Nga Nam Floating Market, a distinctive cultural symbol of the Mekong Delta, offers a unique riverside shopping experience and a bustling atmosphere in the early morning. When visiting Soc Trang, you cannot miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind floating market, where boats bustle with goods and the genuine calls of local vendors echo across the river. Nga Nam Floating Market promises to be an unforgettable destination in your journey to explore the Mekong Delta region.
Introduction to Nga Nam Floating Market
Where is Nga Nam Floating Market?
Location: Nga Nam Town, Thanh Tri District, Soc Trang Province
Nga Nam Floating Market is located at the intersection of five major rivers, in Nga Nam town, Soc Trang province. This unique location not only gives the market its special name but also makes it a crucial trading center of the region. From Nga Nam, boats can easily disperse to neighboring localities, connecting Soc Trang with other provinces in the Mekong Delta. Nga Nam Floating Market is not only a bustling trading place but also an attractive tourist destination, drawing crowds of visitors to explore the unique floating market culture of the Mekong Delta.
Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang is located in the center, at the intersection of five major rivers
History of Nga Nam Floating Market
Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang dates back to the French colonial period, closely linked to the reclamation and development of the Southern region. The name “Nga Nam” (Five-way Intersection) appeared when the French excavated the Quan Lo Phung Hiep canal, which intersected with the Xang Xeo Chinh canal, creating a five-way river junction leading to Ca Mau, Vinh Quoi, Long My, Thanh Tri, and Phung Hiep. From then on, Nga Nam Floating Market gradually formed and developed, becoming a gathering point for agricultural and seafood products of the region. This place is not only a trading center but also a historical witness, marking the ups and downs of Soc Trang through different periods. To this day, Nga Nam Floating Market still retains its cultural and economic value, being a must-visit destination when traveling to Soc Trang.
Bustling trading atmosphere at Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang every early morning
Directions to Nga Nam Floating Market
To get to Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang, you can choose from various means of transportation depending on your starting point and personal preferences.
Getting to Soc Trang from Ho Chi Minh City
If departing from Ho Chi Minh City, bus is the most common and convenient means of transportation. You can easily buy bus tickets to Soc Trang at Mien Tay Bus Station. Reputable bus operators such as Phuong Trang, Mai Linh, Kim Hoang… all have routes from Saigon to Soc Trang with ticket prices ranging from 160,000 to 200,000 VND per person, and the journey takes about 5 hours.
For tourists who love freedom and exploration, motorbikes or self-driving cars are also ideal options. From Ho Chi Minh City, travel along National Highway 1A towards the Mekong Delta, cross Can Tho Bridge, then turn left and drive another 67km to reach Soc Trang city.
Getting to Nga Nam Floating Market from Soc Trang City
From the center of Soc Trang city, continue for about 60km along National Highway 1A to Phu Loc town, Thanh Tri district. Here, turn right onto National Highway 61B and drive another 24km to reach Nga Nam Floating Market. The route is quite easy; you can use Google Maps or ask local people for detailed directions.
Once you arrive at the floating market, to fully explore its beauty and bustling atmosphere, you should rent a boat. Boat rental services are always available to serve tourists at reasonable prices. You can rent a private boat for a group of friends or family (usually carrying 3-6 people) or join a group to save costs.
Renting a boat to explore Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang is an unmissable experience
Best Time to Visit Nga Nam Floating Market
Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang is most bustling in the early morning, from about 3:00 AM to 9:00-10:00 AM. This is when boats from all over converge at the market, bringing all kinds of goods, creating a typical bustling and lively trading scene. The period from 5:00 to 6:00 AM is when the market is most crowded and vibrant, as the dawn just breaks, shining down on the river, blending with the bustling sounds of the market, creating a lively and colorful picture.
On regular days, Nga Nam Floating Market has about 200 boats of all sizes operating. However, during holidays, especially the days leading up to Lunar New Year, the number of boats can double or even triple, making the market atmosphere even more vibrant and bustling. If you want to experience the most brilliant and distinctive atmosphere of Nga Nam Floating Market, visit in the early morning or during holidays.
Discovering the Uniqueness of Nga Nam Floating Market
Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang is not only a trading place but also a place that vividly reflects the river culture of the Mekong Delta. Coming here, you will immerse yourself in a lively space, feel the sincerity and hospitality of the Mekong Delta people, and discover the unique things only found at Nga Nam Floating Market.
Unique River Trading Culture
Nga Nam Floating Market is the main trading hub for people in Soc Trang and surrounding areas. Local people bring to the market their regional specialties such as fruits, agricultural products, and seafood to sell to traders and consumers. Conversely, small traders also bring to the market all kinds of essential goods such as clothes, shoes, household items, and food to serve the needs of local people.
The unique feature of Nga Nam Floating Market is the distinctive form of trading on the river. Boats dock close together, buyers and sellers trade directly on the boats, creating a very special and lively market space. To attract customers from afar, each boat often hangs a “beo tree” (a tall bamboo pole) at the bow, on which they hang the items they sell. This is a unique and effective form of advertising, helping buyers easily recognize and find the items they need.
Unique river trading culture at Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang
Enjoying Food on Bobbing Boats
When visiting Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang, you not only experience the unique shopping atmosphere but also have the opportunity to enjoy delicious breakfasts right on the boats. The floating market has many boats selling food and drinks, catering to the diverse culinary needs of tourists. You can easily find Mekong Delta specialties such as Hu Tieu (rice noodle soup), Bun Rieu (crab noodle soup), Bun Nuoc Leo (fish noodle soup), Com Tam (broken rice), Banh Canh (thick noodle soup)… along with refreshing drinks like coffee, sugarcane juice, and smoothies.
The feeling of floating on the river while enjoying hot, delicious food in the bustling atmosphere of the floating market will surely be an unforgettable culinary experience. However, when eating and drinking on a boat, you also need to be careful to avoid waves spilling your food or dropping it into the river.
Having breakfast on a boat is a thú vị experience at Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang
Enjoying Mekong Delta specialties at Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang
Shopping for Mekong Delta Souvenirs
Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang is also an ideal place to shop for unique Mekong Delta souvenirs to give to your loved ones and friends. At the market, you can find many specialty products of Soc Trang and the Mekong Delta such as Pia cake, Lap Xuong (Chinese sausage), dried fish, Mam (fermented fish sauce), and garden fruits.
However, the prices of goods at the floating market may be higher than in mainland markets. Therefore, if you want to buy souvenirs at a good price, you should check prices at different boats and bargain before buying. Or you can combine visiting the floating market and shopping for souvenirs at reputable specialty stores on the mainland for more choices and reasonable prices.
Renting a boat to explore Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang is an unmissable experience
Tips for Visiting Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang
To have a complete and enjoyable visit to Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang, you should note some of the following tips:
- Time: You should visit the floating market early in the morning, around 5:00-6:00 AM to best feel the bustling and lively atmosphere of the market.
- Transportation: Renting a boat to explore the floating market is the best choice. Boat rental prices vary depending on the number of people and rental time.
- Shopping: Bargain when buying goods at the floating market to get the best price.
- Eating and Drinking: Enjoying food on a boat is an interesting experience, but be careful to avoid waves spilling your food.
- Safety: Pay attention to safety when moving on boats, especially for children.
- Preparation: Bring hats, sunscreen, drinking water, and cash when going to the floating market.
Tips for visiting Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang in the early morning to feel the market atmosphere
Nga Nam Floating Market in Soc Trang is a unique and attractive tourist destination, imbued with the river culture of the Mekong Delta. If you have the opportunity to visit Soc Trang, do not miss the chance to explore Nga Nam Floating Market to experience unique riverside shopping, enjoy local cuisine, and feel the sincerity and hospitality of the Mekong Delta people.