Are you looking to add something unique and interesting to your Vietnam travel itinerary? Then you can’t miss the floating markets in Vietnam. These lively, colorful floating markets along the Mekong Delta provide an immersive glimpse into the heart of Vietnamese tradition and commerce. As boats adorned with colorful goods navigate the intricate system of Mekong Delta, locals engage in lively trade while preserving the essence of their heritage. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 floating markets in Vietnam to enjoy the special shopping spree.
Table of Contents
- 1. Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho City)
- 2. Phong Dien Floating Market (Can Tho City)
- 3. Cai Be Floating Market (Tien Giang Province)
- 4. Nga Bay Floating Market (Hau Giang Province)
- 5. Long Xuyen Floating Market (An Giang Province)
- 6. Nga Nam Floating Market (Soc Trang province)
- 7. Tra On Floating Market (Vinh Long province)
1. Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho City)
Known as one of the largest and oldest floating markets in the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang floating market is nestled in the heart of Can Tho city. Every day, hundreds of boats from Cai Rang town and its neighbouring areas gather here with fully loaded colorful agricultural products and local specialties such as Nam Roi grapefruit, Vinh Long pink kiwi kumquat, and the Cai Mon durian to trade.
The floating market is also a great place to enjoy authentic Southern Vietnamese food. As you can see, there are some plastic chairs in some boats, which can easily turn into a makeshift restaurant.
Location: Hai Ba Trung street, Tan An, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho province
Opening hours: 4:00 am – 9:00 pm
2. Phong Dien Floating Market (Can Tho City)
Unlike the popular and crowded Cai Rang floating market in the same city, the Phong Dien floating market is like a gem tucked within the waterways, offering a less touristy, authentic experience for visitors who are interested in traditional riverine trading.
Phong Dien Floating Market is located about 20 km southwest of Can Tho city. Here, small wooden boats adorned with a glittering array of local delicacies, handicrafts, and fresh products create a picturesque scene of the Vietnamese river trade. The floating market is very lively with some merchants singing, talking to each other, and laughing.
Location: Phong Dien River, Nhon Ai commune, Phong Dien district, Can Tho
Opening hours: 4 am – 8 pm
3. Cai Be Floating Market (Tien Giang Province)
Cai Be floating market is nestled along the Tien River in Tien Giang province. With its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City and its opening time later than most floating markets, the Cai Be market is a preferred choice for tourists. The history of Cai Be market dates back to the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century. Now the market is a hub for transporting agricultural goods and seafood from the Mekong to the rest of Vietnam.
Here, you can find hundreds of boats loaded with fruits, vegetables, and other products. Some boats also operate like “taxis,” which is very convenient for tourists.
Location: Cai Be District, Tien Giang Province
Opening Hours: From 6 AM daily
4. Nga Bay Floating Market (Hau Giang Province)
Nga Bay Floating Market is also known as Phung Hiep Floating Market, which first opened in 1915. For more than 100 years, the floating market has been a bustling trading port for the locals in Nga Bay town. The floating market is a paradise for those seeking a diverse selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other farm-fresh goods. What sets Nga Bay Floating Market apart from other floating markets is usually each boat here only sells one type of Vietnamese products.
Location: Nga Bay Town, Hau Giang province
Opening Hours: From 5:00 am daily
5. Long Xuyen Floating Market (An Giang Province)
For those who prefer an authentic Vietnamese floating market experience, Long Xuyen Floating Market is definitely the second-to-none choice as it’s not that commercialized when compared with others. The floating market is about 2 km away from the Long Xuyen city center. It’s not the busiest spot for tourists, and that’s what makes it so special—it’s real and authentic.
Location: 2 km from the Long Xuyen city centre, An Giang Province
Opening Hours: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
6. Nga Nam Floating Market (Soc Trang province)
The Nga Nam Floating Market is situated in Nga Nam Town, where five rivers – Vinh Quoi, Ca Mau, Thanh Tri, Long My, and Phung Hiep – come together, forming a vibrant hub for trade and commerce.
In the Nga Nam Floating Market, you’ll encounter the authentic essence of the Mekong Delta. From the melodies of age-old folk songs to the vibrant display of locals wearing the traditional “ao ba ba” attire, and the charming local accents, each moment reflects the rich culture of the region.
Location: Nga Nam town, Thanh Tri, Soc Trang province
Opening hours: 3 am – 7:30 pm
7. Tra On Floating Market (Vinh Long province)
Tra On Floating Market is situated where the Hau and Mang Thit rivers meet, making it the last floating market along the Hau River. The market comes alive in the early hours, often around 2:00 am. There’s an extensive range of fruits and seasonal agricultural products available, including longan, durian, dragon fruit, mango, rambutan, etc.
Location: At the convergence of the Hau and Mang Thit rivers, Vinh Long province
Opening Hours: From 2:00 am daily