Tien Giang

Tien Giang province, particularly Cai Be district, remains renowned for its vibrant floating economy. The region is bustling with docks where goods are constantly exchanged, and trading activities take place directly on the water. Cai Be epitomizes the lifestyle of the Mekong Delta, illustrating the deep-rooted connection between locals and their waterways, with boats serving as vital means of transportation.

Photo by @Hung Tran

Visitors to Tien Giang can fully immerse themselves in a day in the life of typical Southwesterners who earn their livelihoods on boats. Impressively, the spontaneous economic activities that once characterized the area have evolved into a more organized system, where specialized areas have emerged, each focused on selling particular types of goods. Local vendors creatively distinguish themselves through subtle variations in their offerings. This transformation provides tourists with a unique market experience; what appears to be rudimentary at first glance has developed into a well-structured economic activity recognized within the region.

Photo by @Nguyen Huy Le

Beyond commerce, spending time at the Cai Be Floating Market allows visitors to discover an entirely different lifestyle of those who rely on the water for their daily needs. Here, one can admire the resilience, optimistic spirit, and survival skills of the inhabitants of the Mekong Delta, making the experience all the more enriching.