Cai Rang Floating Market

For tourists traveling to Can Tho, the bustling metropolis of the southwest, it would be a missed opportunity not to visit Cai Rang, located just 6 kilometers from the heart of Can Tho city. Cai Rang is regarded as one of the most famous and largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta.

Colorful Market

Extending half a kilometer downstream from Cai Rang Bridge along the Can Tho River, the market comes alive with hundreds of boats from dawn until just before noon. The vibrant scene is filled with tropical fruits, creating a lively and colorful waterway. The larger boats anchor and form winding lanes for smaller vessels to navigate, contributing to the bustling and joyful atmosphere that draws tourists in.

Photo: tuoitre.vn

Many boats at the market are stocked with agricultural products and local specialties from Cai Rang Town, Chau Thanh District, and surrounding areas, including vegetables, coconuts, bananas, watermelons, grapefruits, and dragon fruits. Smaller boats also offer soft drinks, regional wines, and breakfast items to market-goers. In addition, a variety of services and products—such as sewing supplies, gasoline, mobile phone cards, clothing, cosmetics, and spices—are readily available, mirroring what can typically be found in traditional land markets.

Photo by @Hoang Phuoc Thien

Shopping from the boats adds a level of excitement as buyers catch samples of produce tossed by sellers. While browsing, visitors can also savor fresh fruits and admire the floating homes of locals along the riverside.

Unique Advertising Tool

In this thriving marketplace, the calls of sellers often get lost amid the sounds of the river and boat engines. However, this environment has given rise to a unique advertising tool: the sample goods pole.

Photo: baocantho.com.vn

Each boat features a tall pole displaying samples of the goods for sale, allowing sellers to forgo shouting their wares while enabling buyers to easily identify which products each boat offers from a distance. A quick glance upwards allows customers to spot the boat selling the items they are looking for.

Tips

To experience the liveliest atmosphere and the most vibrant scenes of Cai Rang market, which is typically busiest from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., travelers should plan to stay overnight in Can Tho and arrive at the market around dawn, ideally by 5 a.m.

Photo: truyenhinhdulich.vn

After enjoying a local breakfast and witnessing the sunrise, visitors can charter a motorized or non-motorized boat to begin their shopping experience at the floating market. Most boat rentals can be found along Vo Tanh Road, and prices vary based on the type of boat hired.

Useful Information