Home » Ho Chi Minh City Tours to Floating Markets & River Life

Ho Chi Minh City Tours to Floating Markets & River Life

In the mood for some real Vietnamese? Take a Floating Market Tour out of Ho Chi Minh and cruise along the picturesque Mekong Delta’s rivers, watching busy vendor boats selling an array of fresh tropical fruits, local delicacies, and colourful handicrafts. This Floating Market Tour from Ho Chi Minh gives you delightful access to experience the colorful local life, enjoy tasty noodle soup, and watch distinctive markets such as Cai Rang, Phong Dien, and Cai Be.

Perfect for those who do not have much time: a tour Ho Chi Minh 1 day is ideal, or you can enjoy the best weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh promise a full cultural experience. Ready to explore? Your once-in-a-lifetime Mekong adventure has finally arrived.

Tour in Details

Best Floating Markets to Visit on Your Floating Market Tour From Ho Chi Minh

To discover the lively river life of the Mekong Delta, nothing compares to a boating through Cai Rang Floating Market. All markets have their appeal, providing a glimpse of the vibrant trade culture and everyday life of the local people living in this part of the country. Today, let’s look at the best of these floating markets that you need to experience.

Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho)

  • Where: Can Tho City (four to five hours by car from Ho Chi Minh City).
  • Highlights: The Mekong Delta’s biggest and most well-known floating market, with an active trading scene. Here, you can find boats packed with fresh, tropical fruits, local fare, and a must-try noodle soup cooked on the boat itself.
  • Best Time to Visit: The early morning (from 5:00 – 9:00) for the most lively experience.
  • What to Expect: Picture hundreds of boats jostling between each other, traders wafting piles of fruit, and huddles slurping noodle soup from plastic bowls, served from the water. It’s a genuine highlight of any Floating Market Tour from Ho Chi Minh.
Explore Cai Rang Floating Market with a Floating Market Tour from Ho Chi Minh

Cai Rang Floating Market (Sours: getyourguide)

Cai Be Floating Market (Tien Giang)

  • Location: Tien Giang Province, roughly 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Highlights: Less touristy than Cai Rang, which might be more enjoyable for a more intimate experience. Recommend it for people who doing a tour Ho Chi Minh 1 day.
  • Tips for Your Visit: Arrive early in the morning for the best selection of produce and most active trading hours.
  • What You’ll See: Old Japanese-style boats with fresh fruit, local craft shops, and the renowned fruit gardens to see how tropical fruit is cultivated. Well, this market is a great option for those who are looking for a more tranquil aspect of the Floating Market Tour from Ho Chi Minh.
Discover Cai Be Floating Market with Floating Market Tour from Ho Chi Minh

Cai Be Floating Market (Sours: daytripvietnam)

Long Xuyen Floating Market (An Giang)

  • Where: An Giang Province, way more off from Ho Chi Minh City, perfect for those on the best weekend trips from Ho Chi Minh.
  • Highlights: A not so touristy, genuine market, as well as but authentic, not so touristy market for crossing experience the daily life of the local people in the Mekong Delta.
  • What You’ll Find: Actual local trade, fewer tourists, laid-back vibe. You’ll witness farmers selling fresh produce right out of their boats and glimpse authentic river life.
Explore the culture of Long Xuyen Floating Market with Floating Market Tour from Ho Chi Minh

Long Xuyen Floating Market (Sours: vietnamamazingtours)

Types of Floating Market Tours: Your Perfect Floating Market Tour From Ho Chi Minh

Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh City – Quick and Memorable

  • Duration: 1 Day
  •  Best For: Travelers short on time who want to experience the Mekong Delta’s lively floating markets.

Tour Itinerary:

  • 06:00 AM – 06:30 AM: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City for Tien Giang province.
  • 08:30 AM: Arrive at Cai Be Floating Market. Hop on a classic wooden boat and float through the market as local sellers display fresh fruit, tropical vegetables, and the iconic noodle soup straight from their boats.
  • 10:00 A. M: Visit a local fruit garden for a fruit tasting and learning how to grow fruit themselves.
  • 11:30 A.M. Explore traditional craft villages, such as coconut candy and rice paper making.
  • 12:30 PM: Savor a tasty lunch, the local Mekong way with specialties like fresh fish, spring rolls and noodle soup.
  • 02:00 PM: Go back to the boat and sail through the tranquil canals while enjoying the lovely landscapes of the Mekong Delta.
  • 04:00 PM: Depart for Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at approximately 06:00 PM.
Noodle soup at Cai Rang Floating Market

Noodle soup at Cai Rang Floating Market (Sours: afamily)

Overnight Tour (2 Days 1 Night) – A Deeper Cultural Experience

  • Duration: 2 Days 1 Night
  •  Best For: Travelers seeking an immersive journey and authentic regional culture.

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Can Tho

  • 06:00 AM – 06:30 AM: Get pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, then head out for a 2.5-hour drive to Cai Be Floating Market.
  • 9:00 AM: Arrive at a local pier in Cai Be. Stroll around the Cai Be floating market, see how locals maneuver boats to sell their goods, and land your hand around a piece of tropical fruit.
  • 10.30 A.M: Visit a local fruit garden, enjoy a taste of tropical fruits, and get an insight into local farming.
  • 12:00 PM: Experience local Mekong food for lunch consisting of gravies, fresh local dishes and fresh of fruits.
  • 02:00 PM: On the way to Can Tho City.
  • 04:30 PM: Check into your home stay or hotel in Can Tho.
  • 05:30 PM: Free time to discover the city for yourself or take an optional boat trip on the Hau River to see the sunset beautifully.
  • 07:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant with specialities from the Mekong region.
Can Tho City

Can Tho City (Sours: wikipedia)

Day 2: Cai Rang Floating Market – Return to Ho Chi Minh City

  • 05:00 AM: Head out for a morning boat ride to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most popular floating market in the Mekong Delta.
  • 06:00 AM: Eat a bowl of hot noodle soup on the boat, á la Vietnamese necessity.
  • 08:00 AM:  Time to visit a local craft village and learn how to make rice noodles.
  • 10:00 AM: Go back to your homestay for breakfast and a quick nap.
  • 11:30 A.M.: Head to Ho Chi Minh City. This morning, travel through the Mekong countryside.
  • 03:00 AM: Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, your Floating Market Tour from Ho Chi Minh concludes.
Boat ride to Cai Rang Floating Market

Boat ride to Cai Rang Floating Market (Sours: thanhnien)

Custom Private Tour – Design Your Perfect Adventure

  • Duration: Flexible (1 Day, 2 Days, or More)
  •  Best For: Those who prefer a bit of solitude, flexibility, and customization.

How It Works:

  • Select your favourite floating markets – Cai Rang, Cai Be, Phong Dien, with options even for less famous ones like Long Xuyen.
  • Choose the activities you’d like to incorporate: excursions to fruit gardens, village tours with craftsmen, area cooking classes, or private boat cruises.
  • Convenient, comfortable, and all about the information with your private guide and driver.
  • Take advantage of the freedom to begin your tour at a time that suits you.

Sample Itinerary (2 Days 1 Night)

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Vinh Long

  • 06:00 AM: Pick up from the hotel by private car.  Early morning.
  • 08:30 AM: Visit Cai Be Floating Market on a private boat, experience the quaint local life.
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the fruit garden, have some tropical fruits, and get to know local agriculture.
  • 12:30 P.M. Private lunch at a riverside restaurant featuring Mekong specialties.
  • 02:00 PM: Then drive to Vinh Long, stopping along the way to visit one of the local pottery villages.
  • 04:00 PM: Check in at the home-stay/private beachside hotel.
  • 06:30 PM: Dine privately with local dishes, such as noodle soup and grilled fish.

Day 2: Vinh Long – Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market

  • 05:30 AM: Depart for Cai Rang Floating Market, take a glimpse the market in its most hectic time.
  • 7:00  A. M: Breakfast on the boat, enjoy the delicious freshly-cooked noodle soup.
  • 09:00 A. M Visit a local fruit garden, then a traditional rice noodle workshop.
  • 11:00 AM: Go back to the hotel for check-out.
  • 12:00 PM: Enjoy the beautiful country and join the way back to Ho Chi Minh City at 03:00 PM.
A local fruit garden

A local fruit garden (Sours: baoquangnam)

What to Expect on a Floating Market Tour From Ho Chi Minh

Cruising the Mekong Delta on a Floating Market Tour from Ho Chi Minh, you will see what life is like on the Delta, visiting Cai Be Floating Market and experiencing local produce being haggled over on this unique Mekong boat trip. This experience places you in the middle of the local life with its lively atmosphere as the traders sell their fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, and handcrafted items from their boats. As you float along the famous Cai Rang, Phong Dien, and Cai Be markets, you will witness the life of the region. The bustling scene at the boats, which carry noodle soups and local treats, captures the bustle of the region’s economy and culture.

Apart from the breathtaking scenery, the Floating Market Tour from Ho Chi Minh is a culinary and cultural treat. Savor freshly-prepared Vietnamese food right on the water,  don’t forget to try the noodle soup (both are killer) and tropical fruit, like mangoes and pineapples. Meet friendly traders, feel free to ask them about their everyday jobs and the history of river trading. Whether you opt for a day trip, the best weekend getaways from Ho Chi Minh, or private tours, this excursion is the key to unlocking the genuine beauty of the Mekong Delta.

Practical Tips for a Memorable Floating Market Tour From Ho Chi Minh

Book with Reputable Operators

Selecting a company with a great reputation is key to an efficient experience. We highly suggest you take your tour with reputable operators such as Impress Travel, as their English-speaking tour guides are professional and experienced, the boats are in great condition and safety is a priority. This is especially crucial for group tours or private tours, so you get the best deal and expertise.

What to Wear for Comfort and Protection

The Mekong Delta could be warm and sunny, so it’s important to dress accordingly. Dress in lightweight breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and don’t forget a hat and sunscreen to shield yourself from the tropical sun. If you intend to take a day trip or tour from Ho Chi Minh City, a lightweight raincoat can also come in handy during the wet season.

Bring Cash – Vietnamese Dong is Essential

Cash only, the majority of vendors at floating markets do not accept credit cards, so it’s important to bring along the appropriate amount of Dong (Vietnamese currency). In that case, you can sample local food such as noodle soup, buy fresh fruits from the boats, or bring home some special souvenirs. Don’t expect to be able to use your credit card,  cash is king.

Respect Local Culture and Vendors

Floating Market Tour from Ho Chi Minh isn’t just sightseeing; it’s an opportunity to get a taste of local life. If you are taking photos, be polite and respectful of vendors, asking first. It’s also not just polite but friendly and conducive to a congenial atmosphere for cultural exchange.

Conclusion

Get an insight into the unique culture of the Mekong Delta; visit a floating market with a moment at the island, immerse yourself in the local life, and enjoy traditional food. From the busy boats at Cai Rang Floating Market to the tranquil beauty of Phong Dien, this trip marries culture, food, and adventure! Up for a memorable experience? Travel healthier and happier, Floating Market Tour from Ho Chi Minh!

Ranana

You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.

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.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

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!

Solly Pochee

The tour was fantastic

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

Bernard Lim

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel

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.

Derek.Schooling

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel

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

CHECK PRICE & AVAILABILITY - BEST QUALITY GUARANTEE

    A glance at Ho Chi Minh City Tour: 3 days

    Marvelous Ho Chi Minh & South Vietnam: 3 days

    This is a short-traveled package to explore Vietnam’s largest city (Ho Chi Minh city or Saigon) and the most prominent beauty-spots, culture, history & people in South Vietnam.

    View tour
    Ultimate South Vietnam Package Tour: 4 Days

    Ultimate South Vietnam Package Tour: 4 Days

    Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) consistently accommodates the good deal of interesting things to explore the beauty-spots, gain an understanding of people, culture & history.

    View tour
    Amazing Ho Chi Minh City Tour Package: 5 Days

    Amazing Ho Chi Minh City package: 5 days

    Southern Vietnam is a land favored by nature, where there is a special, beautiful and rich ecosystem all year round, associated with the simple culture of the people. 

    View tour
    Amazing South Vietnam & Vung Tau Beach: 5 Days

    Amazing South Vietnam & Vung Tau Beach: 5 Days

    Pristine beaches, beautiful landscapes, fresh seafood are what make Vung Tau attractive to foreign voyagers. So comming to Ho Chi Minh City, come to Vung Tau coastal city...

    View tour