5 unique floating markets in Mekong Delta

Floating markets are considered as the most unique cultural features of Mekong River Delta. Discovering the floating markets in Mekong Delta will be undoubtedly one of the most wonderful experiences in Vietnam travel itinerary of tourists.

Floating market is the distinctive cultural characteristics of the water area in Mekong Delta. Thanks to the great number of canals facilitating water transport, the locals devised to organize the market on the river to trade and exchange of goods. It is unique culture features that floating market has become part of the flesh and blood of the people in Mekong Delta. The market has always existed so far though there are more and more commercial centers, supermarkets, big markets appearing on terrestrial. Today, floating markets in Mekong Delta is not only the convergence purchasing goods but also an attraction alluring tourists. Even there are a large number of international tourists participating in Vietnam travel to floating markets to admire the rare unique cultural characteristics. In particular, it is for sure that there is no region in Vietnam retaining its unique floating markets like in Mekong Delta.

Cai Rang floating market, Can Tho

Far about 6km from Can Tho city in Cai Rang River, Cai Rang floating market has long become the must-see tourist attraction in any Vietnam tours to Can Tho. Just after 30 minutes from Ninh Kieu wharf, tourists will set foot on Cai Rang floating market, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mekong Delta. As one of the three largest floating markets in Mekong Delta, Cai Rang is exceedingly busiest with the large number of buyers and sellers along with hundreds of multi-size boats closely parking together right from early morning. On weekdays, the market is held from 3 am to 9 pm. Yet it will be organized almost whole day on Tet holiday.

At Cai Rang floating market, tourists not only are satisfied with boats filled with fruits, agricultural products but also enjoy the wide range of food and beverage services inspired Mekong Delta characteristics such as hu tieu (a popular dish in Mekong Delta), coffee, and floating restaurants, etc. You will also be impressed with unique marketing method "what hung, sell it" of the locals here: hanging things for sale up a pole in order that tourists can see them from afar. The laughters, the voices, the sounds of brandishing paddle along with the feelings of floating in the river will surely deeply leave impressions in the hearts of numerous tourists when going to Cai Rang in Can Tho travel.

Cai Be floating market, Tien Giang

Founded from 18th century, Cai Be floating market is the bordering convergence of 3 provinces, namely Vinh Long, Ben Tre and Tien Giang. The most long-lasting floating market in Tien Giang attracts tourists in any Vietnam tour packages to Mekong Delta waterways not only with the crowded boats but also thanks to ink-washing picture of the town with the the series of gardens, streets along the waterfront hidden under water coconut  groves and cypress groves. Here, it is home to abundant products ranging from fruits to poultry, seafood and even home appliances and textiles. If looking for products as gifts, you can choose sugar tangerine, coconut candy or unique soap from coconut which is famous specialties in Cai Be. You should also go to the market early to visit by boat because the market only occurs from 2 am to 8am. Cai Be floating market is one of the fascinating tourist attractions of Mekong Delta travel.

Phung Hiep floating market, Hau Giang

Far about 75km from Vi Thanh city, Hau Giang province and around 30km from Can Tho city center to the south, Phung Hiep floating market is located on Phung Hiep intersection of seven rivers. This is an extremely favorable position for trading activities in the waterways. Like Cai Be and Cai Rang floating market, Phung Hiep market focuses hundreds of boats transporting goods and products for not only the region but also the North as well as tourists all over the world. Along with experiencing Mekong River Delta specialties, tourists can take famous handicraft products in Hau Giang as the gifts. Another feature at Phung Hiep floating market is snake market with all kinds of snakes and scrumptious snake wine. There are also turtles, tortoises, geckos or varan... If you are looking for unique experiences when exploring Mekong Delta waters in Vietnam tours, Phung Hiep floating market surely satisfies you both about its natural landscapes and cultural characteristics in Mekong Delta Vietnam.

Long Xuyen floating market

Far about 2km from the city center, Long Xuyen floating market though is not as famous as other Mekong Delta floating markets, tourists can still feel the generous personality of the locals in Mekong Delta. Long Xuyen floating market is home to crops such as vegetables, pickled tomatoes, mustards, squash or potatoes... and also no shortage of all kinds of reputed fruits, for instance, bananas, grapefruits, oranges, tangerines... In particular, you can go shopping whole day without having to enlist from early as many other floating markets. Along with selling boats, tourists can witness the daily living conditions of the people on the river in order to understand the fate of human living here.

Tra On floating market, Vinh Long

Far about 250m from Tra On rivulet, Tra On floating market is situated on the downstream of Hau River with the length of over 300m.  In particular, the market is normally held following the tide. The higher the tide is, the more crowded the market is. Tra On floating market naturally brings the characteristics of a wholesale market. The products here are distributed in the form of wholesale. The market converges the wide range of commodities for purchasing and exchanging. Agricultural products include yams, sweet potatoes, cucumbers and melons...; fruits consist of Tan Thanh oranges, Hoa Binh milk fruits, Luc Sy Thanh durians... Tra On Floating Market is one of the largest and most famous floating markets of Mekong Delta tours.

Another distinctive feature on Tra On market is boats selling ornamental flowers colorfully decorated. Tourists to the market should not also miss specialty from fish with all sorts of processing which can seemly find nowhere. Having a chance to enjoy delicious typical dishes of Mekong Delta, tourists once setting foot on would like to return the wonderful tourist address. Tra On floating market in particular and other floating markets in Mekong Delta in general significantly play the role in promoting the brand of Vietnam tourism to international friends.