Blog Details

Can Tho River Culture Festival 2025 to Take Place from December 27, 2025 to January 1, 2026

On October 23, the Can Tho People’s Committee issued Plan No. 127/KH-UBND, officially announcing the organization of the Can Tho River Culture Festival 2025. The event, themed “Can Tho - Colors of the River,” will take place from December 27, 2025, to January 1, 2026, across key areas such as Song Hau Park and Ninh Kieu Park.

The festival aims to celebrate the New Year 2026 through vibrant cultural and tourism activities while promoting the rich river culture of the Mekong Delta region. It also seeks to enhance community awareness about environmental protection, especially the preservation of river ecosystems, and to encourage sustainable tourism development in the city.

Celebrating the Spirit of the Mekong Delta
The Can Tho River Culture Festival is designed as a major cultural and tourism highlight, showcasing the city’s signature identity through river-based traditions, lifestyles, and arts. The event will also strengthen the connection between river tourism routes in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and other Mekong Delta provinces, creating opportunities to develop transnational tourism along the Mekong River.

Through diverse cultural and tourism experiences, the festival contributes to Can Tho’s creative approach in elevating its signature events, spreading cultural vitality, and promoting socio-economic growth across the region.

Opening Ceremony and Key Performances
The grand opening ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. on December 27, featuring the parade “Colors of the River” on both land and water routes around central Can Tho. Decorated boats will glide along the Hau River, accompanied by traditional don ca tai tu performances, offering visitors an authentic Southern Vietnamese experience.

The opening art program, broadcast live from the pedestrian bridge at Ninh Kieu Park, will start at 8 p.m. the same evening. It will tell stories of river life, local livelihoods, festivals, folk beliefs, and cuisine, recreating the vibrant floating markets of Cai Rang, Nga Nam, and Nga Bay.

A drone and fireworks show will follow at 9 p.m., combining modern and traditional music with a light display that illustrates Can Tho’s cultural heritage, architectural landmarks, and vision for the future.

Festival Highlights and Visitor Activities
From December 28 to 30, nightly art performances will be held at Song Hau Park. Visitors can also explore the photo exhibition “Life on the River - The Mekong Then and Now” from December 27 to January 1 at Ninh Kieu Park.

The festival space, stretching from Song Hau Park to Ninh Kieu Wharf, will be decorated with models and mini-landscapes from December 20, creating a festive ambiance. Visitors can look forward to a sailing race on December 28 and a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) race at Cai Khe Canal on December 29.

A special exhibition area with around 150 booths will showcase OCOP products, regional specialties, culinary delights, and tourism promotions from Can Tho and other provinces. These activities will provide visitors with opportunities to experience and purchase unique local goods while learning more about the Mekong Delta’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.

The food demonstration program will take place on December 27 and 28 at Song Hau Park, featuring local chefs preparing signature Mekong dishes. The closing ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. on January 1, 2026, also at Song Hau Park.

Promoting River Tourism and Environmental Awareness
To encourage river-based tourism, Can Tho will launch promotional programs in November and December 2025. Local cruise operators will offer special tours for delegates and visitors, including morning trips to the Cai Rang Floating Market and sunset sightseeing at Can Tho Bridge. Tourism and hospitality businesses are also invited to design special river tour packages with promotional prices to stimulate travel demand.

In parallel, from December 15 to 27, local authorities will organize environmental campaigns to clean riverbanks and raise public awareness about preserving the city’s waterways.

The Can Tho River Culture Festival 2025 promises to be a vibrant celebration of life on the river, offering a dynamic mix of cultural expression, tourism experiences, and community engagement that will mark an inspiring start to the new year.