Cai Rang Floating Market Experience: Breakfast on the Boat

"Can Tho, white rice, clear waters" - this verse paints a vivid picture of Can Tho's beauty, a prosperous and peaceful land rich in the cultural identity of the Mekong Delta. This location attracts tourists not only with its natural scenery but also with its unique culture, especially the Cai Rang Floating Market, a must-visit destination in Can Tho.

Visiting this market, travelers will immerse themselves in the unique culture of Cai Rang Floating Market amidst a bustling scene of boats and ferries selling hundreds of specialty products. Here, you can enjoy delicious food swaying on the water waves along with many unforgettable experiences.

If you are planning to explore Can Tho, do not miss out on the Cai Rang Floating Market and the travel tips provided in the article below!

1. Where is Cai Rang Floating Market Located?

The Cai Rang Floating Market is located downstream on the Can Tho River. It's ideally situated on the Hau River - Xang Xa No canal axis, making it a hub for trading activities, connecting Can Tho with neighboring areas and the entire Mekong Delta region.

Every day, the market sees hundreds of boats engaged in wholesale of agricultural products from Can Tho and nearby provinces like Hau Giang, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Vinh Long, and Ca Mau. There are also many small boats selling retail goods such as fruits, flowers, crafts, and local foods, along with hundreds of tourist boats during peak hours, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

The Unique Charm of Cai Rang Floating Market has been clearly demonstrated as it was named one of the top ten most impressive markets in the world by Rough Guide Magazine.

2. About Cai Rang Floating Market Can Tho 2024

2.1 Why is it called Cai Rang Floating Market?

The market's unique name piques the curiosity of many. The origin of the name "Cai Rang" is still unclear. Locals explain it through two theories:

According to legend, the name originated from a story about a large crocodile that washed ashore here, its teeth embedded in the land, hence the name "Cai Rang."
Another explanation, from the book "Tự vị tiếng nói miền Nam" by author Vuong Hong Sen, suggests that "Cai Rang" comes from the Khmer word "Karan," meaning "kitchen god." The Khmer people in Xa Ton (Tri Ton) made many karan for sale. Over time, the phrase "Cà ràng, cà ràng" evolved into "Cai Rang."

2.2 What Hours Does Cai Rang Floating Market Operate?

Previously, the market operated from midnight to morning. However, nowadays, the market hours have shifted to run from early morning until noon, approximately from 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

The best time to visit the market is from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, when the air is still cool and the morning mist lingers over the water. During this period, you can witness the market at its busiest, with boats laden with goods and the echoing calls of vendors.

Cai Rang Floating Market can be visited at any time of the year. However, a particularly beautiful time to visit is about two weeks before Lunar New Year, when the market is adorned with vibrant Tet flowers.

The Lunar New Year period is also an ideal time to explore a different charm of Cai Rang Floating Market.

3. What's fun about visiting the Cai Rang Floating Market?

3.1 Exploring the Unique Culture of Cai Rang Floating Market

The Cai Rang Floating Market draws visitors with its unique trading method that deeply reflects the cultural identity of the Mekong Delta region. As trading is conducted on the water within a vast space, blending with the sounds of lapping waves and loud engines, vendors do not shout their wares as they would on land. Instead, sellers hang products from a pole – locally referred to as a "beo" pole – as a way to advertise and attract buyers.

The method of displaying goods also has its own cultural significance, creating a unique culture at the Cai Rang Floating Market that fascinates many tourists. It is known that boat owners display their products using a "four hanging" method:

Hang what you sell: This straightforward and visual method allows buyers to easily recognize the products being sold. For example, if selling watermelons, the vendor will hang a watermelon from the pole.
Hang but do not sell: Instead of hanging clothes on a line, people living on boats often hang their clothes on the beo pole. This helps distinguish their personal items from goods for sale.
Do not hang but sell: Some items like noodles, pho, coffee, and sandwiches are sold from smaller boats weaving through the larger ones. Due to limited space, these products are not hung but served directly to market-goers.
Hang one thing but sell another: This unique case occurs when you see a boat with a thatched roof hung up, indicating the boat itself is for sale, effectively making their boat their home on the water.

Traveling to Cai Rang floating market, you can immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere on the river and discover the unique Cai Rang floating market culture with special selling methods.

3.2 Watching the Sunrise and Having Breakfast at Cai Rang Floating Market

Watching the sunrise at Cai Rang Floating Market is a unique and unforgettable experience when visiting Can Tho. The ideal time to visit the market is from 5 AM to 8 AM when the market buzzes with activity as boats crowd the area. You can board a small boat to navigate through the larger ones, enjoying the beautiful market scene.

As the sun rises, the golden sunlight shimmers on the water, creating a truly picturesque setting. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility and serenity of early morning on the water.

Traveling to Cai Rang floating market, visitors should definitely not miss the experience of watching the sunrise on the floating market.

3.3 Having Breakfast at Cai Rang Floating Market

Having breakfast at the floating market is not just about enjoying the food but also immersing in the unique floating market culture of Cai Rang, awakening all senses. Especially, enjoying hot dishes on the water, mingling with the flavors of nature and the vast river, offers a unique and memorable taste experience.

Cai Rang Floating Market offers a variety of Western Mekong Delta specialties like pho, bun mam, banh canh, mam hotpot, banh xeo, grilled meat rolls... Notably, the renowned pho has captivated the taste buds of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. This simple dish, rich with Mekong Delta flavors, has become a highlight that keeps visitors coming back to the floating market.

3.4 Listening to Don Ca Tai Tu Music on the River - A Treasure of the Southern Water Region

Listening to Don Ca Tai Tu music at the Cai Rang Floating Market is a unique cultural experience not to be missed when visiting Can Tho. The melodious and sweet music of Don Ca Tai Tu, blended with the floating market atmosphere, creates a peaceful and romantic ambiance.

If you visit the Cai Rang Floating Market on a Saturday or Sunday, do not miss the chance to enjoy these musical performances. This band is managed by the Can Tho Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. If desired, you can contact them to arrange a private performance for your group.

Time: Every Saturday and Sunday.
Performance time: From 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM.
Location: On a boat moving along the channels of the floating market.

3.5 Buying Fresh Specialty Fruits from the Boats

Can Tho is blessed with fertile land, making it a "heaven" for various fruits. Therefore, beyond the activities and experiences mentioned, when visiting Can Tho's floating market, you can also enjoy fresh fruits or buy them as gifts for friends and family.

Here are some seasonal specialty fruits you might consider:

Rambutan: June, July
Durian: Late May, June, July, August
Jackfruit: May, June, July
Mangosteen: May, June, July
Hau Giang Strawberries: June, September, December
Sapodilla: December, January, February
Hoa Loc Mango: April-May or December-January

If you ever visit the Cai Rang Floating Market, don't miss out on buying some fruits to take home as gifts for friends and family.

4. Interesting Experiences When Visiting the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho

4.1 How to Rent a Boat for the Cai Rang Floating Market:

You can either go on a tour or visit the Cai Rang Floating Market independently. Depending on the size of your group and preferences, you can choose from different ways to explore the market:

For small groups (1-3 people): To save costs, you can join other tourist groups. The joining fee is about 100,000 VND per person (depending on the number of people on the boat). However, if you want to have control over your time and itinerary, you can rent a private boat. This will cost more, around 500,000 VND - 900,000 VND per boat.
For groups of about 10 or more, you can rent an entire boat for comfort and flexibility in your tour schedule. The cost for a half-day or 5-hour boat rental that includes visiting Cai Rang and other locations ranges from 950,000 to 1,650,000 VND per boat (10-25 guests). These are reference prices and may vary depending on the tourism season.

Boat Rental Location for Cai Rang Floating Market: You can rent a boat or join a tour to explore Cai Rang Market at Ninh Kieu Pier. It takes about 30 minutes by boat from Ninh Kieu Pier to reach Cai Rang Floating Market.

You can rent boats and experience various tours of Cai Rang Market at Ninh Kieu Pier.

4.2 How to Get to the Cai Rang Floating Market

The Cai Rang Floating Market is located on the Can Tho River, about 6 km from the center of Can Tho city. Visitors can use various means of transport to get there:

Motorbike: This is the most common means of transport, suitable for those who want to freely explore and experience local life. From the center of Can Tho, follow Tran Van Ho road, cross Cai Rang bridge to Ninh Kieu Pier, where you can rent a boat to the market.
Taxi: A quick and convenient option, suitable for groups or families. You can take a taxi from anywhere in Can Tho to Ninh Kieu Pier. The fare from the city center to the pier is about 50,000 - 70,000 VND.
Motorbike Taxi: If you are not good with directions, you can take a motorbike taxi to Ninh Kieu Pier. The fare from the city center is about 20,000 - 30,000 VND.
Bus: Take bus number 6 or 7 from Can Tho bus station to Ninh Kieu Pier. Bus fare is about 5,000 VND per trip.

4.3 How to Get to Can Tho

Can Tho is about 170 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors can travel to Can Tho by various means:

Bus: Can Tho bus station is the largest in the Mekong Delta region, about 2 km from the city center. Many reputable bus companies operate routes from Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, etc., to Can Tho. Bus fares from Hanoi to Can Tho range from 300,000 to 1,000,000 VND, depending on the company and timing.
Motorbike: Travelers from nearby provinces like An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, etc., can reach Can Tho by motorbike. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho is about 170 km, taking about 3-4 hours. It is advisable to travel via National Highway 1A to save time.
Personal Vehicle: You can drive to Can Tho in your car or a rented vehicle. The drive from Ho Chi Minh City is about 170 km, taking about 3-4 hours. Travel via the Trung Luong - My Thuan expressway.
Airplane: Among the options to reach the Cai Rang Floating Market, flying to Can Tho is the quickest and most convenient, especially ideal for those far from Can Tho. You can buy tickets to Can Tho International Airport (VCA), the only international airport in Can Tho, about 8 km from the city center.

Vietjet operates a variety of direct flights to Can Tho from major cities in the country. Round-trip flights at Vietjet can save you a significant amount of travel time.

Additionally, Vietjet offers you the chance to save maximum on travel costs with many promotional airfare programs to Can Tho. Check out the zero-Dong flight ticket program available for bookings from 12:00 to 14:00 daily. For details, CLICK HERE.

See more: Enjoy Traveling to Can Tho - Admire the Beauty of the Western Water Region

Booking a flight to Can Tho is the most convenient and time-saving option for visiting the Cai Rang Floating Market.

Hopefully, this information about the Cai Rang Floating Market and its unique cultural aspects will inspire you to "pack up and go." To keep up to date with the Can Tho flight schedule, latest fares, and more useful travel information, you can follow Vietjet's channels.