Must-Eat Foods On Cai Rang Floating Market Tour From Can Tho

The Cai Rang Floating Market tour from Can Tho is a must-try activity when exploring the Southwest. This distinctive market unfolds with boats anchored along the Can Tho River, offering a chance to watch the sunrise and savor breakfast with local specialties right on the water.

Embark on the Cai Rang Floating Market tour with Joy Journeys and indulge in its irresistible delicacies!

Introduction to Cai Rang floating market tour from Can Tho

The Cai Rang Floating Market, a national intangible cultural heritage of the Mekong Delta, is a must-visit for anyone traveling to this southwest region.

History of Cai Rang Floating Market

This spot was established in the early 20th century at the intersection of the Can Tho River and the Xa No Canal. At that time, waterway transport was the primary travel mode in this region. Therefore, the Cai Rang Floating Market was ideally situated for trade and gatherings. Originally, the market catered to neighboring provinces in the Mekong Delta, focusing primarily on agricultural products, with each boat specializing in a particular item.

Today, the market has diversified, offering a wide array of goods, including food, household items, and river life essentials. Despite the decline of many floating markets due to road transport, Cai Rang has adapted to tourism, evolving into a sustainable and enduring attraction.

Highlights of Cai Rang floating market tour from Can Tho

• Watch the Sunrise on the River: Arrive early at the Cai Rang Floating Market to catch its vibrant morning bustle and enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over the river, adding a magical touch to your visit.

• Shop from a Boat: Experience a distinctive shopping adventure unlike any mainland market. Shop, dine, and haggle directly from boats on the Can Tho River, immersing yourself in the lively market atmosphere.

• Visit the Noodle Factory on a Raft: Explore the daily life of the locals abroad production rafts. Engage in the ‘farm-to-table’ journey as you see firsthand how rice from the Mekong Delta is processed and transformed.

Top must-eat foods to try on a Cai Rang floating market tour from Can Tho

At the Cai Rang Floating Market, vendors sell fruits and foods directly from their boats. Here is a list of the top must-eat foods to try on a Cai Rang Floating Market tour from Can Tho.

“Hủ Tiếu” (Rice Vermicelli with Soup)

Hu Tieu is a beloved staple dish in Vietnam, particularly in the southern region.The Hu Tieu in Cai Rang has a very distinctive taste because there are many families that make traditional rice vermicelli – the main ingredient of the dish.

The enjoyment of Hu Tieu is not only about fresh ingredients and expert preparation but also the setting. Savoring a bowl of Hu Tieu in the morning at Cai Rang Floating Market offers every traveler an unique experience.

“Bún Riêu” (Noodles with Crab Paste Soup)

Bun Rieu is famous for its key ingredient—crab paste which is made from crushed crab meat. Typically, Bun Rieu is enhanced with a hint of shrimp paste and served with fresh raw vegetables. In Southwest Vietnam’s delta region, sourcing fresh ingredients for this dish is straightforward. 

Though some visitors might find its aroma challenging, Bun Rieu is still a must-try delicacy at Cai Rang Floating Market.

“Cơm Tấm” (Broken Rice)

Com Tam is a beloved Vietnam specialty, typically served with a variety of delicious toppings. At the floating market, you can savor this dish with:

• Ribs: Tender pork ribs marinated in sweet and sour spices, then grilled to perfection.
• Cha (Egg Cha): A steamed cake made from eggs, minced meat, wood ear mushrooms, and finely ground vermicelli sliced into bite-sized pieces.
• Lap Xuong: Chinese sausage made from lean meat and pork fat, seasoned with wine and sugar, then fermented in dried pig intestines.
• Eggs: Usually served as crispy fried eggs.
• Pork Skin: A flavorful mix of shredded pork and pork skin combined with rice bran and spices.

“Chè” (Sweet Soup)

When you visit the Southwest, you’ll have the chance to admire its traditional cultural beauty and landmarks while savoring local dishes. However, the region’s attractive desserts are the highlight. 

There are some of the most famous desserts that you can find at Cai Rang Floating Market: Ba Ba Sweet Soup, An Giang Pomelo Sweet Soup, Banana Sweet Soup with Tapioca, Fruit Sweet Soup, Mixed Sweet Soup, etc.

“Bánh Mì”

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese baguette known for its crispy crust, soft interior, and a variety of fillings. Depending on regional preferences or personal tastes, Banh Mi can be made with numerous additional ingredients. You can enjoy hot and crispy Banh Mi right at Cai Rang floating market with some popular fillings such as pork sausage, meat, fish, and more. 

“Gỏi Cuốn” (Spring Rolls)

Originating in Southern Vietnam, spring rolls are celebrated for their fresh and vibrant ingredients.These rolls feature a variety of ingredients, including lettuce, basil, perilla, herbs, boiled meat, and fresh shrimp, all wrapped in rice paper. 

At the Cai Rang Floating Market, they are commonly served with a dipping sauce, which might be a blend of soy sauce and crushed roasted peanuts.

Fresh tropical fruits

The Mekong Delta markets are renowned for their abundant tropical fruits, reflecting the region’s position as the country’s leading agricultural producer. This area offers a delightful array of flavors, from mangosteen, durian, mango to orange and tangerine. Visitors should take advantage of the opportunity to savor these tropical delights at affordable prices while exploring the Mekong Delta.

Tips for a memorable culinary experience

• Arrive Early: The Cai Rang Market is at its busiest from 5 to 9 a.m. To fully experience the market’s vibrant atmosphere, plan to wake up early and take a boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf. Enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over the river on your way—a truly unforgettable experience.
• Prepare Small Change: Transactions at the market are mostly cash-based. You can bring small bills for convenience. However, remember to keep your money in a crossbody bag to protect against loss or pickpocketing.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Bargain: Bargaining is an ‘authentic thing’ in any Vietnamese market. If you find that the price is too high, feel free to negotiate with the seller.
• Try Something New: Don’t miss the chance to taste local specialties like durians, crispy fried noodles, and cassava cakes.
• Carry hand sanitizer: Use it to clean your hands before eating to ensure hygiene.

FAQs about floating market tours from Can Tho

What is Cai Rang floating market famous for?

• National Intangible Cultural Heritage: In 2016, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism designated the Cai Rang Floating Market as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Trading Takes Place on Boats: The Cai Rang Floating Market is unique for its boat-based commerce. Vendors transport goods from the southwest provinces and conduct all trading activities directly from their boats.
• “Hang What You Sell”: Locally known as “Cay Beo,” this refers to a pole on the boat where vendors hang their products. This system makes it easy for customers to see and choose the items they want to buy.

Can Tho floating market times?

Unlike mainland markets, the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho and other floating markets open early. The prime time to visit is between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.

At this early hour, boats start arriving, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. This is the perfect time to experience the market’s lively scene and enjoy the stunning sunrise over the water. If you arrive around 6 a.m., you can also have a local breakfast on a boat.

What do floating markets sell?

• Breakfast and Drinks:  The market opens early in the morning, with many boats selling breakfast foods such as broken rice, vermicelli with fish sauce, and Can Tho noodles. You can also find boats that offer a variety of beverages, including coconut water, milk coffee, and carbonated soft drinks.
• Fruits: The Mekong Delta is a paradise for tropical fruit lovers. Cai Rang Floating Market offers a wide range of fruits, including longans, durians, mangoes, tangerines, and grapefruits.
• Household Goods: Since many people live on boats in the area, the market also sells household goods and provides repair services.

Is the food at Cai Rang Floating Market safe to eat?

The food at Cai Rang Floating Market is generally safe to eat, thanks to the fresh local agricultural and aquatic products used in the dishes. While the market maintains high standards of hygiene, it’s always wise to carefully observe and select your food to ensure your health and safety.

How much does food cost at Cai Rang Floating Market?

Food at Cai Rang Floating Market is quite affordable compared to other Vietnamese cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It is just around 40,000 to 60,000 VND for a typical breakfast.

How much is the boat ride at the floating market?

If you’re visiting Cai Rang Floating Market independently, you can join a group for a boat ride from Ninh Kieu Wharf. The price for an individual typically ranges from 100,000 to 140,000 VND, depending on negotiation. Here’s a general price:

• Renting a boat for 10 to 25 people costs between 500,000 and 700,000 VND.
• For a boat ride that includes a visit to Cai Rang Floating Market and other nearby locations for about 5 hours, expect to pay between 950,000 and 1,650,000 VND for 10 to 25 people.

For those who prefer a guided experience, Joy Journeys offers a comprehensive 2-day, 1-night Cai Rang Floating Market tour in Can Tho, priced at 3,650,000 VND. This tour includes transportation, accommodation, meals (lunch and dinner), and more. 

It’s a great option if you’re looking for a hassle-free adventure with everything planned for you. For more details or to book your tour, contact Joy Journeys via our website: joyjourneys.com.vn or

WhatsApp: +84 (0) 868.17.66.79.

Conclusion 

Cai Rang Floating Market is a must-visit destination when exploring Can Tho. Here, you can not only observe a unique culture but also immerse yourself in it by participating in shopping and dining activities. If you’re looking for a journey rich in cultural and culinary experiences, this is the perfect trip for you!