Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho: Location & Time to Visit

Cai Rang Floating Market, Located in Can Tho City, is one of the biggest floating markets in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The shops and stalls at the market are boats of different sizes. This is the busiest and most typical market, voted as one of the 10 most impressive markets in the World by the UK travel magazine Rough Guide. selected as one of the 5 most beautiful and interesting floating markets in Asia.

• Location: 46 Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho
• Opening Hours: Everyday from 4.00 AM – 6.00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free (You just need to buy ticket for Boat Cruise)

1. History of Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho City:

The unique and main feature of Cai Rang floating market is to specialize in buying and selling vegetables and fruits of the Mekong Delta. In the past (around 17th – early 20th Centuries), floating markets were formed because the water transport system played an almost unique role. While commercial demand is increasing, travel is always associated with rivers and wharfs, so river crossings and roundabouts become ideal places for people to gather and buy and sell.

Today, the road transport system has developed widely, which contributes to the "disappearance" of many floating markets. However, under the influence of tourism activities, the floating market gradually separates from its main role to survive and develop in a new, more sustainable direction.

2. What to Do & Best Things to See in Cai Rang Floating Market:

2.1. Discovering the intriguing trading method of Locals:

At this bustling floating market, the cries of the sellers seem to be swallowed up by the immensity of the river and lost into the noise of the boat engines. The disadvantageous situation appears to favor the emergence of a unique advertising method: the sellers advertise their wares from the top of a long pole attached to their boats.

Every boat has a tall upright pole with samples of the goods for sale hung on it, so the sellers don't have to cry out what they are selling and buyers can easily see the goods sold on that boat from a far distance. Just look up and one will know exactly which boat is providing the products they are looking for.

While shopping on the floating boat cruise, travelers can also explore life along the waterways, as it passes houses built on stilts over the water and boats of all sizes, shapes, and colors docked along the shore.

2.2. Trying local food and drinks from Floating Shops:

Besides seeing how people sell and buy products on Cai Rang floating market, you will also have a chance to taste the freshest fruits harvested from nearby farms: durian, milk fruit, rambutan, mangosteen, grapefruit, etc., or even other processed specialties like fish sauce, coconut candy, or dried fish.

Many local delicacies are also available, such as “Vietnamese Cơm Tấm” (broken rice with grilled pork and egg), “Pho”, “Bun Rieu” - some kinds of noodles that are served with beef, pork and crab… With only 25,000 VND (around 1 USD), you may easily fill up your stomach with a hearty meal.

2.3. Enjoying Southern Vietnamese Folk Music (đờn ca tài tử):

One of the most expected events at Cai Rang floating market Can Tho is that very weekend (Saturday, Sunday), a boat of artists will go along the river performing "đờn ca tài tử" - the Southern Vietnamese folk music. Đờn ca tài tử is said to reflect the lifestyle of Southern people who live and work in the Mekong Delta region.

Its melody aids the locals in expressing all sentiments and emotions, as well as their own diligence, kindness, and courage, and has grown popular among both domestic and foreign tourists.

2.4. Visiting other famous tourist destinations near Cai Rang:

Cai Rang floating market itself is beautiful, but it would be perfect if you could spend time exploring many appealing sites surrounding it, such as:

• Ba Cong orchard garden: This is Can Tho's most renowned and largest orchard farm (covering 2 hectares), which supplies fruits to markets and wholesalers in Mekong Delta

• Rice noodle factory in Can Tho: Here visitors will learn how to make traditional rice noodles, taste crunchy “rice noodle pizza” and take in Can Tho's rural atmosphere.

• Coconut candy factory in Cai Rang: Visitors may observe the entire process of manufacturing a little bar of sticky coconut candy from start to finish.

3. Best Time to Visit the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho:

Local people and merchants bring their products and things to market when it is still dark. The buyers also want to shop early when the weather is still cool then go home to start their normal day work. That is why you should get up early for the most exciting moment of the market. Best Time to visit market is from 5 A.M to 8 A.M  when hundreds of boats gathers to buy and sell goods in crowds.

The most distinctive feature of the floating market in Mekong is probably the bamboo pole called “Cay Beo” with a length of from 3m – 5m. This is a unique way to advertise any kinds of goods that they are selling, so buyers could see from far distance. Cai Rang Floating Market does not open in lunar festive days, such as the first and second days of the first lunar month, Doan Ngo Festival (the fifth day of the fifth lunar month).

4. Where to stay near Cai Rang floating market Can Tho?

Tourists seeking for a pleasant stay have plenty of options to choose from. Among them, Sheraton Can Tho is favored by many thanks to its outstanding values:

• A centrally located hotel: From the hotel, it is easy to get to Cai Rang floating market and other tourist attractions in Can Tho such as Can Tho bridge, Ninh Kieu wharf, Tay Do night market, etc.

• The Mekong Delta's tallest hotel: That is why Sheraton Can Tho offers breathtaking views of the charming rivers and the sparkling city at night.

• A wide range of amenities: Travelers will have a full-service resort experience thanks to a system of deluxe rooms with swimming pools, commercial centers, restaurants, conference rooms, and other amenities.

5. Directions & How to Get to Cai Rang Can Tho Floating Market:

You need to take boat cruise from Ninh Kieu Boat Station to visit Cai Rang Floating Market. So you first need to get to Ninh Kieu Boat Station in Can Tho City, then book the boat for the Floating Market Sightseeing Tour.

5.1. How to Get to Cai Rang Floating Market from Saigon:

Distance from Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City to Cai Rang Floating Market is about 175km, travel time ranges from 3 to 4 hours by car, taxi or motorbike.

Motorcycle/car: If you are passionate about exploring the scenery along both sides of the road, this is a great experience for you. Based on the map's directions to Cai Rang floating market, the road to the Floating Market is quite easy, from the city center you follow Tay Thanh street to National Highway 1A - Binh Hung Hoa about 170km. When you come to Pham Hung, Ba Lang, Can Tho, you continue to drive to Vo Tanh, Le Binh another 3km to the floating market.

Local Public Bus: At the Miền Tây Bus Station, following the directions to Cai Rang Can Tho Floating Market of those who used to go, you can refer to reputable service providers such as: Hoang Long, Mai Linh, Phuong Trang,... Price Tickets range from 140,000 to 160,000 VND/ticket (you can refer to more on other reputable sites). The garages operate with frequency every day with many trips continuously from 7 am to 10 pm.

5.2 Directions to Cai Rang Can Tho Floating Market from Hanoi:

Local Bus: Buses from Hanoi to Can Tho range from 900,000 VND/trip (you can refer to other reputable sites). Travel time takes about 38 hours and lasts more than 1600 km. When coming to the center of Can Tho, you should hire a taxi to go directly to Cai Rang Floating Market and experience new things here. Based on the directions to Cai Rang Can Tho Floating Market of many people, We have summarized a number of reputable bus operators for you such as: Tam Hong, Ha Loan, Hong Huan, etc.

Airplane: You should note that the Hanoi or Da Nang to Can Tho route has only two operators, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, with good flight frequency. Travel time takes about 2 hours. Ticket prices range from 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND/person depending on the airline and occasion (you can go directly to the official homepage of these two airlines for reference). When arriving at Can Tho Airport, with the Guide to Cai Rang Can Tho floating market, you should hire a taxi to go directly to the market.

- Vietnam Airlines departs at the time frames: 7:00, 13:05 and 17:30

- Vietjet Air departs at the time frames: 7:15 and 11:20

5.3 Directions to Cai Rang Can Tho Floating Market from Ninh Kieu Wharf:

According to the directions of the young people going to Cai Rang Can Tho floating market, we will have two types of convenient roads:

- By road: Go along Vo Tanh road to Ba Lang canal, continue towards Phong Dien district, 500m away, you will come to the floating market.

- Waterway: Moving by boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf to Floating Market - Can Tho Bridge - Garden Temple - Candy Factory - Hu Tieu Furnace with prices ranging from 500.00 to 900,000 / group of guests from 1 to 40 people

6. Travel Tips for visiting Cai Rang floating market Vietnam

In order to have a wonderful trip at Cai Rang Floating Market, you should take notice of the following:

• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to prevent yourself from the heat of the sun during the day

• Arrive in Cai Rang early to contemplate the sunrise and enjoy the food at its freshest

• Bring VND cash instead of using credit cards, as most sellers prefer trading by cash

• Use a local fishing boat to avoid the crowds and get the greatest experience at Cai Rang market

• You should have accommodations booked in advance if you like to stay in Can Tho City

Adventure Journey

Recommended Tour:

• Mekong Delta Tour 2 Days 1 Night from Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City

See Related Articles:

• List of Best Floating Markets to Visit in Mekong Delta of Vietnam
• Mekong Delta of Vietnam - History, Weather & Best Time to Visit
• Mekong Vietnam Travel Guide: Best Things to Do & Places to See