The floating markets of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam are not just exciting attractions but also a vibrant testament to the region's unique culture. These bustling markets, set against the backdrop of interconnected rivers and canals, have been thriving centers of trade for hundreds of years. Vendors on boats laden with fruits, vegetables, local crafts, and even hot meals engage in lively commerce, creating a colorful and dynamic scene. 

Tourists flock to these markets, particularly in the early morning hours when activity peaks, to witness the quintessential Vietnamese river life. Each market, from Cai Rang to Tra On, offers a glimpse into the daily rhythms of local communities and showcases the rich agricultural bounty of the Delta. For those willing to venture out before dawn, the experience promises an unforgettable dive into the heart of Vietnam's floating market culture.

About the Floating Markets in Mekong Delta 

Floating markets are a distinctive cultural feature of the riverine areas of the Mekong Delta. The market convenes on the river, with hundreds of boats, canoes, and small vessels. To know where the vendors and products come from, just look at the side of the boat, which has the province name abbreviated. For example, a boat with "TG" comes from Tien Giang. Floating markets operate all day but are most bustling in the morning. The boats are loaded with all kinds of goods, primarily fruits.

The shops or boats typically do not have signs; instead, they display the goods they sell on poles, called a "cây bẹo", at the front of their boat to hang samples of the produce they want to sell. For instance, if they sell oranges, they hang a few oranges; if they sell sugarcanes, they put up a bunch of sugarcanes; you get the idea. With this unique marketing method, buyers from afar can easily see what is available.

Although people "hang what they sell" via the poles, there are three exceptions:

"What is hung but not sold?" Clothing. Vendors live and conduct daily activities on their boats, so they often hang their clothes to dry on the boat, making this "product" not for sale.

"What is sold but not hung?" Food and drink. 

"Hanging one thing but selling another?" You might see a few boats hanging coconut leaves but the vendors are actually selling the boats themselves.

The floating markets have been spontaneously operating from the past to the present, without strict administrative management or tax collection. The floating markets arose naturally from long-term river traders, local farmers, and small local traders.

Top 5 Floating Markets in the Mekong Delta?

Cai Rang Floating Market

Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the largest and most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta, located about 6 kilometers from Can Tho City. Known for its diverse range of fruits and vegetables from the Mekong Delta, the market offers an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of local traders and the vibrant riverine culture of the region. The market operates every day, starting early in the morning around 4:30 AM; it's the most bustling between 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM, and activities start winding down by 9:00 AM​.

The most popular way to get to Cai Rang Floating Market is by taking a boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf in Can Tho. Boat tours are readily available and usually take about 30-45 minutes to reach the market. Many local tour operators offer organized tours that include transportation, a guided experience, and sometimes breakfast on the boat. You can also take a taxi or hire a motorbike and then hire a small boat to reach the market. A boat ride costs around 100,000 VND/person.

Cai Be Floating Market

Cai Be Floating Market, located in the Mekong Delta's Tien Giang Province, is less crowded than its counterpart, Cai Rang. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, sample fresh produce, and explore nearby attractions such as coconut candy factories, traditional workshops, and lush fruit orchards. 

The best time to visit Cai Be Floating Market is early in the morning, typically between 5:30 AM and 8:00 AM. This is when the market is most active, with a plethora of boats filled with fruits, vegetables, and other goods.

Cai Be is about 112 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City and about 70 km north of Can Tho. You can get there by motorbike, local bus, or private car or on an organized tour. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

Once you arrive in Cai Be, you can take a boat from the station to explore the floating market and other attractions in the area. Boat tours are available, with shared boat tickets costing between 40,000 and 80,000 VND per person, and private boats available for around 600,000 VND per boat​.

Tra On Floating Market 

Tra On Floating Market is located downstream on the Hau River, about 250 meters from the Tra On estuary. It is considered a wholesale market because it gathers and sells a wide variety of agricultural products such as purple yams, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, Tan Thanh oranges, Luc Si Thanh durians, and more.

In addition, a dish considered a "specialty" of the market is “bún bò miền Tây” served with banana blossoms. So when you visit, don't forget to try this unique Western-style beef noodle soup.

Long Xuyen Floating Market 

Long Xuyen Floating Market is situated on the Hau River, in My Phuoc ward, Long Xuyen city, An Giang province. Since it is not heavily commercialized, this market is not as bustling as other floating markets in the Mekong Delta.

Long Xuyen Floating Market is busiest in the morning, primarily selling vegetables, melons, pumpkins, cabbages, and famous An Giang dishes such as fish noodle soup, bánh da lợn (chewy pandan layered cakes), and bánh tằm bì (rice noodle dish with coconut milk). The local people live and trade on their boats year-round, so they consider them their home.

Nga Bay Floating Market 

Nga Bay Floating Market is one of the most famous and oldest floating markets in the Mekong Delta. The market is located about 75 km from Hau Giang center and 35 km from Can Tho. The name of the market, “Nga Bay,” came from the fact that it’s located at a confluence where seven rivers meet.

Nga Bay Floating Market typically sells vegetables, household items, handicrafts, Southern dishes, and an abundance of fruits such as rambutans, mangosteens, and durians. Additionally, you can find unusual “products” like snakes, geckos, birds, squirrels, and turtles.

=> 5 reasons to travel the Mekong Delta in Vietnam