Thanks to the dense waterway system, the floating market has become one of the prominent features in the Mekong Delta. This is a great place for photo opportunities, memorable experiences, and to get an up-close look at the daily lives of locals differently. Several famous floating markets are available for you to visit when on a tour of the “rice bowl” of Vietnam. In this article, Karst Plateau will introduce to you the top 7 famous floating markets that you should not miss.
1. Cai Be Floating market
See the unique beauty of Cai Be Floating Market in Tien Giang
Cai Be Floating Market offers an exciting shopping experience for visitors. As you glide along the waterways, you will be attracted by the wide range of items available for purchase. From fresh tropical fruits, aromatic herbs, and spices to crafts, traditional pottery, and woven baskets, there’s something to suit every taste and taste. You can also enjoy the taste and craftsmanship of the region while interacting with local vendors and discovering the hidden treasures of the Cai Be floating market. Don’t miss the opportunity to take home unique souvenirs and mouthwatering cuisine that will forever remind you of the charming beauty of the Mekong Delta.
Unlike other floating markets that only open in the morning, the Cai Be floating market meets later in the day until late at night. So you can visit the market at the end of the day and still feel the buzzing atmosphere.
2. Phong Dien Floating market
Interesting destination you should not miss in Can Tho
Phong Dien floating market is a traditional trading place for local people. This is where everyday products are resold at local markets or to wholesalers directly on board. Unlike the Cai Rang floating market, the Phong Dien floating market not only sells agricultural products but also sells other items such as household appliances, canoes, boats, roofing sheets, knives, hoes, machetes, and fishing tools such as fishing nets, baskets, etc.
3. Cai Rang Floating market
When traveling to Can Tho, don’t miss the interesting experiences at Cai Rang Can Tho floating market
Cai Rang Floating Market is the largest and most famous floating market in the Mekong Delta. The market starts at 5 a.m. and lasts until noon, but it’s best to arrive before 8 a.m. The most important commodities here are fruits, agricultural products, and specialties of the region. Hundreds of large and small boats are parked close to each other every morning and goods are hung on boats ready for trade.
4. Long Xuyen floating market in the Mekong Delta
Boats decorated with colorful trees
Nestled in the enchanting Mekong Delta, Long Xuyen Floating Market is a captivating cultural gem that immerses visitors in Vietnam’s vibrant river life. From dawn until late morning, this bustling market becomes a hub of activity. Boats decorated with colorful trees gather to display an impressive variety of goods. Enjoy the sights and sounds as local vendors deftly navigate their trains, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and a variety of local produce.
5. Tra On Floating market
Tra On Floating market
The market can start very early, even as early as 2 a.m. But you can come between 5 and 6 am because this is the busiest time. Like other floating markets, the main items sold here are fruits and seasonal agricultural products. The bustle of the market may depend on the tide. The higher the tide, the busier the market.
6. Phung Hiep Floating market
This floating market will satisfy you with its beautiful natural landscape and the cultural characteristics of the Mekong Delta
Phung Hiep floating market is situated on Phung Hiep intersection of seven rivers. Unlike Cai Rang market, it meets all day long, so it’s available for visitors to come and see all the time in a day. Several boats full of local products such as vegetables, fruits, drinks, and foods are always ready for exchange. It seems that there is no bargain in this market, the sellers will give the goods to buyers and get paid. For some boats with no roof, sellers will signal their goods by hanging products on a high stick. Another highlight thing in this market is the snake market where visitors can find all kinds of snakes and try snake wine. This floating market will satisfy you with its beautiful natural landscape and the cultural characteristics of the Mekong Delta.
7. Nga Bay floating market
Each season has its own richness
The Nga Bay Floating Market meets daily, usually in the early morning. Bustling trading activities mainly take place from 5 A.M to 8 A.M, which is a time when fresh agricultural products are in high demand. However, the market continues to operate throughout the day until afternoon and evening. Visitors will be delighted by the variety of goods available, among which fruits are the highlight. Each season brings its abundance, and observing the vibrant scenery of boats loaded with fruit will give a clear indication of the dominant crops during that time.
If you have once come to the floating market, you will not be able to forget the crowded, bustling atmosphere, the wobble due to the small waves from boats and canoes passing back and forth bustling the wide river. Try it once, you will never forget that feeling and taste, the strong smell of silt but warm human love in this river region.