Cai Rang Floating Market

The photos they post on google and on their adverts are very outdated, so this is like “expectation” vs “reality” We went to the Cai Rang Floating Market to experience their so call “vibrant floating market” hoping we would see the same things as what we saw on google and on the tours advertisements. We took the private boat tour and even went there very early because they said that the market starts at 6am, and it’s better to come early because that is when the floating market are busier but i’ll let you be the judge, I have attached some photos for your reference. Nevertheless, the experience is still cool up to an extent Our tour includes a visit to the Cacao farm (but they ask for entrance fee at the farm whether you are in a tour or just walk-in) And a two more places along the Mekong Delta but it will always depend on your agreement with the tour agents

These days, the market isn’t as crowded or lively as it used to be. Most of it now is set up for tourists to experience local life. A private boat trip costs around 500k vnd. If you want to save money, you can join a shared boat, but usually need to wait until about 7 AM when enough people show up. It’s worth going early to catch the sunrise,the river view in the morning is peaceful and beautiful. Boats on the river sell quick bites like bun mam and hu tieu. You’ll also find boats selling fruit and handmade local crafts, pretty fun to check out! People here live on their boats and do everything from cooking to trading right there, it’s a unique lifestyle of the Mekong Delta. If you’re in Can Tho, this is definitely something you should experience!

Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Can Tho. We woke up early to enjoy a pleasant boat ride to the market. Although it now caters more to tourists than serving as a traditional market, it was still enjoyable to see a part of the traditional lifestyle in the Mekong Delta, where people sell food and fruit directly from their boats.

Probably more tourist boats than actual market boats - still it’s a nice ride on the water in the cool morning air watching the sun rise. A relief from the sweltering midday sun! The tours will insist that you start at an ungodly 5AM! You’ll be racing down river with all the other party boats with tourists in bright orange life vests 😂 But it’s Can Tho and you Have to do it right? Just book the cheapest tour ‘cause for the locals it’s all about the money not the actual market! And enjoy the boat ride!

Get there whilst you can. Our tour guide said there used to be 15 floating markets, but with the increase of bridges and modern vehicles, there is only 1 left. This market is subsidised by the government yo try and keep it alive. It's certainly an experience worth having a look at.

After a very early start we travelled by boat to this floating market. Enjoyable boat ride but the market was very underwhelming. More tourist boats than market boats! This tourist attraction may be in decline as the real market activity is increasingly on land.

Great morning and nice young fella tour guide, studying tourism, spoke well enough English to have a few hours conversation. Pho and coffee on the river was better than our hotel food. Great to see. nice fresh fruit plate, which filled us all up. All the famy enjoyed this excursion at 6am.

Amazing trip Absolutely loved this as a family of 4 that love Travel ❤️ A MUST DO when visiting Can Tho. We did the 6am trip, which was encouraged over 7am, as you see more on the river, the earlier the better. First we hoped on our small boat, with driver, guide and family of 4. We went through the narrow canals, which led to the Cai Rang River to then witness the busy waterways of other tourists and floating markets trading. We were served drinks and pho on the river, how awesome. Then had fresh fruits on another boat. We head back down the river to go visit a Traditional Noodle Farm, and how they make Rice Noodles. The Sun came out and we casually made our way back up the narrow canal to finish our 4hr tour. Very informative I am really glad to say I've done this trip as in years to come the floating markets will finish forever ❤️