Turn your device in landscape mode.
Book tickets

curent lang en

Log in
Book VinWonders tickets
Select a destination

Select a date
Adults
*Above 140cm
*Height from 140cm
Children
*от 80 см до 140 см
*Height from 100cm-140cm *Height from 80cm-140cm
Elders
*From 60 years old
*From 60 years old
Floating markets in Can Tho

Floating markets in Can Tho: Tips for a self-guided tour

25/01/2025 675 views
5/5 - (1 vote)

Floating markets in Can Tho are among the most iconic attractions in the Mekong Delta. These markets provide an unforgettable glimpse into the life of the locals and the region’s abundant produce.

1. Floating markets in Can Tho City

Floating markets in Can Tho are more than just places of trade, they are cultural hubs that bring together local vendors and visitors from all over the world. Here are the two markets that have long been integral to the region’s economy and culture.

1.1. Cai Rang Floating Market

Cai Rang Floating Market, located downstream of the Can Tho River and about 600 meters away from Cai Rang Bridge, is the largest and most bustling floating market in the Mekong Delta. Thanks to its prime location on the Hau River and the Xang Xa No Canal waterway, it serves as a vital trading center, connecting Can Tho with nearby provinces and the rest of the region.

Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho

The lively Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho (Source: Collected)

This floating market in Can Tho is a vibrant mosaic of colors, sounds, and scents. Here, vendors sell a wide array of goods. Agricultural products dominate, with fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants taking center stage. You will also find a variety of household goods such as pottery, cookware, and everyday essentials. For food enthusiasts, the market offers local delicacies, from fish and shrimp to fresh tropical fruits.

Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho typically opens before dawn and becomes the most vibrant between 5 AM and 8 AM. The boats are loaded with produce, the vendors call out their goods, and the scent of freshly cooked dishes fills the air. Visiting early not only allows you to witness the busiest hours but also gives you a chance to enjoy the picturesque sunrise over the river. You can also enjoy breakfast on a boat or capture Instagram-worthy photos of this one-of-a-kind marketplace.

1.2. Phong Dien Floating Market

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, Phong Dien Floating Market in Can Tho Vietnam offers an alternative to the bustle of Cai Rang Floating Market. Located on a small channel about 2 kilometers away from the Can Tho River, Phong Dien Floating Market is known for its laid-back atmosphere and picturesque surroundings.

Phong Dien Floating Market Can Tho

Phong Dien Floating Market Can Tho offers a great way to experience Vietnamese culture (Source: Collected)

Unlike Cai Rang, Phong Dien Floating Market in Can Tho remains less commercialized, offering visitors an authentic glimpse of daily life in the Mekong Delta. Here, the locals go about their trading undisturbed by tourist crowds. The vendors sell an assortment of goods, including fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious snacks.

The scenery at Phong Dien is just as charming. Surrounded by lush greenery, the floating market exudes a sense of calm, with the sound of water lapping against wooden boats replacing the constant hum of engines. 

To get to Phong Dien Floating Market in Can Tho, you can hire a boat from Cai Rang to navigate the river, passing through tranquil waterways dotted with sandboats, ferries, and fishermen casting their nets.

Explore other charming markets in Can Tho also!

2. Floating markets near Can Tho City

The appeal of floating markets extends beyond Can Tho City. A short journey will take you to two other fascinating floating markets in the Mekong Delta.

2.1. Tra On Floating Market in Vinh Long

Situated about 29 kilometers away from Can Tho, Tra On Floating Market is the last major market along the Hau River before it empties into the sea. This market is unique in that its activity aligns with the tide cycles. It is particularly lively during high tide, making it an intriguing stop for those curious about the rhythm of river life.

Tra On Floating Market near Can Tho

Weave through boats in small, traditional hand-rowed vessels (Source: Collected)

The main attractions of Tra On are its wholesale offerings of fresh produce. Farmers bring fruits like coconuts, bananas, pineapples, and pomelos straight from their orchards to sell in bulk. In addition, the visit to Tra On Floating Market wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local cuisine. The market is famed for delectable specialties such as lau ca (fish hotpot) and bun bo vien (beef ball noodle soup).

2.2. Long Xuyen Floating Market in An Giang

Located 60 kilometers away from Can Tho, Long Xuyen Floating Market offers a less touristy experience. Unlike the bustling floating markets in Can Tho, Long Xuyen Floating Market is smaller. It comes alive at dawn, when the vendors load their boats with goods ranging from fresh produce to ready-made meals.

Having breakfast here is a delightful experience. The small boats act as floating kitchens, serving steaming bowls of hu tieu (noodle soup) and banh canh (thick noodle soup). Visitors can interact with the locals, learn about their daily life, and observe the unique methods of trading on the water.

Long Xuyen Floating Market near Can Tho

Long Xuyen Floating Market is especially vibrant during the harvest season (Source: Collected)

Best-selling products

3. Essential tips for a self-guided Can Tho floating market tour

To make the most out of your trip to the floating markets in Can Tho, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Visit early in the morning, between 5 AM and 8 AM, when the floating markets in Can Tho are busiest. Summer (May – August) is especially lively since it coincides with the fruit harvest season.
  • The vendors use tall bamboo poles to display their goods, making it easy for buyers to spot the items from afar. Transactions are carried out directly between the boats.
  • Visitors can join motorboat tours (VND 60,000 – 100,000 per person) or rent a whole boat. For a more authentic experience, opt for a paddleboat tour with locals, which allows you to weave through the bustling market. The prices can be negotiated.
  • Bargaining should be done minimally to ensure the fairness and efficiency in the floating markets in Can Tho.
  • Always wear a life jacket and avoid resting your hands on the boat’s edges to prevent accidents.
  • Enhance your trip by visiting My Khanh Tourist Village or Can Tho’s fruit orchards, which are easily reachable by boat.

The floating markets in Can Tho and the surrounding areas are a testament to the rich heritage and enduring traditions of the Mekong Delta. From the bustling energy of Cai Rang to the serene beauty of Phong Dien, each market offers a unique experience that captures the heart and soul of local life on the water.

After exploring Can Tho, be sure to extend your adventure to other touristy destinations in Vietnam, such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Hoi An. In these destinations, you can unwind at the entertainment complexes of VinWonders, which offer a range of exciting attractions including coaster rides, cultural shows, and family-friendly activities.

Explore VinWonders Phu Quoc to the fullest

Discover traditional art at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

Whether you are seeking an adrenaline rush or a peaceful escape, VinWonders provides

 

Book VinWonders Phu Quoc ticket now

 

Book VinWonders Nha Trang ticket now

 

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

 

For those looking to indulge in luxury, the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl offer top-tier accommodations for a truly relaxing experience. At Vinpearl, guests can enjoy world-class amenities, beachfront views, serene spa treatments, and much more.

Best-selling products

Share news via:
  • Copy to clipboard
https://vinwonders.com/en/wonderpedia/news/floating-markets-in-can-tho/

Related Posts

Posts for you

[UPDATED] VinWonders – Grand World – Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc bus schedule 2025

20/08/2025 56.566 views

Vinpearl cable car: Location, features, tickets and more

26/06/2024 30.547 views

Han River Bridge: Discover an iconic symbol of Da Nang City

18/11/2025 29.219 views

Phu Quoc food & Phu Quoc restaurants strongly suggested for your trip

20/11/2025 26.668 views

Search

Featured offers

[Mega Sale 12.12] Get up to 50% off VinWonders on Double Day

[Mega Sale 12.12] Get up to 50% off VinWonders on Double Day

[Must-try] Unique dining experiences at VinWonders Phu Quoc / Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc

[Must-try] Unique dining experiences at VinWonders Phu Quoc / Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc

VinWonders Nha Trang entrance ticket: Special offers to enjoy your wonder trip

VinWonders Nha Trang entrance ticket: Special offers to enjoy your wonder trip

Tìm vé

Search history

Most popular

News & Experiences

Hue markets: The top 9 famous markets in Hue worth exploring 2025

Hue markets: The top 9 famous markets in Hue worth exploring 2025

Hue markets have a wide variety of goods for you to shop around. To discover the best that Hue markets have to offer, take a look at our list of 9 such vibrant hubs!

 03/12/2025
Hue pagodas: Top 13 famous and sacred pagodas you must visit

Hue pagodas: Top 13 famous and sacred pagodas you must visit

Visiting Hue pagodas is a must if you are looking for a cultural and spiritual journey. This article will recommend the top 13 famous and sacred Hue pagodas to immerse yourself in these cultural gems’ rich history and breathtaking architecture.

 03/12/2025