1. The 7 most famous floating markets in Vietnam

Explore the floating markets of Vietnam, where bustling waterways, vibrant trade, and rich cultural traditions come together to create an unforgettable experience of the Mekong Delta's unique way of life.

1.1. Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho)

Cai Rang Floating Market is the largest and busiest floating market in Vietnam, showcasing the vibrant river-trading culture of the Mekong Delta. Every morning, hundreds of boats gather to trade fresh produce, creating a lively and colorful scene unique to this region.

Best time to visit: 05:00 AM - 06:00 AM.

Location: Downstream of Can Tho River, 46 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ninh Kieu District.

How to get to the floating market: From the city center, go to Ninh Kieu Wharf and take a boat ride to Cai Rang floating market.

Cai Rang Floating Market is where traders buy and sell fruit and vegetables in bulk, creating a dynamic and bustling atmosphere. Beyond trading, the market is also a paradise for food lovers. Each boat at the Cai Rang floating market specializes in selling a specific dish. When wandering through the market, you will see many boats filled with delicious tropical fruits drifting along the river. There are also boats selling food and beverages allowing tourists to savor the authentic flavors of the region right on the water.

Cai Rang Floating Market is a major wholesale hub in the Mekong Delta

Cai Rang Floating Market enchants tourists with its picturesque river scenery and unique cuisine

Especially, drifting along the waters of Cai Rang Floating Market, Di Hai’s small boat carries the rich flavors of the Mekong Delta. Her simple yet flavorful bowl of hu tieu captivated Gordon Ramsay, leaving him with an unforgettable memory of its delicate broth, chewy noodles, and finely balanced ingredients.

That story followed him to MasterChef, where contestants were challenged to recreate the dish that had left a lasting impression on the renowned chef

1.2. Phong Dien Floating Market (Can Tho)

Phong Dien Floating Market is situated on Provincial Road 923 in Nhon Loc Hamlet, Nhon Ai Commune, Phong Dien District, Can Tho City. It is approximately 17 kilometers Southeast of the city center. The market embodies deep-rooted traditions, reflecting the slow-paced lifestyle of the Mekong Delta region.

Best Time to Visit: 5:30 AM - 6:30 AM, when the market is most active.

Location: Provincial Road 923, Nhon Loc Hamlet, Nhon Ai Commune, Phong Dien District.

How to get to the floating market: From the city center, take 30/4 Street, turn left at the roundabout onto 3/2 Street. Cross Cai Rang Bridge and follow Provincial Road 923 for 15km. Alternatively, you can take a boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf for a more scenic journey.

Phong Dien Floating Market is a less crowded and more traditional alternative to Cai Rang, making it ideal for visitors looking to experience the authentic charm of the Mekong Delta. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere where traders sell fresh, delicious fruits and agricultural products directly from their farms to boats, allowing visitors to engage closely with local farmers. Many of Can Tho's specialties are also sold on small boats, offering tourists a delightful experience with the riverine community.

Local farmers and traders exchange goods in a relaxed setting

The delicious specialties of the river region are always irresistible to visitors

1.3. Long Xuyen Floating Market (An Giang)

Located on the Hau River, just about 2km from the center of Long Xuyen City, Long Xuyen Floating Market has become a must-visit destination for tourists exploring An Giang. This floating market is known for its authentic and local atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit: Around 06:00 AM.

Location: O Moi ferry station, Phan Huy Chu Street, My Long ward, Long Xuyen City.

How to get to the floating market: From 2km away from the city center, head to O Moi ferry and take a boat to the Long Xuyen floating market.

Long Xuyen Floating Market typically has around 100 boats, creating a more peaceful and intimate atmosphere, that is precisely what makes it unique and charming. This market mainly sells agricultural products in bulk according to the season, therefore, the prices are quite affordable.

Additionally, tourists can enjoy a traditional "floating" breakfast just like the locals with delicious dishes such as “bun rieu”, “bun ca” and “banh tam”. To complete the experience, sip on a cup of coffee while gently rocking with the waves, embracing the tranquil rhythm of river life.

Long Xuyen Floating Market is a less touristy destination, offering an authentic local vibe unlike the more commercialized markets in the Mekong Delta

When visiting the floating market in the morning, be sure to try a nutritious and traditional breakfast

1.4. Cai Be Floating Market (Tien Giang)

Cai Be Floating Market is located in Cai Be Town, Tien Giang Province, approximately 45 kilometers west of My Tho city center. This market offers a distinctive cultural experience and provides tourists with a diverse and lively shopping experience.

Best Time to Visit: 05:00 AM - 06:00 AM, when boats are actively trading.

Location: Cai Be Wharf, Cai Be Town, Cai Be District.

How to get to the floating market: From My Tho city center, follow Provincial Road 864 along the Tien River to An Ninh Wharf, then rent a boat to Cai Be Floating Market.

Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, the market is a paradise for fresh tropical fruits like durian, rambutan and mango, etc. All are sold directly from boats, creating a lively and colorful scene on the water.

A truly unique experience unfolds during the Mid-Year Festival when Cai Be Floating Market bursts into life with its one-of-a-kind mud bath celebration. From 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, as the water recedes, both locals and tourists eagerly immerse themselves in the joy of mud bathing, turning the riverbank into a playground of laughter and tradition.

Cai Be Floating Market is a unique blend of floating and land-based trading

1.5. Tra On Floating Market (Vinh Long)

Tra On Floating Market is located just about 250 meters from Vam Tra On. It is the last floating market on the Hau River before it flows into the sea.

Best Time to Visit: 05:00 AM - 06:00 AM.

Location: An Thanh Hamlet, Luc Si Thanh Commune, Tra On District.

How to get to the floating market: From Vinh Long city center, follow National Highway 1A to Binh Minh Town. Then, turn onto National Highway 54 and continue for about 10km.

What makes this market unique is that it operates according to the tide. As the water rises, numerous boats gather, creating a bustling scene of trade and commerce along a stretch of more than 300 meters on the Hau River. Tra On Floating Market is renowned for its fresh, high-quality produce, ensuring the best selection of fruits and vegetables.

Each boat contributes to a diverse culinary world, offering everything from quick to prepare options like grilled “banh mi” and crispy “banh xeo” to more elaborate meals such as fish hotpot and fresh squid hotpot. All dishes are made from fresh ingredients, ensuring hygiene and food safety.

Tra On Floating Market is famous for abundant seasonal produce

A steaming hot bowl of bun rieu on the boat is an unforgettable experience

1.6. Nga Bay Floating Market (Hau Giang)

Nga Bay Floating Market is also known as Phung Hiep Floating Market. Located about 75km from Hau Giang’s center and 35km from Can Tho, the market is uniquely situated at the intersection of seven rivers, creating a bustling and vibrant trading hub.

Best Time to Visit: 06:00 AM - 09:00 AM.

Location: Dai Thanh Commune, Nga Bay City.

How to get to the floating market: Go straight on National Highway 1A to Provincial Road 925. Then, turn left at Cau Trang Market onto National Highway 1, follow Hung Vuong Street.

The name of this floating market in Vietnamese means "the meeting point of seven small rivers." Nga Bay Floating Market is a diverse marketplace from fresh vegetables and household items to beautifully crafted handicrafts and local delicacies. The market is particularly famous for its abundance of tropical fruits. What makes Nga Bay truly unique is its selection of exotic items such as snakes, geckos, birds, squirrels and softshell turtles.

Nga Bay Floating Market offers a wide range of goods

The dishes at the floating market captivate food lovers

1.7. Ca Mau Floating Market (Ca Mau)

Located at the end of the Ganh Hao River, about 200 meters from Ganh Hao Bridge and 4 kilometers from the heart of Ca Mau City. Ca Mau Floating Market is a vibrant trading hub showcasing the unique river-based commerce of the Mekong Delta.

Best Time to Visit: Around 04:00 AM, when the sky is still dim and the sun has not yet risen.

Location: At the end of the Ganh Hao River, Ward 8, Ca Mau City.

How to get to the floating market: From the city center, take National Highway 1A to the City Monument roundabout, turn left onto Hung Vuong Street. Then turn right onto An Duong Vuong Street.

The market is particularly famous for its fresh tropical fruits, including nipa palm fruit, mango, rambutan, longan, and mangosteen, which are sold directly from boats. One of its most unique features is the sale of Ca Mau’s traditional reed mats (chieu rong), a well-known handicraft that reflects the region’s cultural heritage. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the authentic charm of river trade by shopping directly from boats and exploring the market aboard canoes or sampans, making for a truly memorable experience.

Ca Mau Floating Market is a bustling hub of activity, where traders sell everything from food and daily necessities to a wide range of local agricultural products

2. TOP 8 fascinating facts about floating market

Floating markets in the Mekong Delta have played a crucial role in connecting communities for centuries. These markets are places for trade and vibrant witnesses to the rich history and enduring spirit of the local people, reflecting the resilience and way of life of the delta’s inhabitants. Here are 8 fascinating fact about this river-bound land:

The Mekong Delta is known for its lively waterways bustling with boats daily

2.1. Floating Markets Have Been Around or Centuries

Emerging in the 18th and 19th centuries, floating markets became the lifeblood of the Mekong Delta, where rivers once wove pathways for trade and connection. Before roads and bridges shaped the land, boats carried goods, people, and livelihoods across vast waterways. Over time, the expansion of roads, highways, and modern transportation systems has led to the decline of many traditional floating markets. However, despite these changes, several key markets continue to thrive, maintaining their role as essential trade hubs.

Floating market in Vietnam still possesses its own special cultural features of the people in the Southwestern river area

2.2. Bamboo Poles Are Used As Floating Billboards

In the bustling floating markets of Vietnam, vendors have developed a simple yet ingenious way to advertise their products. They use tall bamboo poles, known as cay beo. Instead of shouting to attract customers, sellers hang samples of their goods on these poles, allowing buyers to easily identify what each boat is selling from a distance.

A boat laden with mangoes will let a golden fruit dangle from its bamboo pole, while another selling coconuts will suspend a coconut for all to see. This simple yet effective method allows shoppers to identify vendors effortlessly, eliminating the need for shouting from a distance. By preserving the tranquil ambiance of the river, “cay beo” is a testament to the quiet ingenuity of those who call the water their home.

Cay beo is a unique billboards of the floating markets

2.3. The Markets Start Before Sunrise

Floating markets come to life before the sun fully awakens, with boats gathering as early as 04:00 AM. By 05:00 to 07:00 AM, the river is at its busiest, laden with fruits, vegetables, and the hum of trade. At dawn, the floating market awakens with the gentle hum of boats and the crisp morning air, making trade a delight. Vendors and restaurant owners secure the freshest produce from farms.

As the sun climbs higher, the market slowly dissolves, leaving only ripples dancing on the water. For those seeking its true essence, the magic of the floating market can only be found in the first light of day.

The best time to visit the floating market is early in the morning

2.4. No Two Floating Markets Sell The Same Goods

No two floating markets in Vietnam are exactly alike - each one reflects the agricultural specialties and cultural traditions of its region. Travelers exploring these vibrant waterways will find a diverse array of goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. If you're looking to explore more of diverse shopping culture, Ba Mien Asian Market is a hidden gem. Just like the floating markets of Vietnam, this market offers a variety of goods from different Asian cultures.

• Cai Rang (Can Tho): The largest and busiest floating market, specializing in wholesale fruits and vegetables.
• Phong Dien (Can Tho): A more traditional, less crowded market, known for handmade goods and fresh local delicacies.
• Cai Be (Tien Giang): A charming blend of floating and land-based trade, offering tropical fruits and traditional handicrafts.
• Long Xuyen (An Giang): A hidden gem catering mainly to locals, selling everyday essentials in a non-touristy setting.
• Tra On (Vinh Long): This market is quite famous for its high-quality seafood and fresh produce.

Each floating market tells a different story, offering visitors a chance to experience the rich flavors and traditions of the floating market Mekong Delta in a truly unique way.

Every floating market Vietnam has its own tale, offering a unique glimpse into the Mekong Delta

2.5. Floating Markets Double As Floating Food Courts

Floating markets in Vietnam offer more than just trade, they are also a paradise for food enthusiasts. As boats drift along the river, vendors prepare and serve steaming bowls of traditional dishes, creating a unique floating food court in the heart of the waterways.

Visitors can enjoy a bowl of:

• Hu tieu (rice noodle soup): A light yet flavorful noodle soup with a clear broth, topped with pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs.
• Bun rieu (crab noodle soup): A tangy tomato-based noodle soup with crab paste, tofu, and fresh vegetables, offering a rich and savory taste.
• Banh mi (Vietnamese bread): A crispy French-style baguette filled with meats, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee): Strong Vietnamese coffee brewed with a drip filter, mixed with sweetened condensed milk, and served over ice for a bold yet creamy taste.
• Bun mam (Fermented fish noodle soup): A rich and aromatic noodle soup made with fermented lady carp fish or gourami fish broth, served with rice vermicelli, seafood, pork, and fresh herbs, creating a bold and deeply savory flavor.
• Bun thit xao (Stir-fried pork noodle bowl): A flavorful dish featuring soft rice vermicelli topped with marinated stir-fried pork, fresh vegetables, and crushed peanuts, all drizzled with a tangy fish sauce dressing for a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and refreshing flavors.

At these floating markets, food is not just a meal, it’s an experience, blending the flavors of the Mekong Delta with the charm of life on the water.

A delicious bowl of bun mam with its irresistible flavors is an unforgettable experience when visiting the floating market in Vietnam

To round off your market exploration, Binh Tay Market: a Bustling Cultural and Culinary Icon in the Heart of Saigon’s Chinatown is a must-see, too. Known for its culinary delights and rich cultural offerings, this market offers a mix of traditional Vietnamese food, spices, and local handicrafts. If you're wondering what to do in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, this is it.

2.6. Experience Floating Market By Boat Is Fascinating

Visiting a floating market is an unforgettable experience, offering a unique glimpse into the daily lives of local traders. The best way to explore these vibrant markets is by boat, allowing you to navigate through the busy waterways, interact with vendors, and enjoy the lively atmosphere up close.

Boat Tour Options:

• Group Tours (~USD 5 - USD 10 per person): Ideal for budget travelers, group tours are affordable but may follow a fixed schedule with limited flexibility. These tours usually last about 1 - 2 hours, covering the main sections of the market.
• Private Tours (~USD 20 - USD 30 per boat): A great option for those seeking a more personalized experience. Private tours allow you to explore at your own pace, visit less crowded areas, and take more time to enjoy the market’s sights, sounds, and flavors.

Group tour is ideal for budget travelers, since affordable but may follow a fixed schedule with limited flexibility

Travel Tips for Visitors:

• Arrive early: The floating market is most lively before sunrise, usually starting around 5:00 AM. Arriving early ensures you witness the busiest trading hours and capture stunning morning views.
• Bring cash: Since most vendors are small-scale traders, they only accept cash payments. Carrying small bills makes transactions easier.
• Try local street food: Don’t miss out on delicious dishes such as noodle soup, grilled seafood, fresh tropical fruits, and Vietnamese coffee, all served directly from boats.
• Be respectful: Keep in mind that floating markets are essential for local trade, not just tourist attractions. Avoid blocking boat traffic, ask for permission before taking photos, and support local vendors by purchasing their goods.

Remember to ask for permission before taking photos

2.7. Floating Markets Are Disappearing

As modern infrastructure grows, floating markets are steadily declining. Bridges, highways, and modern retail spaces make land-based trade more convenient, drawing vendors and shoppers away. Younger generations also seek stable city jobs, reducing the number of boat traders.

Despite this, the famous markets like Cái Răng remain vibrant tourist attractions, helping preserve Vietnam’s rich river-trading heritage. By supporting these markets, travelers help sustain a unique tradition that has shaped the livelihoods of many generations.

As modern infrastructure grows, floating markets are steadily declining

Visiting the floating market in Vietnam is a fantastic way to experience the authentic culture and daily life in the Mekong River Delta of Southwestern. Each floating market Ho Chi Minh has its own unique appeal, offering a chance to savor local specialties, explore regional crafts and witness the enduring river-based lifestyle of the locals. After experiencing the colorful floating markets, don’t miss out on visiting An Dong Market . While the floating markets offer a river-side experience, An Dong Market lets you explore Saigon’s urban hustle and bustle, giving you a well-rounded view of the city’s vibrant marketplaces.

Planning to explore the floating market in Vietnam? Begin your journey with Vietnam Airlines, renowned for its 4-star service and exceptional comfort. With meticulous attention to detail, the airline ensures a seamless experience from takeoff to landing. Its extensive network connects Vietnam to over 1,000 destinations worldwide, making travel more convenient than ever. For additional travel tips, in-depth guides on must-visit attractions and local food recommendations, check out The official website of Vietnam Airlines and explore our expertly curated travel insights.