Following the realignment, Ninh Kieu ward now spans 5.42 square kilometers and is home to nearly 120,000 residents, making it the most densely populated administrative unit in Can Tho. The area is known for its vibrant tourism offerings that no visitor should miss.

Ninh Kieu Wharf is a cultural and tourism icon of Can Tho City, dating back to the 19th century. Located on the right bank of the Hau River, at the confluence of the Hau and Can Tho rivers, the wharf runs along Hai Ba Trung Street.

One of the most popular experiences here is an evening cruise on the Hau River. Aboard the cruise, guests can enjoy local specialties, listen to traditional “don ca tai tu” music, and admire the cityscape illuminated at night.

Ong Pagoda, situated on Hai Ba Trung Street, was built over 120 years ago by the Cantonese Chinese community. With its distinct architectural style, the pagoda serves as both a place of worship and a hub of cultural exchange.

Unlike other Chinese-style temples, Ong Pagoda in Can Tho lacks plaques documenting its founders or the exact year of its establishment.

Recognized as a national historical site since 1993, the pagoda is a frequent destination for locals - some seeking luck in their careers, others praying for peace and health.

Can Tho Market, also on Hai Ba Trung Street, was established in the early 20th century and is considered the most architecturally beautiful market in the Mekong Delta. It has become a top check-in spot for travelers to Tay Do, the historical name of Can Tho.

Today, the market has been renovated with a unique design and an airy, harmonious layout. It mainly sells souvenirs, handicrafts, vacation accessories, and traditional garments.

Ninh Kieu Pedestrian Bridge - also known as the “love bridge” - is 199 meters long and 7.2 meters wide, with an elegant S-curve design. The bridge includes two expanded sections with lotus-shaped platforms and rest areas sheltered by canopies.

Visitors can explore the bridge at any time of day, but the most picturesque moments are during three key times: early morning amidst the misty sunrise, late afternoon when the golden sunset reflects off the water, and nighttime when the breeze is gentle and the city, along with the Can Tho Bridge - the longest cable-stayed bridge in Southeast Asia - glows under bright lights.

The Can Tho Grand Prison historical site, located on Ngo Gia Tu Street, was built by the French colonialists between 1876 and 1886 under the name “Prison Provinciale.” It was the largest provincial prison in the southwestern region at the time. The facility was constructed with thick walls, measuring 3.6 to 5 meters high, surrounded by iron fences. Guard towers, each 6 meters tall, were equipped with searchlights.

The prison complex was divided into two sections, comprising 21 communal cells that could hold 30 to 40 inmates each, alongside multiple solitary confinement rooms.

Ninh Kieu Walking Street - one of the city’s most dynamic areas - will be expanded and reorganized starting this December to create a richer space for nighttime culture and the arts. The initiative aims to lengthen visitor stays and enhance the quality of life for local residents.

In addition to preserving traditional cultural and artistic performances from the previous walking street, the new setup will introduce interactive events where audiences can engage directly with artists performing various folk forms like cải lương (Southern opera), hò (chanting), and vè (rhyming tales).

Tran Tuyen