Among dozens of awesome destinations to explore in Vietnam, the Mekong Delta in proximity to Ho Chi Minh City is labeled as a charming land with the rich culture and tranquility you should not miss. Of course, there will be more than one thing to enjoy when you join a Mekong Delta trip, and experiencing the daily life of locals at some floating markets is supposed to be the most impressive point. To perfect your journey, read more the list of 4 must see floating markets in the Mekong Delta.
Cai Rang floating market
Cai Rang floating market in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Cai Rang in Can Tho city along with Phung Hiep and Cai Be is referred to as the must see floating market in the Mekong Delta. Why? It’s because this market is not only a spot where tourists can buy fresh fruits and many other local products, but it also demonstrates an outstanding feature of culture in the Delta region. In the early morning, taking the boat to Cai Be market will allow us to spot an animated picture of small and big boats packed with goods, locals busy with their work, and cool water. It’s surprising to see the trading takes place on the river. In addition to the activities at the floating market, sellers here will not need to cry their wares as their goods are hung on a long bamboo as samples in such a way that everyone can recognize it, which is supposed to be very interesting and just found in this kind of market of Vietnam.
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Cai Be floating market
Cai Be is one of the 4 must see floating markets in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Cai Be floating market is situated in the Tien river and belongs to Tien Giang province; it’s also next to Ben Tre and Vinh Long. Founded in the Nguyen Dynasty around 19th century, the market has been voted to become one of the must see floating markets in Mekong Delta as it carries exciting and basic qualities of the daily life in the water area. Similar to Cai Rang floating market, what distinguishes Cai Be from other normal markets is that all local products and specialties will be transported to trade by boats and rafts. To catch eyes of many customers, sellers will hang out samples on a long pole in front of the boat. The market’s logic arrangement in which there are 2 areas: selling and buying makes the customers’ exploration easier.
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Nga Bay floating market
Nga Bay floating market in the Mekong Delta
Nga Bay (means the meeting point of seven branches of river) is actually called Phung Hiep floating market. Ever wonder why it gains this name? Phung Hiep floating market is about 30 km south away from the Can Tho city’s center and placed at the meeting point of seven branches of river. As a result, people also refer to it as Nga Bay floating market. Like Cai Be and Cai Rang floating markets, Nga Bay is also the important trading place where lots of goods and products are transported to the northern area. Tourists will find and get diverse fresh fruits, specialties, and famous artworks, and especially the most special product of the market is snake (famous for snake wine). Here is the spot where the peaceful natural beauty and prominent features of culture may be explored.
Nga Nam floating market
Nga Nam floating market in the Mekong Delta
With a Mekong Delta tour, Nga Nam floating market should be listed in “must see floating markets in the Mekong Delta”. Taking a boat to this market, you will see it’s outstanding in plenty of beautiful colors: daisies, apricot flowers, peach flowers, watermelon, and others. Not different from other floating markets, Nga Nam is full of trading boats with samples hung on high poles which help everyone easily recognize. All busy activities and colored things contribute to the magnificent and gentle beauty of a corner of the Delta region.