Buzz
Embarking on a spontaneous journey after just thirty seconds of contemplation, I found myself on the Thành Bưởi bus heading to the dynamic city of Cần Thơ. It marked my first visit to this Cần Thơ tourist destination, also the initial experience of the Cái Răng Floating Market through the eyes of a curious, exploration-loving soul. Then, as if by destiny, I listened to life stories on the drifting boat, pulling along many fates in flux.
Can Tho - Transformations Beyond the Past
In Cần Thơ now, it appears surprisingly modern compared to many cities in the Mekong Delta, as you can easily catch a Grab taxi or motorbike to the city center. The life of the locals here resembles the flowing water at Ninh Kiều Wharf, always serene and tranquil, devoid of the heavy, bustling urban atmosphere. I spent a day exploring the city, capturing images of trees and walls, trying to grasp the essence of this place. Yet, every nook and cranny seemed reminiscent of Saigon, almost deceivingly so. The difference lies in the fact that the people of Cần Thơ know how to live, savoring each passing moment, unlike the hurried pace of Saigon.
An afternoon market journey with just a few boats tethered along the river, yet always brimming with agricultural delights.
Journey to Cái Răng
The next day, my quest to find Cái Răng Floating Market turned into a whirlwind. Misplacing money and personal documents left me in a morning panic. Fortunately, a charming stranger found them in the hotel lobby, bringing relief even though the sun was already scorching, signaling the market area had dispersed long ago. I consoled myself, thinking every adventure has its unique silver lining. Who knows, exploring the deserted floating market might reveal many fascinating undiscovered secrets?
Passenger boats ferrying visitors for a market tour at the pier.
Joining forces with a six-member family right at the boat dock, I could comfortably sit on the motorboat, leisurely admiring the riverine landscape. Cái Răng, the vanishing market, gradually unfolded. It was not as lively as I anticipated; instead, this atmosphere felt quite melancholic. No bustling crowd of sellers and buyers, no genuine smiles of the charming Mekong Delta women. This season, the floating market is a time of busy long-distance trade, falling agricultural prices, and fewer visits from tourists.
Forming a group with a family of six.
Our boat continued to gracefully glide on the calm river waves.
Due to the low tourist turnout during this season, the ladies on the boats seemed somewhat less enthusiastic.
Due to dropping prices of seasonal agricultural products, many locals are facing challenging times.
After a stretch along the river, a boat laden with fresh fruits approached us. Two women energetically pulled the ropes, moored the boat close, and began inviting us with sweet tunes reminiscent of sugarcane. The family seemed quite cheerful, enthusiastically discussing prices for each fresh and delicious item. Soon, everyone eagerly grabbed their selections, carrying baskets of fruits as gifts.
The lady selling tropical fruits, with a few sweet melodies resembling sugarcane, generously offered us a taste of the freshly peeled fruits.
Selling her traditional herbal tea, the lady sang a lonely song as there were no customers around, evoking a sense of melancholy.
Everyday life unfolds along the river for the locals.
The afternoon in Cai Rang seemed to pass as swiftly as a boat carrying a bowl of noodle soup through my life. However, as the evening approached, the lives of the people here became vivid on the rippling surface of the water. There were several small boats moored by the riverbank, starting to take out clothes for washing. A group of children gathered on the boat's roof, playing card games and children's games with each other. Meanwhile, there were also the tearful words of a family who had just lost several tons of colorful fruits due to falling prices. These stories form the melancholy canvas of the bustling Cai Rang floating market, donning a fresh hue at dawn but gradually revealing a touch of sadness as dusk descends. The fates of these people are intertwined with the water, and the rising tide shapes their lives, just as the boat sways in the unpredictable waves when it has no dock.
Evening is the time to hurry home with the cargo on the boat.
Although there are still plenty of fruits, the market's age-old charm has left the farmers disheartened.
Another day unfolds on the bustling Cai Rang floating market.
Locals wash clothes and hang them directly on the boat.
Goods brought by boats from distant places often don't sell out, so they have to anchor here for a few days to liquidate their merchandise.
Their lives are intricately connected to this floating market, whether they choose it or not.
The lives of many farmers are intertwined with the gently swaying water.
Boats anchored at the dock.
Concluding my journey through the tourist spot in Can Tho - Cai Rang, I leave with fond memories. Saying goodbye to the tranquil urban area, I rush back to Saigon to immerse myself in the current life, more hurried, more tired, and with fewer moments of silence...
Farewell to Cai Rang floating market, farewell to a memorable journey.
Author: Pham Ngoc Nhut
*Article participating in the Mytour Golocal program.
Mytour Golocal is a blogging program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam. It's a fantastic opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a contributor with Mytour. For more details on the program, visit: https://www.Mytour/en-vn/golocal
