Can Tho Floating Markets in Mekong Delta

Can Tho is the largest city in Mekong Delta, which is one of the best places to visit Vietnamese traditional floating markets. Its famous floating markets include the Cai Rang Floating Market and Phong Dien Floating Market. One of the interesting things to do in Mekong Delta is visiting Can Tho floating markets.

Since the well-developed water transport system of the Mekong River, the habit of trading goods in the floating markets has become a routine activity and a representative of tourism in the Mekong Delta area. The most characteristic floating market in the Mekong Delta is in Can Tho. People who live on the Mekong River for generations are driving boats to carry goods and sell goods every day. The Can Tho markets are a great chance to see an authentic floating market with real trading going on.

Cai Rang Floating Market

Cai Rang floating market is the largest and the most well-known wholesale floating market in Mekong delta. Back in the French colonial period, this is the city center of Can Tho. The shops and stalls here are boats of all sizes. Cai Rang was initially formed to meet the trading needs of the locals and now it has a history over 100 years. It mainly sells agricultural products and specialties in the surrounding areas of Can Tho Town. Each bow is erected with a straight wooden pole with samples of various cargoes.

The market belongs to morning market, which usually opens from 4:00-5:00 am before dawn and ends at 9:00-10:00 am. The whole boat's jackfruit, watermelon, mango, banana, mango and durian are stacked on the boat. Visitors who like tropical fruits should not miss it. A large number of foreign tourists are immersed in the noisy floating market. The charm of the floating market lies in its originality and style. It is also a great enjoyment to take a traditional wooden boat to bargain with sellers.

Best time to visit: 5:00 am

Location: 9 Chau Van Liem, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho, Vietnam

Phong Dien Floating Market

Phong Dien Floating Market located just 17km away from the centre of Can Tho, is one of characteristic markets in Mekong Delta. Phong Dien floating market starts around 4-5 am every day and the busiest hours at 6-7 am.

In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, various kinds of products including agricultural products, daily life’s tools, fisheries instruments and services as well as shops on boats like mobile petrol stations, mobile sewing shops or machine repair shops are available here. Besides, the market also sells many types of food: noodle soup, noodle with toasted meat, rice soup, Hu Tieu, and coffee, etc. It is well to be reminded that some of boats wouldn’t dispersed until in the afternoon. Although the market is not busiest, visitors can see the real trading scene of the locals here.

Best time to visit: 5:00 am – 8:00 am

Location: Can Tho 92000, Vietnam

Best Time to Visit Floating Market

In general, the floating markets are morning market that are open at 4-5 am in the dawn and end at 9-10 am. The best time to visit floating market is from 6 am to 8 am when is the busiest hour of the market. Tourists can enjoy the views of market and observe the authentic trade scene of locals.

How to get to Floating Market

Both Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets are on Can Tho river, so visitors can visit these two markets. There are two methods to get to the floating market from Can Tho city center. Visitors can visit the floating market by renting a private boat via “boat ladies” at Ninh Kieu pier. It’s easy to reach the market at a flexible way. Another one is booking a tour from tourist port - Ninh Kieu pier. These tours are scheduled and visitors should book in advance.