Embark on an exciting journey to the Mekong Delta-captivatingly interesting region in Vietnam where the flow of water guides a way of life that is nowhere else replicated. Perhaps among the most charming incidents here are the Mekong Floating Markets, where one can feel very much engulfed in the vibrant local culture and daily hustle common in riverside trade. Imagine making on the Mekong Tour and floating through an active maze of boats full of fruits, vegetables, and crafts. Most progressively, markets are much more than places of trade-they are the throbbing hub of rich traditions and economies along the Mekong. Join us to find out about five of the most unforgettable floating markets that should not be missed for an authentically real and memorable adventure!
Cai Rang Floating Market
Welcome to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most popular among the Mekong Floating Markets! Situated 6 km from downtown Can Tho, it uses this magnetic attraction to lure people from every part of the world. The market is staged on the Can Tho River near the Cai Rang Bridge and can be reached by a short boat ride from Ninh Kieu Pier. If you want to plunge deep into the culture of the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang will not let go of its being an essential stop on any Mekong Tour.
Address: Near Cai Rang Bridge, Cai Rang District, Can Tho, Vietnam.
The Cai Rang Floating Market has been in operation for over a hundred years. It originally started as a significant trading area where local farmers could sell the produce they grew directly from their boats. It was this characteristic setting that made life easy for villagers to trade goods without having to travel very far from their houses. The site became, over time, the largest of the Mekong Floating Markets and evolved into a crowded commercial hub representing the life and culture of the Delta. It remains a dynamic setting where centuries-old traditions of river life fuse with modern commerce, making for a fresh and energetic atmosphere.
Each early morning visit to the Cai Rang Floating Market can only be likened to entering a living, breathing painting. Once the morning sun slowly climbs up, the on, bright colors of boats overflow with fresh tropical fruits such as mangoes, bananas, pineapples, and dragon fruits. The atmosphere is so alive with babbling sounds of traders bargaining in vista hawking their goods down the pathways, creating that symphony in this corner of the world.
Take a morning boat tour and glide through this busy waterway for the real feeling of immersion. Haggle with friendly local traders, learn something about daily life for the people, and take in the culture that makes this important trading center tick. Don’t miss out on the local delicacies, like a steaming bowl of ‘Pho’ or a cup of freshly brewed coffee right from the boat, which rocks in the middle of all the hustle and bustle at the market. This is the heart of the Mekong Floating Markets, filled with tradition and commerce.
To fully appreciate the Cai Rang Floating Market, one has to be there right in the morning, about 5:30 AM, which is when it’s supposed to be busiest. Boats can be hired from Ninh Kieu Pier, and different private and group tours are available operators in the city run their trips and can tailor them according to your requirements. More importantly, hiring a local guide would enrich the visit with insider stories and tips on what to see and buy.
Don’t forget to buy fresh tropical fruits from the boats while going around, and try the local delicacies such as candies made of coconut, banana chips, and rice paper snacks-just what you need to bring home from your Mekong Tour! After all, going to Cai Rang isn’t just sightseeing; you’re supposed to be involved in the culture and daily life that makes the Mekong Floating Markets tick.
Phong Dien Floating Market
Would you prefer a more intimate, traditional experience among the Mekong Floating Markets? The Phong Dien Floating Market in Can Tho awaits! Located about 17 kilometers away from the city center of Can Tho, this charming market is famous because of its authentic local atmosphere and much quieter surroundings. Unlike the hustle and bustle that takes place within Cai Rang, Phong Dien is a much smaller market, not as commercialized, allowing one to get a far better feel for the day-to-day life of the river folk in the Mekong Delta.
Address: Phong Dien District, Can Tho, Vietnam.
Contrasting to its larger counterparts, the Phong Dien Floating Market is a more traditional way of life. The local farmers and fishermen bring their catches right off into the people at the market. This market has friendly and community-oriented sellers, often knowing one another on a first-name basis, and chatting with visitors. It gives insight into the more rustic, rural aspect of the Mekong Floating Markets.
At Phong Dien, one is likely to find all kinds of goods that are manifestations of the creativity and resourcefulness of the people, from locally-made tools and fishing equipment to unique craftsmanship specialties. The slow pace at the market allows one to feel this rustic charm and connect with the local culture. This is the ideal place for travelers seeking tranquility to avoid hustle and bustle for a more relaxed and intimate setting; something which should not miss in every Mekong Tour.
Visiting the Phong Dien Floating Market requires timing, where you have to come in pretty early, say by 5:00 AM when the market just wakes up and is at its most lively. This market can easily be combined with other attractions that Can Tho has to offer, such as the Cai Rang Floating Market or the fruit orchard. Take a bicycle and travel further up-country or hire a boat in Ninh Kieu Pier to bring you right to Phong Dien. To experience the real action of the market, then a visit should be made to early morning.
Long Xuyen Floating Market
Long Xuyen Floating Market in An Giang is a true slice of life along the Mekong River and another hidden treasure to be unraveled. Unlike any other more commercialized areas, this can be very locally cultured and one of the most authentic Mekong Floating Markets without hustle and bustle. Besides, here the focus is on serving the local community, which gives visitors a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the daily routines of the Mekong Delta’s inhabitants.
Address: Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province, Vietnam.
Long Xuyen Floating Market vividly depicts the simple life on the banks of the Mekong River. A floating market is also one of those places where locals can buy fresh produce, household goods, and traditional Vietnamese food. Compared with other Mekong Floating Markets, it has less tourism, so it provides a more quiet environment truly reflecting the spirit of the Mekong Delta. This is not just a market for trading, it is a meeting place-it is about community and preserving the traditions of life on a river.".
While at the Long Xuyen Floating Market, bright fresh-produce markets fill up with colors and all sorts of fruits and vegetables in the air. Have a classic Vietnamese breakfast onboard one of these small boats or retire to one of the quaint riverside cafes along the waterways. This market is a photographer’s dream, too, filled with candid shots of daily life and stunning landscapes around each corner. Don’t be surprised if one of the friendly locals invites you to sit down and talk awhile, ready to share their stories and love for this unique floating community.
Getting to the Long Xuyen Floating Market is quite easy. The pier in the center of Long Xuyen City can hire a local boat right there for a direct ride to the market, which is just quite a few kilometers away. Recommended is taking a private boat tour that allows you to spend as much time as you please at the market. While in the area, deserving of note are the various local delicacies one can try, including a bowlful of steaming hot rice noodle soup or a crispy pancake type of Vietnamese pancake called “banh xeo.".
Visiting Long Xuyen Floating Market is the best way to enrich your Mekong Tour with a range of Caveat authenticity in travel experiences. If anyone intends to be fully informed about or connected with the culture and traditions of the locals in the Mekong Floating Markets, then this market should be an ideal stop on any tour program. Just add Long Xuyen to your tour schedule and get ready for the discovery of one of the most unknown yet incredibly magic parts of the Mekong Delta!
Cai Be Floating Market
Take a walk through the pages of history at the Cai Be Floating Market, the oldest and most historic one among the Mekong Floating Markets. Resting along the Tien River, this colorful market has been one of the most active since the 18th century. For a mix of history, culture, and local charm, the floating market of Cai Be should be on your Mekong Tour.
Address: Cai Be District, Tien Giang Province, Vietnam.
Cai Be Floating Market represents history and tradition, dating back to the 18th century. Among the Mekong Floating Markets, it is the only market where both wholesale and retail transactions of goods take place. You get to see here in this place the traditional ways of doing business-sometimes by barter, a method of exchange where goods are directly exchanged without money. This style of trade has been maintained over the centuries, making Cai Be a great spot with which to observe the local way of life and commerce.
Visiting Cai Be Floating Market provides great opportunities to enter a marketplace right in the middle of the water, with an influx of traditional culture meeting with daily commerce. You will see boats full of fruits, like pomelos, star apples, and longans, along with handicraft textiles and local handicrafts. The market is: highlighting a bunch of colors from the bright colors of fresh fruits to the aromas of fresh herbs and spices. The art of watching the locals barter and trade their goods is in itself a peek into the traditional relations within the Mekong Floating Markets. Be sure to try local treats in coconut candies and freshly made rice perfect souvenirs for your journey!
That would, however, imply that you should get there early, around 5:00 am, when it’s in full swing. Hiring a local guide is the better way to explore it-the guild can navigate the waters and tell you some fascinating stories about the formation of the market, its origins, or its importance. Many such guides are available at the Cai Be Pier and would love to give your Mekong Tour an insider touch.
While here, take your time to see other local attractions of the place: pagodas, orchards full of fruits, and villages with traditional crafts-all within a short boat ride. Equally, Cai Be has pretty riverside scenes, ideal for photo shooting and casual walks.
A tour of Cai Be Floating Market offers a sneak peek into the Mekong Floating Markets’ rich cultural history and a look at their trading traditions. History buffs, food enthusiasts, and even the simple adventurous will find Cai Be offering them an unforgettable moment that will contribute to increasing their knowledge of the vivid culture within the Mekong Delta.
Nga Bay (Phung Hiep) Floating Market
Get ready to be surprised at Nga Bay-Phung Hiep Floating Market, one of the most interesting Mekong Floating Markets. Situated at the busy confluence of seven canals, this market represents not only local commercial activities but also an extremely exuberant cultural life center with all the distinguishing traditions of the Mekong Delta. If you plan to contemplate the Mekong diversity, Nga Bay will be included in the must-visit schedule of any Mekong Tour.
Address: Nga Bay Town, Hau Giang Province, Vietnam.
The Nga Bay Floating Market has played its role as a significant trading center for centuries. It served in the past as the point of convergence of ships carrying goods from various provinces. Now located at a seven-canal junction, it became years ago a meeting spot, where local traders took their place and established goods exchange of all kinds. This market is different from all the rest of the Mekong Floating Markets for its heady atmosphere, poignancy, and everything from fresh produce to exotic wildlife.
A different adventure altogether, a visit to Nga Bay Floating Market: snakes, turtles, birds, and all kinds of exotic wildlife, together with local delicacies and beautifully crafted traditional handicrafts in arrays. It really comes alive with local views and sounds; one should not miss the opportunity to experience this place with folk music performances or try one’s luck at a few of the games that take place literally on the water. These activities make Nga Bay more outstanding among the Mekong Floating Markets because much deeper insights into the culture and the everyday life of the Mekong Delta are available here.
If you want to make your visiting trip fully, combine going to Nga Bay Floating Market in Hau Giang with several other local cultural events: pay a visit to local temples, go to one of the villages nearby to see the traditional making of a craft or two. To get the best experience, try to get there by 5 am when it’s most lively.
Do remember to respect the local customs and etiquette as you make your rounds in the market. Dress modestly, be polite while taking pictures, and ask the friendly locals for permission before snapping any shot. Keep safe; always wear your life jacket while on board and avoid catching over-crowded boats.
Visiting Nga Bay Floating Market is one of the great opportunities to understand the importance of the Mekong Floating Markets to the culture and traditions of the locals. Being there is more than just a visit to any market; it’s celebrating vibrant life in the Mekong Delta! This destination should form part of the itinerary for a tour of the Mekong Tour to create an unforgettable cultural experience.
The Mekong Floating Markets are far more than just a kaleidoscopic place of trade; they form the nucleus of culture and heritage starting from the hustling and bustling Cai Rang to the tranquil Phong Dien.
Do not limit yourself to the name markets, and take your time to venture into the less famous Long Xuyen, Cai Be, and Nga Bay Markets if you want to see a more genuine look at the Delta’s true spirit. This will be the ideal destination to get near the traditional culture for those who would like to find out more about the magic of the Mekong Floating Markets.
Are you ready to go on this unforgettable journey? Book a Mekong Delta tour now with Impress Travel to discover something about the particular beauty of the Mekong Floating Markets. Dive into the magic of the Delta-your adventure has begun! Don’t forget to regularly follow our IMPRESS TRAVEL for more interesting information about traveling Mekong to and to book Mekong Tours at the best prices.
What is included: Transfer, tour guide, hotel in Can Tho, lunch, entrance fee(s), boat trip in Cai Be
What is included: Transfer, tour guide, hotel breakfast, lunch, entrance fee(s), boat trip in Can Tho
| Hotels in Can Tho | ||
| Star | Hotel | Room Type |
| 3-Star hotel in Can Tho | Hau Giang Hotel | Superior |
| 4-Star hotel in Can Tho | Muong Thanh Hotel | Superior |
| 5-Star hotel in Can Tho | Victoria Hotel | Superior |
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
