5 Famous Floating Markets in Mekong Delta

1. Cai Rang Floating market

Far 6km from the heart of Can Tho province, Cai Rang is considered as one of the most famous and attractive destinations in the South West Vietnam. This market will start around 5:00 AM and last until mid-day. Getting up early to visit it is worth because you will have a chance to catch the liveliest portrait of the local people in bustling atmosphere. From the early morning, Cai Rang floating market is loaded with many different boats filled with different types of goods such as flowers, fruits, drinks or even foods like Pho, Hu Tieu. It seems to become a maze, which makes this market more unique and interesting. All the commercial activities are taking place on the boats. The sellers will hang their goods on the pole so that buyers just need to see the pole and find what they need easily.

2. Cai Be Floating market

Another well-known floating market in Mekong Delta is Cai Be, which was established in the Nguyen Dynasty. It is adjacent to three provinces: Vinh Long, Ben Tre and Tien Giang. This market leaves strong impression on tourists by several boats and beautiful river landscapes. You can have time to enjoy the busy and noisy atmosphere when people exchange goods as well as enjoy fresh fruits or even your breakfast with hot cup of coffee and hot bowl of pho. The nice towns and green paddle fields, Catholic cathedral on the riverside also are the highlight images for many visitors coming here. 

» Let's get an exhaustive look at the unique life in Cai Be with Vietnam River Cruises

3. Phung Hiep Floating market

Phung Hiep floating market is situated on Phung Hiep intersection of seven rivers. Unlike Cai Rang market, it meets all day long, so it’s available for visitors to come and see all the time in a day. Several boats full of local products such as vegetables, fruits, drinks and foods are always ready for exchange. It seems that there is no bargain in this market, the sellers will give the goods to buyers and get paid. For some boats with no roof, sellers will signal their goods by hanging products on a high stick. Another highlight thing in this market is snake market where visitors can find all kinds of snakes and try snake wine. This floating market will satisfy you by its beautiful natural landscape and cultural characteristics of Mekong Delta.

4. Long Xuyen Floating Market

Long Xuyen Floating Market located in An Giang province is another impressive one in Mekong Delta. Hundreds of sampans with a lot of goods arranged by groups cross the river, which makes this floating market more and more bustling. Visitors just need to sit on the motor boat, then they can find all the seasonal produce of Mekong Delta in this market and buy them as souvenirs for friends and family. Along with selling boats, tourists can also enjoy the friendliness of people here. They will see the children standing on the boat and waving their hands to welcome them. Besides they can have a chance to listen to the local songs sung by the sellers as a way to relieve their tiredness. 

5. Tra On Floating Market

The last one I want to mention in this list is Tra On floating market which is on Hau River. It gains the nice fame for the special culture features of the people in the river area. It seems like all the activities in this market depend on the level of the water. The higher level of water is, the more crowed market is. Therefore, visitors can see the different scenes of this market in a day. This wholesale market is a good destination for visitors to buy fresh agricultural produce, flowers and foods at the cheap prices. In addition, the delicious dish “chay” fish with various ingredients will definitely make you want to return to this market again. 

• Source: Mekong River Cruises