Get Insight Into The Top 5 Most Beautiful And Attractive Floating Markets In Vietnam

1. Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho City)

Located along a branch of the Hau River, approximately 600 meters from the Cai Rang Bridge, Cai Rang Floating Market remains the largest and most dynamic floating market in the Mekong Delta. Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage since 2016, it has also been lauded as one of the top floating markets in Asia, as ranked by various travel publications.

Photo: @chomchom_ken_52

Visitors can embark on a 30-minute boat ride from Ninh Kieu Wharf to reach the heart of the market. The market operates from 5:00 AM to around 9:00 AM, with peak activity occurring at dawn when locals from nearby provinces showcase their goods on floating rafts. Each boat is uniquely marked by a bamboo pole displaying the items for sale, an inventive advertising method. The market offers a rich variety of products, including fresh agricultural produce, household goods, handicrafts, and ceramics.

Can Tho City has a tropical climate, which allows tourists to enjoy the market year-round.

2. Phong Dien Floating Market (Can Tho City)

A mere 17 kilometers from Can Tho City, you’ll find the lively scene of the Phong Dien Floating Market. A brief boat tour lasting about 30 minutes will introduce you to this charming market, or you can view the hustle and bustle from a nearby bridge.

Photo: @xinchao_vietnam.vn

Open daily from 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM, a multitude of small boats and sampans brimming with fresh fruits, local delicacies, noodles, and beverages await visitors. While smaller in scale compared to Cai Rang, Phong Dien Floating Market is often included in sampan tours that also explore rice noodle factories, fruit orchards, and organic cacao farms.

3. Tra On Floating Market (Vinh Long Province)

Tra On Floating Market, located at the junction of the Mang Thit and Hau Rivers, showcases a vibrant wholesale market atmosphere. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the lively, authentic scenes!

Photo: @mymirie_traveldiary

Opening from approximately 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM, Tra On is particularly known for its variety of tropical fruits such as bananas, guavas, oranges, and coconuts. Just like at Cai Rang, vendors display their fresh produce by hanging them on “beo,” a long stick used for visibility. While dawn is the busiest time for trading, the market morphs into a peaceful wharf at night.

4. Chau Doc Floating Market (An Giang Province)

Nestled by Sam Mountain and the Temple of the Goddess Xu, Chau Doc Floating Market is a signature feature of An Giang Province. The market runs along the Hau River, heading northwest towards the Cambodian border, making it a vital commercial hub within the Mekong Delta.

Photo: @asianimages_adammartin

Wooden boats not only serve as vessels for the exchange of goods but also as homes for local vendors. The primary products offered here are fruits sourced from regions such as Ben Tre, Tien Giang, Long An, and Hau Giang. To soak in the vibrant market atmosphere, it’s recommended to visit around 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.

5. Long Xuyen Floating Market (An Giang Province)

Part of An Giang Province, Long Xuyen Floating Market is one of the most notable floating markets in the Mekong Delta. The adventure begins when you journey into the expansive waters of the Hau River, enhanced by the picturesque scenery surrounding you. Long Xuyen is a favored destination for tourists seeking to explore the floating market culture.

Photo: @langthang.angiang

As you glide through on a traditional boat, you'll encounter numerous sellers displaying their goods, which are also often hung on bamboo poles until sold. Tourists particularly enjoy the range of fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood available, as well as the lively bargaining process. Additionally, nature enthusiasts can appreciate the scenic countryside while interacting with friendly local merchants.