Tien Giang province wins an award as not only the rice bowl of the Mekong Delta, but also the biggest fruit producing area throughout Vietnam. About 70km away from Saigon, the province is situated in the North of the Tien River. If you are planning to enjoy a short trip in the Delta, make sure that you add Cai Be Floating Market into your bucket list.

Cai Be holds the top position in orchard areas in Tien Giang Province. On ordinary days, a large section of the Tien River is vibrant with boats filled with fruits, vegetables, flowers and other products. It is even more colorful during special events like full moon days or Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year). During the days, there is only a small number of boats carrying flowers on the Tien River. However the number increases over the following days and the market bustles with various kinds of flowers. At this time, barges full of fruits and vegetables temporarily cede “territory” to boats carrying different kinds of flowers. Flowers are seen along the banks of the river, bobbing on the floating dock, covering the boat roof-tops and overflowing to the street markets.
Going to the floating market on these days, you can see the busy rhythm of the life of people living on the river and the unique features of the Mekong Delta. This is also the most beautiful time at the Cai Be Floating Market, attracting many tourists.

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4 Days 3 Nights~Can Tho – Cai Be Floating Market

Explore Cai Be Floating Market in Tien Giang Province
Nguyen Thanh Van

Delving into the world of floating markets in Vietnam is an unparalleled experience for travelers who truly want to explore and feel the vibrant atmosphere here. Floating markets have existed for hundreds of years and have become a vital part of the local life in the Mekong Delta. Let’s plan a trip to one of famous, vibrant Vietnam floating markets.

THE BEAUTY OF SOUTHWEST OF VIETNAM

There are several floating markets in the country, most of them are located in the Southern region. These markets are always crowded with a lot of boats selling plenty of products. The locals come by land or water to buy their food or household goods. Here are some floating markets in Vietnam to enjoy the special shopping sides of Vietnamese people.

Long Xuyen Floating Market – An Giang

Long Xuyen floating market is a hidden gem, this market is one of the less popular floating markets in Vietnam, but definitely worth a try if you are in search of a place that gives off easy and genuine vibes of Mekong Delta’s people and nature. Surprisingly, you cannot find a single person bargaining here since the market mostly serves local people and hardly commercialized. If you are searching for a non-touristy and not crowded shopping place, this market is a good choice. The market is a great combination of the charming countryside and the water area. Here, the local lifestyle and traditional culture still remains.

Arriving the market early in the morning, you can witness the busy life on the river where people sell and buy are veggies, pickles, squash, sweet potato, fruits and typical West-Southern snacks as fish rice noodle, pig-skinned pieces or salad roll by boats.

Cai Rang Floating Market – Can Tho

Like other floating markets in the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang was firstly formed to meet the trading needs of local people. Located on the river with the same name – Cai Rang, the market is more than 100 years old now.

GET TO KNOW ABOUT THE CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET

Phong Dien Floating Market – Can Tho

Phong Dien Floating Market is 20 kilometers southwest of Can Tho, the best floating market in the Mekong Delta. Boats loaded with produce from nearby orchards of the Mekong Delta converge to the floating market. They carry mostly fruits but also coconuts, vegetables and fishes. The market is at its bustling best between 5am and 8am.

Phong Dien floating market is a place full of interesting things for not only domestic but also foreign tourists. It is not so far from Cai Rang floating market, but there is a big difference in the function of each market. While Cai Rang boasts its largest wholesale market, Phong Dien is a retail one that is located in the complex system of rivers and canals. With this function, you hardly find big boats here but only the small sampans, which is also the daily vehicle of local people.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CAN THO – THE EVERGREEN CITY OF MEKONG DELTA

Nga Nam Floating Market – Soc Trang

Nga Nam floating market is located in the Nga Nam town where the five rivers Vinh Quoi, Ca Mau, Thanh Tri, Long My, and Phung Hiep meet. Compared to other markets, it is well known for the hustle and bustle atmosphere which is hard to find in other markets. In this market, you can admire the endless stretches of big and small boats full of wide ranges of goods like tomato, garlic, cabbage, potato, etc. And, you will find it hard to resist temptation when approached by some southern merchants, offering their delightful fish noodle, rice soup or coffee..

Nga Nam floating market nowadays still retains the uniqueness of Mekong countryside as well as typical attributes that make it special such as “ao ba ba”, sweet old folk songs and distinctive accent of Southern people.

Cai Be Floating Market – Tien Giang

Cai Be floating market is located in Cai Be district, Tien Giang province – on the giant Tien river (one of the two main streams of Cuu Long river). This is a hub for transporting goods, fruits and seafoods to and from the Mekong Delta and the rest of Vietnam.  It remains a convenient choice for many foreign travelers due to its short distance from Ho Chi Minh city.

TRAVEL CAN THO – CAI BE FLOATING MARKET IN 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS

Unlike other floating markets in Vietnam which start early in the morning and therefore finish earlier, Cai Be market stays open until late, to accommodate for travelers who might not be as keen on mornings as the Vietnamese! As the floating market is open all day long, you can easily visit whenever you like to witness the lively and vibrant atmosphere of a Southern styled market.

5 Famous Vietnam Floating Markets
Nguyen Thanh Van