A trip to the southwest of Vietnam can not be completed without visiting the floating market. Having been around for a long time, floating markets make the most exciting part of life in the Mekong Delta, the land of ditches, canals, and rivers. Let’s take a trip to the most vibrant Cai Rang floating market Can Tho with Mekong Delta cruises.
What do you know about the Cai Rang floating market Can Tho?
- Location: Downstream of Can Tho River, 46 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City, (6km from Can Tho City)
- Length: stretches about 500 meters
- Price: There is no entrance fee to visit the market. However, if you plan to take a boat tour or hire a boat to explore the market, prices will vary depending on the duration and type of tour.
- Accessibility: The market is easily accessible from Can Tho City, and boat tours can be arranged from there.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season, which lasts from November to April, is considered the best time to visit Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho. During this period, the weather in the Mekong Delta is generally more pleasant, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. This weather allows you to explore the market and navigate the waterways more comfortably.
Visiting during the dry season offers you a higher chance of witnessing the market at its most vibrant. With abundant harvests, the market showcases colorful displays of fresh produce and creates a lively atmosphere.
Things to do and see
The bustling trade scene
Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho is renowned for its vibrant and bustling trade scene, which is a captivating reflection of the trading culture in the Mekong Delta. The market operates daily, with the liveliest hours being in the early morning.
The trading process at Cai Rang Floating Market is a lively affair. Vendors use loudspeakers to advertise their products and engage in animated conversations with potential buyers.
Bargaining is a common practice, and the market is filled with the sounds of negotiation, laughter, and friendly banter. It’s a fascinating experience to witness the energetic exchange of goods and the vibrant interactions between vendors and customers.
Local life on the boat
The local life on boats at Cai Rang Floating Market Mekong Delta offers a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant culture and unique way of living of this region.
The boats on the waterways also offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who call them home. You’ll see families going about their daily routines, children playing and studying, televisions on the boats, and locals engaging in various activities.
The boats are not only places of commerce but also serve as communal spaces where neighbors gather, share stories, and support one another.
Regional products
The Mekong Delta Cai Rang floating market is renowned for its diverse range of regional products, providing visitors with a captivating glimpse into the unique flavors and craftsmanship of the Mekong Delta.
The market is a hub of agricultural abundance, with boats laden with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. You’ll find an enticing variety of tropical fruits like watermelons, dragon fruits, and rambutans, as well as an assortment of leafy greens, cucumbers, and herbs used in Vietnamese cuisine.
Beyond the delectable food offerings, Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho is also a place to discover the region’s craftsmanship. Local artisans showcase their skills through handmade crafts and traditional products such as woven baskets, handmade pottery, embroidered textiles, etc.
Trying local food and drinks
Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho is famous for its vibrant and diverse flavors, showcasing the richness of the Mekong Delta’s culinary traditions.
Hu Tieu is absolutely a must-try dish. This flavorful rice noodle soup is known for its delicate balance of flavors and textures. The broth is often made from a combination of pork bones and seafood. It is simmered for hours, resulting in a rich and aromatic base.
Even chef Gordon Ramsay declared that the broth in the bowl of noodles he had at Cai Rang was the greatest he had ever had. He was so taken with hu tieu that he made it a challenge on his worldwide famous cooking show, Master Chef US.
For those seeking a snack or a light meal, don’t miss out on the delicious banh mi. This Vietnamese-style baguette is filled with grilled pork, pate, pickled veggies, and fresh herbs, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
As for drinks, make sure to try the famous Vietnamese iced coffee, known as ca phe sua da. This strong and aromatic coffee is brewed using a traditional drip filter. It is served over ice with a generous amount of sweetened condensed milk. So rich, so creamy.
How to get to?
The most common starting point is Can Tho city center to reach Cai Rang Floating Market. From there, you have a few transportation options to choose from:
- Taxi or Motorbike Taxi: These modes of transportation are easily accessible, with a travel time of approximately 15-20 minutes to the pier, depending on traffic conditions.
- Public Bus: Can Tho has a reliable public bus system that can take you to Ninh Kieu Pier. Look for buses passing through the pier or ask locals for help. Remember to check the bus schedules in advance.
- Guided tour: Joining a guided Mekong Delta tour is a hassle-free option. Tour operators offer packages with transportation, market visits, boat rides, and insights from knowledgeable guides. It’s a comprehensive and convenient experience.
Local tips
For an optimal visit to Cai Rang Floating Market, here are some local tips to keep in mind:
- Arrive early: Cai Rang Floating Market operates primarily in the early morning, starting around 5 a.m. and winding down by mid-morning. To experience the market at its liveliest, it’s best to arrive as early as possible.
- Bring cash: Most transactions at Cai Rang Floating Market are conducted in cash, so bringing Vietnamese Dong currency is essential.
- Learn some basic Vietnamese words: this can enhance your experience and help you interact with locals.
- Take a local fishing boat to avoid the crowd and get the best experience on the Cai Rang market
Where to go next?
After immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Cai Rang Floating Market, there are several captivating destinations to consider for the next leg of your journey.
As Can Tho offers a lot of the best things to do, from this bustling floating market, you can head to the authentic Phong Dien Floating market or Sau Hoai’s noodles-making factory. If you want to deeper into the Mekong Delta’s culture, you can visit the “Capital of Fruits” Vinh Long, “Kingdom of Coconut” Ben Tre.
Finding your flexible Mekong Delta tours to Cai Rang floating market with us:
From Luxury Cruise Mekong, a brand of Indochina Voyages!
