The Mekong Delta region of Vietnam is famous for its floating markets, which symbolize the long-standing culture of the region. Let’s explore the top 07 vibrant floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam with Handspan Travel Indochina!

This blog post contains the pieces of information below. 

Cai Rang Floating Market

• Location: Can Tho River, 46 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu Ward, Can Tho City

Cai Rang Floating Market is among the most well-known floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. It is at the junction between the Cai Rang and Hau River branches near the Cai Rang bridge. The market is not only a vibrant trading place for local people but also an appealing attraction for tourists. In 2016, it was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, becoming the pride of local people. 

Cai Rang Floating Market

Previously, the Cai Rang Floating Market sold mainly agricultural products. Each boat only specialized in selling a certain type of product selling in large quantities. However, thanks to the development of trading and tourism, the market is now a retail market with diverse products like food, daily items, houseware, essential goods for life, souvenirs for locals and tourists, etc. 

Watermelon seller at the Cai Rang Floating Market

Trading activities in the Cai Rang Floating Market

During your journey to explore the Cai Rang Floating Market, you will have a chance to enjoy many amazing activities. Here are some exciting experiences you may not want to miss.

• Learning about the vibrant trading activities at the market
• Enjoying local dishes on the river
• Listening to the Don Ca Tai Tu Music on the river

Besides those above things, you will also have an opportunity to try fruits in the garden by the river, visit the Que Toi Coconut Candy manufacturing workshop, and participate in making noodles at a traditional noodle factory. 

For more detailed information about Cai Rang, one of the most vibrant floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, please visit our blog post here: Navigating the charms of Cai Rang Floating Market. 

Cai Be Floating Market

• Location: Cai Be Town, Tien Giang Province

Cai Be Floating Market

Cai Be Floating Market is also among the wonderful floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. It has always been one of the unique features of the region attracting both the locals and tourists. The market was founded in the 18th century. It serves as a place for the locals to buy, sell, and exchange goods. Visiting the market, you will not only have a chance to learn about the locals’ lives but also immerse yourself in the beauty of the rural. Besides the bustling trading activities, Cai Be still retains its poetic beauty with canals and lush green gardens.

Boating in Cai Be

The market is divided into three distinct areas. The Vam area is specialized in selling fruits. There are many small traders here selling Mekong Delta’s specialties, such as Cai Be tangerines, Lo Ren star apple fruit, Siamese coconut, Tan Phuoc pineapple, green-skinned grapefruit, Hoa Loc mango, etc. The section from Nha Tho intersection to Vam Long Hai gate is where vegetables are traded. Other areas are traders selling rice, fabric, seafood, household utensils, etc. 

Fruit sellers at the Cai Be Floating Market

Like other floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, the ideal time to visit Cai Be Floating Market is early morning. At this time, you can appreciate the vibrant atmosphere at dawn, and then have breakfast on the boat. If you want to enjoy the tranquility, you can visit the floating market in the afternoon and wait to watch the sunset. 

Cai Be Floating Market is undoubtedly an amazing spot for your trip to explore the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Let’s come and take time to rest, enjoy local specialties, and admire the peaceful scenery of the region. 

Nga Nam Floating Market

• Location: Nga Nam Town, Soc Trang Province

Nga Nam Floating Market is also among the long-standing floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The market is unique because it is located at the intersection of five different canals flowing to neighboring localities. 

Nga Nam Floating Market

The whole market scene is like a vivid picture, with a variety of colors from vegetables and fruits to gentle rustic ao dai in the middle of the river. This place will help you understand more about the culture and people of Soc Trang, their kindness, and simple, honest life. Below are things you should not miss in Nga Nam Floating Market.

Exploring the culture of trading on the river

Like other floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, the trading atmosphere in the Nga Nam Floating Market is extremely vibrant. The market usually opens from 04.00 a.m. At around 6:00 am, the market is the most crowded with people from every province of the region coming to the market to shop, especially on weekends. 

Nga Nam Floating Market

Trading activities at the Nga Nam Floating Market

Fruit sellers at the Nga Nam Floating Market

Having breakfast on the river

The market has many small boats selling everything from coffee, smoothies, juices, cigarettes, broken rice, noodles, Soc Trang noodle soup, fried vermicelli, etc. Let’s come and enjoy!

Nga Bay Floating Market

• Location: Dai Thanh, Nga Bay, Hau Giang Province

Among the amazing floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, Nga Bay Floating Market, also known as Phung Bay Floating Market, is also worth visiting. The market is located at the intersection of seven rivers: Cai Con, Mang Ca, Bung Tau, Soc Trang, Xeo Mon, Lai Hieu, and Xeo Vong. Nga Bay Floating Market is a wholesale market that buys and sells local fruits and agricultural products. Besides, there are also boats selling local specialties like noodles, porridge, vermicelli, etc.

Nga Bay Floating Market

Watermelon sellers at the Nga Bay Floating Market

Besides immersing in the bustling atmosphere of the market, you can also observe and learn about the life of local families with many generations living on boats. These boats with full of living facilities are mobile houses serving for daily activities of the local people. Also, during your trip to Nga Bay Floating Market, you will have an opportunity to learn about the traditional boat-building craft village in Hiep Thanh ward, the knitting craft village and orchards in Dai Thanh and Tan Thanh communes, and drop in the Lung Ngoc Hoang ecological area.

Visiting the Lung Ngoc Hoang ecological area

Tra On Floating Market

• Location: TraOn Town, Tra On District, Vinh Long Province

Tra On Floating Market

Compared to other floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, Tra On is a lesser-known floating market that offers a more serene experience. It's often visited by travelers looking for a quieter and more authentic market setting. Thanks to the tranquility, you will have a chance to witness the local way of life without the hustle and bustle often associated with larger markets.  You can observe the daily life of the people living along the Mekong River, learn about their traditions, and interact with local vendors.

Fruit sellers at the Tra On Floating Market

Like other floating markets in the region, Tra On is likely to offer a variety of goods for sale. Visiting the market, you will find from fresh fruits to vegetables, seafood, and other local products. 

Long Xuyen Floating Market

• Location: Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province

Long Xuyen Floating Market

While not as large or well-known as other floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, Long Xuyen Floating Market is still a wonderful spot. It serves as a local trading hub where boats gather to exchange goods. It's advisable to visit the market early in the morning when it's most active. This is when boats laden with goods gather for trading. Visiting the Long Xuyen Floating Market, not only can you find agricultural products but you will also see the items serving daily life, and boats selling local foods. 

Fruit seller at the Long Xuyen Floating Market

A market rower at the Long Xuyen Floating Market

The market provides a glimpse into the local way of life in the Mekong Delta. You will have an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, witness traditional trading practices, and interact with the locals.

Ca Mau Floating Market

• Location: Ca Mau City, Ca Mau Province

Ca Mau Floating Market

Like other floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, Ca Mau Floating Market symbolizes one of the featured characteristics of the region. The market is located at the end of the Ganh Hao River, four kilometers from Ca Mau’s city center. It is the most active and busiest with traders around 04.00 a.m. Here are some amazing things in the Ca Mau Floating Market.

Exciting trading atmosphere

Although the Ca Mau Floating Market is not as famous as other floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, its trading atmosphere is still vibrant. The locals gather here to sell and buy all kinds of products from fruits and vegetables to food and necessities. Coming here, you can try many fresh garden fruits such as melon, water coconut, papaya, mango, pineapple, rambutan, etc., at extremely affordable prices. 

Ca Mau Floating Market

Authentic life of the local people

If you visit the market in the afternoon, you will find a totally different atmosphere. Instead of the bustling trading activities, you will see a peaceful countryside scene with the locals fishing on the river and preparing their meals. 

Advice and tips before visiting floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

Visiting the floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam is such an immersive experience. However, to enjoy the markets at their fullest, you may want to follow these tips and advice below.

Planning your timing

Most of the floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam are the most lively in the early morning. So, let’s wake up and depart early so that you will not miss the crowded atmosphere.

Dressing comfortably

You may want to wear lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for the tropical climate. Don't forget a hat, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.

Respecting the locals

While the locals in the region are extremely friendly, you should ask for permission before taking photos. Besides, be respectful of the local culture and traditions and be aware of your surroundings to avoid disrupting local activities. 

In conclusion, you have just known about some awesome floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Let’s visit those markets and enhance your experience, learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere! If you would like to have more information or book a tour package to explore the Mekong Delta region, don’t hesitate to contact our team.