Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the distinctive cultural highlights found only in the Western region's waterways. Explore this special market with Klook!
Cai Rang Floating Market, a renowned destination steeped in the cultural richness of the Mekong Delta, invites #teamKlook to delve deeper into the lives of the people in the West. Drifting on the traditional wooden boats, immerse yourself in the vibrant local life and savor the unique dishes of the Western region. Follow Klook Vietnam to Can Tho to discover this unparalleled market!
Insights into Cai Rang Floating Market
Where is Cai Rang Floating Market?
Cai Rang Floating Market is located at 46 Hai Ba Trung Street, Tan An, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho, approximately 10km south of the city center. Situated at the confluence of the Cai Rang River and the Hau River, near the Cai Rang Bridge, it holds a strategic position connecting the Can Tho River waterway with the Xang Xa No canal. This prime location facilitates trade and commerce with neighboring provinces and the entire Mekong Delta. Despite the passage of time, Cai Rang remains a bustling floating market with boats navigating up and down the waterways.
History of the Formation of Cai Rang Floating Market
Cai Rang Floating Market, a cultural icon of the Mekong Delta, has a fascinating and unique history. Although there is no official documentation determining its establishment year, many studies suggest that the market appeared in the early 20th century.
According to local legend, the name 'Cai Rang' originates from a story about a giant crocodile. This crocodile had massive teeth that embedded into the ground, creating a distinctive shape. When Cai Rang Floating Market formed, the locals decided to name the market after this legend. However, another explanation suggests that the name 'Cai Rang' may come from the Khmer word 'karan,' meaning 'god of prosperity.' Khmer people from Xa Ton (Tri Ton) used to sell 'karan' throughout the Can Tho waterway area, and gradually, the Vietnamese pronunciation changed from 'karan' to 'ca rang,' and later became 'Cai Rang.'
Cai Rang Floating Market has undergone development and transformation from a wholesale market specializing in local fruits and vegetables to a retail market serving a diverse clientele. Today, road transportation developments have altered the buying and selling dynamics, but Cai Rang Floating Market continues to attract tourists with its variety of goods and unique setting on the river.
In 2016, Cai Rang Floating Market was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, and it was voted by the UK's Rough Guide travel magazine as one of the 10 most impressive markets in the world.
Best Time to Visit Cai Rang Floating Market
Cai Rang Floating Market is situated in Southern Vietnam, experiencing distinct two seasons: the rainy season from May to November and the dry season from December to April. If you wish to explore the Mekong Delta during the floating season, the rainy season is the ideal time. Alternatively, if you're a fruit enthusiast, visiting during the dry season is recommended.
If you're planning to visit this floating market, the optimal time of day to arrive is between 4 and 5 in the morning. While the market used to operate from 2 to 3 in the morning, the main shopping activities now take place from 5 to 9 in the morning to accommodate tourists. During this time, you'll witness the market come alive as boats rush in. Amidst the bustling atmosphere of boats navigating, you'll also enjoy the unique beauty of sunrise over the Hau River. Around 6 AM, you can savor a breakfast on a boat, featuring various delicious hot dishes.
Travel Tips for Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho
How to Get to Cai Rang Floating Market from Ho Chi Minh City
Can Tho is approximately 170km away from Ho Chi Minh City, with a travel time of 3 to 4 hours. #teamKlook can consider the following transportation options:
- By plane: Book a flight with airlines such as Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, etc., to Can Tho International Airport. Ticket prices range from 800,000 to 1,300,000 VND.
- By bus: A fast and cost-effective choice, you can catch buses from the Western Bus Station with ticket prices ranging from 80,000 to 100,000 VND.
- By car: If you enjoy a long road trip with changing landscapes, this is a suitable option. Travel along National Highway 1A through provinces in the Mekong Delta, including Long An, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, and finally, Can Tho.
Boat Terminal of Cai Rang Floating Market and Ticket Prices for Market Tours
To embark on the exploration of the floating market and various enticing destinations, #teamKlook needs to head to the boat terminal to rent a boat or join group tours with other travelers. Tourist boats and group tours are usually centralized at the Ninh Kieu Terminal, located on Hai Ba Trung Street.
If traveling with a group of 5 to 7 people, you may consider joining other tour groups. However, if you have 10 or more people, you can rent an entire boat for a flexible sightseeing itinerary. Here are the boat rental prices for your reference:
- Small boat: 500,000 VND
- Boat 10 seats: 600,000 VND
- Boat 20 seats: 800,000 VND
- Boat 30 seats: 1,000,000 VND
- Boat 40 seats: 1,300,000 VND
Note: The exact boat rental prices depend on the rental time and boat owner. #teamKlook can visit boat rental websites to check prices and make reservations, or book tours to the floating market for convenient transportation.
Specialties of Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho
When visiting Cai Rang Floating Market, #teamKlook will have the chance to explore the impressive specialties of the Mekong Delta. Particularly in the lively morning hours from 5 to 6 AM, the floating market offers a variety of delicious treats for tourists. On the boats, you'll find not only agricultural products like sweet potatoes, pumpkins, cassava, and taro but also unique and tasty dishes.
A distinctive feature of Cai Rang Floating Market is the opportunity for locals and tourists to enjoy breakfast on small boats. Here, you can discover rice porridge, pork ribs with rice, hủ tiếu (noodle soup), bún riêu (crab noodle soup), stir-fried noodles, and a variety of drinks such as tea, coffee, coconut water, palm juice, and soy milk. Don't be surprised to find a floating bar on the river!
Hủ tiếu lắc (shaking noodles) and coffee kho (simmered coffee) are two outstanding specialties that you cannot miss when you're here. Hủ tiếu lắc gets its name from the tradition of enjoying delicious noodle bowls on boats swaying with the water's rhythm. As for coffee kho, it's coffee simmered on the stove throughout the day, keeping the coffee warm amid the river surroundings.
Shopping Experience at Cai Rang Floating Market
Cai Rang Floating Market is not just a place for buying, selling, and exchanging goods; it's also a vibrant expression of the local cultural life. To fully enjoy the shopping experience at the floating market, check out the insights compiled by Klookers below!
Trade by the '4 hanging' method:
When you arrive at the floating market, you'll surely be impressed by the tall bamboo poles showcasing a variety of goods, from vegetables and fruits to different merchandise on each boat. These bamboo poles, locally known as 'advertising poles,' serve the purpose of promoting products on their boats since the vast river space makes it challenging to convey messages far. However, the practice of hanging and selling has its unique rules:
- Hang what you sell: Boats hang products corresponding to what they're selling on their advertising poles.
- Hang without selling: Some boats hang clothes and items not for sale but for sun-drying.
- Sell without hanging: Small boats selling food usually approach larger boats directly without the need to hang anything.
- Hang one thing but sell another: If you see a boat hanging a piece of roofing, what the boat owner wants to discuss is the boat itself, not the roofing.
Goods exchanged through casting nets or passing by hand: Due to the constant movement of boats on the water, the common method of exchanging goods here is passing by hand or casting nets.
Opportunity to enjoy fresh fruits: Cai Rang Floating Market is close to fruit orchards, providing the chance to indulge in delicious fresh fruits like pineapples, mangoes, strawberries, watermelons, oranges, coconuts, and various other sweet treats.
Hotels Near Cai Rang Floating Market
Azerai Can Tho: A perfect blend of modern amenities and a charming riverside setting along the Hau River, offering a luxurious resort experience.
- Address: Con Au Islet, Hung Phu Ward, Cai Rang District
- Reference Price: From 4,942,000 VND/night
Hometravel Mekong Can Tho - Hostel: A hotel with a distinctive Mekong Delta style, from rooms to cool communal spaces.
- Address: 178C Cau Ong Tiem, Thanh My, Thanh Thanh Ward, Cai Rang District
- Reference Price: From 360,000 VND/night
Minh Minh Nam Hotel: A modern hotel with spacious rooms, located near the floating market, an ideal place to relax after a day of exploration.
- Address: A4/27 Street No. 4, Nam Long Residential Area, Hung Thanh Ward, Cai Rang District
- Reference Price: From 520,000 VND/night
Tulip Can Tho Hotel: With an ideal location, this hotel provides convenient access to explore Cai Rang Floating Market and the surrounding area.
- Address: D5/10 - D5/11 Street No. 2, Long Thinh Residential Area, Phu Thanh Ward, Cai Rang District
- Reference Price: From 394,000 VND/night
N&D Homestay: A cozy and friendly homestay that allows you to experience the true local life near Cai Rang Floating Market.
- Address: L19 Street 26, New Urban Area Hung Phu, Hung Thanh Ward, Cai Rang District
- Reference Price: From 352,000 VND/night
Other Tourist Attractions Near Cai Rang Floating Market
1. Fruit Orchards
After exploring Cai Rang Floating Market, visitors should not miss the opportunity to visit the nearby fruit orchards. With an entrance fee of only 15,000 VND per person, you can admire the lush and fruitful orchards, a delightful sight.
Explore fruit orchards, take souvenir photos, and indulge in delicious fruits. Particularly, you can buy fruits at affordable prices here. Fruit orchards offer a unique and exciting experience for all food and culture enthusiasts visiting the Mekong Delta.
2. My Homeland Coconut Candy Workshop
My Homeland Coconut Candy Workshop is an interesting tourist spot conveniently accessible from the floating market or fruit orchards. Here, you have the opportunity to discover the traditional process of making coconut candy, a delightful childhood snack. You can actively participate in stages such as stirring the mixture on the stove and packaging candy, learning the process and creating memorable moments.
Additionally, after the tour, you can purchase some souvenirs at the gift shop. Don't forget to bring home some delicious Can Tho coconut candy to share with family and friends. It's a great way to bring the distinctive flavor of the Mekong Delta back home, along with unforgettable memories of your unique trip to Cai Rang Floating Market.
3. Making Hu Tieu at Traditional Hu Tieu Workshops
Making Hu Tieu at traditional Hu Tieu workshops in Can Tho is a unique experience when you visit the Cai Rang Floating Market area. In these places, you'll witness the process of making traditional Hu Tieu, from cooking rice paper, drying it, to cutting it into strands. Besides observing, you can also actively participate in some steps of the Hu Tieu production process.
These Hu Tieu workshops impress not only with their production process but also with the variety of Hu Tieu types. The colors of Hu Tieu are completely natural, made from ingredients like red color from gac fruit, green color from pandan leaves, and white color from rice flour. Moreover, you also have the opportunity to savor unique versions such as pizza-style Hu Tieu - a dish with a distinct flavor that is an essential part of the Can Tho culinary experience.
4. Listen to Don Ca Tai Tu Music
An interesting activity near Cai Rang Floating Market that #teamKlook shouldn't miss is listening to Don Ca Tai Tu music performed on boats every weekend. The performance by the Cultural, Sports, and Tourism Department of Can Tho takes place on boats along the Hau River, providing a rich Southern experience.
You can enjoy the sound of traditional music while observing the daily life of the floating market, feeling the tranquility of this region. The sound of boat engines, water waves, and the cool breeze will make you fall in love with the gentle atmosphere here. In the distance, you can see clusters of water hyacinths drifting on the river, floating houses, and even wooden workshops and petrol stations on stilt houses.
Chợ Nổi Cái Răng Trên Klook
If you want to experience the riverside life of the Mekong Delta and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the floating market, quickly book convenient tours on Klook Vietnam!
Cai Rang Floating Market, a unique floating market located in the West Delta region, will be the destination that brings you many exciting experiences. Read more useful travel insights from Klookers to prepare for your upcoming trip: Essential Travel Guide to Can Tho for Budget Explorers, 25 Delicacies Proudly Representing Western Can Tho, Southern Vietnam: A Compilation of 14 Unmissable Regions, 29 Impressive An Giang Travel Destinations for Independent Travelers, Tra Su Cajuput Forest, Unforgettable Ecotourism Experience, 25 Delicacies Proudly Representing Western Can Tho,...
You must experience the unique river culture at Cai Rang Floating Market at least once in your lifetime!
