Floating markets are a unique and characteristic type of market in the Mekong Delta region that is not found anywhere else in Vietnam. Cai Rang Floating Market is also a typical, bustling market area, renowned for its distinctive culture of the Western rivers and waterways.
Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho will offer you a unique 1-0-2 experience, allowing you to admire the picturesque scenery of the floating market at dawn. Sitting on a boat, immersing yourself in the bustling atmosphere of early morning trade, and enjoying a bowl of “bun rieu” right on the boat will be truly wonderful.
1/ Experience of Visiting Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho:
- Location: Cai Rang Floating Market is situated on the Can Tho River, at 46 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City.
- Distance:
- From Ninh Kieu Wharf: about a 30-minute boat ride.
- From the city center of Can Tho: about 6km.
- From Ho Chi Minh City: about 170km to the southwest.
- Recognition: Cai Rang Floating Market was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2016. It originated in the early 20th century, primarily trading agricultural products, fruits, and specialties of the Mekong Delta region.
Historical Background:
Cai Rang Market was once the largest rice purchasing place in the West for overseas Chinese. For those who love exploration and want to learn about the culture of the Southern rivers and waterways, Cai Rang Floating Market is the ideal destination.
Formation of Cai Rang Floating Market:
The market is characterized by its location at the confluence of three rivers (branches of the Cai Rang River and the Hau River). This strategic location allows boats to easily anchor and move, and it is also close to a market on the shore and a large fruit orchard.
In the past, Cai Rang Market mainly traded agricultural products, and each boat specialized in selling a specific product. However, nowadays, the market has diversified its offerings to include food, household items, and essential items for river life.
2/ Ideal Time to Visit Cai Rang Floating Market:
- Opening Hours: Cai Rang Floating Market operates both day and night for local residents trading goods on the river. If you want to visit the market as a tourist, you can book a boat in advance and choose your preferred time of the day to explore.
- Best Time to Visit:
- Can Tho has distinct rainy and sunny seasons. The rainy season is from May to November, while the sunny season is from December to April of the following year. You can visit Cai Rang Floating Market during both seasons. If you love fruits, it’s advisable to visit during the sunny season (summer) when the Mekong Delta is abundant with fruits.
- Ideal Time of Day:
- Unlike markets on land, Cai Rang Floating Market and other floating markets in the Mekong Delta gather very early. The suitable time to visit Cai Rang Floating Market is around 4 am to 5 am. At this time, boats are starting to rush to the market. Visiting the market at this time allows you to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and witness the beautiful scene as the sun rises. By around 6 am, you can enjoy breakfast right on the boat, which is a beautiful experience.
- Additional Information: In the past, the market operated from 2 am to 3 am because it served as a wholesale market. This was the time when traders came to buy goods to sell in other places, so they had to start early. However, with the increase in tourism activities in Cai Rang, the market now starts from 5 am to 9 am to serve tourists.
3/ Boat Tour Ticket Prices for Cai Rang Floating Market:
There are various boat tour routes to Cai Rang Floating Market from Ninh Kieu Wharf, but the most popular one is the Ninh Kieu Wharf – Can Tho Bridge – fruit orchard – traditional rice noodle workshop, lasting about 4 hours.
The two most common methods for renting a boat are:
- Joining a group on a large boat.
- Private boat rental: Suitable for groups; large boats for groups or small boats for 1-3 people.
However, based on my travel experience in Can Tho for 3 days and 2 nights, I recommend renting a boat directly from Ninh Kieu Wharf. Renting a private boat is suitable if you have a large group to avoid depending on others and to reuse the boat at each stop. If you are traveling alone, you can join a group with prices ranging from $1.2 to $1.8 per person (depending on the number of people on the boat).
Boat Rental Prices:
- 1-7 passengers: $20.5/boat
- 8-15 passengers: $24.7/boat
- 16-30 passengers: $28.8/boat
- 31-40 passengers: $32.9/boat
- 40 passengers and above: $37.5/boat
Note: These are reference prices and may vary depending on the tourist season and your negotiation skills.
4/ What’s Interesting about Cai Rang Floating Market?
During the journey through Cai Rang Floating Market (with a tour duration of about 4 hours), you will experience various interesting activities and visit the following points of interest:
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- Explore the lively trading activities at the floating market.
- Have breakfast and enjoy delicious dishes on the boat.
- Indulge in a variety of fruits at the riverside orchard.
- Visit the traditional rice noodle workshop.
- Enjoy “Don ca tai tu” traditional music on the river.
Unique Features of Cai Rang Floating Market:
Cai Rang Floating Market offers a diverse range of products. Each boat sells a different item, from fresh and delicious fruits to essential household goods for daily life.
Due to the vast space of the floating market, the loud noise of waves, and the roar of engines, traditional methods of announcing goods like on land are not practical. Instead, items for sale are hung on a pole called “beo” so that buyers can easily identify the products they need from a distance.
The “4 hanging” method includes:
- Hanging what is being sold: The boat owner hangs the product they are selling on the “beo” pole. For example, if they are selling watermelons, they will hang a watermelon.
- Hanging but not selling: This includes clothes from many households living on boats.
- Not hanging but selling: Only small boats move around to serve customers with items such as noodles, rice noodles, coffee, bread with meat, etc.
- Hanging one thing but selling another: For example, when you see a leaf used for roofing hanging, it implies that they are selling their boat (hinting that the boat is like their house).
People trade goods between boats by tossing or passing items by hand. Immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Cai Rang Floating Market, you will see the resilience, friendliness, and adaptability of the locals living on the river.
Enjoy Delicious Breakfast on the Boat:
One of the highlights of the Cai Rang Floating Market experience is having breakfast on the boat. After exploring the market, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of “bun rieu” (a Vietnamese noodle soup with a tomato-based broth, crab, and pork) on the boat while watching the sunrise. This is a unique experience that allows you to savor traditional Vietnamese flavors in the midst of the Mekong Delta’s natural beauty.
The boat will stop at a tranquil location, and a local vendor will prepare and serve the breakfast on the boat. The combination of the fresh morning air, the soothing sound of the river, and the flavorsome “bun rieu” create a memorable dining experience.
Additional Tips for Visiting Cai Rang Floating Market:
Book in Advance: It’s advisable to book your boat tour in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak tourist seasons. This ensures that you have a spot on the boat and can choose a suitable time for your visit.
Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for a boat tour. It’s also recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Camera and Binoculars: Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the vibrant scenes of the floating market. Binoculars can also be handy for a closer view of the activities on the river.
Respect Local Customs: While exploring the market and interacting with locals, be respectful of their customs and practices. Avoid causing disruptions and maintain a friendly and open attitude.
Try Local Fruits: Take the opportunity to try fresh fruits from the Mekong Delta. Local vendors often offer a variety of fruits, and this can be a delightful part of your journey.
Enjoy Traditional Music: If your boat tour includes “Don ca tai tu” traditional music, immerse yourself in the melodious tunes and enjoy this unique cultural experience.
Explore Nearby Attractions: Extend your visit to explore other attractions in Can Tho, such as Ong Pagoda, Binh Thuy Ancient House, and the Can Tho Bridge.
Learn About Local Products: Visit the coconut candy and traditional rice noodle workshops to learn about the traditional methods of making these products. You may also have the opportunity to purchase some local specialties as souvenirs.
Choose a Responsible Tour Operator: Select a reputable and responsible tour operator that prioritizes the well-being of the environment and local communities. Responsible tourism ensures a positive impact on the destination.
Conclusion:
Visiting Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to witness the vibrant trading activities on the river, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and explore the cultural richness of the Mekong Delta. The early morning boat tour provides a front-row seat to the bustling market, and indulging in a bowl of “bun rieu” on the boat adds a delightful culinary dimension to your journey. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a food lover, or a culture seeker, Cai Rang Floating Market has something special to offer, making it a must-visit destination in the Mekong Delta.
