Binh Thuy

Binh Thuy is an urban district of Cần Thơ lying north-west of the city centre on the Hau River. Covering 69 km² and home to roughly 172,000 people (2018), it is an area of contrasts — traditional riverside villages alongside the industrial zone of Trà Nóc, one of the Mekong Delta's major industrial parks. The district is divided into 8 wards including Tra An, An Thoi, Long Tuyen, and Binh Thuy itself.

Binh Thuy is best known for the Binh Thuy Ancient House, a 19th-century French-colonial villa that famously appeared in the 1992 film The Lover. The district also has several notable pagodas including Long Quang Pagoda and Nam Nha Pagoda, the latter being one of the oldest in the region. Its riverside location makes it a pleasant area for cycling and exploring traditional Mekong Delta life away from the tourist crowds.

The climate mirrors the rest of Cần Thơ — tropical monsoon with a dry season (Nov–Apr) and a wet season (May–Oct). The most comfortable months for travel are December through March.

By Plane

Cần Thơ International Airport (VCA) is about 12 km south-east of Binh Thuy. A taxi takes 20–30 minutes and costs around 120,000–150,000 dong. There are no direct bus routes to Binh Thuy from the airport; take a taxi or ride-hailing car.

By Car / Road

Binh Thuy is a 10-minute drive (5 km) north-west of Ninh Kieu via the Quang Trung road. From Ho Chi Minh City, take National Highway 1A to the Cần Thơ Bridge, then follow signs to Trà Nóc. The journey takes about 3.5 hours (170 km). Buses from Mien Tay Bus Station (HCMC) to Cần Thơ drop at the central bus station; from there take a local xe om or taxi (50,000–80,000 dong).

The most practical ways to get around Binh Thuy are by motorbike (rental from 150,000 dong/day), taxi, or ride-hailing app (Grab, Be). Local buses connect Binh Thuy to Ninh Kieu (route 3, 7,000 dong). The Trà Nóc area is best covered by motorbike due to limited public transport. Bicycle rental is available for exploring the quieter riverside roads and pagodas.

• Binh Thuy Ancient House (Nhà cổ Bình Thủy) — A beautifully preserved 19th-century French-colonial villa on Binh Thuy Street. It features a mix of European and Vietnamese architectural styles, antique furniture, and a large garden. Entry 30,000 dong. Open 08:00–17:00 daily.

• Nam Nha Pagoda (Chùa Nam Nhã) — One of the oldest pagodas in the region, built in the late 19th century, known for its ornate roof tiles and serene garden.

• Long Quang Pagoda — A large Buddhist temple with a striking multi-tiered facade and a peaceful meditation hall.

• Binh Thuy Communal House (Đình Bình Thủy) — A traditional communal house (đình) serving the local community, featuring classic Vietnamese temple architecture.

• Trà Nóc Industrial Zone — An important industrial area producing seafood, textiles, and consumer goods, not a tourist attraction but a significant part of the local economy.

• Boat trip on the Hau River — Hire a local boat (thuyền) from the Binh Thuy riverfront for a 1–2 hour ride through the narrow canals and past stilt houses. Prices negotiable, typically 200,000–400,000 dong.

• Cycling through the orchards — The quieter roads of Long Tuyen ward are lined with fruit orchards (durian, rambutan, mangosteen). Bike rental available at local homestays.

• Photography at the Ancient House — The villa's colonial architecture and lush garden are a popular backdrop for photography enthusiasts.

• Visiting local rice-paper workshops — Several family-run workshops in the area produce bánh tráng (rice paper) and offer informal tours.

• Bánh xèo Bình Thủy (street vendors near the communal house) — Crispy Vietnamese crepes filled with shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs. Around 20,000–30,000 dong each.
• Hủ tiếu Nam Vang (Quang Trung Street) — A Chinese-Khmer influenced noodle soup with pork and seafood, 25,000–40,000 dong.
• Lẩu mắm (fermented fish hotpot) — Available at local eateries along the river, usually 250,000–400,000 dong for a pot (serves 2).
• Cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork) — A staple at budget restaurants, around 30,000–50,000 dong.
• Fresh tropical fruit — Durian, mangosteen, rambutan, and longan sold at roadside stalls, especially on Binh Thuy Street.

Vegetarian options are available at the pagoda-run canteens on lunar festival days.

The usual Vietnamese coffee (cà phê sữa đá) is available at roadside cafés. Fresh coconut water (nước dừa) and sugarcane juice (nước mía) are sold by street vendors. The riverfront has a few simple beer stalls (bia hơi) serving draught beer for around 5,000–8,000 dong a glass. Bottled water is recommended; tap water is not safe.

• Budget: Binh Thuy Homestay (from 150,000 dong/night, fan room, shared bathroom) — a traditional house with a garden by the river.
• Mid-range: Nha Co Binh Thuy Homestay (from 400,000 dong/night) — rooms in a renovated historic house near the Ancient House with air-con.
• Upscale / heritage: Muong Thanh Hotel Can Tho (from 500,000 dong/night) — located on the border with Ninh Kieu, offering a pool and modern amenities.

Binh Thuy is not a shopping destination. Small markets and street vendors sell daily necessities. The best place for local shopping is the central Cần Thơ markets (Cai Khe Market, Ninh Kieu Night Market), a short xe om ride away. Local specialities: dried fish, rice paper, and Tra An-style bánh tráng.

• Ninh Kieu (5 km south-east, 10 min by car) — The central district of Cần Thơ with the Ninh Kieu Wharf, night market, and main restaurants.
• Cai Rang Floating Market (10 km south-east, 40 min by boat) — The Mekong Delta's most famous floating market.
• Thot Not (15 km north-west, 30 min by car) — An urban district with Bang Lang Stork Garden.
• Phong Dien Floating Market (20 km south-west, 1 hr by car) — A quieter floating market experience.
• Cờ Đỏ (25 km west, 40 min by car) — A rural district with agricultural research centres and traditional villages.