The floating markets in Vietnam act as the true representation of adventure meeting picturesque waterways. These are one-of-its-kind markets as vendors sell their goods to the visitors on their boats.Whenever you’re booking any Vietnam tour packages, ensure that these floating markets are a part of the trip too. Visiting the floating markets will let you explore the importance of water in the local culture of Vietnam and how South Vietnamese people earn their livelihood.
As you move across the markets, you’ll witness the vendors selling vegetables, fresh fish, and fruits. Some vendors also cook on their boats for selling purposes. A trip to the floating marks of Vietnam is the experience of a lifetime!
Famous Floating Markets in Vietnam You Must Visit
Floating markets in Vietnam have been a crucial part of the culture for decades. Towns located at the heart of these river mazes are bustling with life. But how do these traditional boat markets function? Vendors sell fresh condiments from their boats using a long pole to attract attention. Smaller boats serve the purpose of being floating cafes, as they serve various food items such as coffee and noodle soup.
Among the radiant Vietnamese market culture, here are some of the top floating markets to explore in Vietnam:
1. Cai Be Floating Market
This is one of the most popular floating markets in Vietnam, located between the confluence of a river and a few provinces. Surrounded by Tien Giang, Vinh Long, and Ben Tre, Cai Be is a delightful center of commerce. The market becomes lively at dawn, boats floating right next to each other hauling fresh goods. This presents the best southern Vietnam floating market experiences to tourists.
The easiest way to reach this market is from Ho Chi Minh City which is a three-hour journey!
- Best time to visit: 4 a.m. to 6 a.m.
- Location: Ho Chi Minh City
- Entry Fee: Free
Read More: 34 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam: A Whole Guide
2. Tra On Floating Market
Among the most exciting floating markets in Vietnam, Tra On is located between two rivers, the Mang Thit River and the Hau River in Vinh Long province. What makes Tra On floating market interesting is the fact that it operates according to the water level of the rivers. With high water, the market becomes the most lively.Vendors sell tropical fruits that are staples here, such as oranges, coconuts, jackfruit, grapefruits, and more. Beef vermicelli and fish noodles are must-try delicacies in this region.
- Best time to visit: Early morning
- Location: Tra On District, Vinh Long Province
- Entry Fee: Free
3. Cai Rang Floating Market
The Cai Rang Floating Market is situated at the union of two rivers, Cai Rang and Hau Rivers. This floating market in Vietnam is the largest wholesaler of fruits and vegetables. Vendors get to work as early as 5 a.m. and the market sparks up to live.With recognition at an international level, the Cai Rang floating market is popular with tourists and locals alike. May it be drinking fresh coconut water or trying out dishes such as Pho, Bun Bo, and Hu Tieu, this market has it all. It offers one of the most spectacular floating market experiences in the country.
- Best time to visit: Early morning
- Location: Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City
- Entry Fee: Free
4. Phong Dien Floating Market
Phong Dien is nearly 17 km away from Can Tho in the southeast. This traditional boat market is rather peaceful when compared to a few others on the list and is situated in the Mekong Delta. The market peaks early in the morning when vendors are purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables for resale.From agricultural items to basic household goods, this floating market in Vietnam has it all! The best part is the food items available here, such as various noodle soups, coffee, and Banh Mi. People here don’t discriminate as the prices are the same for both tourists and locals.
- Best time to visit: 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.
- Location: Can Tho City
- Entry Fee: Free
Read More: 2025’ Guide To Mekong Delta In Vietnam For An Exquisite Visit
5. Nga Bay Floating Market
This floating market in Vietnam, also known as Phung Hiep, has been a bustling trade hub since 1915. These boats are floating with a plethora of goods. There are live animals in the market such as iguanas, birds, snakes, lizards, and turtles. Interestingly, the market is most lively around 7 a.m. Nga Bay is nearly 30 km away from Can Tho, and the best way to reach it is by taxi or private car. Navigating through the market is easy since local boats can be rented at Nga Bay.
- Best time to visit: From 7 a.m. onwards
- Location: Nga Bay City, Hau Giang Province
- Entry Fee: Free
6. Long Xuyen Floating Market
Long Xuyen offers a very traditional floating market experience. This place has not yet been commercialized, so it provides rustic and authentic vibes. As much of a relief as it is, staying out of the commercial range also makes this floating market less popular when compared to a few others on the list. Locals are very friendly and proactive when it comes to guiding tourists around the place. This market has a great stock of fresh condiments and delicious appetizers such as noodles with fish broth and bite-sized pigskin pieces.
- Best time to visit: 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
- Location: Hau River, Long Xuyen City
- Entry Fee: Free
Read More: Long Xuyen Vietnam A Tranquilling Place In The Mekong Delta!
7. Nga Nam Floating Market
As the name suggests, this floating market is located in the town of Nga Nam where five rivers unite. This is one of the most packed traditional boat markets in Vietnam. The clamor of people here cannot be compared to any other place. With a plethora of vegetables such as cabbage, garlic, and tomato, the scenery is laced with boats of all structures, whether big or small. There are some really irresistible dishes available such as noodles with seafood, coffee, and rice soup. One of the best highlights of this floating market in Vietnam is the sweet old folk songs and traditional attire called “Ao Ba Ba.” The most efficient way to reach here is from Ca Mau province.
- Best time to visit: 3 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Nga Nam Town, Soc Trang Province
- Entry Fee: Free
Floating markets in Vietnam go a lot deeper than just superficial centers for trade. They are a mirror to the region they’re located in and reflect their culture and radiant lifestyle of the people. Admiring the sheer beauty of these markets and looking into their cultural significance show the authentic rhythm of Vietnamese life.
