Can Tho history

The history of Can Tho, the unofficial capital of the Mekong Delta, is inextricably linked to the cultivation of these fertile lands. Although the first settlements in this territory existed during the time of the Khmer kingdoms, the active development of the region began with the arrival of the Vietnamese people. The city grew from a small settlement into a key economic and cultural hub thanks to its strategic location and natural resources.

The year 1739 is considered the official starting point in the city's history. It was then that the Tran Giang (Trấn Giang) military outpost was founded here, with the primary task of controlling waterways and protecting the developing lands. Gradually, a settlement began to expand around this fortification, laying the foundation for modern Can Tho.

The city owes its growth and prosperity to a unique combination of several factors:

• Its location on the banks of the Hau River, one of the main distributaries of the Mekong, made Can Tho an important transport and trade hub connecting various provinces of the delta.
• The abundance of river water and fertile silt created ideal conditions for agriculture. By the 19th century, the region became famous nationwide as the "white rice basket", which formed the basis of its economy.
• A developed network of rivers and canals contributed to the rapid growth of trade, especially in the form of the famous floating markets, which remain one of the city's calling cards today.

From the very beginning, Can Tho was formed as a multicultural city. For centuries, the Kinh (Viet), Khmer, and Hoa (Chinese) people have lived here peacefully side by side, with each ethnic group contributing to the architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The economy was completely dependent on the river: agriculture, fishing, and water-borne trade defined the lifestyle of local residents for centuries.

Key Milestones in the History of Can Tho

The history of Can Tho is closely interwoven with the Mekong River and the fertile lands of its delta. The city has come a long way from a small military post to a modern metropolis and the economic heart of the entire region.

• 1739 — Considered the official founding date of the city, when the Tran Giang military post was established to control the waterways.
• 19th Century — The region gains fame as the "white rice basket," becoming a key agricultural center of Vietnam thanks to the unique fertility of the soil.
• Second half of the 19th Century — The territory, like all of Vietnam, falls under the administration of the French colonial government and becomes part of French Indochina.
• 1960s — Can Tho and its surroundings become a stage for events during the Vietnam War, hosting military facilities and operations.
• 1975 — After the reunification of the country, the city enters a long period of post-war economic recovery and social infrastructure rebuilding.
• 1976 — As part of an administrative reform, the city of Can Tho and the province of the same name are merged with Soc Trang province into a new, larger province called Hau Giang.
• 1991 — Hau Giang province is divided, and Can Tho once again becomes the administrative center of its own province.
• January 1, 2004 — Can Tho receives the status of a centrally-governed city, placing it on the same administrative level as a province and cementing its role as the key center of the Mekong Delta.
• April 2010 — Traffic opens on the Can Tho Bridge, one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in Southeast Asia, replacing the ferry service across the Hau River.
• 2004–2024 — A period of rapid growth, establishing Can Tho as the economic, educational, scientific, and cultural leader of the entire Mekong Delta region.

Cultural and Social Milestones of Can Tho

The development of Can Tho is not just a history of economic growth, but also a deep transformation of its cultural landscape and social structure. The city has managed to harmoniously weave modern trends into its unique identity, shaped by life near the water. These changes reflect the journey from a traditional center of the Mekong Delta to a dynamic metropolis.

• Evolution of Floating Markets
  Significance: Initially, floating markets like Cai Rang were exclusively centers for the wholesale trade of agricultural produce. Over time, they transformed into iconic cultural sites and tourist magnets. Today, alongside the trade in fruits and vegetables, one can find boats offering local delicacies, souvenirs, and refreshments for travelers, reflecting the adaptation of the traditional way of life to new economic realities. City authorities actively support this transformation by organizing annual festivals dedicated to the culture of floating markets.
• Preservation and Promotion of Crafts
  Significance: Many traditional crafts, once an integral part of daily life, have acquired a new status. The production of rice paper and noodles, water hyacinth weaving, and pottery have evolved from utilitarian activities into cultural heritage. Craft villages in the vicinity of Can Tho have become centers of attraction for tourists wishing to learn about authentic techniques. This has allowed not only for the preservation of unique skills but also for the creation of new income sources for local residents.
• Urbanization and a New Lifestyle
  Significance: The rapid growth of the city has led to significant social changes. Alongside traditional stilt houses along the canals, modern residential complexes, shopping centers, and public spaces have risen. This has changed the habitual way of life, where existence was fully subordinated to the rhythm of the river. Today's Can Tho is a city of contrasts, where the younger generation is actively involved in global digital culture, while the older generation carefully preserves ancestral traditions.
• Becoming a Center for Cultural Events
  Significance: Can Tho has established itself as a regional cultural capital, hosting numerous festivals and events. The annual Southern Folk Cake Festival and various river festivals attract participants and guests from all over the country, contributing to the preservation of intangible heritage. Furthermore, the city has become a platform for international cultural exchanges, such as Francophonie festivals and Korean culture days, highlighting its openness to the world.

The architectural appearance of Can Tho represents a unique blend of styles, reflecting its rich history as a trading crossroads in the Mekong Delta. Here, traditional Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese motifs harmoniously intertwine with elegant French colonial heritage and the bold forms of modern development. The city's development did not follow the path of replacing the old with the new, but rather through their synthesis, which created its unique character.

Traditional and Religious Architecture

The foundation of Can Tho's architectural landscape consists of traditional structures adapted to life by the water. Historically, stilt houses and buildings predominated here, their appearance dictated by both the climate and the cultural influence of neighboring peoples. Striking examples include:

• Chinese Influence: The Ong Pagoda, built by the Chinese community in the late 19th century, is a gem of traditional architecture. It is distinguished by a richly decorated roof with "yin-yang" tiles, intricate wood carving, and bright ceramic panels depicting mythical creatures. This building is recognized as a national heritage site.
• Khmer Heritage: The Munirensayaram Temple demonstrates characteristic features of Khmer temple architecture. Built in the mid-20th century, it serves as an important spiritual center for the local Khmer community.

French Colonial Heritage

The French Indochina period left a noticeable mark on Can Tho in the form of elegant buildings that shaped the appearance of the central streets and the embankment. French architects adapted European styles, particularly Neoclassicism, to the hot and humid climate, creating the so-called "Indochinese style." It is characterized by:

• High ceilings and wide verandas.
• Large windows with wooden shutter-blinds (louvers) for ventilation.
• A combination of European forms with local decorative elements.

An iconic example of this era is the Binh Thuy Ancient House, built in 1870. Its facade is executed in the spirit of a French manor, while the interiors combine European furniture with traditional Vietnamese altars. Many government buildings and old mansions in the city center also retain this colonial charm.

Modern Urban Planning

Since gaining independence, and especially in recent decades, Can Tho has experienced rapid growth. The city is actively being built up, transforming into a modern metropolis. This stage is characterized by the appearance of:

• High-rise Buildings and Hotels: Modern hotel complexes and office centers are being erected along the Ninh Kieu Quay and in new districts.
• Large-scale Infrastructure Projects: The symbol of modern development became the Can Tho Bridge, opened in 2010. This cable-stayed bridge, one of the longest in Southeast Asia, not only solved transport problems but also became a new architectural landmark of the city.
• New Residential Districts: Entire neighborhoods with modern developments, villas, and shopping centers are growing on the site of former wastelands and agricultural fields, giving the city a renewed look.

Today's development of Can Tho is aimed at creating a "green," modern, and civilized city that simultaneously preserves its unique identity connected with the river culture of the Mekong Delta.

Notable Figures of Can Tho

Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta, has been the birthplace and center of activity for many iconic figures in the history and culture of Vietnam. These people have left a deep mark on the literature, music, and socio-political life of the country.

• Bui Huu Nghia (Bùi Hữu Nghĩa, 1807–1872)

  Role: Poet, playwright, and official of the Nguyen Dynasty.
  Significance: One of the most respected Confucian scholars of Southern Vietnam, known for his integrity and talent. As a high-ranking official, he was famous for his fair treatment of the common people. His literary legacy, especially the classical play in the Tuong genre "Kim Thach Ky Duyen," is part of the golden fund of Vietnamese drama. A memorial complex dedicated to him in Can Tho is recognized as a national historical monument.

• Chau Van Liem (Châu Văn Liêm, 1902–1930)

  Role: Revolutionary, one of the founders of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
  Significance: A native of Can Tho, Chau Van Liem was a teacher by profession and a fervent patriot. He played a key role in uniting communist groups and was one of six delegates at the founding conference to create a unified party in 1930. Streets and schools across Vietnam, including in his hometown, are named after him.

• Luu Huu Phuoc (Lưu Hữu Phước, 1921–1989)

  Role: Composer, political figure.
  Significance: An outstanding composer and author of many famous patriotic songs and marches that became symbols of the struggle for independence. His works, such as "Call to the Youth" (Tiếng gọi thanh niên) and "Liberation of the South" (Giải phóng miền Nam), became unofficial anthems for an entire generation. After the war, he served as the Minister of Culture and Information. A large park in the center of Can Tho is named in his honor.

• Son Nam (Sơn Nam, 1926–2008)

  Role: Writer, journalist, and cultural researcher.
  Significance: Real name — Pham Minh Tai. Son Nam is considered the "chronicler" of Southern Vietnam. His works, dedicated to the history of the development of the Mekong Delta, and the lifestyle and character of its inhabitants, are invaluable sources of knowledge about the region. Thanks to his simple and vivid language, his books, such as "Scent of the Ca Mau Forest" and "History of the Colonization of the South," enjoy immense popularity.

• Tran Ngoc Hoang (Trần Ngọc Hoằng, 1925–2001)

  Role: Labor Hero, agricultural organizer.
  Significance: A participant in the revolutionary struggle, after 1975 he became the founder and director of the famous "Song Hau" State Farm (Nông trường Sông Hậu) near Can Tho. Under his leadership, the farm turned into a model agro-industrial enterprise, becoming a symbol of post-war recovery and economic development in the Mekong Delta. A school and a street in Can Tho are named in his honor.