Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta, is emerging as a promising destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). Renowned for its intricate network of waterways, the diverse cultural heritage of the Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer communities, and a vibrant riverine lifestyle, Can Tho seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern amenities, making it an ideal location for business events and corporate gatherings. In 2024, Can Tho welcomed 6.3 million visitors, including approximately 200,000 international arrivals. With its continuous development, the city is on its way to becoming a thriving MICE hub.

A Fusion of Culture, Nature, and Daily Life

Nestled along the banks of the Bassac River, Can Tho is a captivating destination where nature, culture, and daily life blend harmoniously. The city is renowned for its lush landscapes, intricate waterways, and bustling floating markets, which embody the very essence of the Mekong Delta. With a tropical monsoon climate, Can Tho enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year. The dry season (from November to April) brings gentle sunshine, while the rainy season (from May to October) is characterized by brief afternoon showers, making the city a favorable destination for MICE events year-round.

Beyond its natural beauty, Can Tho is a cultural gem, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the Mekong region. A must-visit is the lively Cai Rang Floating Market, where wooden boats laden with tropical fruits and local delicacies create a vibrant scene of traditional river commerce. Nourished by the fertile Mekong alluvial soil, the region is also famous for its bountiful fruit orchards. Visitors can wander through lush gardens, savoring the fresh flavors of durian, rambutan, longan, mangosteen, etc. while experiencing the charm of rural life in the Mekong Delta.

Daily life in Can Tho is a seamless fusion of tradition and modernity. A stroll along Ninh Kieu Wharf, where riverside cafés offer breathtaking sunset views, or a meal in a traditional garden house shaded by lush greenery, allows visitors to fully embrace the city’s unique blend of tranquility and vibrancy.

The historical structures of Can Tho not only honor cultural values but also showcase the rich diversity of ethnic communities. Ong Temple, a sacred place for the Chinese community, is dedicated to Guan Gong (also known as Guan Yu or Guan Sheng Di Jun), a deity symbolizing loyalty and righteousness. Previously serving as a guild hall for Cantonese immigrants, the pagoda continues to play a significant role in the city’s cultural and spiritual life. Meanwhile, Munirangsyaram Pagoda, with its distinctive Angkor-style tower, is a Theravāda Buddhist temple built in the 1940s to serve the spiritual needs of the Khmer community in Can Tho. Binh Thuy Ancient House, set on an 8,000m² estate, was originally built in 1870 and underwent renovations before being completed in 1911 in its current form. The house features a strong Indochinese architectural influence, with a five-compartment layout that harmoniously blends Eastern and Western styles. Inside, century-old wooden furniture adorned with iridescent mother-of-pearl carvings has been well preserved, along with valuable antiques such as ancient porcelain and bronze incense burners. These architectural landmarks reflect the harmonious coexistence of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer cultures, contributing to Can Tho’s distinctive identity.

With its serene riverside ambiance paired with the dynamism of an emerging urban center, Can Tho offers an ideal setting for conferences, corporate events, and incentive programs. This seamless blend of heritage and modernity has positioned Can Tho as an inspiring destination for both leisure and business travelers, solidifying its status as a rising MICE hub in Vietnam.

Premium Infrastructure

As the economic powerhouse of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho has rapidly developed its infrastructure to meet the growing demand for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. The city offers modern transportation networks, premium venues, and unique cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for both domestic and international business travelers.

• Can Tho International Airport: As the gateway to the Mekong Delta, Can Tho International Airport enjoys a strategic location and has undergone continuous upgrades to ensure seamless connectivity for both domestic and international travelers. Currently, the airport operates nine regular domestic routes connecting major cities across Vietnam, including Hanoi, Da Lat, Thanh Hoa, Vinh, Nha Trang, Con Dao, Hai Phong, and Da Nang. Additionally, it offers two international routes to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Seoul (South Korea).
• Extensive Road Network: Can Tho is well-connected to Ho Chi Minh City and other Mekong Delta provinces via the CT01 Expressway and multiple national highways (QL91, QL91B, QL61, and others). This modern transportation infrastructure allows for easy access to conferences, meetings, and team-building activities for both local and international attendees.
• Luxury Hotels & Event Venues: Can Tho is home to a diverse range of upscale hotels and conference centers, including Azerai Can Tho, Charmant Suites Boutique Hotel Can Tho, Legacy Mekong, Muong Thanh Luxury Can Tho, Sheraton Can Tho, TTC Hotel – Can Tho, Victoria Can Tho Resort, Wink Hotel Can Tho, and many more. These venues offer state-of-the-art meeting rooms, grand banquet halls, and exceptional hospitality services, ensuring comfort and flexibility for corporate gatherings of all sizes, from intimate business meetings to large-scale conferences.
• Luxury Mekong River Cruises: For a truly immersive experience, Can Tho offers high-end Mekong River cruises such as Bassac, Victoria Mekong, and Mekong Princess. These luxury vessels provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Mekong region, not only in Vietnam but also in Cambodia. Onboard, guests can witness the daily life along the riverbanks, savor authentic local cuisine, enjoy traditional Apsara dance performances, listen to the soulful melodies of Southern folk singing (Đờn ca tài tử), and engage in cultural discussions led by renowned scholars.

With its premium infrastructure, high-quality accommodations, and distinctive cultural experiences, Can Tho is poised to become a promising MICE hub in Vietnam, offering businesses and organizations a dynamic yet serene setting for memorable and impactful events.

Incentive Tours: Unforgettable Experiences for Teams

Can Tho offers a wide range of incentive travel options, combining team-building activities with cultural immersion and outdoor adventures. These activities provide teams with opportunities to bond, develop leadership skills, and create lasting memories.

• Team-Building Activities in Nature: Can Tho’s countryside, with its vast fruit orchards and eco-tourism sites such as Con Son and My Khanh Tourist Village, offers the perfect setting for outdoor team-building activities. Companies can organize fun challenges, interactive games, and collaborative workshops in a lush, peaceful environment.
• Cultural Exploration Tours: Delegates can explore the vibrant floating markets, visit traditional craft villages, or take a guided tour through the city’s historic landmarks. These cultural experiences offer deep insights into the region’s heritage while fostering team bonding in an authentic setting.
• Culinary Experiences: Can Tho is a haven for food lovers, offering an array of delicious Mekong Delta specialties such as grilled snakehead fish, banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake), and hu tieu (rice noodle soup). Teams can participate in hands-on cooking classes, learning to prepare traditional dishes from skilled local chefs.
• River Cruises and Day Trips: Corporate groups can embark on a private boat cruise along the Bassac River, experiencing the beauty of the delta while enjoying a sunset dinner. Alternatively, day trips to nearby destinations such as Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary or Phong Dien fruit garden provide refreshing escapes from the bustling city.
• Adventure and Outdoor Activities: For those seeking adventure, cycling tours through the rural villages and rice paddies of Can Tho offer an exhilarating way to explore the region. Kayaking along the Mekong’s narrow canals also provides a unique and engaging team-building experience.
• Wellness and Relaxation: Can Tho’s luxury resorts and spas offer wellness programs, including yoga sessions, herbal baths, and traditional Vietnamese massages, ensuring relaxation and rejuvenation for corporate teams.

Exotic Vietnam: A Trusted DMC Partner

For organizations planning MICE events in Can Tho, partnering with a reliable Destination Management Company (DMC) is crucial to ensuring seamless execution. Exotic Vietnam, a leading DMC, specializes in organizing corporate events, incentive programs, and team-building activities with a personalized approach.

With a strong commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation, Exotic Vietnam designs programs that highlight Can Tho’s unique heritage while delivering high-quality services. By incorporating eco-friendly initiatives and responsible tourism practices, the company ensures that every MICE event is both meaningful and impactful.

With its dynamic growth, rich cultural experiences, and excellent infrastructure, Can Tho is fast becoming a premier destination for MICE tourism in Vietnam. Whether for corporate meetings, incentive trips, or large-scale exhibitions, Can Tho offers an unforgettable setting that blends business with leisure in the heart of the Mekong Delta.