Exploring the charms of Long Xuyen Floating Market - Handspan Travel Indochina

2

The Mekong Delta region of Vietnam is famous for its vibrant floating markets. Long Xuyen Floating Market is among the most amazing floating markets in the region. Let’s explore the charms of the market with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Long Xuyen Floating Market

Long Xuyen Floating Market

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

General information about the Long Xuyen Floating Market

Long Xuyen Floating Market is located in the O Moi ferry Wharf, Phan Huy Chu, My Long, Long Xuyen City, An Giang Province, about two kilometers from Long Xuyen City’s center. This market was formed a long time ago when the road system in the Western region of Vietnam was not yet as developed as it is today. Currently, even though the traffic situation is more favorable, this floating market remains a trading place for local people. 

Long Xuyen Floating Market

Long Xuyen Floating Market

Although Long Xuyen Floating Market is not as noisy as other floating markets in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, it is still impressive with the image of boats and canoes moored tightly together with the laughter of sellers, buyers, and visitors. There are many boats filled with all kinds of goods here. 

The market is typically open early, starting around 5 AM and winding down by 8 AM. It's advisable to arrive early to experience the liveliness and admire the beautiful picture of the floating market when dawn breaks. 

The ideal time to visit the Long Xuyen Floating Market

Due to flavor weather conditions, you can visit the Long Xuyen Floating Market at any time of the year. An Giang Province’s climate is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season here typically spans from December to April, and the rainy season is from May to November. 

Long Xuyen Floating Market

Long Xuyen Floating Market

The dry season is considered the best time to visit the Long Xuyen Floating Market due to favorable weather conditions with lower chances of rain. The temperatures are generally cooler, making it more comfortable to explore the market and its surroundings. During the dry season, water levels in the Mekong Delta are lower, providing better navigability through the waterways. This makes it easier for boats to move around, giving visitors a smoother and more enjoyable experience. 

Exploring the market during the rainy season can offer a different yet equally fascinating experience. At this time, the Mekong Delta comes to life with lush greenery, and the rain transforms the landscape into a vibrant, reflective waterworld. Floating markets take on a different character as boats navigate through the expanded waterways, offering a distinct visual appeal.

Long Xuyen Floating Market

Long Xuyen Floating Market

Ultimately, whether during the dry or rainy season, Long Xuyen Floating Market offers a unique and memorable experience that allows you to connect with the local culture and the vibrant riverine life of the Mekong Delta. Let’s keep reading for more detailed information about this amazing market. 

How to get to the Long Xuyen Floating Market

To get to the Long Xuyen Floating Market, you may want to transfer to Long Xuyen City of An Giang Province. Here are some means of transportation to get to Long Xuyen.

By private vehicles (motorbike/ car)

If you want to be proactive in your time and itinerary, you can choose to drive your own vehicle. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can easily transfer to Long Xuyen by car due to the convenient highway system. Following the Saigon - Trung Luong - My Thuan - Cao Lanh - Lo Te - Rach Soi highway to Vam Cong Bridge, then turning towards Highway 91, you will get to the Long Xuyen city center. If you drive your motorbike, you can follow the 1A Highway and 

Highway 30 to the Highway 91. 

By public bus

if you are not familiar with Vietnam’s transportation system, you may want to consider traveling to Long Xuyen by public bus. From the West Station in Ho Chi Minh City, it takes about 5 hours to reach Long Xuyen city center. There are many bus companies you can choose from, such as Thao Nguyen, Duc Phat, Hue Nghia, etc., with a price from VND 150,000/ person/ turn. 

Once you arrive in Long Xuyen, you'll need to make your way to the O Moi Ferry Wharf. Then, hire a local boat or join a guided boat tour to reach the Long Xuyen Floating Market. Boat tours are a popular and enjoyable way to navigate the waterways of the Mekong Delta. 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.

Exploring the Long Xuyen Floating Market

During your journey to explore the Long Xuyen Floating Market, you will have a chance to enjoy many amazing activities. Here are some exciting experiences you may want to experience.

Immersing yourself in the vibrant trading atmosphere

Visiting the Long Xuyen Floating Market, you will have a chance to immerse yourself in the crowded atmosphere of trading activities. Although the market is not as large as the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho, it is still vibrant with people selling and buying local products. Mainly traded items at the Long Xuyen Floating Market include agricultural products, fruits, necessities, food, etc. Visiting the market, you can try different types of local fruits like orange, jackfruit, plum, mango, etc.

Trading activities in the Long Xuyen Floating Market

Trading activities in the Long Xuyen 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. 

Shopping for souvenirs

Besides agricultural products, you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs available at the market. Let’s support local artisans by purchasing unique items such as traditional Vietnamese hats, woven products, and local artwork. 

Savoring local dishes on a boat

Boating on the river, you can catch up with various boats selling local dishes. Let’s indulge your taste buds in the local delicacies and snacks offered by the floating vendors. From freshly harvested fruits to regional specialties, the market is a food lover's paradise. You can try vermicelli, fried vermicelli, noodles, Chau Doc fish vermicelli, etc. Some other boats sell coffee, coconut water, orange juice, jaggery, etc.

Engaging with local vendors

Engage with local traders and learn about their way of life. Many vendors have been participating in the market for generations. They may share stories about the market's history and its significance in the local culture.

Long Xuyen Floating Market

Long Xuyen Floating Market

Visiting the Long Xuyen Floating Market is not just a journey; it's an immersive cultural experience. Let’s come here, relax, and enjoy the scenery!

In conclusion, you have just known detailed information about the Long Xuyen Floating Market. If you are looking for an amazing spot to deeply understand the local life in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, don’t hesitate to visit Long Xuyen Floating Market. For further floating markets in the region, please visit our blog post here: Exploring vibrant floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

0 comment