Life On The Water: The Wonderful Sights of the Cai Be Floating Market

The magnificent Mekong Delta is one of the main draws of Vietnam’s Southern part. Boasting numerous rivers and canals, the Mekong Delta is home to bustling floating markets and riverside villages. One of the largest floating markets here is Cai Be Floating Market, a destination you must not miss if you ever visit Vietnam.

Photo: Thamhiemmekong

Bordering three provinces (Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Vinh Long), Cai Be floating market has been known as one of the most crowded markets of the Mekong Delta.

With a large number of tourists visiting the market every day, this place is always bustling with life and draws in a large number of visitors all around Vietnam coming here to explore this amazing land.

Photo: Charmingtourism.com

The “market” was formed after local villagers began to work and trade goods here then developed into one of the most important parts of people’s lives in Mekong Delta. However, the market is not just simply stalls and shops on the mainland but also works on different boats that float on the water, selling goods for tourists and the locals. If you ever have a chance to visit Tien Giang province, do not forget to stop by Cai Be floating market, and enjoy some of the best fruits from the stalls.

With a variety of goods and products, Cai Be floating market with different kinds of best fruits that you can find in town such as pomelo, Lo Ren star apple, Cai Be tangerine, etc, and has the largest amount of fruits in Tien Giang province. People from other places such as Vinh Long, HCM city, Ca Mau, etc, often come here to buy goods at a reasonable price.

Photo: Day Trip Vietnam

Nowadays, Cai Be floating market not only sells fruits and agricultural products but also snacks and food. These small boats move slowly among other ones, selling mostly juices, and different breakfast dishes for people such as wet cake, organ porridge, noodle soup, coffee, tea, etc. Nothing is more perfect than taking a sip of a hot cup of coffee while watching the waves flapping at two sides of the boat. Eating and drinking might be a bit more difficult than usual due to the instability of the boat, which actually makes the experience more fun and memorable.

Photo: Vietnam Travel Group

Coming to Cai Be floating market, tourists can not only have a chance to emerge in the colorful scenes and enjoy the best food but also feel the breaths of the old days in the air.

Cai Be is not just simply a market, but also a cultural beauty, and the soul of the peaceful Tien river.

Photo: Thamhiemmekong

After shopping and touring around Cai Be, you can stop by one of the islands to further explore the southern lifestyles. You may choose to discover an ancient house with a huge garden of fruits or check out the coconut sweets-making village. You will have a chance to try making them on your own, and choose from various flavors to buy for your friends and loved ones.

With visitors who prefer a quiet time, the afternoon is the best hour to see Cai Be market and watch the sunset. You should arrive here after 4 p.m to avoid the heat and high temperature. When it is sunset, it is also the time when the lights are up, bringing a tranquil and nostalgic feeling. This is one of the most beautiful moments of this floating market.

Tips on Visiting Cai Be Floating Market

Photo: Travel & Leisures

There are quite a few things you should keep in mind before visiting Cai Be Floating Market:

• The boat rides will be somewhat rough and shaky, especially the traditional ones. Make sure you’re not a seasick type.

• Put on enough sunscreens and insect repellant. Dress properly in light clothes, as it might get a bit cold early in the morning, and then very hot after 9 am. Bring along a hat.

• Double check the price and stopping points before you hop on any boat.

• Don’t forget to take photos of a huge Catholic cathedral on the riverside, which will look best on photos taken from afar.

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