Mekong Delta Floating Market Tour: Complete Guide

The Mekong Delta is fertile, with vast rice fields and an intricate river system. As a result, trade and transportation on the waterways are bustling, giving rise to vibrant floating markets. This unique cultural feature is one that no one wants to miss when visiting the Southwest region.

If you’re planning a memorable Mekong Delta floating market tour, take a moment to explore Joy Journeys’ guide below.

Overview about Mekong Delta floating markets

Floating markets are a major attraction for tourists, representing a unique cultural feature found only in the Mekong Delta. Traders from various regions gather daily to buy, sell, and exchange goods, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.

Cai Rang floating market

Located on the serene Hau River, Cai Rang Floating Market is near Cai Rang Bridge, about 6 km from Can Tho City by road and roughly 30 minutes by boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf.

Cai Rang Floating Market is a popular destination that many tourists add to their ‘must-visit’ list when traveling to Can Tho.

One of the main reasons for its appeal is that it is recognized as Vietnam’s national intangible cultural heritage. Originally, the market specialized in selling the region’s renowned agricultural products and fruits, such as Vinh Long pomelos, Tra Vinh macapunos, and Lai Vung pink tangerines. Nowadays, you can also find boats selling clothes and offering services like electrical appliance repairs.

What truly sets Cai Rang Floating Market apart is the people. The locals are known for their warmth, generosity, and deep-rooted hospitality. Sellers greet you with genuine smiles, and they commonly offer a friendly chat as you browse their boats filled with fresh produce and goods.

Phong Dien floating market

Phong Dien Floating Market is another popular tourist destination, located about 17 km east of Can Tho city center.

The market opens early, from around 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., and offers a wide variety of Can Tho specialties, including dragon fruit, mangoes, plums, rambutans, and more. You can also find boats selling breakfast dishes like crab paste noodle soup, rice vermicelli soup, and ‘banh mi,’ making it a great spot to enjoy an authentic meal on the water.

In addition to the famous floating markets mentioned above, the Mekong Delta is also home to several other floating markets, including:

• Tra On Floating Market: Located on the Hau River, about 250 meters from Tra On estuary, this market is a wholesale hub. It specializes in selling a wide range of agricultural products such as taro, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, Tan Thanh oranges, and Luc Si Thanh durians.
• Nga Bay Floating Market: Situated in Hau Giang, this is one of the oldest floating markets in the region. Its unique and fascinating feature is its location at the intersection of seven rivers. The market primarily offers agricultural products and handicrafts.
• Long Xuyen Floating Market: Located on the Hau River in An Giang province, this smaller market serves the local community with daily trading. Vendors often live on their boats and sell agricultural goods and household items.

Factors to consider when choosing a Mekong Delta floating market tour

Departure location – Mekong Delta floating market day tour from Ho Chi Minh or Can Tho

To visit these floating markets, you typically have two options: departing from Can Tho City, the capital of the Mekong Delta, or from Ho Chi Minh City. These are the most convenient starting points because tour agencies are often concentrated in larger cities, giving you more options before deciding.

For foreign tourists planning a solo trip to the floating markets, you can consider the following modes of transport:

• Motorbike: While the Mekong Delta was historically dependent on rivers for trade, the region’s infrastructure has significantly improved. You can easily ride a motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho to Ninh Kieu Wharf, where you can rent a boat to reach the markets.
• Coach bus: You can purchase tickets online or at Mien Tay Bus Station. Ticket prices vary depending on your destination, with fares from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho ranging from 165,000 to 200,000 VND per person one way.

Joy Journeys offers a Mekong Delta floating market day tour from Ho Chi Minh, promising the most authentic experiences for your Mekong Delta exploration. You can book the tour directly at https://joyjourneys.com.vn/ or contact us via WhatsApp at +84 (0) 868.17.66.79 for personalized advice and custom tour designs.

Group size

Floating markets offer an authentic cultural experience of the Mekong Delta, so opting for a smaller group tour can enhance your experience. With fewer people, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings and have more opportunities to chat with the tour guide for deeper insights into these markets.

At Joy Journeys, we offer tour options for groups of up to 10 people. Our purpose is to understand and meet the needs of our guests, carefully curating every aspect of the journey—from the mode of transportation to thoughtfully selected destinations.

With our premier tours, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to interact with our enthusiastic, professional tour guides and learn more about each destination’s unique culture and history.

Included activities

Floating markets are not just sightseeing places; they offer tourists the chance to participate and truly immerse themselves in the local culture:

• Rent a boat and explore the floating market: If you’re traveling in a group, you can rent a boat at Ninh Kieu Wharf and spend half a day exploring Cai Rang Floating Market. Solo travelers can consider joining a group tour for a similar experience.
• Shop for seasonal fruits: As the Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s largest fruit exporter, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to sample fresh, seasonal fruits while you’re there.
• Have breakfast and drink Vietnamese coffee: Start your day by indulging in a traditional Vietnamese breakfast and savoring a cup of rich local coffee.

Additionally, on Joy Journeys’ 2-day Mekong Delta tour, you can enjoy unique experiences such as:

• Visiting a raft noodle factory: Discover how local noodles are made on floating rafts.
• Other activities include Visiting a coconut candy factory, cycling through scenic villages, and exploring Truc Lam Southern Zen Monastery.

Other inclusions

Preparing in advance can be challenging and time-consuming for self-sufficient travelers. This includes arranging transportation, food, accommodation, and places to visit. The process becomes even more complicated when comparing options and reading through reviews.

Opting for a tour can be an excellent choice to make your experience smoother and more convenient. Joy Journeys offers a thoughtfully planned itinerary with all-inclusive costs, covering everything you need for a stress-free trip.

The tour package includes two set menu lunches (with vegan/vegetarian options available), one breakfast, and one dinner, each accompanied by drinks. You’ll also enjoy one night’s accommodation in a local resort’s double or triple room.

Transportation is provided with pick-up and drop-off services in districts 1 and 4. The tour includes a well-experienced, English-speaking guide, all boat trips and bicycles, a cooking session, fruit and coconut juice tastings, four bottles of water, and all sightseeing tickets.

Duration

Depending on your departure location, you can select an appropriate duration for your floating market exploration trip:

• Mekong Delta tour 1 day tour: This short tour is ideal for tourists departing from Can Tho. It focuses on bringing visitors to the market to participate in trading activities.
• Mekong Delta and Cai Rang Floating Market 5-hours tour: This option offers a condensed experience, allowing you to explore the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market and taste seasonal fruits within a limited timeframe.
• 2-Day Mekong Delta Tour: If you’re traveling from Ho Chi Minh City and wish to experience the Mekong Delta, including its floating markets, the 2-day tour is a great option. This duration allows for a more relaxing trip without the rush, giving you ample time to explore and enjoy the local culture.

Reviews

One key factor in ensuring your trip’s quality is choosing a reputable tour agency. Before making your decision, it’s helpful to consider the opinions of customers who have previously used the service.

Customers highly rate Joy Journeys as a provider of the Mekong Delta floating market tour, known for its reasonable itinerary, professional tour guides, and excellent accommodations. You can check out some reviews below or visit TripAdvisor for more feedback.

Paul M. shared that he had a wonderful two-day tour, filled with memorable experiences. He especially enjoyed Bamboo Eco Village, where he didn’t want to leave. His guide, Tom, was attentive and provided valuable insights into local history, making the journey even more special. Paul highly recommends this experience to others.

Barden K. had a memorable two-day Mekong Delta tour, with the floating market as the highlight. He enjoyed an early morning boat ride, where he saw hundreds of boats and even had breakfast on board. He also praised the peaceful bamboo eco-stay and appreciated the well-organized trip, guided by Safa. Barden highly recommended the experience with Joy Journeys.

Sylvia R. described her Joy Journeys tour as a memorable and must-do experience, praising the smooth communication and efficient organization from start to finish. She appreciated the flexibility in pick-up locations and highlighted her guide, Tri, for making the trip special.
The bamboo eco-village exceeded expectations with its friendly staff and abundant food, and Sylvia found the early morning breakfast on a boat tied up to another on the river to be a unique experience. She highly recommended the tour, especially for small groups.

FAQs about Mekong Delta floating market tour

What are the most popular floating markets in the Mekong Delta?

Cai Rang Floating Market is the most popular floating market in the Mekong Delta. It is known for its convenient location and accessibility.

Is Can Tho floating market worth it?

To truly experience the spirit of Can Tho, visiting the floating market is a must. It showcases the unique river culture, illustrating how locals adapt to their geography and maintain this traditional market.

What is the largest floating market in Mekong Delta?

Cai Rang Market is the largest and one of the most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta. While it attracts many tourists, its value as a destination is balanced. Here, you can immerse yourself in the river atmosphere and observe the daily lives of local people..

What is the best time of day to visit a floating market?

The best time to visit the floating market is between 5 AM and 9 AM. During this time, you can take a boat to the market and enjoy the sunrise over the river. Additionally, this is when the market is at its most vibrant, with hundreds of boats gathering to trade, creating a unique scene.

How much do Mekong Delta floating market tours typically cost?

Floating market tours typically range from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 VND for a 1-day tour from Can Tho. A 2-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City will start from over 3,500,000 VND. The difference in tour prices is primarily based on the comfort of transportation and the quality of accommodations.

Conclusion

The Mekong Delta Floating Market Tour is a cultural experience that you cannot miss when visiting Southern Vietnam. The unique and unforgettable experiences offered here will leave a lasting impression.

Joy Journeys is currently one of the leading providers of Mekong Delta tours, and we invite you to consider us for your exploration of this beautiful region. Contact us now to prepare for your trip at +84 (0) 868.17.66.79.