Shopping Attractions

Long Xuyen Floating Market – Coconut boats, pineapple boats on the Hau River at sunrise

Author: Quản trị viên Updated: 10/02/2026 Views: 29

Long Xuyen Floating Market on the Hau River gathers early in the morning from around 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM. Now with fewer boats, it sells coconuts, pineapples, agricultural produce, noodle soup, and coffee on boats; hire a boat at the pier near the market.

Long Xuyen Floating Market – a gathering on the Hau River passing through Long Xuyen, An Giang. Today, the market has far fewer boats than before, but it still retains the authentic trading rhythm of the locals at dawn.

Quick Overview

Address: On the Hau River, near O Moi Wharf area, Long Xuyen, An Giang Province
Opening hours: Early morning, busiest around 5:00–7:00 AM
Admission: Free
Highlights: Coconut boats, pineapple boats, breakfast on the river

History and Features

The floating market was once an important waterway trading hub for regional agricultural produce.
Nowadays, the market has dwindled significantly, with only several dozen boats gathered during peak hours.
Goods mainly cater to local residents rather than being staged for tourists.
Boats still use the traditional "cay beo" (bamboo poles hanging sample items) to showcase what they sell.

What to Buy at Long Xuyen Floating Market

Coconuts and pineapples sold by boatload.
Seasonal fruits and agricultural produce.
Daily necessities sold to people living on the river.

What to Eat at Long Xuyen Floating Market

Hu tieu (noodle soup) and rice vermicelli cooked right on the boats, costing around several tens of thousands of VND per bowl.
Coffee served from small sampans.

How to Get There

Long Xuyen is quite far from Ho Chi Minh City, so it is recommended to stay overnight to catch the early market.
Rent a boat at the wharf near the market; it takes about 10 minutes to reach the gathering area.
Agree on the boat fare and itinerary before setting off.

Tips for Visitors

Arrive before 6:00 AM; boats begin dispersing after 7:00 AM.
Do not expect the bustling crowds seen in old photographs.
Bring cash in small denominations.
You can combine this with a visit to the President Ton Duc Thang Memorial Site on Ong Ho Islet or continue on to Chau Doc.

Reference Prices

Small boat rental (under 7 passengers): around 200,000 VND per ~2-hour trip.
Large boat rental (around 20 passengers): around 500,000 VND per trip.
Hu tieu or rice vermicelli cooked on boats: around several tens of thousands of VND per bowl.
Fish noodle soup (bun ca) at wharfside eateries: around 30,000–50,000 VND per bowl.

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

Best Time to Visit

The market runs from around 5:00 AM until late morning, peaking between 5:00 and 7:00 AM.
It is best to arrive at the wharf between 5:00 and 5:30 AM to catch the sunrise over the Hau River.
After 8:00 AM, many boats have departed, and trading activity thins out noticeably.
Fruits vary by season: mid-year brings an abundance of mangoes and durians, while the year-end offers plenty of pomelos.

Useful Information for Visitors

Payment: Primarily cash; bring small change when buying items on the boats.
Restrooms: Small boats do not have restrooms, so please use the facilities beforehand at the wharf or shops near the O Moi ferry landing.

Language: Vendors almost exclusively speak Vietnamese, so foreign visitors should use a translation app or travel with a tour guide.

Boat trip: Opt for dry dishes rather than soupy ones when eating on a boat, and prepare a waterproof pouch for your phone.