Cai Rang Floating Market (Cho Noi Cai Rang)

The Basics

Options for exploring the Mekong Delta are plentiful and provide a relaxing break from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, which serves as a convenient jumping-off point for the river. Visitors can enjoy Cai Rang Floating Market independently or as part of a multi-day Mekong tour. These range in length from one to four days and typically include accommodation in a local home and activities such as biking on Ben Tre Island and a cruise by wooden rowboat.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Cai Rang Floating Market is a must-see for visitors in the Mekong Delta.

• Bring plenty of sunscreen as shade is rare when exploring the outdoor market.

• Southern Vietnam is prone to sudden downpours, so an umbrella and raincoat are useful at any time of year.

• Bring plenty of smaller bills if you’re planning to purchase goods as vendors rarely have change.

How to Get There

By road from Ho Chi Minh City, the journey to Cai Rang Floating Market takes around 3.5 hours depending on traffic. Most travelers visit the market by boat from the Mekong Delta town of Can Tho, 45 minutes away. If not arriving as part of an organized tour, get a boat from the market area in Can Tho or drive to the Cau Dau Sau pier and take a boat the last 10 minutes from there.

When to Get There

The Cai Rang Floating Market is at its best between 6am and 8am. Cai Rang Bridge is a great spot for taking photos, and going earlier will mean capturing the busyness of the market before it is overcrowded with day-trippers.

Feast Your Senses at the Floating Market

Cai Rang Floating Market gives visitors the chance to sample exotic produce they may never even have heard of. Adventurous travelers can try mangosteens, recognizable by a deep purple exterior; durian, a fruit so pungent that many hotels ban guests bringing it inside; and coconut candy, a prize Mekong Delta export.

What are the operating hours of Cai Rang Floating Market?

The Cai Rang Floating Market typically operates every day from the early morning hours (around 5am or 6am) until late morning, usually around 10am. Arrive earlier in the morning to experience the market at its liveliest and most photogenic—and to avoid the plethora of oncoming tourist boats.

How do I get to the Cai Rang Floating Market?

Cai Rang Floating Market can be reached from downtown Can Tho—about three hours south of Ho Chi Minh City—by hiring a boat tour. Those can be arranged through local tour operators or with boat owners at the Ninh Kieu Wharf. Boat tours vary greatly as the larger the boat, the less authentic your experience.

What types of products are sold at Cai Rang Floating Market?

At Cai Rang Floating Market, you can find a variety of products including fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, snacks, and local handicrafts. That being said, many boat tours offer only a couple of predetermined stops, so if you want to peruse the market at will, book a private boat.

Are there any specific days of the week that are best to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market?

The best days to visit Can Tho’s Cai Rang Floating Market are typically during the weekdays, especially from Monday to Wednesday, right at or after sunrise. During weekends, especially after 8am, the market can get crowded with tourists and tourist boats, so weekdays offer a slower, less crowded, and more authentic experience.

Are there any local delicacies or snacks that I shouldn't miss while at the market?

Yes, Cai Rang Floating Market is full of Vietnamese delicacies and classic snacks. While perusing the boats, don't miss trying some local goodies, such as bun rieu cua (crab noodle soup), banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake), and fresh tropical fruits. Coconut candy is also a popular Mekong Delta treat.

Is Cai Rang the best floating market to visit in Vietnam?

Yes, Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the larger and most well-known floating markets in Vietnam. While opinions may vary on whether it's the absolute best, it's certainly one of the top choices for visitors due to its accessibility and plethora of tour options. However, it’s become quite popular and crowded, and many smaller vendors are now gone.