested in wetlands, forests, and river life. It’s not just about floating markets — although those are undeniably colorful and lively — but also about the chance to see rich ecosystems and quiet waterways that are hard to find elsewhere. We particularly love the floating market experiences, where you can witness local commerce from a small boat, and the Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve, which offers peaceful boat rides through flooded forests. These tours show a side of Vietnam that’s vibrant yet calm, authentic yet surprisingly pristine. If you’re craving a taste of river life, lush greenery, or birdwatching, Can Tho’s tour options deliver.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top National Park Tours in Can Tho, focusing on what makes each one special. From full-day floating market excursions to half-day nature reserves, each experience offers something different — whether you want culture, wildlife spotting, or simply a peaceful escape. Read on to find the perfect fit for your travel style and schedule.
1. Nature Reserve and Largest, Authentic Floating Market Experiences
At number 1, this tour combines a sampan ride to Cai Rang Floating Market, Vietnam’s largest floating market, with a deep dive into local river life. For around $89, you’ll start your day with a floating breakfast ordered from the water, sampling noodle soup and Vietnamese coffee while watching traders exchange fruits like pineapples and mangos. The boat then takes you through complex canal systems, giving you a chance to see river communities and smaller villages. You’ll visit a noodle-making village, learning traditional techniques, and stroll within local communities where you can observe rural life up close.
What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive approach: the floating market experience is authentic, not touristy, and combined with a peaceful boat ride into the jungle-like canals. The guide, Ngan, gets high praise — “She was extremely attentive and very knowledgeable,” says one review. Expect a full day of sensory immersion, with enough time to relax and enjoy the scenery. It’s ideal for those wanting a mix of cultural insight and tranquil nature.
Bottom line: This full-day tour offers excellent value if you want to see Vietnam’s floating markets and experience river life firsthand, with plenty of opportunities for photos and local interaction.
2. Discover Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve
For a shorter, more relaxed trip, number 2 on our list is the Discover Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve. At just $58, this five-hour tour gets you into the peaceful canals surrounded by water hyacinth and wetland forests, where virtual silence and lush greenery dominate. You’ll cruise through wetlands, observing flora and fauna, including wild honey bees and vibrant bird species. The highlight is climbing to the observatory to take in the scenery, which offers panoramic views of this lush environment.
The small-group experience and high praise — “The scenery is just stunning,” says one reviewer — make this ideal for nature lovers who want a gentle, scenic escape. If you’re keen to see birdlife and learn about local ecology, this trip delivers. It’s a perfect quick getaway that balances quiet beauty with educational insights.
Bottom line: An affordable, tranquil tour for those wanting a close encounter with wetland ecosystems without a full-day commitment.
3. Can Tho: Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve & Forest Tour
This tour offers a five-star review for exploring both the forest and flooded wetlands. For just $47, you’ll enjoy a boat trip through the forest, visit a giant ficus heritage tree, and walk through rice fields if they’re seasonal. The guide makes this trip special, sharing secret stories and making you appreciate the nature and local life. The small group size and the chance to see wildlife make it a favorite among travelers who want an insider’s view.
Reviews highlight the trekking and boat experience with guides like Lâm, who “explains a lot about Vietnamese culture and natural history.” The tour combines nature walking with boat rides, providing variety and a genuine feel of the Mekong Delta’s richness.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a mix of land and water adventures, with a focus on nature and cultural insights.
4. Tour for Nature lover – Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve in Can Tho
At number 4, this tour offers a more personalized experience for just $45, focusing on wildlife, birdwatching, and the rice fields. It includes a boat ride into the wetlands, visiting bamboo basket villages, and observing colorful bird species. The guide, Mariah, is said to be very attentive and friendly, making it ideal for travelers who want a less crowded, more intimate experience.
It’s a shorter, 4-5 hour trip, perfect if you’re on a tight schedule but still want to enjoy birdwatching and local crafts. The bird sanctuary and bamboo villages add cultural layers to the natural scenery.
Bottom line: Best suited for nature and wildlife enthusiasts looking for a personalized, authentic experience with a focus on birds and local craftsmanship.
5. Can Tho: Explore Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve from Can Tho
For around $38, this tour offers a cost-effective way to see birds, wild weeds, and rice fields. Starting from Vincom Plaza in Can Tho, you’ll transfer to Lung Ngoc Hoang, exploring the reserve’s canals and birdlife. The highlight is spotting colorful birds and visiting bamboo basket villages. Reviewers praise guides like Hannah and Trinh for their knowledge and friendliness, making this a good pick for nature lovers on a budget.
The tour’s shorter duration makes it suitable for those with limited time but keen to see wetland ecosystems and local crafts.
Bottom line: Great for travelers seeking an affordable, engaging half-day with opportunities for birdwatching and cultural visits.
6. Can Tho: Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest Nature Reserve Half-Day Tour
At about $47, this half-day trip emphasizes exploring the forest and wetlands with a boat ride and a visit to the giant ficus tree. It’s ideal for those wanting a quick nature fix with less walking. The guide Duy receives praise for his knowledgeable stories, and the tour includes birdwatching and scenic views.
This trip is perfect if you’re after a short but immersive nature experience. It’s also a good way to fit in birdwatching without committing to a full day.
Bottom line: A solid quick trip for nature and birding fans who prefer shorter excursions.
7. Can Tho: Floating Market & Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve
Number 7 combines the Cai Rang floating market with a visit to Lung Ngoc Hoang for about $72. It’s a full-day tour that balances culture with natural beauty. You’ll start early with a boat ride at sunrise, then visit a riverside village and watch bamboo basket weaving. The trip concludes with a nature reserve visit, offering birdwatching and tranquil waterways.
Guests value the well-rounded itinerary and the insightful guide, making this an excellent choice for those who want a comprehensive day blending culture and nature.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a full day of diverse experiences, from floating markets to quiet wetlands.
8. Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve & Hidden Forests
For just $28.80, this 5-hour tour offers a budget-friendly way to see untouched wetland landscapes. It emphasizes birdwatching and visiting a 2,800-hectare reserve with water canals and forests. Guides like Lâm and Mariah provide detailed explanations of wildlife and natural features, making it suitable for nature enthusiasts who want an authentic experience without many crowds.
Reviewers praise the friendly guides and beautiful scenery, noting it as a less touristy alternative.
Bottom line: For those seeking an affordable, quiet, and authentic wetland experience, this tour hits the mark.
9. Explore Wetlands and Nature Reserve from Can Tho
This 4-5 hour eco-tour costs around $50 and offers cruising through mangroves and birdwatching. It includes a climb to a 25-meter tower for panoramic views of the wetland forest and seasonal rice fields. The optional trekking or sampan ride adds flexibility. Guides like Duy support a personalized adventure, highlighting native wildlife and local crafts like bamboo baskets.
Guests appreciate the peaceful environment and the opportunity for birdwatching and scenic vistas.
Bottom line: A versatile choice for nature lovers wanting a balanced mix of walking, boat rides, and scenic views.
10. Cai Rang floating market and Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve
Number 10 is the most extensive, full-day experience at $99. It offers sunrise viewing at the Mekong River, a floating market tour, and visits to beautiful canals and Lung Ngoc Hoang. This tour is perfect for those looking for a comprehensive immersion — starting early and ending late, with a round-trip transfer included.
Reviews highlight the well-organized itinerary and diverse activities, making it a solid choice for intrepid travelers who want the full Mekong experience.
Bottom line: For travelers wanting an all-in-one day with cultural and natural highlights, this tour covers all bases.
$99 per person
How to Choose the Best National Park Tour in Can Tho
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time availability, and specific interests. If you want an authentic floating market experience, the Nature Reserve and Floating Market Tour (see it here) provides a full day of vibrant river life. For a shorter nature escape, the Lung Ngoc Hoang Forest Tour (details here) is perfect. If wildlife and birdwatching are your priorities, tours focusing on wetland reserves like Lung Ngoc Hoang (see the guide here) offer a quiet, intimate experience.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular full-day tours. Consider the season — some tours include rice fields or bird migrations, which are seasonal. Match your fitness level and interests with the tour details to ensure a gratifying experience.
Final Thoughts
Can Tho offers a wide variety of nature and cultural tours that showcase its lush river landscapes and vibrant markets. Whether you prefer a full-day adventure exploring floating markets and forests or a half-day birdwatching trip, there’s something that fits your schedule and curiosity. For those wanting a deep dive into the wetlands, tours like Lung Ngoc Hoang offer intimate encounters with wildlife and natural beauty. If your time is limited, shorter trips still manage to provide a satisfying glimpse of the Mekong Delta’s environmental richness.
Our top picks for different traveler types include the comprehensive floating market tour for cultural explorers, and the Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve for nature lovers seeking tranquility. No matter which you choose, booking in advance will ensure you get the best experience — and don’t forget your camera!