Top 7 Floating Markets in Vietnam: A Guide to the Best River Markets

If you visit Vietnam, you can’t miss the chance to see these markets. Known as one of the best things to do in Vietnam, They are lively, colorful, and full of local culture. You’ll see boats full of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and other goods, as well as vendors cooking food right on their boats. The experience is unforgettable, and it gives you a glimpse into how life on the water has been for generations.

In this article, we will look at the top floating markets in Vietnam, each of which offers something special. Whether you’re in search of fresh fruit, a local meal, or just a unique adventure, these markets have it all which you can explore with our Vietnam Tour Packages!

1. Cai Rang Floating Market

Famous for: Fresh fruits and breakfast on the river.

One of the most famous and largest floating markets in Vietnam is Cai Rang Floating Market, located in Can Tho City. This market is an iconic part of the Mekong Delta and is popular among both tourists and locals. Cai Rang starts buzzing around 5 AM and reaches its peak activity between 6 and 7 AM, so it’s best to get there early if you want to see the market in full swing.

At Cai Rang Floating Market, boat vendors sell a variety of goods, particularly fresh tropical fruits like bananas, pineapples, mangoes, and durians. One of the unique things about Cai Rang is how vendors advertise their goods. Instead of shouting, they hang samples of their products on long bamboo poles, making it easy for buyers to see what’s being sold from a distance.

In addition to fresh produce, many vendors sell breakfast foods and drinks, such as traditional Vietnamese coffee, and noodle soups like pho, and banh mi. Cai Rang offers a lively, colorful experience and is a must-visit for anyone interested in floating markets in Vietnam.

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2. Cai Be Floating Market

Famous for: Fresh produce, household goods, and modern items like clothing.

Cai Be Floating Market is located in Tien Giang province and is another must-see floating market in Vietnam. Although it’s smaller than Cai Rang, Cai Be has a unique charm of its own. The market operates in the early morning and typically winds down by mid-morning. Visitors can expect to see boats filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and a variety of other goods, including modern items like clothes and household products.  Travel during the best time to visit Vietnam, and enjoy exploring the markets. 

What sets Cai Be apart is its mix of traditional and modern products. While some vendors sell fresh produce and traditional items, others offer electronics, clothes, and more modern-day goods. This blend of old and new gives the market a distinct character that reflects the evolving nature of trade in the Mekong Delta.

Like other floating markets in Vietnam, Cai Be allows you to interact closely with the boat vendors, who have often spent their entire lives working and living on the water.

3. Nga Bay Floating Market

Famous for: Wide variety of products, including live animals.

Nga Bay Floating Market, also known as Phung Hiep Floating Market, is located in Hau Giang province and is one of the most diverse floating markets in Vietnam. It is famous for the wide variety of goods sold, which include not only fruits and vegetables but also live animals like chickens, ducks, and even exotic creatures like snakes.

This market is less touristy than some of the others, which means visitors can get an authentic taste of local life. The scene at Nga Bay is vibrant and lively, with colorful boats moving up and down the river as buyers and sellers haggle for goods.

If you’re seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Nga Bay Floating Market offers a genuine glimpse into how locals trade and live along the river.

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4. Nga Nam Floating Market

Famous for: Location at the confluence of five rivers.

Nga Nam Floating Market is located in Soc Trang province and is one of the most unique floating markets in Vietnam because it sits at the intersection of five rivers. This makes the market exceptionally busy and full of activity, as boats come from different directions to trade.

At Nga Nam, visitors will find a range of products, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and fish. During the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet holiday), the market becomes even more vibrant, with more boats and goods being traded than usual.

Nga Nam’s busy atmosphere, combined with its scenic location, makes it one of the most interesting floating markets in Vietnam.

5. Long Xuyen Floating Market

Famous for: Authentic, non-touristy experience.

Long Xuyen Floating Market is located in An Giang province and is one of the smaller, lesser-known floating markets in Vietnam. Its size and relatively low profile make it a peaceful and more authentic option for those looking to escape the more touristy areas. Fewer visitors come here, which means you can experience the local culture more intimately.

The boat vendors at Long Xuyen sell fruits, vegetables, and other daily goods. They live on their boats, and many of the trading activities reflect the daily lives of locals. If you want to interact more closely with the boat vendors and get a taste of real river life, Long Xuyen Floating Market is a hidden gem worth visiting.

6. Tra On Floating Market

Famous for: Peaceful atmosphere, colorful boats.

Located near Vinh Long province, Tra On Floating Market is one of the oldest floating markets in Vietnam. It may be smaller than some of the other markets, but its peaceful atmosphere and charming boats make it a worthwhile visit. The market opens early in the morning, and you’ll find boats selling fruits, vegetables, and other local products.

One of the highlights of Tra On is how the vendors display their goods. Like in other floating markets in Vietnam, they hang their products on long bamboo poles, creating a beautiful display of colors over the water.

If you’re looking for a quiet and picturesque floating market experience, Tra On Floating Market is a lovely choice.

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7. Phong Dien Floating Market

Famous for: Fewer tourists, household items, and tools.

Phong Dien Floating Market is located not far from Can Tho City and is a smaller alternative to the bustling Cai Rang market. Like other floating markets in Vietnam, it starts early in the morning and the trading winds down by around 7 AM. What makes Phong Dien unique is that it sells more than just fruits and vegetables—vendors here also offer household items and tools.

Since Phong Dien is less crowded with tourists, visitors can enjoy a more relaxed experience and spend more time exploring the market at their own pace. If you want a quieter alternative to Cai Rang, Phong Dien Floating Market is a fantastic choice.

The Role of Boat Vendors in Vietnam’s Floating Markets

Boat vendors in Vietnam often wake up early in the morning to prepare for the day’s trading. Their boats are packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other goods that they sell to local buyers and tourists. For visitors, interacting with these vendors is one of the most rewarding parts of visiting a floating market, as they are often eager to share their stories and explain their way of life.

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Conclusion

While there may not be any well-known floating markets near Hanoi, the experience of visiting these southern markets is well worth the trip. If you want to explore the vibrant culture, taste fresh fruits, and witness the importance of rivers in Vietnam’s economy, visiting one of the floating markets in Vietnam is an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re exploring the large, bustling markets like Cai Rang or the quieter ones like Long Xuyen, each visit is a journey into a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.