(TITC) – The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam has long been known as a fertile land blessed with an intricate network of rivers and canals, where the culture of life on the water has flourished for centuries. Among its many unique cultural features, Cai Rang Floating Market, located in Can Tho city, stands out as a vibrant symbol of the region. More than just a marketplace, it is a fascinating destination that reflects the distinctive riverine lifestyle while offering visitors an unforgettable cultural and ecological experience.
A bustling “supermarket on the river”
Photo: TITC
Cai Rang Floating Market lies about six kilometers from downtown Can Tho, along National Highway 1A, and only a 30-minute boat ride from the Ninh Kieu Wharf. It is one of the largest and most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta, with a history stretching back hundreds of years. The market emerged naturally from the daily trading needs of local people at a time when road transportation was underdeveloped and waterways were the main means of travel. From that need grew a unique “supermarket on the river,” where boats became both shops and transport vehicles.
The first impression for newcomers is breathtaking: hundreds of boats of all sizes gathering in one place, creating a colorful and animated picture of life on the water. The market is busiest in the early morning, usually from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m., when traders begin their day of business. Boats are piled high with fruits, vegetables, and regional specialties, forming a floating market that is rustic yet irresistibly charming.
The unique culture of “cây bẹo”
Photo: TITC
One of the most fascinating features of Cai Rang Floating Market is the use of cây bẹo – long poles erected at the front of each boat. Goods for sale are hung on these poles, so buyers can easily recognize what each vendor is offering without the need for loud bargaining cries. From mangoes, watermelons, pineapples, rambutans, and guavas, to vegetables and daily necessities, everything is displayed in this simple but ingenious way. The practice reflects the creativity and practicality of people living in a river-based economy, making the market a distinctive cultural attraction.
Breakfast on the water
In addition to agricultural produce, the floating market also offers a wide variety of breakfast dishes served directly from small boats. Visitors can enjoy steaming bowls of hủ tiếu (noodle soup), bún riêu (crab noodle soup), fresh coffee, or soft drinks while seated on a gently rocking boat surrounded by the lively sounds of engines, waves, and cheerful voices. To have breakfast in the middle of a floating market is to savor not only the food but also the atmosphere – a truly memorable experience for every traveler.
From commerce to cultural heritage
Today, with the rapid development of road transport, the commercial role of Cai Rang Floating Market is no longer as vital as in the past. However, its cultural and tourism value has only grown stronger. The market has become a must-see destination for both domestic and international visitors who wish to experience the authentic rhythm of life in the Mekong Delta. It is not merely a trading place but also a living space that preserves the cultural identity of the river region and demonstrates the hardworking, hospitable, and sincere nature of the southern Vietnamese people.
Experiences beyond the market
Photo: TITC
Cai Rang Floating Market is often combined with a variety of cultural and experiential tourism activities. Travelers can take part in boat rides through smaller canals, learn how traditional hủ tiếu noodles are made, visit lush fruit orchards, listen to đờn ca tài tử (a form of southern folk music recognized by UNESCO), or explore local handicraft villages. These experiences provide deeper insights into the lifestyle and traditions of the Mekong Delta while contributing to the preservation and sustainable development of floating markets as an invaluable form of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage.
A living museum of river culture
With its rustic charm and vibrant energy, Cai Rang Floating Market is more than a place of trade. It is a “living museum” of river culture in southern Vietnam, where every boat, every fruit, and every bowl of noodle soup tells a story about the past and present of this fertile land. Visitors to Cai Rang not only witness the hustle and bustle of commerce on water but also feel the generosity, warmth, and free-spirited character of the people of the Mekong Delta.
For those who wish to experience the essence of Vietnam’s riverine culture, Cai Rang Floating Market is a destination not to be missed. Here, amidst the flow of boats and the scent of fresh fruits, travelers will discover the beauty of a lifestyle that is simple, vibrant, and deeply connected to nature.
Tourism Information Technology Center
