Cai Rang Floating Market is the place to go if you want to immerse your senses in the sights, sounds, colorful lifestyle, and the taste of the Mekong River. Cai Rang Floating Market is the only Southeast Asian representative to break into the list of the world’s 19 must-visit food hubs, as rated by British travel publication Rough Guides. The market is the biggest of its kind in the Mekong Delta, where trading on waterways has been a way of life for generations.
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About Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho
Cai Rang Floating Market (or Cái Răng Floating Market) has been around for almost a century, making it one of the Mekong Delta’s oldest cultural spots. The Mekong Delta Floating Market was initially created to meet the locals’ demand for trading and exchanging goods when streets and vehicles were not yet developed. At present, the road traffic networks have been extensively advanced, but the floating market still remains and develops.
Cai Rang is becoming more and more alluring to travelers thanks to its huge spread of produce on sale from a fleet of brightly colored boats. From early morning, traders gather to buy fresh vegetables and fruits, handicrafts, and daily essential household goods to resell elsewhere, creating a bustling and joyful atmosphere. The most crowded time is from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. when a great number of boats clog the waterway.
Best things to do at Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho
Discovering the intriguing trading method
At this bustling floating market, the cries of the sellers seem to be swallowed up by the immensity of the river and lost in the noise of the boat engines. The disadvantageous situation appears to favor the emergence of a unique advertising method: the sellers advertise their wares from the top of a long pole attached to their boats.
Every boat has a tall upright pole with samples of the goods for sale hung on it, so the sellers don’t have to cry out what they are selling and buyers can easily see the goods sold on that boat from a far distance. Just look up and one will know exactly which boat is providing the products they are looking for.
While shopping on a boat, travelers can also explore life along the waterways, as it passes houses built on stilts over the water and boats of all sizes, shapes, and colors docked along the shore.
Trying local food and drinks
Besides seeing how people sell and buy products at Cai Rang Floating Market, you will also have a chance to taste the freshest fruits harvested from nearby farms: durian, milk fruit, rambutan, mangosteen, grapefruit, etc., or even other processed specialties like fish sauce, coconut candy, or dried fish. Many local delicacies are also available, such as “com tam” (broken rice with grilled pork and egg), “pho”, “hu tieu”, “bun rieu” – some kinds of noodles that are served with beef, pork, and crab… With only 25,000 VND (around 1 USD), you may easily fill up your stomach with a hearty meal.
Enjoying Southern Vietnamese folk music (Đờn ca tài tử)
One of the most expected events at Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho is that very weekend (Saturday, Sunday), a boat of artists will go along the river performing “đờn ca tài tử” – the Southern Vietnamese folk music. Đờn ca tài tử is said to reflect the lifestyle of Southern people who live and work in the Mekong Delta region. Its melody aids the locals in expressing all sentiments and emotions, as well as their own diligence, kindness, and courage, and has grown popular among both domestic and foreign tourists.
Top tips for visiting Cai Rang Floating Market in Vietnam
In order to have a wonderful trip at Cai Rang Market, you should take notice of the following:
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the heat of the sun during the day
- Bring VND cash instead of using credit cards, as most sellers prefer trading by cash
- Arrive in Cai Rang early to contemplate the sunrise and enjoy the food at its freshest
- Use a local fishing boat to avoid the crowds and get the greatest experience at Cai Rang Market
- Have accommodations booked in advance
Cai Rang Floating Market is a must-visit place in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. You will have a unique experience seeing how the locals grew up and made a living along this river. The rustic scene of buying and selling goods on the boats, as well as the locals’ kindness and warmth, will undoubtedly make you fall in love with this land.
