Cai Rang Floating Market – Boats, "Cay Beo", and Noodle Soup on the River

Cai Rang Floating Market – a market held on the Can Tho River, about 6 km from the city center. This is a quintessential floating market of the Mekong Delta, where visitors take boat rides in the middle of the river to watch trading boats and enjoy breakfast right on the water.

History and Characteristics

• The market formed around the beginning of the 20th century as a river trade hub for agricultural produce.
• The market is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Boats hang sample produce on a bamboo pole ("cay beo") to let customers know what they sell.
• In recent years, wholesale boats have declined significantly, with the market shifting toward retail and tourism services.

What to Buy at Cai Rang Floating Market

• Seasonal fruits sold directly from boats, such as pineapples, mangoes, and watermelons.
• Orchard produce bought individually or by the dozen.
• Beverages and fresh coconut water sold from small sampans.

What to Eat at Cai Rang Floating Market

• Hu tieu (noodle soup) and bun rieu (crab noodle soup) cooked right on the boats.
• Coffee brewed on mobile sampans.
• Pre-cut fresh fruits to enjoy on the spot.

How to Get There

• Rent a boat at Ninh Kieu Wharf; it takes about 30 minutes to reach the market by boat.
• You can travel by vehicle to the Cai Rang area and rent a boat at a pier closer to the market.
• You can join a shared boat or hire a private one, with prices depending on the number of passengers and the itinerary.

Travel Tips for Visitors

• Depart early, around 5:00 AM, to see the market when it is still crowded with boats.
• Agree on boat rental fees and food prices in advance.
• Wear a life jacket while on the boat and keep an eye on the weather.
• Combine your visit with a trip to a traditional noodle workshop, fruit orchards, or a stroll around Ninh Kieu Wharf.

Reference Prices

• Shared boat tour (5–7 passengers): around 100,000–140,000 VND/person.
• Private boat rental from Ninh Kieu Wharf: around 500,000–700,000 VND/trip depending on group size.
• Hu tieu noodles on boats: around 25,000–40,000 VND/bowl.
• Coffee, soy milk, fresh coconut water on boats: around 10,000 VND/glass.
• Traditional pastries (banh tieu, steamed layer cake, honeycomb cake): around 5,000–7,000 VND/piece.

Prices are for reference only and may vary depending on the season and individual vendors.

Best Time to Visit

• The market gathers from around 4:00 AM and peaks between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM; you should leave Ninh Kieu Wharf at 4:00–5:00 AM to catch the sunrise.
• After around 8:00 AM, merchant boats gradually disperse, leaving mostly boats catering to tourists.
• December to April is dry and ideal for boat travel; June to August is the peak orchard fruit season.
• Weekends often feature Don Ca Tai Tu (traditional southern folk music) performances; check with boat operators in advance.

Useful Information for Visitors

• Payment: Primarily cash; bring small change to buy food and fruit on the boats; some boats accept QR code transfers.
• Restrooms: Small boats usually do not have restrooms, so use the restroom at the pier before departing.
• Language: Some vendors and boat drivers accustomed to tourists speak basic English phrases; otherwise, it is best to use a translation app or travel with a tour guide.
• Boat rental: You should agree on the price, itinerary, and duration before boarding, and wear a life jacket throughout the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Cai Rang Floating Market open?

The market gathers from early dawn until around 8:00 AM, with peak hours between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM.

Is Cai Rang Floating Market still busy?

The number of merchant boats has decreased considerably compared to the past, but the market still gathers daily and remains well worth the experience.

How do you get to Cai Rang Floating Market?

The most common way is to hire a boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf, which takes about 30 minutes to reach the market.

See also

• Phong Dien Floating Market
• Ca Mau Floating Market
• Can Tho Ancient Market
• Ninh Kieu Night Market