Cai Rang Floating Market, a unique cultural icon of the Mekong Delta, is always an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists. Are you planning a trip to explore this special market? Don’t miss this article sharing detailed Cai Rang Floating Market travel tips below to have a complete and memorable journey!
Cai Rang Floating Market is not only a place for trade and commerce but also a part of Can Tho’s soul, where you can clearly feel the rhythm of life and culture of the Mekong Delta people. Let’s explore the interesting things and pocket useful tips to make your trip smoother.
Best Time to Visit Cai Rang Floating Market
To fully experience the bustling atmosphere and unique beauty of Cai Rang Floating Market, you should come here around 5 am to 7 am. This is when the market is most vibrant, with hundreds of boats from everywhere flocking in, creating a lively picture on the water.
Sunrise over Cai Rang Floating Market
Sunrise over Cai Rang Floating Market, the ideal time to explore the unique beauty of the market.
Moreover, early morning is when the air is fresh and cool, very suitable for you to take a boat ride on the river and admire the beautiful sunrise. Avoid going on the full moon days or the first day of the lunar month because the market is usually less crowded than on normal days.
How to Get to Cai Rang Floating Market
There are two main ways for you to get to Cai Rang Floating Market:
From Ninh Kieu Wharf
Ninh Kieu Wharf is a famous tourist spot in Can Tho, about 6km away from Cai Rang Floating Market by river. You can easily rent a boat or ship at the wharf to get to the floating market.
- Rent a private boat: Suitable for groups of friends or families who want to have privacy and be proactive about time. Boat rental prices range from VND 300,000 – 500,000 depending on the size of the boat and rental time.
- Join a shared boat tour: More cost-effective, suitable for solo travelers or small groups. Shared boat tour tickets cost about VND 50,000 – 100,000/person.
Directions to Cai Rang Floating Market from Ninh Kieu Wharf
Map showing directions from Ninh Kieu Wharf to Cai Rang Floating Market.
From An Binh Market
An Binh Market is located near Cai Rang Bridge, about 5km from the center of Can Tho city. From An Binh Market, you can rent a small boat to get to the floating market at a more affordable price than renting a boat at Ninh Kieu Wharf.
- Rent a boat: Boat rental prices at An Binh Market range from VND 200,000 – 400,000 depending on the type of boat and rental time.
What’s Interesting About Cai Rang Floating Market?
Coming to Cai Rang Floating Market, you will immerse yourself in the bustling trading atmosphere and experience the following interesting things:
Explore Diverse Goods
Cai Rang Floating Market is a gathering place for hundreds of boats filled with all kinds of goods, from fresh fruits and vegetables of the Mekong Delta to local specialties, household items, and clothes. Each boat usually hangs a pole, on which hangs the items they sell, making it easy for buyers to recognize.
Goods on boats at Cai Rang Floating Market
Boats laden with goods create a vibrant floating market on the river.
Enjoy Riverine Cuisine
A must-try experience when coming to Cai Rang Floating Market is enjoying Mekong Delta specialties right on the boats. You can find here delicious dishes such as “hu tieu” (rice noodle soup), “bun rieu” (crab noodle soup), “bun thit nuong” (grilled pork vermicelli), “banh xeo” (crispy pancake), coffee, coconut water…
Having breakfast on a boat is a great experience at Cai Rang Floating Market.
Enjoying breakfast on a boat is a unique experience at Cai Rang Floating Market.
Learn About Local Culture
Cai Rang Floating Market is not only a place for buying and selling but also a place for cultural exchange of Mekong Delta people. You can chat with friendly vendors, learn about their lives and customs.
Important Notes When Visiting Cai Rang Floating Market
To have a safe and enjoyable trip, you should note the following:
- Bargain: Don’t be afraid to bargain when buying goods, especially when buying in large quantities.
- Maintain hygiene: Do not litter in the river, maintain general hygiene to protect the environment.
- Wear a life jacket: Always wear a life jacket when traveling by boat to ensure safety.
- Ask for prices before eating: Ask for prices before ordering food to avoid being “ripped off”.
- Prepare cash: You should bring cash because not all boats accept card payments.
- Protect personal belongings: Be careful to protect your phone, camera, and valuables to avoid falling into the river or being pickpocketed.
- Check the weather: Check the weather forecast before going to prepare appropriate clothing.
Suggested Itinerary for Visiting Cai Rang Floating Market
To enrich your trip, you can combine visiting Cai Rang Floating Market with other tourist destinations in Can Tho such as:
- My Khanh Tourist Village: Visit fruit gardens, watch folk games, and enjoy local cuisine.
- Fruit gardens: Explore lush fruit gardens such as durian gardens, mangosteen gardens, rambutan gardens…
- Ong Pagoda: An ancient pagoda with unique architecture.
- Binh Thuy Ancient House: An ancient house with distinctive French architecture.
Conclusion
Cai Rang Floating Market is a must-visit destination when traveling to Can Tho. With the Cai Rang Floating Market travel tips shared above, hopefully you will have a fun, memorable trip and discover many interesting things about the Mekong Delta culture. Plan your trip today and experience the wonderful things that Cai Rang Floating Market has to offer!