Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho: A Must-Visit In The Mekong Delta

Having existed for centuries, Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho offers a bustling waterside beauty. When visiting here, you’ll immerse yourself in the unique culture of Can Tho, making it a must-visit destination if you’re ever in the Mekong Delta. Let’s dive in and explore this special floating market with Lua Viet Tours!

Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho is a must-visit in the Mekong Delta (Source: Internet)

Overview of Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho

Appearing in the early 20th century, Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho served as a trading hub for people in the Mekong Delta when the transportation infrastructure was still underdeveloped. 

Today, Cai Rang Floating Market is among the largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta. Although infrastructure has improved significantly, the vibrant river trading culture of the Cai Rang Floating Market continues to thrive and has even become a popular tourist destination.

In 2016, Cai Rang Floating Market achieved national recognition as an intangible cultural heritage. Additionally, it was honored by the UK’s Rough Guide as one of the world’s most impressive markets.

Trading activity between boats on the river at Cai Rang floating market Can Tho (Source: Internet)

Best Things To Do at Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho

Although it no longer retains the authenticity of the past, visitors to Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho can still experience exciting activities on the river, from discovering unique trading methods to enjoying delicious food right on the boat. Here are some activities not to be missed:

Discover The Trading Method

Cai Rang Floating Market is specialized as a wholesale market of fruits, agricultural products of the region. Goods here are concentrated in a large number. You can see the smooth performances of traders juggling fruit from boat to boat.

Because of all the noise from the engines and people, the sellers don’t need to cry out what they’re selling. They just hang their stuff on a pole on their boat. So, all you have to do is look at the poles to see what each boat has for sale.

Sellers “advertise” their products by hanging them on the poles (Source: Internet)

Try Local  Food On Boat

Numerous “floating restaurants” offer delicious breakfast options for both vendors and visitors. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of local dishes, including popular choices like “com tam” (broken rice with grilled pork and egg), “pho” (noodle soup), “hu tieu” (noodle soup with seafood or meat), and “bun rieu” (crab noodle soup). For just around 1 USD, you can enjoy a satisfying and affordable meal.

Tourists enjoy their meals right on the boat (Source: Internet)

Learn About Daily Life of The Locals

You can witness the daily lives of the local people here, families who have lived on their boats for generations. These boats serve as both homes and transportation on the river, complete with amenities and even pets. It’s a way of life that may seem unusual to others, but is quite ordinary for them.

Tourists are exploring the local way of life on a boat (Source: Internet)

Enjoy “Don Ca Tai Tu”

There will usually be a “don ca tai tu” (southern amateur music) boat at Cai Rang Floating Market every weekend night. The boat will travel along the river and serve the locals and everyone near and far with unique performances. All will bring an unforgettable impression on the journey to explore Can Tho.

“Don ca tai tu” artists are performing on a boat (Source: Internet)

What To Eat in Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho 

Besides selling local products, Cai Rang Floating Market also offers a variety of delicious dishes such as hu tieu, pho, bun rieu and com tam. Of course, you can find these dishes in many other places in Vietnam, but the special thing is that you can experience enjoying them right on the boats.

An interesting fact is that Chef Gordon Ramsay once enjoyed bun rieu at Cai Rang floating market and said that this was one of the best broths he had ever eaten. In addition, he also included hu tieu in a challenge on Master Chef US.

Chef Gordon Ramsay was surprised by the rich flavor of “bun rieu” (Source: Gordon Ramsay)

Best Time to Visit Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho

The ideal time to visit Cai Rang floating market Can Tho is from 5 AM – 7 AM because many boats have gathered, creating a bustling and cheerful atmosphere, and the weather is also more comfortable than in the daytime. Therefore, you should get up early to explore this floating market.

The best time to visit Cai Rang Floating Market in the year is from December to April. During these months, the weather is sunny and dry, making it ideal for exploring the market. It’s also the fruit harvest season, so you can indulge in a variety of fresh, local fruits.

Tips on Visiting Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho

Here are some tips for a great experience at Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho:

• Visit early in the morning to witness the market’s vibrant activity and find the best, freshest products.
• Don’t forget sun protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella.
• Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the market and its traditions.
• Carry cash as most vendors do not accept cards.

Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Witness the bustling energy of the market as you explore the boats and interact with the friendly locals. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Mekong Delta and discover the beauty of this iconic destination.

Book a Mekong Delta tour to experience the Cai Rang floating market with Lua Viet today and create lasting memories!