Cai Rang Floating Market

In June of 2023 we took a trip to the Cai Rang Floating Market, also known by locals as the Chợ nổi Cái Răng located in Can Tho City, Vietnam. It is about 2 hours from TP Ho Chi Minh. This is a must see for any tourist coming to Vietnam as it’s one of the oldest floating markets on the Mekong Delta river.

I went there with my wife and friend, but it’s perfectly suitable for families and children. The activities on the boat markets varies depending on the merchants operating, in the video above you’ll notice we’re making sweet rice paper or sweet spring roll. The merchants let you join in make it and they also make fresh noodles! You’ll find mostly souvenirs, food and produce in the boats. The real fun though is just being there surrounded by about 50 other boats on the water with designs you’ve never seen before! I know the modern cities like Saigon offer a lot to do but if you want to see old Vietnam and experience the culture then take the trip here!

Information about the Cai Rang Floating Market

• Market Name: Cai Rang Floating Market
• Vietnamese Name: Chợ nổi Cái Răng
• Location:Can Tho City, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
• Age: Over 100 years old
• Activities: Trading of goods, local produce, and food from boats.
• Known For: Authentic cultural experience, variety of local foods, and agricultural products.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning, around 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM
• Cost for Boat Ride: From 20,000 VND (less than $1 USD) for simple rides to several hundred thousand VND ($10 to $30 USD) for private tours. Prices vary based on tour details.
• Starting Point for Tours: Ninh Kieu Pier in Can Tho City is a common place to arrange boat tours to the market.

Don’t visit south Vietnam without taking a trip here, it’s worth it. After, the boat driver will take you to visit a well known garden off to the shore on the way out, I can’t remember the name.

This is not wheelchair accessible for those with disabilities. Be sure to bring bottles of water and a hat. The sun on the water in Vietnam can be very difficult for some.

Enjoy.