How do I get around Can Tho? Is Grab available?

Can Tho is a small city — most attractions are within 5km of Ninh Kieu. Transport options include Grab, taxi, motorbike rental, and cyclo. This guide covers pros, cons, and pricing for each.

Transport options

Grab (ride-hailing app):

• Availability: 6am-9pm (reliable), 9pm-6am (limited)
• Coverage: City center, Ninh Kieu, Cai Rang
• GrabBike: 20k-50k VND (most available)
• GrabCar: 50k-100k VND (fewer cars)
• Wait time: 5-15 minutes
• Payment: App (credit card) or cash
• Best for: Short trips, budget travelers

Taxi (metered):

• Companies: Mai Linh (0292.38.38.38), Vinasun (0292.3.27.27.27.27)
• Availability: 24/7
• Price: 40k-80k VND (most city trips)
• Wait time: 5-10 minutes (phone booking)
• Payment: Cash (prepare small bills)
• Best for: Reliability, early morning, late night

Motorbike rental:

• Price: 150k-200k VND/day
• Availability: Hotels, rental shops
• Fuel: 50k-100k VND/day
• Best for: Full-day flexibility, experienced riders
• Caution: Traffic, parking, police checkpoints

Cyclo (pedal taxi):

• Availability: Tourist areas (Ninh Kieu, markets)
• Price: 50k-100k VND/ride (negotiate first)
• Best for: Short trips, experience, photos
• Caution: Agree price before getting in

Local bus:

• Routes: Limited (mainly airport bus)
• Price: 10k-50k VND
• Best for: Budget, specific routes
• Caution: Infrequent, not tourist-friendly

Grab in Can Tho

How it works:

1. Download Grab app (before arrival)
2. Set pickup location
3. Choose GrabBike or GrabCar
4. See price upfront
5. Wait for driver (5-15 minutes)
6. Pay via app or cash

GrabBike (motorbike taxi):

• Price: 20k-50k VND (most trips)
• Availability: Good (6am-9pm)
• Best for: Solo travelers, light luggage
• Caution: Wear helmet, hold on tight

GrabCar:

• Price: 50k-100k VND (most trips)
• Availability: Limited (fewer cars)
• Best for: Couples, families, luggage
• Caution: May wait longer than GrabBike

Limitations:

• Fewer drivers than HCMC (wait 5-15 minutes)
• Limited hours (6am-9pm reliable)
• Surge pricing during peak times
• Not available for floating market early morning (5am)

Sample Grab prices:

• Ninh Kieu → Cai Rang floating market: 40k-60k VND
• Ninh Kieu → Can Tho Airport: 120k-150k VND
• Ninh Kieu → Binh Thuy house: 50k-70k VND
• Within Ninh Kieu: 20k-40k VND

Taxi in Can Tho

Reputable companies:

• Mai Linh: 0292.38.38.38 (green taxis)
• Vinasun: 0292.3.27.27.27.27 (white taxis)

How to book:

• Call directly (Vietnamese helpful)
• Ask hotel concierge (easier for tourists)
• Hail on street (available in center)

Pricing:

• Flag fall: 15k VND
• Per km: 12k-15k VND
• Expected city trip: 40k-80k VND
• Airport run: 150k-200k VND

Tips:

• Meter should start at 15k VND
• Have small bills (drivers cannot change 500k)
• Avoid unmarked taxis (charge fixed price)
• Pre-book for early morning (floating market)

Motorbike rental

Where to rent:

• Hotels (150k-200k VND/day)
• Rental shops (similar price)
• No license required (but should have experience)

What to check:

• Brakes (test before riding)
• Lights (headlight, brake light)
• Fuel level (usually full tank)
• Take photos of existing damage

Parking:

• Free at most attractions
• 5k-10k VND at markets (informal attendants)
• Do not leave valuables in basket

Safety:

• Wear helmet (required by law)
• Drive defensively (local traffic is chaotic)
• Avoid drinking and riding
• Police checkpoints target tourists (have passport copy)

Cyclo

Where to find:

• Ninh Kieu promenade
• Near markets
• Tourist areas

Pricing:

• Short ride (500m): 30k-50k VND
• Medium ride (1-2km): 50k-80k VND
• Hourly tour: 150k-200k VND
• Always negotiate price before getting in

Tips:

• Agree on price (not per person, per ride)
• Clarify destination (some drivers take detours)
• Good for photos, slow pace
• Not practical for long distances

Cost comparison

The verdict

For most travelers: Grab (when available) for short trips, taxi for early morning/late night. Download Grab app before arrival.

For full-day exploration: Rent motorbike (150k-200k/day). Best for floating market, orchards, and remote attractions.

For reliability: Mai Linh or Vinasun taxi. Available 24/7, metered, safe.

Can Tho is small — most trips are 40k-80k VND by taxi or 20k-50k VND by GrabBike. Budget 100k-200k VND/day for transport.