5 Impressive Floating Markets In Mekong Delta

5 Impressive Floating Markets In Mekong Delta

Floating markets attract travellers because they characterize the Mekong Delta river culture. Floating markets are where you can see a wide range of tropical products sold on hundreds of boat, canal and rowboat… I would like to share 5 impressive floating markets in Mekong Delta to anyone who is interested in.

1. Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho province, Mekong Delta

Located on Cai Rang river, Cai Rang floating market is one of 3 biggest floating market in South West Vietnam. This is the most visited of floating markets in Mekong Delta. The market is 6 kilometers far from the heart of Can Tho province and it takes only 30 minutes by boat to reach the market from Ninh Kieu port. This is one of the most popular attractions in Can Tho which tourists shouldn’t miss.

Cai Rang floating market is crowded with sellers and buyers on hundreds of boats next to each other. On a normal day, the market opens from 3:00 AM to 9:00 AM but it opens during the day at the end of year (Vietnamese lunar calendar). Visiting Cai Rang market, travellers have the chance to see many boats full of fruits and agricultural produces.

In addition, travellers can also taste various delicious specialty foods such as Clear rice noodle (Hu tieu), Soup cake (Banh canh), Fish noodle soup (Bun ca).

One of the most interesting things is that sipping coffee on the river and look over the floating market with many activities. There are “floating pubs” where people drink wine or beer while eating some salty dried foods. There is a common saying at the floating market: “Sell that is hung”.

 

Each seller hangs a sample of products at the top of a tall bamboo (“cay beo”) so that customers know what he sells from far away. The sounds of people laughing and talking, rowing sampan and the feel of being on the river will be the most beautiful memory in the life of visitors.

2. Cai Be floating market

Cai Be floating market has been open for over 300 years. Cai Be floating market only opens from 2:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Along with various kinds of boats on the river, one of the highlights of this market is beautiful sight along the river with stilt houses on two banks, lines of water coconut trees and apple mangrove trees. Cai Be floating market couldn’t be missed in the list of 5 Impressive Floating Markets In Mekong Delta.

There is a wide range of specialties such as fruits, animals, seafood, chicken, commodities and materials. Some of the most popular souvenirs are sweet mandarin, coconut candy and coconut soap.

3. Phung Hiep floating market

Phung Hiep floating market is 75 km far from Vi Thanh city in Hau Giang province and 30 km far from Can Tho city. The market is located at Phung Hiep crossroads where 7 branches cross each other. Like Cai Rang and Cai Be floating market, the Phung Hiep is where hundreds of boats gather to sell goods and specialties to locals and travellers.

I would like to recommend you to buy skillful handicrafts from Hau Giang. All kinds of snacks, delicious snack wines, turtle, tortoise, varan, gecko… can be found easily at this market.

This makes Phung Hiep floating market different from others. With nice view and unique culture, Phung Hiep floating market is one of the best destinations to travel.

4. Long Xuyen floating market

Long Xuyen floating market is about 2 km far from center of Long Xuyen city. Although this market is less famous than others but it can make you feel like locals when you come there.

Various fresh vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, greens, pumpkin, taro, sweet potato are transferred by boats from the gardens to the market. It’s not lack of delicious fruits such as banana, pomelo, mandarin, orange…

Long Xuyen floating market opens during the day so that you don’t have to wake up early to visit this place. Coming there and seeing by your eyes daily activities of ingenious people and learn more about interesting culture is the best way to explore Mekong Delta

5. Tra On floating market

Tra On floating market is located on 300-meter downstream of Hau river. Especially, the higher the river level is, the more crowded the market is. Tra On floating market is a whole-sale market selling agricultural produces. Some of them are sweet potato, cucumber, bitter melon.

It’s a big chance for travellers to enjoy specialty fruits from Vinh Long province such as Tan Thanh orange, Hoa Binh star apple, Luc Si Thanh durian. Travellers can also see boats full of beautiful bonsais, flowers and plants. The last thing you shouldn’t miss when visiting Tra On floating market is “chay” fish with various flavorful recipes.

Have you been in Mekong Delta? Have you visited 5 impressive floating markets in Mekong Delta? They are brilliant gems that any tourist shouldn’t miss. They are not only markets with products, but people and culture. They’re worth visiting.

 

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