Can Tho, the central hub of the Mekong Delta, is shaped by the Hau River and an extensive network of canals and waterways. 

These waterways give the city its distinctive river-based landscape and play an important role in its development. Beyond serving as transport routes and supporting economic activities, they help sustain local ecosystems and remain closely connected to the daily lives, culture, and memories of generations of residents.

In the journey to develop Can Tho into a modern, civilised, and competitive city, its river-based identity should be viewed as a distinct advantage. Photo: VNA

For local communities, rivers and canals are an integral part of life. They support trade, fishing, agriculture, and tourism while preserving traditional ways of living associated with the river region. Floating markets, riverside settlements, boats carrying agricultural produce, and bustling wharves all reflect the close relationship between the city and its waterways.

The value of the riverine landscape for the city of Can Tho lies in its capacity to regulate the environment, facilitate drainage, provide public spaces, and sustain the connection between people and nature. Photo: VNA

As Can Tho expands and modernises, these natural assets offer valuable opportunities for sustainable urban development. However, their potential can only be fully realised through careful planning and effective management. Protecting water quality, improving canal-side infrastructure, restoring waterways, and developing green public spaces along riverbanks are important steps towards creating a more liveable city.

To fully unlock the potential of its waterways, the city needs a holistic approach—one that views rivers and canals as an integral part of the urban landscape, rather than merely exploiting them for isolated, specific purposes. Photo: VNA

Integrating waterways into urban planning will also help Can Tho adapt to climate change, reduce environmental pressures, and strengthen its appeal as a destination for visitors. By balancing development with conservation, the city can preserve its river-based character while creating new drivers of economic growth and improving residents' quality of life.

For generations, the system of rivers and canals in Can Tho has helped shape a network for trade, agricultural production, and community life. Photo: VNA

Can Tho's waterways are therefore not simply natural features but a valuable resource and an essential part of the city's identity and future.

 By VNA/VNP