CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET – A NATIONAL INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the must-visit attractions when you travel to the Mekong Delta, especially in Can Tho. This place is not only a trading market but also a unique cultural intersection of the local people. Cai Rang Floating Market offers tourists interesting experiences of the daily lives of the local people.

I. The history and formation of Cai Rang Floating Market

Floating market Cai Rang has a long and rich history. In the past, the market used to be the largest rice purchasing center in the Mekong Delta for the Chinese community. Established in the early 20th century, the market became a place for the exchange of goods between different regions. The Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2016.

The distinctive cultural features

Cai Rang Floating Market is not just a market; it is also a place that preserves the riverine culture of the Mekong Delta. At the market, you will see colorful decorated boats, with creative signs to attract customers. Each boat carries a regional specialty, from fresh fruits to enticing street food.



The local people not only sell goods but also share stories about their lives and cultural traditions. This makes the Cai Rang floating market an ideal place to learn about the customs and traditions of the people in the Mekong Delta.

Development over time

Over time, Cai Rang Floating Market has continuously developed, becoming one of the largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta. Many high-value agricultural and seafood products are brought here to meet the consumption needs not only domestically but also for export abroad. At the same time, the market also attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists for sightseeing and shopping.

Unlike other floating markets, Cai Rang Floating Market stands out for its commercial activities taking place right on the river, creating a scene that is both rustic and vibrant.

II. Shopping experience at Cai Rang floating market

When stepping foot on the Cái Răng floating market, the first thing that attracts visitors is the bustling atmosphere of trading on the river.

The bustling image of the market

When the sun just began to rise, Cai Rang floating market started bustling with the inviting calls of the traders. Hundreds of colorful boats are docked closely together, creating a lively scene on the river.

Each boat usually transports a specific type of goods, from fresh fruits like mangoes, pomelos, and coconuts to tempting snacks like bread, noodles, or iced milk coffee. Tourists can easily choose their favorite dishes right on the boat.

Experience local products

One of the most interesting experiences when visiting the Cai Rang floating market is enjoying local products. You can try specialty fruits such as dragon fruit, or milk apple, all of which are grown right in the land of Can Tho. Their fresh and delicious flavors will make them hard to forget. In addition, street food is also a highlight that cannot be missed. The diverse dishes, ranging from humble to high-end, are always ready to serve tourists, ensuring a wonderful culinary experience.



Cultural exchange

The special feature of Cai Rang floating market is the opportunity for tourists to interact and converse with the locals. They are very friendly and generous, willing to tell you about their daily lives and the ups and downs of their trading work. These stories not only help you understand their culture better but also create memorable moments on your journey to explore the Mekong Delta.

III. Exciting activities at Cai Rang floating market

Experience a boat tour

One of the must-do activities when visiting the Cai Rang floating market is to take a boat tour around the area. You can rent a small boat and paddle yourself or hire a rower. The enchanting scenery of floating houses on the river and lush fruit orchards will be an endless source of inspiration for photography enthusiasts.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the fresh air and enjoy peaceful moments amidst nature.

Discover exquisite cuisine

Here, you can enjoy traditional dishes such as banh xeo, goi cuon, or grilled snakehead fish.

Among the countless delicious dishes sold here, Hu Tieu and Kho Coffee are two specialties you must try when visiting the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho. These are two unique and delicious specialties born from the distinctive river culture.

The unique Hu Tieu Lac is because whenever the boat selling Hu Tieu stops, customers buy a bowl of Hu Tieu and eat it right there. Without tables and chairs like on land, this bowl of hu tieu sits on the boat, swaying back and forth, and people call it hu tieu lac. With the specialty dish of shaken noodles, in the past, people used ceramic bowls and waited for customers to finish eating before taking the bowl back. Nowadays, to save time, many vendors even make plastic bowls for takeout.



As for the unique kho coffee dish, its origin is also very interesting. The story goes that when selling coffee by the river, in areas where the wind is strong, the brewed coffee cools very quickly. therefore, people will have a stove (similar to a water boiler) and simmer wood to keep the coffee warm, which is why it is called that. Kho coffee is also a familiar dish among the Chinese community if you have ever "wandered" through the cafes in Saigon.

The unique way of "hanging" goods

Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho sells a diverse range of goods. Each boat sells a different item, from baskets of delicious, fresh fruits from the Mekong Delta to stalls of essential household goods for daily life.

Due to the vast space of the floating market, the sound of waves, and the loud engine noise, it is not possible to use verbal announcements like on land. Therefore, the items for sale are hung up on a pole—referred to as a "beo" by the locals—so that buyers can easily recognize the items they need and approach to purchase them.

IV. The ideal time to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho

What time does the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho open? Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho operates both day and night for local residents selling goods on the river. If you want to visit the floating market here, you can book a boat in advance to enjoy at any time of the day!

When should you visit the Cái Răng floating market in Cần Thơ?

Can Tho has two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season starts from May to November, and the dry season from December to April of the following year. You can visit the floating market in both seasons. If you like eating fruits, you should go during the sunny season (summer) because this is the time when there are an abundance of fruits in the Mekong Delta.

What time of day should you visit the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho?

Completely different from the markets on land, the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho and other floating markets in the Mekong Delta provinces all start very early. From 4 to 5 in the morning is the ideal time to visit the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho.

Because at this time, the boats have started racing to the market. Arriving at the market at this time, you will not only immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of bustling buyers and sellers but also have the opportunity to admire the beautiful floating market scene as dawn breaks. Arriving at the center of the market around 6 AM, you can enjoy breakfast right on the boat, which is just perfect.

Conclusion

Cai Rang Floating Market is not just a shopping place but also a symbol of the culture and life of the people in the Mekong Delta. From shopping and culinary experiences to cultural exchanges, Cai Rang Floating Market offers visitors unforgettable memories. If you are looking for a place to explore the beauty of the Mekong Delta, don't forget to visit the Cai Rang floating market – where riverside life still retains its traditional values.