Top 5 Most Unique Floating Markets in The West of Vietnam In Vietnam, market is a place for exchanging and trading and is also a place for sophisticated cultural convergence of each region. Being more special than usual markets, we must mention floating markets located in the West. Activities of buyers and sellers are done entirely on the river by means of canoes or boats. The products range from fresh vegetables and agricultural products to handicrafts. There are many international visitors who come here to experience the unique type and to explore the Western way of life and people: Go to Long Xuyen province to explore the still-primitive floating market, visit Soc Trang to listen to nostalgia songs with a bold western character and visit Tra On to enjoy Bun bo with banana flower.
The Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho city People of this market meet at Cai Rang River, the largest floating market in the West. It is about 6 kilometers from downtown of Can Tho city. From the city center to Ninh Kieu wharf, then moving by waterway will come to this market. From early morning, Cai Rang market was busy and bustling with sellers and buyers. So you should go a little early and calculate the time to arrive in time when the market is the most fun. The market sells all items to meet people’s lives. However, what makes the market stand out from other floating markets is that it sells popular fruits of southern lands such as: Lai Vung Mandarine, Nam Roi grapefruit, Cai Mon durian, ‌ Cai Rang cuisine is also loved by people who have the opportunity to visit. With many interesting dishes, especially Hu Tieu is known to the whole world.
Image: Gordon Ramsay – The world famous chef is enjoying Hu Tieu at Cai Rang market in Vietnam Coming to Cai Rang floating market, visitors will enjoy the natural scenery of the river and watch the dawn beautiful as an art masterpiece. Because of that, the tooth market has many times become an inspiration in poetry and art which has the beauty of Tay Do.
Image: Silk shawl with motif of The Cai Rang floating market of Nhasilk brand
The Cai Be floating market in Tien Giang province The Cai Be floating market can be considered the second largest market after the Cai Rang market. The market is located in Cai Be district, Tien Giang province. Visitors can go to the market with a variety of vehicles from passenger cars, cars, motorbikes … Try the Cai Rang market by motorbike because it will bring an interesting and unforgettable experience! Today, due to the need of local people, Cai Be floating market in Tien Giang not only trades fruits and agricultural products: fruits, agricultural products, seafood, household items … but also delicious dishes such as Banh uot, Hu tieu, Chao long, Banh canh, Bun gio …
Photo: Cai Be Market always crowded and bustling As the other floating markets, in order to see the beauty of the Cai Be floating market, you should visit at the early morning because when dawn just rises, it is also the time of the busy and bustling Cai Be market. If you go in the afternoon, you should go around 4:00 p.m, just to avoid the bright sunlight and have moments of watching the sunset.
The Long Xuyen floating market in An Giang province This market is essentially a local market, established based on the needs of the people of An Giang region. Therefore, the Long Xuyen floating market also retains the pristine beauty of Floating Market in the West. If you are someone who loves the rustic and peaceful beauty of the West, then this destination is the perfect choice for you. The items at the Long Xuyen floating market are not too diverse, but still enough to meet the needs of local people. The special feature of this market is that people are warm and friendly, the price is very affordable so you don’t need to bargain.
Photo: A cargo canoe – at Long Xuyen floating market
The Nga Nam floating market in Soc Trang city About 60 kilomtres from Soc Trang city center, river culture is clearly shown by the floating market called Nga Nam. The name “Nga Nam” began in the French colonial period, when the French dug the canal of Phung Hiep highway. Many people have gathered here where the exchange and trade activities take place. Gradually this place became the busiest trading place in the South region so far.
The market is the intersection of five rivers following the paths, including Ca Mau, Vinh Quoi, Long My, Thanh Tri and Phung Hiep. This is one of the oldest and busiest floating markets in the Mekong Delta.
Image: The Nga Nam floating market is crowded from early morning to late evening The Nga Nam floating market does not seem to rest at all. From the early morning, the market was crowded with buyers and sellers along with cheers. In addition to the title of a famous wholesale market with a variety of products, you will be able to enjoy Western dishes such as Bun nuoc, porridge, Hu tieu, coffee ‌ on the semi-portable boats. In addition, you can observe the life of the indigenous inhabitants. The life here often makes those who first came to the West River to be curious.
The Nga Bay floating market in Hau Giang province Established in 1915, the Nga Bay Floating Market, also known as Phung Hiep Market, is the busiest market in the Mekong Delta. This is the convergence of 7 rivers: Cai Con, Bung Tau, Mang Ca, Soc Trang, Lai Hieu, Xeo Mon and Xeo Dong. The Nga Bay floating market is a market with all kinds of goods and agricultural products, they both
sell wholesale and retail. Agricultural products are gathered here and sold throughout the country and abroad.
Photo: The Nga Bay floating market is both wholesale and retail People in the Mekong Delta have been accustomed to floating on the water since the past because it has a complex system of rivers. These have created a long-standing characteristic culture in life and living, especially perhaps the Nga Bay market. Because of that, this place has a special attraction for international and domestic tourists.