Floating market of Cai Rang

08:50, November 19, 2023

With its distinctive beauty reflecting the waterways of the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang floating market (in Cai Rang district, Can Tho city) is always a popular destination for tourists visiting this bustling and highly developed city in the Mekong Delta.

Cai Rang floating market opens before dawn and is busiest between 5 and 7 a.m. Drifting on the shimmering water illuminated by lights, the lyrics of the song "Floating Market of the Western Region" (by composer Ngo Ky Vy) further entice visitors from afar: "Walking along the riverbank under the shade of casuarina trees swaying in the wind / The waves playfully welcome those arriving here / Boats crowded the river, holds overflowing with ripe fruit, the vendors' calls ring out / Rambutan, custard apple, durian, pomelo, mango – everyone smiles…"

The name Cái Răng immediately sparks curiosity and interest. There are many explanations for this unique name, including a legend that during the land reclamation period, a very large crocodile washed ashore here. The crocodile's teeth were deeply embedded in the riverbank, so when the floating market was formed, the name Cái Răng was used to name it.

From early morning, boats and canoes have been bustling on the Cai Rang floating market.

Like many floating markets in the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang floating market was formed and emerged from the essential needs of the people, whose lives were closely tied to the landscape of rivers and canals. Especially at a time when waterway transportation held a nearly monopolistic position, Cai Rang floating market was once a bustling wholesale market specializing in the exchange of various fruits and vegetables in the region…

Following the current for about 30 minutes, the colorful Cai Rang market gradually came into view. The further we went into the market, the more boats and canoes there were, bustling along the entire stretch of river. The sounds of oars splashing, laughter, hawking, and inviting customers blended together in the vast expanse of the river. Nestled among the larger boats were smaller vessels working at full capacity, laden with goods, especially local fruits. Sellers cheerfully called out their local produce, while customers happily selected their favorite souvenirs.

Beyond just specialty fruits, the floating market also boasts stalls offering a wide variety of goods. Visitors can experience and enjoy local delicacies such as sweet rice noodle soup, crispy fried rice noodle pizza; visit a coconut candy factory to see the production process; choose from a selection of specialty pasta, vermicelli, dried fish, and souvenirs; and savor a steaming bowl of rice noodle soup on the gently undulating water. The market also sells household goods, fuel, and other essential items for life on the river.

Tourists visit and shop at Cai Rang floating market.

Cai Rang Floating Market is not only interesting because of its "mobile" stalls, but also because of the unique poles propped up in front of the boats. These are poles with products that the boat owners want to sell hanging from them. From afar, customers can only see the poles to know the location and choose what they need. Some poles only have a single coconut leaf hanging on them; these aren't for selling coconuts or coconut products, but for selling the boat itself. There are also things hung on the poles that aren't for sale, such as the clothes of the families living on the boats...

Fun and exciting – those were our feelings when we first visited Cai Rang floating market. However, there were also some regrets: the floating market faces many challenges as it is gradually losing its former vibrancy, the means of buying and selling are declining, and there are still instances of price gouging when selling goods to customers… Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that the local authorities have been making great efforts to develop Cai Rang floating market in a new direction – tourism – to make it a prominent and unique tourist attraction.

Song Quynh

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