Where is the best orchard visit in Can Tho?

Orchard visits are the second pillar of Can Tho tourism after floating markets. The Mekong Delta’s fruit is legendary — durian, rambutan, longan, mangosteen — and seeing where it grows adds context to the floating market experience.

Top orchards near Can Tho

My Khanh Tourist Area (15km from city)

• Entry: 200k VND (includes fruit tasting, boat ride within area)
• Setup: Organized tourist zone with multiple gardens
• Activities: Fruit tasting, fishing, cycling, traditional music
• Fruit: Durian, rambutan, longan, pomelo (seasonal)
• Best for: Families, first-time visitors, those wanting structured experience
• Hours: 7am-5pm
• Getting there: Boat from Ninh Kieu (included in entry) or motorbike

Pros:

• Well-organized (toilets, seating, shade)
• Multiple activities beyond fruit
• Good for children (space to run)
• Reliable fruit quality
• English signage

Cons:

• Touristy (feels packaged)
• Higher prices than independent gardens
• Less authentic interaction with farmers

Khanh Nam Garden (10km from city)

• Entry: 150k VND (fruit tasting included)
• Setup: Family-run orchard, less commercial
• Activities: Fruit tasting, garden walk, honey tea
• Fruit: Durian (May-July), rambutan (June-August)
• Best for: Fruit-focused visits, authentic interaction
• Hours: 8am-5pm
• Getting there: Motorbike or arranged tour

Pros:

• More authentic (working farm)
• Lower price than My Khanh
• Direct farmer interaction
• Quality fruit (they grow it)

Cons:

• Fewer activities (just garden)
• Less English spoken
• Basic facilities

Binh Thuy area gardens (12km from city)

• Entry: 50k-100k VND (varies by garden)
• Setup: Multiple small gardens near historic houses
• Activities: Garden walk, fruit tasting, house tours
• Fruit: Seasonal (ask what is harvesting)
• Best for: Culture + fruit combo, photographers
• Hours: Dawn to dusk (visit morning)

Pros:

• Combine with Binh Thuy Ancient House
• Multiple gardens to choose from
• Lower entry fees
• Authentic rural setting

Cons:

• Less organized (no central booking)
• Fruit quality varies by season
• Need own transport

What to expect

Fruit tasting typically includes:

• 3-5 seasonal fruits (peeled, plated)
• Honey tea or ginger tea
• Sometimes: coconut candy, local snacks

Activities (organized gardens):

• Garden cycling (1-2km paths)
• Traditional music (don ca tai tu, 30 minutes)
• Fishing (catch fish, pay extra to cook)
• Coconut candy making demo

Fruit purchases:

• Durian: 40k-80k VND/kg (depending on variety)
• Rambutan: 20k-40k VND/kg
• Longan: 30k-50k VND/kg
• Pomelo: 15k-25k VND/kg (whole fruit)
• Most gardens will ship HCMC (200k-300k VND shipping)

Best time to visit

By fruit:

• May-July: Durian, mangosteen
• June-August: Rambutan, longan
• September-November: Pomelo, orange
• December-April: Limited fruit, gardens still open

By time of day:

• 8-11am: Coolest, best light, farmers available
• 11am-2pm: Hot, avoid (farmers resting)
• 2-5pm: Warm, OK for afternoon visits

Etiquette

Do:

• Ask before picking fruit (some gardens allow, some do not)
• Try everything offered (hosts appreciate it)
• Buy fruit if you enjoy it (supports them)
• Bring small bills (no change for 500k)

Don’t:

• Wander off marked paths (active farms)
• Photograph farmers without asking
• Expect unlimited free fruit (tasting is sample-sized)
• Visit during lunch (11am-1pm, families eating)

How to book

Homestay arrangement (recommended):

• Cost: 150k-250k VND per person
• Includes: Transport, entry, sometimes lunch
• Quality: Variable (ask recent guests)

Direct visit:

• Cost: 50k-200k VND entry
• Transport: Motorbike rental (120k/day) or Grab
• Flexibility: Come and go as you please

Tour combo (floating market + orchard):

• Cost: 300k-500k VND per person
• Duration: 5am-12pm
• Includes: Both experiences, breakfast, fruit tasting

The verdict

For first-time visitors: My Khanh offers the most complete experience with reliable quality. For repeat visitors or those seeking authenticity: Khanh Nam or Binh Thuy gardens. For photographers: Binh Thuy combines fruit with colonial architecture.

Regardless of choice, orchard visits are a small but meaningful way to understand the Mekong Delta’s agricultural wealth. The fruit you taste on a boat at Cai Rang market grows in gardens like these.