An unbelievable trip to Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho

• Introduction to Cai Rang Floating Market, Can Tho

Appearing over a century ago, the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho is deemed one of the oldest cultural sites in the Mekong Delta and plays a predominant role in the exchange of products. It has continued to grow with special characteristics despite the development of road traffic networks. The highlights of this floating market are colored boats carrying a variety of goods such as fruits, vegetables, local dishes, and specialties, creating an energetic atmosphere.

The market offers tourists unique experiences, including Southern amateur music- which was registered by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, local food and drinks. It has also been chosen by the travel website Youramazingplaces as one of the top five floating marketplaces in Asia, especially in Vietnam Culture Tours. Let’s explore this site with Vietnam Private Tours.

• The best time to discover the Cai Rang floating market

The ideal time to come is between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. as the market is at its busiest and most active with hundreds of boats gathered early to exchange products. Perhaps the most recognizable aspect of the floating market is the bamboo pole known as “Cây Bẹo”, where the sellers hang their goods to invite customers. A picture of undulating waves, locals, and sunrise leaves an unforgettable moment for every tourist during Can Tho Tours.

• The best way to reach Cai Rang Floating Market

• From Da Nang, Hanoi capital or cities in the Northern area

The flight’s duration will depend on your actual location in Vietnam. If your departure is from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, it lasts approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes to reach Can Tho Airport (VCA). When tourists travel from Da Nang City, it may take 1 hour and 30 minutes to sit on the plane. After landing at the Can Tho Airport and completing the procedures in sequence, a taxi driver will approach and take you to the lodging that is reserved in advance. Can Tho Tour Packages can be a good choice to take care of all transportation services for your trip.

• From Ho Chi Minh Tours City (Approximately 170 kilometers)

The route from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho offers tourists some choices of transportation such as bus, taxi, or private car with a 4-hour duration. Unfortunately, trains and planes are not operated on this path at the current time.

Another vehicle with less preference is a motorbike as it may be dangerous for first-time visitors and the riders have to carry the driver’s license along the way. If you prefer an adventurous experience during the Vietnam trip, contact Vietnam Private Tours to complete some procedures needed for the journey by motorbike.

• Two main options for Cai Rang Market

Tourists possess two choices for the adventure to Cai Rang Floating Market: traveling by themselves and booking Can Tho Tour Packages or Can Tho Tours on the Vietnam Private Tours website.

If a detailed itinerary is prepared in advance, tourists can travel flexibly on their own to explore these attractions. However, if you are still getting familiar with Vietnam tourism, a traveling agency should be recommended to save your time and money and optimize your experience.

• Best things to do and see in Cai Rang Floating Market

• Unique shopping experience

Located on the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang Floating Market possesses a special shopping style where customers buy products directly from the boats based on the long bamboo poles hanging their goods. The sounds of people’s voices and waterways create a bustling and vibrant atmosphere, which instills an energetic feeling into the visitors who first come to Vietnam. Embarking on this trip not only aims to make a purchase in the market but also to immerse yourself in the local culture and daily activities of Vietnamese people. Therefore, you should hire a tour guide to practice unique activities such as haggling and bargaining which is intriguing but rare in the standard shopping spots.

Regarding some souvenirs and handicrafts that tourists may buy as presents, they also are supplied with a wide range of artisan textiles, hand-carved wood, and handmade furniture, which reflect our rich cultural heritage to international visitors.

• Relax with Southern amateur music (Don Ca Tai Tu) – a highlight in Vietnam Cultural Tours

While boating on the serene water of this delta, a soothing melody of Don Ca Tai Tu may captivate your attention and tourists are welcome to participate in the local performance. Then the performers can share how to play the instruments and some Vietnamese lyrics that provide an interactive experience and a deeper understanding of this style. Unlike other traditional music, Southern amateur music allows musicians to express their emotions and creativity at the same time so each performance is special with a personal touch and mood at the present moment.

In terms of history and characteristics, Southern amateur music (Don Ca Tai Tu), honored by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is a kind of music from the daily life of people who lived in the Mekong Delta. It was considered as a free-flowing and improvisational nature created by a combination of traditional Vietnamese instruments, including the moon-shaped lute, two-stringed fiddle, sixteen-stringed zither, pear-shaped lute, percussion, monochord and bamboo flute in the 19th century.

• Explore local food and drinks in a unique setting 

If you are a foodie, Cai Rang Floating Market seems to be your paradise with delectable dishes served quickly by the cooks prepared in the “floating kitchen” on the boats. One of the must-try foods is Hu Tieu which is a savory noodle soup made of pork and seafood. Another one is Bun Rieu cooked with tomato-based broth, crab, herbs, and tofu, creating a delicious flavor of traditional Vietnamese noodle dishes.

After enjoying the local cuisine on the floating boat, some locals may serve tourists a variety of refreshing drinks such as coconut water, tropical fruit smoothies, and juices to quench their thirst. All the experiences are quite different from Ho Chi Minh Tours because of its cultural uniqueness. Relax and enjoy!

• Recommended tips for visiting Cai Rang Floating Market

• Start early: Unlike the Ho Chi Minh Tour Packages, the ideal time to visit Cai Rang Market is early in the morning from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. to experience the vibrant atmosphere. If you start before sunrise, you will be captivated by the sun rising slowly from the water’s surface and the reflection of sunbeams creating a sparkling river.

• Employ a local tour guide: Visiting a new destination may be a challenge to many people so a local tour guide will help you avoid the crowded area, interact with vendors, and introduce the market’s history and culture. That will be great if you have a guide from Ho Chi Minh Tour Packages to these Mekong Delta Tours.
• Bargain: Price negotiation is a popular and funny way to interact with the locals, which makes your trip more memorable but don’t forget to respect and be fair.

• Dress clothes appropriately: When visiting an area located in the tropical climate zone, tourists must wear comfortable outfits, non-slip footwear, and some accessories such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreens.

When booking the Mekong Delta Tours, the Cai Rang Floating Market is deemed a must-visit destination with various activities such as experiencing unique shopping styles, enjoying Southern amateur music (Don Ca Tai Tu), and savoring special cuisine. If you dig into boating longer, the Mekong River Cruises can become a good choice. Hopefully, the article will help you to come up with your plan in the Southern area of Vietnam, spending time on this market would never let you down. Travel and enjoy!