Guide to the top floating markets in Vietnam

Vietnam’s scenic floating markets date back to the 19th century when roads were underdeveloped, and communities needed a way to make a living. Community members started to gather along the Mekong Delta’s waterways - trading in river fish, spices, herbs, vegetables and fruit. This unique way of trading whilst floating on water evolved into what is today Vietnam’s Floating Markets.

Here are five floating market recommendations in the southern region of Vietnam. Some are hidden gems while others are part of the well-blazed trail, but worth seeing, nonetheless. Have your camera ready as you’ll encounter an array of fantastic photographic opportunities and of course, bring along your appetite. Foodies will be delighted by the unique culinary experiences to be had along the way.

An array of motorised Sampan boats form one of Asia’s largest floating markets in the heart of the Mekong Delta. A forty-minute boat ride away from Can Tho City, this bustling floating market has been a hub for local traders as far back as the late 1800’s. Local communities would use canoes and boats to meet on the river and trade goods - from food to essential items. This has evolved into the Cai Rang Floating Market which today trades primarily in fruit and vegetables.

The fertile silt deposits along the Hau River ensure the Mekong is abundant with beautiful produce. One of the best ways to get to know Vietnam is through its food, and there is no shortage of fresh fruits to be found at Cai Rang Floating Market.

Sample local fruits like durian and mangosteen and sip on a refreshing iced Vietnamese coffee (Cafe Sua Da), which is made using dark roasted drip coffee, egg yolk and condensed milk. Enjoy Banh mi, a baguette filled with chicken or pork, pickled vegetable, cucumbers and coriander. This dish is a staple in Vietnam and is perfect for when you are on-the-go. Another staple is Nem nuong - a pork skewer marinated in aromatic spices, grilled over fire and served with fresh vegetables wrapped in banh trang (rice paper). Try Cháo long, a rice-based porridge consisting of pork, pork liver, blood cubes, beansprouts and chopped green onion. This combination of ingredients creates a hearty warming unique porridge that is a favourite at Cai Rang. 

• The best time to visit the market is between 5:00am and 8:00am as this allows you to catch sunrise over the Mekong Delta, and it's the perfect time to watch the market come alive as trade begins in the early hours of the morning
• Keep a look out for boats that display a bamboo pole known as 'Cây Bẹo'. This tall bamboo pole displays what the trader is selling
• Catch a boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf to the Cai Rang Floating Market
• Boats from Ninh Kieu Wharf vary from traditional Sampan boats with a roof which are perfect for the rainy season to smaller two-to-four seater boats with no roof

Cai Be Floating Market in Tiền Giang, in southern Vietnam located on the banks of the Mekong Delta is not only popular amongst locals but is also frequented by many travellers. Here you will find boats laden with brightly coloured produce like rambutan, pink guavas, pomelo and star fruit. Enjoy Banh cong, a savoury doughnut made from mung beans, rice flour and taro, spring rolls, and local dishes like spicy banh canh (thick noodle soup) served in a pork broth (Bún bò). Relax and take in the atmosphere with a cup of tea or sweetened iced coffee.  

• If you want to grab the freshest produce and take advantage of the morning light, the best time to visit Cai Be Floating Market is from 5:00am as the market starts trading early and it is also cooler in the mornings
• Cai Be can be visited as a full day tour by from Ho Chi Minh City with TNK Travel
• Sampan boat tours are usually about five hours long. Negotiate with your boat operator how long you wish to be out on the river
• Sampan boat operators and traders speak limited English. We suggest learning a few words before you arrive, to get by
• Bring along cash in small denominations as vendors don’t use credit cards and often don’t have change

20kms southwest of Can Tho is Phong Dien Floating Market, a smaller, quieter market offering a more authentic experience. It is not as crowded as Vietnam’s other more popular floating markets. Traders, about twenty boats in total, sell their goods from stand-up rowing boats. The vendors cook noodle soup over hot coals, and prepare freshly made coffee and tea whilst floating on the river. You can book a river boat tour online which takes you to Cai Rang Floating Market with a stop off at Phong Dien Floating Market. The tour includes a visit to a traditional noodle house and an organic cacao farm. 

• Similar to the other floating markets, the best time to visit Phong Dien Floating Market is in the early morning. The market opens at 5:00am with locals coming to buy items anytime from 6:00am 
• The best time to visit the market would be before 8:00am, this way you can enjoy the market before the weather gets warmer and immerse yourself in the authentic market experience and interact with the local community
• From Can Tho City, a taxi can be taken to Ninh Kieu pier where you can catch a boat to the market - the boat will also take you through the Cai Rang Floating Market

A hidden gem in Soc Trang City is the Nga Nam Floating Market. It’s not as well-known as Phong Dien or Cai Rang, although what it does have in common with these floating markets is its rich history when a system of canals were created by the French. Nga Nam means “five directions” – the name came about when Xang Canal and Quan Lo Phung Hiep Canal formed a side stream which split in five different directions. The location of Nga Nam proved to be beneficial for people from nearby areas to gather and trade goods, evolving into the Nga Nam Floating Market. Here you will be able to buy shrimp and river fish, and fresh produce. There are also various floating eateries serving drinks and local dishes. 

• The Nga Nam markets’ rush hour starts from 5:00am and the business day ends around 10:00am. The boats that tend to stay a bit longer are the floating eateries. To get the full experience of the market, visit in the early hours, shop around then treat yourself to a flavourful Vietnamese meal while floating along the canals 
• The market is about 60kms from Soc Trang City in the Thanh Tri District
• There is an option to catch a local bus from the city centre in Soc Trang to Than Tri and onwards to Nga Nam
• Taxis are also available for hire in Soc Trang. When you arrive at the market wharf, boat operators will take you to Nga Nam

Located in the An Giang province along the Hau River, the Long Xuyen Floating Market is known for its fruit and farm produce. This is mostly because the Long Xuyen Floating Market’s main function is for wholesale buyers to purchase produce from the market.

Experience the flavours of the An Giang province with a variety of speciality dishes available at the market. Enjoy Banh tam, a rice noodle soup flavoured with fresh herbs, beansprouts, carrots, pickled daikon, shredded pork rinds and pork meatballs combined with coconut cream and a sweet fish sauce drizzled on top. Indulge in a mouthwatering hotpot flavoured with fish sauce and made with a variety of local vegetables, pork and various types of fish. Satisfy sweet cravings with coconut candy, a traditional sweet snack made from fresh coconut and brown and white sugar. 

• Operating hours are from 5:00am - 10:30am on a daily basis
• If you wish to get the best light for photographs, the perfect time to be there is at 6:00am
• Take a boat from the Long Xuyen wharf to the market. It takes approximatley 5 minutes 

Vietnam’s floating markets offer an opportunity for you to immerse yourself not only in the culture, but to experience the Mekong Delta from a unique vantage point.

• When planning a visit to a floating market, consider hiring a tour guide or joining a tour group as it allows for easier navigation of the markets. You will also gain insider knowledge about the area and the market 
• Vietnam is a modest country, not only is modesty valued in temples but also in rural areas. Covering up shoulders and knees whilst also removing shoes before entering a home or a temple is respectful
• Part of the market experience is bargaining. It’s recommended to start at around fifty percent of the initial asking price
• Be prepared for an early start, the best time to experience these markets are in the early mornings - this also allows for amazing, first light photographs
• When capturing these moments on camera be mindful and respectful - ask permission before taking pictures of local boat traders
• Use this opportunity to try local dishes as Vietnamese market food is a stand-out feature of the floating market experience
• Vietnam is generally safe however as with anywhere it is always prudent to be aware of your surroundings. When travelling to the floating markets, only use licensed taxis or reputable ride apps and official local transport