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Nga Nam Floating Market – The river market where five waterways converge

Author: Quản trị viên Updated: 10/02/2026 Views: 39

Nga Nam Floating Market (formerly Soc Trang, now part of Can Tho) gathers from 3–4 AM where 5 river branches intersect, selling fruits and agricultural produce; boat traffic is sparser than before.

Nga Nam Floating Market – a river market held at Nga Nam, where five canal branches fan out to neighboring regions, formerly in Soc Trang Province and now under Can Tho City. The market still convenes in the early morning, though the number of boats has declined significantly compared to the past, making it ideal for travelers seeking a rustic, less touristy floating market experience.

Quick Overview

Address: Nga Nam, Can Tho City (formerly Soc Trang Province)
Opening hours: Gathers around 3:00–4:00 AM, peaks between 5:00–6:00 AM, winds down before noon
Admission: Free (boat rental charged separately)
Highlights: Five-way river intersection, fruit boats, sunrise on the water

History and Characteristics

The market originated during the French colonial era when canal excavation created a five-way river junction here.
From the market, river branches lead toward Ca Mau, Long My, Thanh Tri, Phung Hiep, and Vinh Quoi.
During its heyday, the market drew hundreds of boats, bustling even more during the Lunar New Year (Tet).
Due to the development of road transport, boat traffic has dwindled in recent years, prompting local efforts toward preservation.

What to Buy at Nga Nam Floating Market

Orchard fruits sold wholesale and retail directly from boats.
Agricultural produce, vegetables, and aquatic products from local farmers and fishermen.
Soc Trang specialties such as pia cakes, Chinese sausage (lap xuong), and flattened green rice flakes (com dep) at nearby onshore markets.

What to Eat at Nga Nam Floating Market

Hu tieu (noodle soup), bun nuoc leo (fermented fish noodle soup), and banh canh (tapioca noodle soup) served on small sampans or at riverside stalls.
Coffee and smoothies for early morning market-goers.
Com tam (broken rice), porridge, and affordable breakfast dishes at the onshore market area.

How to Get There

From Ho Chi Minh City, take a coach to Soc Trang or Can Tho, then continue along National Highway 61B to Nga Nam.
It is advisable to stay overnight in Nga Nam or the surrounding area to reach the market early in the morning.
You can hire small boats from local boaters to cruise through the market.

Travel Tips

The market currently has far fewer boats than in vintage photographs, so arrive very early or visit near Tet for a livelier atmosphere.
Agree on the boat rental price before boarding.
Wear a life jacket and secure your belongings carefully while on the boat.
Combine your trip with visits to attractions in Soc Trang, such as Bat Pagoda (Chua Doi) and Chen Kieu Pagoda.

Reference Prices

Boat tour rental: around 300,000 VND/boat, shared among 4–6 passengers.
Hu tieu, bun nuoc leo on boats: around 15,000–30,000 VND/bowl.
Drinks on boats: around 10,000 VND/glass.
Pia cake (onshore market): around 65,000–210,000 VND/box depending on the variety.

Prices are for reference and may vary by season and vendor.

Best Time to Visit

The market convenes around 3:00–4:00 AM, reaches peak activity from 5:00–6:00 AM, and gradually disperses before noon.
Aim to arrive at the pier by 4:00–5:00 AM, as fewer boats operate now and they disperse early.
The days leading up to Tet feature significantly more vendor boats than normal days.

Useful Visitor Information

Payment: Mostly cash; it is recommended to bring small change to buy items from the boats.
Restrooms: Small boats do not have restrooms, so it is best to use facilities beforehand at shops or onshore markets.
Language: Vendors almost exclusively speak Vietnamese; foreign visitors should use translation apps or travel with a tour guide.
Boat rides: Agree on the rental price beforehand, wear a life jacket, and be careful while eating and drinking due to waves from motorized boats.