Can Tho is a centrally governed city, which is the heart of the Mekong Delta region and is about 170 km from Ho Chi Minh City - the largest commercial centre of Vietnam. Through its history, Can Tho has been the convergence of important overland and waterway traffics linking to Ho Chi Minh City, regional provinces and Cambodia. In the Mekong Delta region, the city is a large developed urban zone with strong economic, financial, commercial, service, educational, scientific, technological and cultural impacts on the region.
The city has a natural area of 139,000 ha and a population of around 1.2 million people. The economic growth rate in the latest three years was above 15 per cent per annum on average. Agriculture contributed 18 per cent to the city’s GDP; industry and construction, 36 per cent; and commerce - service, 46 per cent. Per capital income exceeded US$700 a year. The city is also a favourite location for domestic and international commercial banks, insurance companies, financial leasing companies, scientific research institutes, educational establishments and healthcare units. Can Tho University, Medicine - Pharmacy University, Mekong Rice Research Institute and Can Tho General Hospital are few examples.
Can Tho City is attractive not only for its position as a young city and a locomotive in the Mekong Delta region but also for its rich fishery resources, thick canal network and fruitful orchards. The land is famous for sweet mango, king (thick-skinned) orange, Nam Roi grapefruit, durian and mangosteen. Can Tho dwellers are mild, confident, open-hearted and hospitable, making this place an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists.
Can Tho is endowed with many picturesque islets like Tan Loc, Con Son, Cai Khe, Con Khuong and Con Au on the Hau River. Many visitors want to spend their holidays in resorts facing to the river.
With its potentialities and advantages plus unique characteristic culture, Can Tho is a locomotive for the development of Mekong Delta region.
Vietnamese
