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Can Tho & Cai Rang Floating Market

Ho Chi Minh City

Can Tho is known as the "Western Capital" and is the economic and cultural center of the Mekong Delta. It boasts the largest and most vibrant "Cai Rang Floating Market" in Vietnam, where hundreds of boats displaying fruits and vegetables engage in trade on the river, creating a spectacular scene. In addition to the waterway lifestyle, there are well-preserved century-old French colonial houses and the bustling Ninh Kieu Night Market, showcasing the unique prosperity and charm of the water town.

Photos

Can Tho & Cai Rang Floating Market
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Detailed Content

  • Must-Do Experience 1: Cai Rang Floating Market This is the soul of Can Tho. Unlike other floating markets that cater to tourists, this is a real wholesale market for locals.

    • Cay Beo: Pay attention to the long bamboo poles at the bow of each boat, which display items (like pineapples and pumpkins) that indicate what the boat is selling; this is a unique form of "silent advertising."

    • Water Breakfast: You must experience eating a bowl of steaming hot Hu Tieu or Pho on a swaying boat, paired with a glass of iced coffee; this is the most authentic Mekong River breakfast.

    • Best Time: Be sure to depart from Ninh Kieu Wharf at dawn 05:30 - 06:00, with a boat ride of about 30 minutes, just in time to catch the market at its busiest trading hour.

    Must-Do Experience 2: Binh Thuy Ancient House Located about 5 kilometers from the city center, this mansion built in 1870 is the property of the Yang family.

    • Architectural Features: The exterior is an elegant French villa, while the interior features traditional Chinese wooden structures, with floors laid with painted tiles from France and European chandeliers.

    • Movie Scene: This was one of the main filming locations for French director Jean-Jacques Annaud's film L'Amant, which brought it great fame.

    Must-Do Experience 3: Ninh Kieu Wharf and Walking Bridge In the evening, the focus of life in Can Tho shifts to Ninh Kieu Wharf.

    • Cau Di Bo: A scenic bridge shaped like a lotus flower, it lights up with LED lights at night, making it a great spot for couples to date and stroll.

    • Dinner Cruise: Many large restaurant boats (like Du Thuyen Can Tho) are docked by the wharf, allowing you to enjoy dinner while taking in the night views of the Hau River.

    Food Recommendations (Must-Eat)

    • Banh Cong (Mung Bean Shrimp Cake): A specialty snack from Can Tho, made with mung bean batter wrapped around pork and shrimp, deep-fried to a crispy exterior and soft interior.

    • Lau Mam (Fish Sauce Hot Pot): A classic flavor of the Mekong Delta, with a rich broth paired with a variety of fresh vegetables and fish.

Practical Information

Ticket Price Information

Cai Rang Floating Market (Boat Rental Costs):
Private Small Boat (Sampan): Approximately 250,000 - 400,000 VND per boat (can accommodate 2-4 people).
Large Sightseeing Boat (Group Tour): Approximately 50,000 - 100,000 VND per person.
Recommendation: Go directly to Ninh Kieu Wharf to negotiate with boat operators, or book through your hotel.
Binh Thuy Ancient House: Entrance fee is about 20,000 - 40,000 VND (as it is a private residence, the fee is considered maintenance cost).

Opening Hours

Gai Leng Shui Market: Daily from 05:00 to 09:00 (the busiest time is from 06:00 to 07:00).
Ping Shui Ancient House: Daily from 08:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00 (with a break during noon).
Ning Qiao Dock Night Market: Daily from 18:00 to 23:00.

Address

106 Đ. Hai Bà Trưng, Tân An, Ninh Kiều, Cần Thơ

Official Links

Map Location

Klook.com