Buzz
When visiting Can Tho for tourism, besides exploring famous landmarks of this region such as historical relics, century-old traditional houses, fruit orchards, experiencing the thrill of paddling on the river, canals, tourists also have the opportunity to visit unique floating markets to discover the distinctive trading culture only found in the Western river region.
3 renowned floating markets shaping Can Tho tourism
Phong Dien Floating Market
Contrary to Cai Rang floating market, Phong Dien market boasts its own distinctive features, creating unique charms that attract many tourists when embarking on a Can Tho tourism tour to experience the rich cultural aspects of the Mekong Delta people.
Located at the confluence of rivers, about 17 km from the city center of Can Tho, Phong Dien floating market is a major fruit trading hub of the Mekong Delta region. Like Cai Rang floating market, Phong Dien market starts bustling quite early, with the peak activity around 7-8 am and winding down after 9 am. Nevertheless, Phong Dien market continues to serve buyers with household items, tools, daily food and beverages until the afternoon, catering to the needs of customers.
Aside from trading agricultural products, Phong Dien floating market offers a wider variety of goods. From abundant fruits to household items, production tools, woven products, and miscellaneous goods both locally and internationally sourced. Moreover, visitors on domestic tourism tours can also witness fuel boats, general merchandise boats, mobile repair shops, and machinery repair shops open all day long, similar to markets on land, making Phong Dien floating market special and always evoking unique emotions for visitors at any time of the day.
Cai Rang Floating Market
An unmissable destination in Can Tho, Cai Rang floating market captivates visitors with its unique charm, specializing in trading various agricultural products and local fruits of the Mekong Delta region. Situated approximately 6km from the city center of Can Tho, Cai Rang floating market is near Cai Rang bridge. To reach this market, tourists should hire a boat at Ninh Kieu pier, which takes about 30 minutes to arrive at the market.
Upon arrival at Cai Rang market, the first thing visitors notice is the boats brimming with fresh and appealing agricultural products and fruits, warmly welcoming buyers. The atmosphere at the market is bustling, crowded, filled with laughter and chatter of buyers and sellers, resembling land-based markets.
Cai Rang floating market is the trading hub of Can Tho residents every early morning, starting from dawn and thinning out around 8-9 am. Therefore, tourists visiting Can Tho should arrive early to experience the bustling livelihood of the locals here.
Phung Hiep Floating Market
Phung Hiep floating market is a floating market located approximately 30km south of Can Tho city. Similar to other floating markets with the tradition of gathering in the early morning, Phung Hiep floating market is no exception. From the early hours of the morning, hundreds of boats from all over the area gather tightly along a stretch of river, bustling with buying, selling, and vibrant activity throughout the region.
In the past, Phung Hiep floating market, formerly known as Ngã Bảy floating market, was a comprehensive wholesale and retail market offering a diverse range of goods reflecting the distinctive colors of the Southern region. Travelers on a budget-friendly trip to Can Tho, when visiting Phung Hiep floating market, will be mesmerized by the myriad of colors of fruits, vegetables, and household items typical of the riverside region.
Especially when visiting Phung Hiep floating market, travelers can also take boat rides along small canals to explore simple, rustic villages or experience the warmth and friendliness of the Western people through the waving hands of cheerful children and their hospitable smiles.
