The Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the most vibrant and unique experiences in the Mekong Delta, offering you a glimpse into Vietnam’s traditional river trade. Located near Can Tho, this bustling market is a feast for the senses, filled with colorful boats, fresh produce, and local delicacies.
What is the Cai Rang floating market?
The Cai Rang Floating Market, about six kilometers from Can Tho, is the largest and most famous floating market in the Mekong Delta. It takes around 30 minutes by boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf in Can Tho to reach this lively hub of river commerce.
This market began over a century ago as a vital trading post, taking advantage of the dense network of waterways in the region. Farmers, orchard owners, and local producers would load their goods directly onto boats to trade with wholesalers who distributed them across the Mekong Delta and even to Ho Chi Minh City.
Despite modern infrastructure and the increasing use of road transportation, the Cai Rang Floating Market continues to thrive as a significant trading hub. Every day, hundreds of boats gather to sell locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other goods, creating a vibrant scene. The market has also become a popular destination for travelers, even earning a feature in a cooking show by the renowned chef Gordon Ramsay.
What can you see in the Cai Rang floating market?
The bustling trade scene
As you approach the Cai Rang Floating Market by boat, you’ll see a fascinating maze of boats anchored in the river, functioning as floating market stalls. Smaller boats weave through the gaps, docking briefly to trade goods. The scene is a lively mix of negotiation, laughter, and the rhythmic transfer of fresh produce from one boat to another. It’s a rare and captivating way to witness commerce, unlike anywhere else in the world.
Regional products
The market is a treasure trove of local produce, with boats brimming with fruits and vegetables sourced from nearby orchards and farms. The Mekong Delta is known as Vietnam’s fruit bowl, so you’ll find an incredible variety, from familiar fruits like bananas and mangoes to more exotic ones like durian, dragon fruit, mangosteen, and rambutan. You may even spot specialties like star apples and sapodilla that you might not have encountered before.
In addition to fresh produce, some boats sell processed goods, such as coconut candies, dried fish, or the ever-popular fish sauce. A unique detail of the market is the high poles attached to many boats, displaying the products being sold, making it easier to spot what you’re looking for from a distance.
Food
Since the market opens early in the morning, several “floating restaurants” serve delicious breakfast dishes to traders and travelers alike. These small sampan boats glide through the market, offering traditional dishes like pho, hu tieu (pork noodles), or com tam (broken rice). Meals are not only tasty but also very affordable, typically costing around 25,000 VND (about 1 euro). Pair it with a strong Vietnamese coffee for the perfect start to your day.
Even celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has praised the food at Cai Rang Floating Market, declaring the broth of a noodle dish he tasted there as one of the best he’s ever had. His enthusiasm for the market even led him to feature it as part of a challenge in his show, MasterChef US.
When to visit Cai Rang Floating Market?
Best time of year
The Cai Rang Floating Market can be visited year-round, thanks to the Mekong Delta’s mild climate. However, there are slight variations between the dry and rainy seasons that might influence your experience.
- Dry season (November to April): This is the most popular time to visit, with pleasant weather and a wider variety of freshly harvested fruits. However, it can get quite hot later in the morning.
- Rainy season (May to October): While occasional rains may occur, this season is typically quieter with fewer travelers, offering a more peaceful experience. Just bring a raincoat in case of a morning shower.
Best time of day
The market operates all day, but the best time to visit is early in the morning, ideally between 5:00 and 8:00. This is when trade is at its peak, with boats actively buying and selling goods. The early hours also allow you to enjoy breakfast at one of the floating restaurants and avoid the midday heat. By mid-morning, many traders begin packing up, and the vibrant activity slows down.
How do you get to Cai Rang floating market?
By yourself
The Cai Rang Floating Market is located near Can Tho, one of the largest cities in the Mekong Delta. To get there, you first need to travel to Can Tho, which is well-connected by various transportation options:
- From Ho Chi Minh City: Several bus companies offer frequent connections, with a journey time of around 3–4 hours.
- By flight: Can Tho has its own airport, with domestic flights from major cities like Hanoi and Da Nang, making it convenient for those traveling from farther distances.
Once in Can Tho, you can hire a boat at Ninh Kieu Wharf to reach the market. The boat ride takes approximately 30 minutes, and early departures are recommended for the best experience.
Per tour
Many travelers prefer joining a guided tour to explore the Cai Rang Floating Market. These tours often include transportation from Ho Chi Minh City or other nearby locations and can be a hassle-free way to experience the market and surrounding attractions.
If you’re interested in visiting Cai Rang as part of a tour, it’s best to opt for at least a two-day tour to fully explore the area and its cultural highlights.
Tips for visiting
1. Opening times
Although Cai Rang Floating Market is technically open all day, the best time to visit is early in the morning, between 5:00 and 8:00. During these hours, the market is at its liveliest, with the most boats, bustling trade, and the opportunity to enjoy a fresh breakfast on the river. Additionally, mornings are cooler, making it more comfortable to explore.
2. What to bring
Prepare for a morning on the water with these essentials:
- Sunscreen: The sun gets stronger as the morning progresses.
- Water and snacks: Staying hydrated is important, and having a light snack on hand can be helpful.
- Cash: Small bills are ideal for buying fruit or breakfast at the floating restaurants.
3. Where to stay
For an early start, plan to stay in or near Can Tho the night before. While Can Tho itself has plenty of accommodation options, staying in the countryside offers a quieter and more authentic experience. Many rural accommodations have easy boat access to the floating market, allowing you to combine a peaceful stay with convenience.
4. Boat tour
Maximize your visit by combining the Cai Rang Floating Market with a tour of the surrounding waterways. Stop by the smaller Phong Dien Floating Market before it closes at 6:30 am for a more intimate experience, then explore narrow canals, fruit orchards, and local workshops. A boat tour offers a deeper connection to the Mekong Delta’s culture.
5. What next?
Beyond the market, Can Tho and the surrounding region have plenty to explore. Activities like cycling through villages, bird-watching in national parks, and visiting local pagodas can easily fill a day or two, making it worth extending your stay.
Alternatives to Cai Rang floating market
While Cai Rang is the largest and most famous floating market in the Mekong Delta, there are several other options if you’re looking for a different or quieter experience:
1. Phong Dien Floating Market
Located near Cai Rang, Phong Dien is a smaller and more local market. It operates from around 5:00 to 6:30 am, making it ideal for an early visit before heading to Cai Rang. Its intimate atmosphere offers a glimpse into the daily lives of local traders without the larger crowds.
2. Cai Be Floating Market
Situated closer to Ho Chi Minh City, Cai Be Floating Market is a popular option for those on a day trip. Although it’s smaller and less active than Cai Rang, Cai Be still provides an interesting experience, especially if you have limited time to explore the Mekong Delta.
3. Long Xuyen Floating Market
Located in An Giang Province, Long Xuyen is far from the tourist trail, offering the most authentic and local atmosphere among the floating markets. Here, you’ll find fewer travelers and a stronger focus on everyday trade.
4. Tra On Floating Market
Just north of Can Tho in Vinh Long Province, Tra On Floating Market is another excellent choice. While smaller, it retains a lively charm and features a mix of wholesale and local trading activities.
Each market offers its own unique experience, whether it’s the bustling activity of Cai Rang or the quieter, more traditional feel of smaller markets like Long Xuyen or Phong Dien.
