6 Unique Floating Markets in the Southwest of Vietnam (Part One)

Going to Long Xuyen to discover the pristine floating market, going to to Tra to enjoy beef noodle with banana inflorescense or going to Soc Trang to listen to the Vọng Cổ (kind of traditional music, which means thinking of the past) are the attractions which urge the tourists to visit Western Vietnam

Following is the list of six unique floating markets of the West you should explore if you have a chance to go to Mekong region.

1. Nga Bay Floating Market- Hau Giang Province

Nga Bay Floating Market, also known as Phung Hiep floating market, which now belongs to Nga Bay district, was formed in 1915. It has been a famous market of Hau Giang province, and is the site of the trading activities, exchange goods of people in Mekong delta. Additionally, this is also an attractive destination of the tourists.

Nga Bay Floating Market- the charm of the river hick girl

Visitors will be immersed in the endless color of fruits, vegetables, domestic appliances of the river region. Especially, there are the bright red of rambutan, mangosteen, and the flavor of durian. Each boat only sells one type of fruit or item; therefore, it will be hung on a long pole, often called “bẹo tree” as a way of advertising.

If tourists have opportunities to come here, they should try sitting in a boat a enjoy a shaking cup of coffee, listening to the sweet Vọng cổ and watch the women in loose- fitting blouse (kind of shirt used by South Vietnamese people) trading interestingly in the boats

2.  Nga Nam Floating Market- Soc Trang Province

Nga Nam is the name of the famous market in Nga Nam District, Soc Trang province. It locates in the intersection of five rivers: Ca Mau, Vinh Quoi, Long My, Thanh Tri and Phung Hiep. This is quite a long-standing and also the most bustling floating market in Mekong Delta.

Unlike other floating markets, Nga Nam floating market is opened at 3 am, and is busier at 5, but it is closed at about 8h am. Despite standing in a distance, you'll see many kinds of vegetables including cabbages, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlics, chili .. dangled in the poles.

With about 10,000-20,000 VND, visitors can seat in a boat and see the panoramic view of the market.

It can be said that Nga Nam floating market sells most of the products of Mekong Delta, from the famous kinds of rice of the West granary, fruits and vegetables of Southern hick to shrimps, crabs, fish, and typical products of the wetland. The market is crowded with the offer of the merchants, the migratory floating shops such as porridge, noodles, fish noodles, coffee ... which serve the all needs of the visitors.

3. Cai Rang Floating market- Can Tho Province

As a famous floating market of Tay Do, Cai Rang has attracted many tourists when they have chance to visit Can Tho. Only about 4 km from Ninh Kieu wharf, it takes tourists about 30 minutes to set a journey from Ninh Kieu wharf to Cai Rang floating market.

Cai Rang Floating market is a special destination in Can Tho

The market starts at 5 am, and becomes very crowded at 6. The special feature of this market is the sale of famous fruits in southern land from Vinh Long pomelos to Lai Vung mandarins, or Cai Mon durians ...

Like other floating markets, people would hang goods and products thay sell on the poles so that tourists can see and buy. Here, visitors will be immersed with nature, river; float in the boat in the early morning, enjoy the sunrise and feel the unique bustle of floating markets.

Tags : Vietnam Destinations | Indochina Travel packages | Vietnam Cambodia Tours | Mekong Vietnam tours