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Explore The 7 Popular Floating Markets in Vietnam

floating markets in Vietnam

The rich and vibrant culture of any country is one reason that draws several tourists to come and explore the country. For Vietnam, it is the distinctive Vietnamese culture made of an opulent history, delectable Vietnamese cuisine, ancient Vietnamese traditions and moreover the social behaviour of day-to-day life. As seen in many countries in the Indo-China region, one can see the common tradition of floating markets in Vietnam as well.

Vietnam is a tropical paradise with some of the most tranquil sceneries. Additionally, one can easily get a Vietnam Visa for Indians and even book Vietnam flight tickets online with great deals. Seal the deal for a trip to Vietnam with our exclusive Vietnam Tour Packages and it will be the best international trip experience for you.

When in Vietnam, the floating markets in Vietnam have to be on your list of attractions to visit in the country. These floating markets in Vietnam have been around for more than 100 years now and are an integral part of the lives of the locals to carry out their everyday trades. Especially, the Mekong Delta provides the perfect patchwork for some of Vietnam’s floating markets.

Here is a list of some of the best Floating Markets in Vietnam that you cannot miss:

1. Nga Bay Floating Market

Nga Bay – Phung Hiep Floating Market
Image Credit: Nhan Nguyen/YesVietnam

Opened in 1915, the Nga Bay Floating Market or the Phung Hiep Floating Market is one of the oldest floating markets in Vietnam. Each boat in the market sells only one product and they are displayed on a lateral bar erected out front. You can find goods ranging from vegetables, fruits and also animals like lizards, turtles, iguanas, snakes and birds.

If your hotel in Vietnam is in Ho Chi Minh City, you will have to reach Can Tho first and then hire a car or taxi to take you to Nga Bay. Once there, hire a boat to explore the markets and nearby attractions.

Timings: From 7 AM daily.

Read about The Best Floating Markets in Bangkok

2. Nga Nam Floating Market

Nga Nam Floating Market
Image Credit: Phuong D. Nguyen

Nga Nam translates to ‘five places’ as the market is situated at a confluence of five rivers. This also makes Nga Nam one of the busiest Mekong floating markets in Vietnam. The market sells almost all Mekong specialities and necessities like rice, vegetables, fresh fruit from orchards, shrimp, fish, crabs, frogs, and some boats even have household goods and electronics.

Take a shuttle bus to reach here from Cau Mau City. Rent a boat for as less as VND 25,000 to explore the market. The market works according to the agricultural schedule so visit at dawn.

Timings: 3 AM- 8 AM

3. Cai Rang Floating Market

Cai Rang Floating Market
Image Credit: Nguyen Quang Ngoc Tonkin

Because of its easy accessibility, the wholesale Cai Rang is quite busy and one of the most popular floating markets in Vietnam. The market is famous as it sells exotic fruits like Nam Roi Grapefruit, Coi Mon Durian, etc. Some boats also serve breakfast dishes as makeshift restaurants.

To reach here, take a bus to Can Tho. Take a private boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf to explore the market, plus it also has the best sunrise views.

Timings: From 5 AM daily.

4. Cai Be Floating Market

Cai Be Floating Market
Image Credit: SvanDW7

The Cai Be Floating Market, located on the Tien River, is quite popular among tourists for its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City. This market is important as it not only transports agricultural goods and sea foods from the Mekong floating markets to the rest of Vietnam. Due to more tourists here, there are more souvenir sellers rather than local traders here. Learn fishing, sample local cuisine or just take a stroll to explore the market.

Take a direct taxi to Cai Be or board a bus first to My Tho and then another to Cai Be to reach here.

Timings: From 6 AM daily.

5. Long Xuyen Floating Market

Long Xuyen Floating Market
Image Credit: Indochina Today

Out of all Vietnam’s floating markets, Long Xuyen is a hidden gem. Since it is not heavily commercialised, you will have an authentic rustic floating market experience. Fewer tourists also mean that the locals are excited to show around. They have fresh produce and also freshly cooked food like fish noodle soup and pigskin pieces.

Take a bus or taxi to Long Xuyen to easily reach the market.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM.

6. Tra On Floating Market

Located on the confluence of the Mang Thit and Hau rivers, the Tra On is one of the floating markets in Vietnam that has a distinct local scenery. You will be mesmerised by the colourful display of fresh fruits like mangoes, longans, rambutans, dragon fruits, durians and other vegetables. Be here as early as possible to see the merchants prepare their mobile shops.

To reach here, take a bus to Vinh Long and a bike taxi to the market.

Timings: From 2 AM daily, peaks at 5-6 AM.

7. Phong Dien Floating Market

Phong Dien Floating Market
Image Credit: LocHuynh

Unlike its sister, the Cai Rang floating market, the Phong Dien floating market is relatively less crowded. There are stand-up rowing boats than motorised ones that make a calmer atmosphere. One can also hear the chit-chat of vendors and their sales songs. This is quite an intimate experience of Vietnam’s floating markets.

You can easily reach here by Cai Rang. A trip to Cai Rang and Phong Dien can be combined as a half-day tour.

Timings: Peaks around 5 AM to 7 AM.

Done exploring the floating markets in Vietnam? There is also Vietnam floating village- Vung Vieng Village, which is an attractive tourist spot. So when you are in Vietnam do not forget to explore these unique locations in Vietnam.

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