Top 5 Must-Visit Floating Markets in Vietnam

Talking about floating markets in Vietnam, people will think of a river trading culture that has existed for centuries in the Mekong Delta. For visitors, an early morning exploration of these bustling marketplaces offers a glimpse into the heart of the region, which is a must-experience. Let’s explore with Lua Viet Tours the top markets to the unique culture and experience the warmth of the local people!

The bustling trading scene at floating markets in Vietnam. (Image Source: Internet)

History of Floating Markets in Vietnam

Floating markets in Vietnam were born from the necessity of navigating the vast network of rivers and canals that define the Mekong Delta. They are a vibrant testament to the region’s unique way of life. Since the Mekong Delta has many rivers and canals, traveling between regions requires waterways. As a result, floating markets were established to facilitate trade and transportation for the people.

Floating markets are often held at the intersections of multiple rivers and canals. The rivers here are of moderate width and not too deep, making it convenient for merchant boats to anchor. Initially, they mainly sold agricultural products, but later they diversified to include a wide range of other items: consumer goods, ornamental plants, handicrafts, necessities, etc.

Floating markets in Vietnam serve as marketplaces for agricultural products in the Mekong Delta. (Image Source: Internet)

Floating markets in Vietnam play an important role in consuming local agricultural products, improving people’s lives, and contributing to tourism development. In recent times, floating markets have always been a popular destination for both domestic and foreign tourists.

5 Must-Visit Floating Markets in Vietnam

The most famous floating markets in Vietnam are in the Mekong Delta region, known as the largest fruit market in Vietnam, the trading activities on the river are also very bustling. Below are the top floating markets you should not miss.

Nga Bay Floating Market – Hau Giang

Nga Bay, also known as the Phung Hiep floating market, is one of the oldest floating markets in Vietnam. This market is popular with tourists looking to see the Mekong Delta’s rich and diverse culture.

The entire market comes alive with color in the morning, with vivid stacks of veggies, fruits, and other household items. Each boat only provides one type of merchandise, which is generally shown on the lateral bar. Occasionally, things offered here are transported domestically and exported internationally.

Location: Phung Hiep Bridge, Nga Bay Town, Hau Giang Province.

Nga Bay or Phung Hiep is one of the oldest floating markets in Mekong Delta. (Image Source: Internet)

Cai Rang Floating Market – Can Tho

Cai Rang is one of the largest floating markets in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta and a must-see sight for visitors to Can Tho. It is well-known for being the largest fruit distribution center, specialized in exotic fruits such as Nam Roi grapefruit, Ving Long pink kiwi kumquat, and Cai Mon durian. The market begins at 5 a.m. and is busy by 6 a.m. To attract customers, local goods are placed on a long bar, as is the case with other floating marketplaces.

It’s interesting to note that breakfast may be served on boats that have plastic seats, turning them into makeshift eateries. While rice noodles and soup meals are the usual for breakfast in this area, if you go around and look around a bit, you’ll be presented with a range of traditional local treats.

Location: Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.

Cai Rang is one of the largest and most famous floating markets in Mekong Delta, Vietnam. (Image Source: Internet)

Phong Dien Floating Market – Can Tho

Also located in Can Tho, although smaller than Cai Rang, Phong Dien offers a more authentic experience of a floating market. When visiting the markets, travelers are intrigued by the vast number of boats loaded with fruits, coconuts, vegetables, fish, and other Southern commodities.

Phong Dien is considered the best floating market in the Mekong Delta, with fewer powered vessels and more rowing boats. Between 6:00 and 8:00, the market comes alive with a variety of local events.

Location: Tay Do Bridge, Phong Dien District, Can Tho City.

Although small, Phong Dien floating market offers an authentic experience. (Image Source: Internet)

Cai Be Floating Market – Tien Giang

This is a transportation hub for goods, fruits, and seafood between the Mekong Delta and the rest of Vietnam. Because of its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, it remains a favorite destination for many international travelers.

Unlike other floating markets in Vietnam, which open early and close earlier, the Cai Be market stays open late to accommodate foreigners who may not enjoy mornings as much as the Vietnamese do.

Location: Cai Be District, Tien Giang Province

Visitors can have a lovely shopping experience at Cai Be floating market. (Image Source: Internet)

Long Xuyen Floating Market – An Giang

Long Xuyen is one of Vietnam’s less popular floating markets, but it is well worth a visit if you want to experience the easygoing and natural atmosphere of the Mekong Delta’s people and surroundings. The most popular local produce sold here includes vegetables, pickles, squash, sweet potatoes, fruits, and typical West-Southern delights like fish rice noodles, pig skin pieces, and salad rolls. Surprisingly, there is not a single person negotiating in this market, which only serves locals and is rarely advertised.

Location: Ngo Thoi Nham Street, Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province.

Long Xuyen is a less popular floating market but offers a natural experience. (Image Source: Internet)

What to Expect at Floating Markets in Vietnam

There are many interesting activities taking place at floating markets in Vietnam. Depending on the locality, there will be different cultures. Below are some interesting activities that visitors will experience at Vietnam floating markets:

“Market on the river” culture

Each boat sells different goods. Due to the large space and less noise than on land, the boat owner will introduce their products by hanging them on a high pole. From a distance, customers can easily identify the items they need to buy and approach them.

Vendors showcase their wares on high poles for easy customer identification. (Image Source: Internet)

However, there are some specific products that you need to pay attention to to avoid confusion:

• Some clothes are hung up but not for sale, they are clothes of families living on boats. 
• Boats selling breakfast foods such as vermicelli, noodles, bread, coffee,… will not hang anything.
• If a boat hangs a thatched roof, it means that the people are selling their boat.

The floating markets pulsate with the energy of bartering, laughter, and the shared joy of buying and selling. (Image Source: Internet)

Exploring Mekong Delta specialties

Indulge in the cool morning breeze and enjoy hot dishes: Vietnamese crab noodle soup (Bun Rieu), and Vietnamese fermented fish noodle soup (Bun Mam). Or if you just want a light snack, you can choose from simple dishes with a strong Southern flavor: Vietnamese donuts (Banh Cam) and sticky rice cake (Banh It).

Visitors trying local food at floating markets in the early morning. (Image Source: Internet)

After breakfast, you must sip on a cold refreshing drink! The beverage menu is also very diverse: coffee, soy milk, coconut water, and other desserts. The affordable prices make it easy for tourists to choose their favorite drink.

And of course, you can’t miss the fruit in your floating market culinary journey. The Mekong Delta is a fertile land nourished by silt, which is the reason why the fruits here are very developed. Walking around the market, there are many boats loaded with attractive fruits such as mango, durian, watermelon, pineapple, mangosteen,… Don’t forget to buy some delicious fruits here as a souvenir!

Opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese traditional music

Southern Folk Music – “Don ca tai tu”, a folk music genre recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 5 December 2013, it reflects the colorful life in the peaceful countryside through sweet and easily remembered melodies.

Enjoy Southern Folk Music presented by local people while visiting bustling floating markets. (Image Source: Internet)

Listening to folk melodies amidst the picturesque river scenery has made enjoying traditional music on the floating markets a truly special experience. These traditional music performances usually take place on weekends, if you are lucky you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and learn more about Vietnamese culture.

>>> MEKONG DELTA TOUR FROM HO CHI MINH CITY

Tips to Visit Floating Markets in Vietnam

To have a safe and complete experience of floating markets in Vietnam, please refer to the following suggestions:

• Plan your visit! Check the weather forecast to avoid rainy days when the market might be closed.
• Visit the market between 5 AM and 6 AM for the best experience, the market is starting to bustle at this time, the sun is just rising and not too harsh.
• Choose comfortable and easy-to-wear clothes, and wear sneakers for easy movement on and off the boat.
• When boarding the boat, make sure you wear a life jacket, ensuring your safety throughout the floating market tour.
• Ask the price before buying any product.
• After eating and drinking, please kindly dispose of your trash in the designated bins to maintain the pristine beauty of the surroundings.

These are the must-see floating markets in Vietnam. If you are planning to travel to the Mekong Delta and visit the floating markets, contact Lua Viet Tours to plan a wonderful trip!

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