Top 5 attractive floating markets in Vietnam

Phung Hiep floating market (Hau Giang province)

Phung Hiep floating market, also called Nga Bay, is the most unique market of this type in the Mekong Delta.

In the market, buyers and sellers bargain noisily on boats which are filled with seafood, agricultural products, housewares, and even snakes, turtles, squirrels, and lizards.

There are foods and drinks on small boats twist and turn to serve hungry sellers and buyers.

Cai Rang floating market (Can Tho province)

Cai Rang floating market, about 6km from Can Tho City, is the most famous and biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta, which starts around 05:00 and runs until mid-day.

From early morning, the waterway becomes a maze of hundreds of boats packed with fruits, vegetables, plants, and foods. Sellers hang a sample of the goods on sale on top of a long pole so that buyers can see from a distance.

The main items are farm products and specialties of Cai Rang Town, ChauThanh District and neighbouring areas.

Cai Be Floating Market (Tien Giang province)

Cai Be is a biggest wholesale market in the region, which was formed in the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century.

The Cai Be Floating Market is always busy, bearing all the characteristics of the locals’ life in the western region. All the goods are transported to the market by boats.

The floating market lies on the Tien River, adjacent to three provinces of TienGiang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre.
Approximately 400 to 500 boats filled with fruits, vegetables, and other products are anchored along the rive banks. Boats also operate like “taxis,” very convenient for tourists.

Miet Thu floating market (Kien Giang province)

The floating market in Miet Thu, with its system of entangled rivers and canals is a sight to see.

The locals in Miet Thu mainly use canoe and wooden boat as transportation means which are also their shelter.

A floating market meets on the river’s intersections where larger boats become houses to sell goods, mainly farm produce and food. Meanwhile, smaller boats drift along the canal to supply necessities to households living far from the market.

Long Xuyen floating market (An Giang province)

Although Long Xuyen floating market is not as famous as others in the southern region, tourists will still feel the generosity of southerners.

Along the banks are different landscapes. Beautiful houses are situated on one side while paddy fields and houses on stilts are on the other. The river becomes more and more bustling, especially at the river mouth.

Boats selling the same agro-product items are tied together in groups. Some boats sell fuel and offer mechanical repair services.