For a complete change of scenery, how about a luxury retreat in the heart of the Mekong Delta? Can Tho, the delta’s largest city, is famous for its floating markets and riverside charm – and it’s only a 3 to 3.5-hour drive from HCMC (or a 45-minute flight). Tucked away on a private islet on the Hau River in Can Tho is Azerai Can Tho, a five-star resort that opened in 2018 (and recently rebranded as Legacy Mekong in late 2024). This serene hideaway offers expats a refreshing mix of waterfront luxury and authentic delta culture, all within a short trip from the city.
Getting There: The drive to Can Tho has gotten faster with new expressways – you can typically reach Can Tho by car in about three hours now. Many travelers opt for an early morning departure from Saigon to enjoy the countryside scenery (endless rice paddies and rivers) along the way. Alternatively, Vietnam Airlines and others have quick flights to Can Tho’s airport. Once in Can Tho city, Azerai/Legacy Mekong awaits just across the river from Ninh Kieu Wharf, the town’s central waterfront. The resort has its own boat pier at Ninh Kieu – guests are shuttled by a private boat for the 5-minute ride to the islet, which really sets the tone for a secluded escape. You’ll find yourself leaving the noise of the city behind as the boat crosses a narrow channel, delivering you to a peaceful island covered in greenery.
The Resort & Grounds: Designed by Aman resorts founder Adrian Zecha, Azerai Can Tho embraces a “minimalist tropical” aesthetic. The property sprawls across lush grounds filled with banyan trees, coconut palms, and lotus ponds. Its 60 rooms and 5 pool villas are housed in low-rise pavilions that blend into the landscape – you’ll see lots of natural wood, open-air walkways, and thatched-roof structures that recall traditional Mekong architecture, all executed with modern elegance.
Rooms are spacious and contemporary, with clean lines, light tones, and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open onto garden or river views. It’s the kind of place where you immediately feel at ease, thanks to the wide open spaces and harmony with nature. The focal point of the resort is a stunning infinity pool lined with palm trees, positioned to overlook the river and gardens – perfect for both swim laps and Instagram snaps. On one side of the pool is the Café, the open-air restaurant, and on the other is a casual bar, so everything centers around this picturesque hub.
Also on-site: a full spa with treatment rooms by the mangrove-lined lake, a yoga pavilion (they offer morning yoga classes), a fitness center with river views, tennis courts, and even a kids’ club. The resort successfully creates a private island vibe – peaceful, secure, and exclusive – yet you’re just minutes from the bustle of Can Tho if you want a dose of local life.
Activities & Experiences: One of the main reasons to visit the Mekong Delta is to witness its unique river culture, and Azerai makes this easy while still pampering you. A must-do is an early morning boat tour to the Cai Rang Floating Market. The resort can arrange a private boat (with a guide if desired) that leaves around 5:30 AM – you’ll glide through the delta sunrise to reach the market when it’s busiest (6–7 AM). There, dozens of wooden boats congregate, selling piles of tropical fruit, vegetables, and hot bowls of noodle soup right on the water. It’s a sensory feast – be sure to try a fresh pineapple or a cà phê sữa đá handed to you from a boat vendor. (Aim to go early; the market winds down by 9 AM.) After the floating market, you can visit small canals and perhaps a local village to see daily delta life. Back at the resort, relaxation is key.
Unwind by the pool with views of the Mekong’s gentle flow, or enjoy a massage at the spa – tucked under ancient banyan trees, the spa’s setting itself is therapeutic. The resort offers complimentary yoga sessions and can arrange for private meditation or wellness programs if you’re inclined. Feeling active? There are bicycles available – the island has paths to cycle under shady fruit trees, or staff can ferry you to the mainland for a longer bike ride through nearby rural areas. Cooking classes are another highlight: accompany the chef by boat to the local market to pick ingredients, then return and learn to cook delta-style dishes like fish hotpot or green papaya salad.
Towards evening, consider a sundowner cruise – a private boat ride with drinks and snacks as the sun sets over the Mekong is pure bliss. Insider tip: The resort’s complimentary boat shuttle runs on a schedule into the evening, so you can easily hop into town for a bit. Take advantage and go to Can Tho’s night market on the waterfront for a short outing – try local street foods like grilled Mekong fish or the signature bánh cống (crispy rice flour cakes). But do come back to your quiet isle for a restful night under the Mekong stars.
Dining Highlights: Azerai’s dining scene focuses on fresh, local ingredients with a gourmet twist. The Café (the main restaurant) serves East-meets-West fare in a lovely open setting facing the pool and river. Breakfast is a mix of buffet and cooked-to-order items – you can have a French-style breakfast with croissants and jam, or go local with hủ tiếu (southern noodle soup) or sticky rice and tropical fruit. For lunch and dinner, the menu includes Vietnamese favorites and international dishes, from green mango salad and clay-pot caramelized fish to pasta and imported steak.
The lakeside Grill (sometimes they set up tables by the lotus lake) is a treat in the evenings, offering barbecued specialties and Mekong river prawns under the fairy-lit trees. The bar on the opposite end of the pool is an elegant pavilion; it’s wonderful to sit there at dusk with a cocktail as the sky turns gold. The bar’s mixologists use local herbs and fruits – don’t be surprised to find a hint of lemongrass or passionfruit in your drink.
Insider tip: Ask for the “floating breakfast” option if you’re in a pool villa – the staff will set up a tray with a deluxe breakfast that literally floats in your private pool, an indulgent start to the day. Also, if you have time, try the resort’s afternoon tea: it’s not widely advertised, but they can serve a Vietnamese-style tea with sweet cakes and lotus tea upon request, a nod to the delta’s hospitality.
Finally, seafood lovers should definitely sample the Mekong’s bounty – dishes like giant river prawns or crispy Gourami fish are regional delights. With the combination of river views, refined ambiance, and warm service, dining at Azerai Can Tho feels both relaxed and refined, capping off your luxurious Mekong escape.
