Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the most attractive spots in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Coming here, you can immerse yourself in the market's vibrant atmosphere and learn about the Mekong Delta’s typical culture. Let’s explore Cai Rang Floating Market's sights, sounds, and flavors with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Through this blog post, you will find out these pieces of information below.

General information about the Cai Rang Floating Market

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

Cai Rang Floating Market is a famous floating market located on the Can Tho River. It is at the junction between the Cai Rang and Hau River branches near the Cai Rang bridge. This floating market began to form in the 20th century. At that time, road traffic in the Western region of Vietnam was not yet as developed as it is today. The shallow water creates favorable conditions for boats to anchor, which makes Cai Rang become a bustling floating market. Currently, although transportation is more convenient, this floating market still remains as a trading place for the local people and a cultural beauty of the Mekong Delta region. 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. 

Seasonal fruits selling at the Cai Rang Floating Market

To truly experience the essence of Cai Rang, it's advisable to start your journey early. The market is at its busiest during the early hours, as local farmers and traders converge to engage in lively exchanges. The most ideal time to come here is from 04.00 a.m. - 06.00 a.m. Visiting the market at this time, you can immerse yourself in the crowded atmosphere and admire the beautiful picture of the floating market when dawn breaks. 

Cai Rang Floating Market at dawn

In general, the Cai Rang Floating Market is not only a vibrant trading place for local people but also an appealing attraction for tourists. Let’s keep reading for more information about the market!

The ideal time to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market

Due to flavor weather conditions, you can visit the Cai Rang Floating Market any time of the year. Can Tho City has a warm climate all year round, with an average temperature of around 28 Celsius degrees and two distinct seasons. The rainy season starts from May to November and the dry season lasts from December to April of the following year. Each season, the city has its own unique beauty, and so does the Cai Rang Floating Market. No matter which time of the year you visit the market, you can always enjoy the bustling atmosphere and impressive space here. 

Cai Rang Floating Market 

The dry season in the Mekong Delta brings relatively stable and dry weather conditions. The skies are often clear, and rain is less frequent compared to the wet season. Besides, the water levels during this time are usually lower and more predictable. This makes navigation on the river more straightforward and safer, both for local boats and for tourist boats carrying visitors to the floating market.

While the dry season is generally considered the ideal time to visit, you can also visit the market in the rainy season if you cannot arrange your time. The rainy season brings an abundance of rainfall, transforming the landscape into lush greenery. However, during the rainy season, you may catch up with frequent and heavy rainfall. This can impact travel plans, make boat navigation more challenging, and result in muddy or flooded paths. Therefore, you may want to check the weather conditions in advance for a smooth trip. Besides, it's crucial to prioritize safety and follow local guidance regarding boat trips and excursions.

How to get to the Cai Rang Floating Market?

Getting to the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho involves traveling to Can Tho City, which is the gateway to the Mekong Delta region. Here are some means of transportation to reach Can Tho City.

By private vehicles (motorbike/ car)

If you want to stop en route to admire the scenery and the locals’ life along the way, you can rent a motorbike or car to drive to Can Tho. The road network is relatively well-developed, and there are multiple routes to reach Can Tho from different parts of Vietnam. However, if you are not familiar with Vietnam’s transportation system, you may want to consider traveling to Can Tho by airplane, or bus or booking an available tour. 

By airplane

Can Tho International Airport is well-connected to major cities in Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The flight ticket changes depending on your departure location, departing time, and booking time. You can book the flight ticket yourself or contact our team for the best deals. From Can Tho International Airport, you can take a public bus, taxi, or private transportation to Can Tho City, which takes you about 15 minutes. 

By public bus

Can Tho is accessible by bus from various cities in Vietnam. Long-distance buses operate between Can Tho and major hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City and other Mekong Delta provinces. From the Mien Tay Bus Station (Western Bus Station) in Ho Chi Minh City, it takes you three to four hours to get to Can Tho. There are many bus companies you can choose from, such as Phuong Trang, Mai Linh, Hoang Long, etc., with a price from VND 150,000/ person/ turn. From other Mekong Delta provinces, there are also many buses available. 

Once in Can Tho, you can arrange a boat tour from the Ninh Kieu Pier. It is a popular starting point for boat excursions in Can Tho. Cai Rang Floating Market is 6 kilometers from Can Tho City’s center, a 30-minute transfer from the Ninh Kieu Pier. Sitting on a boat weaving through the river, you can admire the charming scenery on both sides of the river and the local people’s daily life. Depending on the number of people in your group, the price of hiring a boat fluctuates from VND 500,000 per boat. If you are traveling alone, you can join the boat with other tourists to save your expenses. 

Ninh Kieu Pier in the early morning

Ninh Kieu Pier

Exploring 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

As dawn breaks over the Mekong Delta, the Cai Rang floating market comes alive with various boats. Each boat serves as both a storefront and a warehouse, showcasing an array of fruits, vegetables, and other goods unique to the region. 

Trading activities at the Cai Rang Floating Market

Navigating through the market, you will be amazed by the trading activities here. Instead of inviting everyone to buy the goods as it is on land, the sellers on the boat display samples of their goods on tall poles. This allows buyers to identify their desired items from a distance. 

Trading activities at the Cai Rang Floating Market

Enjoying local dishes on the river

The journey through the Cai Rang Floating Market is also a culinary adventure. Boating on the river, you can catch up with various boats selling local dishes. From porridge, rib rice, noodles, and vermicelli noodles to tea, coffee, coconut, etc., the market is a gastronomic haven that showcases the diversity and richness of Vietnamese cuisine. Wanna enjoy more delicious food? Let’s visit the market!

Having breakfast at the Cai Rang Floating Market

Listening to the Don Ca Tai Tu Music on the river

If you visit the floating market on Saturday or Sunday, you will have a chance to listen to the Don Ca Tai Tu Music. This type of music is the treasure of the Southern River region. Staying on the boat, listening to the Southern melodies, and seeing the daily life of the local people, you can feel the peace and excitement of the market. 

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. 

Advice and tips for a memorable trip to the Cai Rang Floating Market

To make the most of your visit to the Cai Rang Floating Market, you may want to consider the following advice and tips.

Checking the weather forecast

The Mekong Delta can experience sudden changes in weather. Check the weather forecast before your trip, and be prepared for varying conditions, especially if you visit during the rainy season.

Finding out about the boat’s price 

Before your trip, you may want to know about the boat's price to reach the market. As mentioned above, the price of hiring a boat fluctuates from VND 500,000 per boat. It is highly recommended to negotiate the price and agree on the time and attractions to visit. 

Dressing comfortably

Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as you may be getting on and off boats. If you plan to explore the market on foot, comfortable shoes are essential. Besides, let’s consider wearing a hat and applying sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Respecting local customs

Be respectful of the local customs and traditions. Ask for permission before taking photographs of people, as some may prefer not to be photographed.

Watermelon seller at the Cai Rang Floating Market

In conclusion, the Cai Rang Floating Market is a symbol of Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and its harmonious relationship with the waterways. Let’s visit the market and have your own experience! If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Besides, you can refer to our tour packages below.

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