Cai Rang floating market, a highlight of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta

The floating market is a typically cultural trait in the Mekong River Delta that cannot be found anywhere. In which, Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho is the most well-known and bustling.
December 03, 2020 | 16:26
video vibrant dawn at phong dien floating market Video: Vibrant dawn at Phong Dien floating market
exploring western vietnam in watery season Exploring Western Vietnam in watery season
tra on floating market enduring cultural trait of vietnams mekong delta Tra On floating market, enduring cultural trait of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Cai Rang floating market, a highlight of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Photo: VOV

Cai Rang Floating Market is located in Cai Rang District, Can Tho City and about 30 minutes by boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf. The market mainly sells fruits, agricultural products, and specialties of the Mekong River Delta, VOV reported.

Cai Rang floating market, a highlight of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Photo: VOV

The market was established in the early 20th century so as to meet the buying and selling demands of the local people since the road system has not developed yet. Today, although the roads are more convenient, the market is still regarded as an enduring cultural trait.

Cai Rang floating market, a highlight of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Photo: VOV

From the early morning, hundreds of boats gather on Cai Rang floating market. The best time to visit the market is from 5 to 8 a.m.

Cai Rang floating market, a highlight of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Traders often hang what they sell on a rod. Photo: VOV
Cai Rang floating market, a highlight of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
There is a variety of fruits displayed for sale. Photo: VOV
Cai Rang floating market, a highlight of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Photo: VOV

Coming to Cai Rang floating market, tourists will have the chance to get a closer insight into the long-lasting cultural activity of the local people.

Cai Rang floating market, a highlight of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
A small boat moves close to a boat of tourists for them to buy goods. Photo: VOV

Cai Rang floating market was named as one of the ten most impressive markets in the world by the UK’s Rough Guiden with fancy boats in "tropical colors.”

Cai Rang floating market, a highlight of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Photo: VOV

Various items ranging from fruits to coffee, soft drinks, etc are all served on the river.

Cai Rang floating market, a highlight of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Photo: VOV
Cai Rang floating market, a highlight of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Photo: VOV

On Cai Rang, visitors can find almost every specialty of the Mekong Delta. Whether you are a local resident or a tourist, the price remains the same.

Cai Rang floating market, a highlight of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Photo: VOV

Savoring a bowl of Pho or Hu Tieu on the boat is also an interesting experience.

Cai Rang floating market, a highlight of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Photo: VOV

In 2013, the world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay paid a visit to Cai Rang floating market and the Hu Tieu dish left him an unforgettable impression.

Cai Rang floating market, a highlight of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
Photo: VOV

In 2016, Cai Rang floating market was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The place is no doubt to be an ideal place for those who want to explore the unique culture of the Mekong Delta.

floating markets exceptional cultural features of vietnams mekong delta

Floating markets, exceptional cultural features of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta

The floating markets in the Mekong Delta are not only the places of trade but they also represent the unique customs and habits of Western ...

floating market still a popular mekong trading hub

Floating market still a popular Mekong trading hub

It’s 5am. A cool breeze accompanies the rising sun in the middle of the flooding season. The peaceful landscape of the river starts to come ...

guide to visiting vietnams cai rang floating market

Guide to visiting Vietnam's Cai Rang Floating Market

For travelers, the floating markets are not only something to admire but also a must if you seriously want to explore the uniqueness of the ...

Malie Nguyen