Opening up opportunities for the development of Cai Rang Floating Market tourism.

Recently, in the program "Colorful Culture of Cai Rang Floating Market," the story of preserving and promoting the culture of Cai Rang Floating Market was once again discussed, with many proposals and recommendations aimed at attracting tourists while still maintaining the unique cultural identity of the floating market.

Practical insights

Mr. Tran Manh Khang, Director of Nhu Y Travel Company, stated: “To promote the Cai Rang Floating Market Culture, a national intangible cultural heritage, in tourism development, it is necessary to identify the core values ​​of the floating market. The buying and selling activities on the floating market need to retain their original nature as they were when the floating market first formed. The flow of waterway trade is a vital condition for the survival of the floating market.”

A river route survey program exploring Cai Rang Floating Market using modern boats. Photo: KIEU MAI

Therefore, Mr. Tran Manh Khang proposed creating favorable conditions regarding dock infrastructure and support policies for those participating in the waterway trade supply system. These include policies on capital to help people upgrade their vessels, invest in better buying, selling, and preserving goods, and planning agricultural product collection points to maintain trade connections on the river and on the shore...

Meanwhile, cultural researcher Nham Hung stated: " Can Tho has a project to preserve and develop Cai Rang Floating Market, but the trading model and culture of the floating market have changed; the solutions in the previous project have not kept pace with these changes." He pointed out that the market's operating hours and the goods sold there have changed. The structure of the floating market is no longer on the docks and boats; many fruit and agricultural product stalls have moved elsewhere, causing orchards to almost disappear from the floating market, and the number of traders has gradually decreased over time.

Based on that reality, cultural researcher Nham Hung argues: "Floating markets still need to preserve their traditional values, but increase their tourism content. To achieve this, there must be investors, managers from the outset, and creative approaches."

Overcoming difficulties step by step

Mr. Truong Van Vinh, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Can Tho City Tourism Association, stated: “Floating markets and river tourism are unique features of Can Tho. Recently, the city's Tourism Association and businesses have organized numerous surveys to assess the current situation, as well as to connect and promote river tourism and the Cai Rang floating market. Floating market tourism products are receiving increasing attention from many perspectives.”

Specifically, Can Tho has a diverse and modern waterway transportation system, its port and dock facilities are being upgraded, and businesses are collaborating to offer a wider variety of experiential products and services.

Mr. Truong Van Vinh added: “To revitalize and increase the attractiveness of the floating market, a roadmap and the joint efforts of many levels and sectors are necessary. From the association's perspective, we are surveying and researching additional tourist routes connecting with the floating market, linking services to enhance the visitor experience, such as connecting with places serving authentic Mekong Delta cuisine, and adding cultural exchange programs to the tourists' exploration journey.”

Mr. Sam Long Giang, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Can Tho City, said: "This survey not only assesses the current state of Cai Rang Floating Market but also allows relevant agencies to listen to proposals, recommendations, and solutions from businesses and researchers. Currently, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has been assigned by the People's Committee of Can Tho City to advise on the development of a plan for the preservation and development of Cai Rang Floating Market in the new phase. We aim for Cai Rang Floating Market to be planned and oriented in accordance with practical requirements, while still preserving its local cultural values. This includes expanding areas to allow investors to collaborate in developing the floating market in conjunction with tourism in a sustainable manner."

AI LAM

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/mo-huong-cho-du-lich-cho-noi-cai-rang-phat-trien-a203520.html