Can Tho has a small backpacker scene. Dedicated hostels are limited; budget guesthouses fill the gap well.
Best budget options
Can Tho Riverside Hostel (Binh Thuy district, riverside): A well-reviewed hostel with a terrace, restaurant, and bar. Garden views from the balcony, air-conditioned rooms, free wifi, and a tour desk for floating market arrangements. Rated 8.6 by recent guests. Located slightly away from central Ninh Kieu β a short Grab or bicycle ride to the boat piers. Dorm from approximately β«160,000 ($6.40) as of 2026.
B Home (city centre): Described consistently as a cozy, laid-back hostel with a bar, free wifi, free parking, and kitchen access with stoves. A smaller and more relaxed option than the riverside property. Recent 2025 guest reviews note good atmosphere and value. Private rooms from approximately β«200,000-380,000 ($8-15.20) as of 2026.
Mekong Backpacker Inn (Ninh Kieu district): Located in the Ninh Kieu area within the central district, a convenient base for the floating market boat piers and the waterfront evening scene. Dorm and private room options; staff can arrange dawn boat trips. Dorm from approximately β«150,000 ($6) as of 2026.
Budget guesthouses near the market area: The streets adjacent to Cho Can Tho market have several basic guesthouses. Prices: β«200,000-350,000 ($8-14) for private rooms. Walk in and check rooms before paying.
What Can Tho budget accommodation provides
- Dawn floating market boat booking
- Motorbike and bicycle hire
- Delta day trip and canal tour organisation
- Basic breakfast or nearby food options
Budget practical notes
Can Tho is less backpacker-developed than HCMC or Nha Trang. The budget accommodation scene is functional rather than social. The evening Ninh Kieu waterfront provides the social environment regardless of where you stay.
Most budget places are within walking distance of the waterfront boat pier - this is the most important location factor for the floating market dawn trip.
Budget eating in Can Tho
Can Tho has excellent cheap food. The Mekong Delta cuisine emphasises fresh fish, tropical fruit, and rice-based dishes:
- Bun ca (fish noodle soup): A Can Tho breakfast staple. β«30,000β50,000 ($1.20β2) as of 2026
- Banh xeo (sizzling pancake): The delta version is large and generously filled. β«40,000β70,000 ($1.60β2.80) as of 2026
- Com binh dan (budget rice meals): β«30,000β50,000 ($1.20β2) at local restaurants
- Ninh Kieu waterfront street food: Evening stalls with grilled meats, fresh spring rolls, and smoothies. β«20,000β60,000 ($0.80β2.40) per item
- Tropical fruit at the market: Mangosteen, rambutan, durian, and dragon fruit at market prices
A full day of eating costs approximately β«100,000β200,000 ($4β8) at local restaurants.
Budget activities from Can Tho
- Cai Rang floating market boat trip: β«200,000β400,000 ($8β16) per person for a 3-hour dawn trip as of 2026
- Ninh Kieu waterfront evening walk: Free. The social hub of the city
- Cycling the delta roads: Bicycle hire β«50,000β80,000 ($2β3.20) per day. Flat terrain suited to casual cycling
- Binh Thuy Ancient House visit: Entry approximately β«15,000 ($0.60) as of 2026
- Phong Dien floating market day trip: A smaller, less tourist-oriented market 25km south. Motorbike or arranged tour
Getting to Can Tho
Express buses from HCMCβs Mien Tay Bus Station take 3 hours and cost β«100,000β150,000 ($4β6) as of 2026. Phuong Trang (Futa Bus) is the most reliable operator with departures every 30β60 minutes.
See also: Looking for mid-range or upmarket options? Read our guide to the best hotels in Can Tho.
Useful links:
More in Can Tho
- Best Hotels in Can Tho 2026: Riverside Resorts to Budget Guesthouses
- Best Restaurants in Can Tho 2026: Bun Ca, Hu Tieu and River Seafood
- Day Trips from Can Tho 2026: Vinh Long, Ben Tre and Chau Doc
- Can Tho Floating Markets 2026: Cai Rang Complete Guide
- Getting to Can Tho 2026: Bus from HCMC, Flight and Boat Options
- Things to Do in Can Tho 2026: Floating Market, Boat Tours and River Life
- Best Hotels in Can Tho 2026: Riverside Hotels and Budget Guesthouses