Buzz
The British magazine Rough Guide has hailed the Cai Rang Floating Market as one of the world's greatest marketplaces for its uniqueness and friendliness.
Floating markets along the river are a distinctive feature of the Western region, deeply rooted in the cultural activities of the local people. Most provinces in the Western region have these markets with similar operating methods, but the diversity in goods is most notable in the three main markets: Cai Rang Market (Can Tho), Cai Be Market (Tien Giang), and Phung Hiep Market (Hau Giang).
Despite being situated on the river, the floating markets have almost every item imaginable, from fruits to aquatic products, poultry, and even fabrics, shoes, needles... Even eateries are part of the floating market scene. Visitors can enjoy rustic breakfasts like coconut leaf cake or a steaming bowl of noodle soup, sip on a morning coffee, or even buy a few lottery tickets.
Within just about a mile-wide river, hundreds of boats weave in and out, creating a bustling sight. The boats maneuver skillfully through each other, rarely resulting in accidents.
Seeing tourists raise their cameras to capture the moment, vendors not only don't shy away but also beam with genuine smiles and sometimes strike poses with adorable gestures.
Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the top three largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta, is always bustling with buyers and sellers. On regular days, the market operates from 3 am to 9 am, extending its hours nearing Tet. At Cai Rang Floating Market, visitors not only indulge in boats laden with fruits and agricultural products but also savor various local delicacies such as hu tieu noodles, coffee, and floating eateries redolent of the Tây Đô region.
You'll also be impressed by the unique marketing technique here - 'what's for sale, hang it up!' Locals hang their merchandise on a long pole called a 'bẹo tree' so that visitors can spot them from afar.
The allure of the floating market lies in preserving and showcasing the distinctive characteristics of the river region and the freshness of its products. Beyond preserving the cultural beauty of the riverside area, today, the floating market serves as a captivating tourist destination, especially for foreigners keen on exploration and immersion.
The Mekong Delta's floating markets attract a considerable number of visitors. According to statistics, Cai Rang Floating Market alone welcomes approximately 300-500 visitors per day, doubling during the days leading up to Tet.
While similar floating markets exist in neighboring countries like Cambodia or Thailand, Vietnamese floating markets remain a fascinating destination for tourists. It's not just the diverse array of products showcased amidst the vast sea of boats but also the simple, cheerful, and genuine lifestyle of the people in the Southern riverside region.
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Source: Travel Guide by Mytour – As reported by VTV News
MytourApril 5, 2016
