The Heartbeat of the Mekong Delta: Can Tho

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tahm byet]
• YesCó
  [koh]
• NoKhông
  [kohng]
• Please/You're welcomeVui lòng
  [vooi long]
• Thank youCám ơn
  [kahm uhn]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
  [sin loy]
• How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [bahn kweh kohng]
• Fine. And you?Tốt. Còn bạn?
  [toht. kohn bahn]
• Do you speak English?Anh/Chị có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [ahn/chi koh noy ting ahn kohng]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy kohng hye-u]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCho tôi xem menu, vui lòng
  [cho toy sem menu, vooi long]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy kohng an tit]
• Cheers!Chúc sức khỏe!
  [chook sook kweh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, vui lòng
  [toy muhn thanh toan, vooi long]

• Help!Cứu!
  [kew]
• Go away!Đi đi!
  [dee dee]
• Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [goy keng saht]
• Call a doctor!Gọi bác sĩ!
  [goy bahk see]
• I'm lostTôi lạc đường
  [toy lahk doo-ong]
• I'm illTôi bị ốm
  [toy bee ohm]

• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy muhn mwa]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem
  [toy chih sem]
• How much is it?Bao nhiêu tiền?
  [bah-oo nyeu tee-en]
• That's too expensiveĐắt quá
  [daht kwah]
• Can you lower the price?Anh/Chị có thể giảm giá không?
  [ahn/chi koh te zahm zah kohng]

• What time is it?Bây giờ là mấy giờ?
  [bahy zoh la may zoh]
• It's one o'clockBây giờ là một giờ
  [bahy zoh la moot zoh]
• Half past (10)Rưỡi (10)
  [rwuh-ee (10)]
• MorningBuổi sáng
  [bwoi sang]
• AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [bwoi chieu]
• EveningBuổi tối
  [bwoi toy]
• YesterdayHôm qua
  [hohm kwa]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hohm nai]
• TomorrowNgày mai
  [ngai mai]
• 1Một
  [moot]
• 2Hai
  [high]
• 3Ba
  [bah]
• 4Bốn
  [bohn]
• 5Năm
  [nahm]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [bahy]
• 8Tám
  [tahm]
• 9Chín
  [cheen]
• 10Mười
  [moo-ee]

• Where's a/the...?Chỗ...ở đâu?
  [choh...uh daow]
• What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [dih-ah chee la zee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Anh/Chị có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ) không?
  [ahn/chi koh te chih cho toy (trern bahn doh) kohng]
• When's the next (bus)?Khi nào là chuyến xe buýt kế tiếp?
  [khee nah-oh lah chwee-en se buh-eet keh tee-ep]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đến ....)
  [moot veh (den ....)]

Can Tho, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, has a rich history dating back to the early settlement periods during the Funan Kingdom around the 1st century AD. The fertile land and extensive waterways made it an ideal location for agriculture and trade, fostering the growth of early communities.

From the 6th to the 8th centuries, the Mekong Delta region, including Can Tho, was heavily influenced by the Khmer Empire. This period saw the construction of numerous temples and the spread of Theravada Buddhism, elements of which still influence the cultural landscape of Can Tho today.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Can Tho became part of the Nguyen Dynasty's domain. The area was developed further for rice cultivation, which remains a staple of its economy. The Nguyen rulers also fortified the region to protect against external threats, contributing to Can Tho's strategic significance.

In the mid-19th century, Can Tho fell under French colonial rule as part of Cochinchina. The French established infrastructure for exporting rice and other local produce, leading to the construction of canals, roads, and public buildings. This era left a lasting architectural legacy in Can Tho, visible in its colonial-style buildings.

Can Tho played a significant role during the Vietnam War due to its strategic location in the Mekong Delta. The city was a major base for both the South Vietnamese and U.S. military operations. The conflict left deep scars on the community, but also led to the development of important infrastructure, including improved transportation networks.

After the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, Can Tho underwent a period of reconstruction and development. The government focused on rebuilding the war-torn infrastructure and boosting the local economy. The establishment of Can Tho University in 1966 played a crucial role in transforming the city into an educational hub in the Mekong Delta.

Today, Can Tho is known as the 'Capital of the West' and is a bustling city that blends traditional Vietnamese culture with modern development. The city is renowned for its floating markets, particularly Cai Rang, which attract tourists from around the world. Can Tho continues to be a vital agricultural and economic center, reflecting its historical roots and ongoing growth.

Can Tho is located in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The nearest international airport is Can Tho International Airport (VCA), which has direct flights from major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Taipei. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to the city center, which is approximately 10 kilometers away. Alternatively, buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho operate frequently and the journey takes around 3-4 hours.

Can Tho has a variety of transportation options. Taxis and motorbike taxis (xe om) are readily available and are a convenient way to get around the city. For a more local experience, you can use the local buses, which connect different parts of the city and surrounding areas. Renting a motorbike or bicycle is also a popular option for tourists who prefer to explore at their own pace. For river tours, there are numerous boat operators offering trips to the floating markets and other attractions.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, particularly for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available in Can Tho, and currency exchange services can be found at banks and exchange kiosks.

Can Tho is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, such as markets and bus stations. Petty theft and scams targeting tourists can occur, particularly in busy tourist areas. Always use reputable transportation services and be cautious when accepting unsolicited offers for tours or services.

In case of emergency, dial 113 for police, 114 for fire, and 115 for medical emergencies. Can Tho has several hospitals and clinics that can provide medical assistance. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are readily available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering temples and pagodas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow or a handshake. A smile and a polite 'Xin chào' (hello) are also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Can Tho like a local, visit the Cai Rang Floating Market early in the morning to see a bustling trade scene on the river. Try a bowl of 'Hu Tieu' (a local noodle dish) at a street food stall. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and way of life. Don't miss a sunset cruise on the Mekong River for a breathtaking view of the delta.