French family on a backpacking trip in Can Tho

Can Tho was the French family’s final stop during their month-long journey across Vietnam from north to south. They chose the city out of curiosity about the river region. "I really love this place, because it is not as flashy as other destinations. We feel the true, authentic nature of the Mekong Delta," he said.

Mathias Fernandez-Diaz, his wife, and their seven-year-old son in Can Tho. Photo courtesy of Mathias Fernandez-Diaz

Arriving in Can Tho in the morning, his family rested before taking a walk along Ninh Kieu Wharf in the afternoon. In his eyes, Can Tho is not loud or flashy, but pleasant. "The city isn't as impressive as a major metropolis, but its slow, peaceful pace of life made us feel at ease," he commented.

The next morning, the family woke up at 3:30 a.m. to visit Phong Dien Floating Market. They met Toby, a guide who has been working on the Mekong's waterways for over 16 years. "He was full of energy, patient, and spoke slowly so we could keep up. Toby's simplicity and enthusiasm made this trip perfect," Mathias said.

The boat took the family downstream to the floating market at sunrise. This is one of Can Tho's oldest floating markets, and it has retained its authentic charm. Vendors passed vegetables and bunches of bananas to one another with friendly smiles.

Mathias recalled that his whole family sat in silence, watching the sunrise, casting a golden light over the river. It created a rare sense of peace. He flew his drone, capturing the scene that was both ordinary and magical. "The moment the sun rose, watching the vendors exchange food and share smile, it was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen," Mathias said.

Mathias Fernandez-Diaz and his son pose for a photo at Binh Thuy Ancient House. Photo courtesy of Mathias Fernandez-Diaz

Mathias's wife was impressed by breakfast, which consisted of a bowl of hu tieu (rice noodle soup) right on the boat. She remarked that the dish had a rich yet light flavor, a distinct difference from the noodle dishes in Europe.

Afterward, the family navigated through the market, buying fresh fruit and chatting with vendors. They also visited a traditional workshop along the river where people still make hu tieu the traditional way. There, they saw every step of the process and even tried their hand at spreading the dough and cutting the noodles. Mathias said his son, Isaac, was very excited when he touched a warm rice paper sheet for the first time, and his wife was thrilled to try pulling noodles from the mold.

After leaving the floating market, the French family rented a motorbike, grabbed some bread, and set off to explore the countryside. They visited Binh Thuy Ancient House, the setting for the film "The Lover", then meandered through villages and rice fields. They watched children innocently jumping into the river on a sunny afternoon and drank coffee for just VND10,000. "It was magical. That moment was so simple and rustic, but it was the soul of the Mekong Delta," he expressed.

The Mathias family smile as they explore Can Tho on a motorbike. Photo courtesy of Mathias Fernandez-Diaz

As dusk fell, they returned to the floating market and then headed back to the city, crossing long bridges. At their son's request, they also visited the night market, even though most of the stalls were already closed.

"We found a true sense of peace here. This is a place our family will never forget because of its simplicity, tranquility, and the feeling of living life to the fullest," he concluded.

In addition to these simple trips, visitors can also explore the local life of Can Tho through large-scale events. On Sept. 14, Can Tho will host the VnExpress Marathon for the first time, with 9,000 participants, including hundreds of international athletes. This promises to be a new destination for both domestic and international tourists who love combining travel with sports.

Hai Long