Cai Rang Floating Market is a unique and characteristic market of the Mekong Delta that nowhere else in Vietnam has. And this is also the typical, bustling, and most famous market for the western river culture.
The floating market is located on Can Tho River (part of Hau River), Cai Rang District – about 6 km away from the center of Can Tho City in the direction of Soc Trang, or around 45 minutes away from Ninh Kieu Quay by boat. Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho was formed in the early 20th century, mainly trading agricultural products, fruits and specialties of the Mekong Delta. It was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in June 2016. The UK’s Rough Guide selected Cai Rang Floating Market as one of the ten most impressive markets in the world, characterized by colorful boats selling tropical agricultural products. Cai Rang floating market is one of the most famous and biggest floating markets in the Mekong Delta. It is also a living museum of the southern traditional culture that has been fostered by the Mekong Delta’s interlacing waterway systems.
History of Cai Rang Floating Market
The name of this market has been existing for a long time, but its origin has not been clear. Legendarily, the name came from a big crocodile’s teeth which were plugged into the river’s bank. Thus, the land was called Cai Rang (means a tooth). Another theory mentioned in a book related to southern language, that Cai Rang has its origin from Khmer language – “karan” means a molded clay stove. Khmer people made a lot of “karan” and sold them everywhere in this land. Since then, local people pronounced “karan” into Cai Rang.
Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho has a common feature of Western floating markets as it is located at the confluence of 3 rivers (Cai Rang and Hau river branches). This position has a water level that is neither deep nor shallow so that boats can easily anchor and move. This place is also located near a market on the shore and a large fruit granary.
Best time to visit Cai Rang Floating Market
Completely different from the market on the mainland, Cai Rang floating market in particular, and other floating markets of the western provinces and cities are held since early morning. The ideal time is from 5 AM to 7 AM when hundreds of boats gathers to buy and sell goods in crowds. The most distinctive feature of the floating market is probably the bamboo pole called “Cay Beo” with a length of 3m – 5m. This is a unique way to advertise when all kinds of goods that they sell are hang on the top so buyers could see from distance.
Coming to the market at this time, you will not only be immersed in the lively atmosphere, bustling with buyers and sellers but also have the opportunity to admire the beautiful floating market picture at dawn. Arrive at the market center around 6 am, at this time you can have breakfast right on the boat.
Cai Rang Floating Market does not open in lunar festive days, such as the first and second days of the first lunar month, Doan Ngo Festival (the fifth day of the fifth lunar month).
Weather in Can Tho
Can Tho has 2 distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season starts from May – November, the dry season from December – April next year. You can visit the floating market in both seasons. Especially, if you go to the market in the summer, you can enjoy a variety of fresh fruits such as lychee, longan, durian, jackfruit, …
What’s interesting about Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho?
Busy trading scene: You’ll catch the bustling scene of merchants and watch skillful performances of merchants juggling fruit from boat to boat. Enjoy delicious delicacies sold on board full of fun.
Daily life of the locals: Immersed in the bustling atmosphere of the specialty market, you can observe and learn about the lives of many generations of families living on the boat. There are boats like “mobile apartments” on the river with flower pots, stuffed animals, and fully furnished such as TVs, and motorbikes parked on the boats. Boats are not only a means for people to trade and do business but also a place for people’s daily living.
Local products: As one of the main trading centers of the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang is a place where the locals sell and buy a wide range of products catering to their daily lives. Besides staple commodities, this is a famous location to find local products priced quite reasonably. You can find the freshest fruits harvested from nearby farms: durian, milk fruit, rambutan, mangosteen, grapefruit, etc., or even other processed specialties, such as fish sauce, coconut candy, or dried fish. You can buy it as a gift for your friends and family.
Foods & Drinks: You shouldn’t miss out on interesting eating experiences while visiting the floating market! Many floating restaurants open to serve breakfast for both sellers and shoppers. Here, you can find most local dishes, such as “com tam” (broken rice with grilled pork, egg), “pho”, “hu tieu”, “bun rieu” – some kinds of noodles that served with beef, pork and crab…
Cai Rang Floating Market is definitely a destination not to be missed with many fun activities and unique and interesting experiences for many domestic and foreign tourists. Head to Elephant Travel to experience the famous floating market
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