Cai Rang Floating Market – The Reasons You Should Come Here Once in Life

Cai Rang Floating Market is the must-visit destination on a trip to Can Tho, and without the Cai Rang Floating Market, your Can Tho journey is like a dish missing a spice. Hence, why don’t you record the following Cai Rang Floating Market experiences in your Travel Guide?

The easiest route to get to Cai Rang Floating Market

From Ho Chi Minh City, there are many means of transport to get to Can Tho. The most favorite vehicle is a motorcycle, as the distance between the two destinations is not far. However, it may be difficult for those who are not skillful drivers since it has many big and small pot-holes on the road that locals also find hard to face. Despite this, for those who have a passion for adventure, it is an ideal route to satisfy your desire for discovery and overcoming tough challenges. Moreover, the motorcycle is a convenient and economical transportation. You can efficiently move to any attractive attractions in Can Tho without renting any additional means of transportation. Walking around Can Tho city at night and watching Ninh Kieu Wharf with sparkling lights will leave you with many memorable memories.

Another option that I highly recommend is the bus, which is an ideal transportation to get to Can Tho from Ho Chi Minh City. With prices ranging from 80,000 VND to 100,000 VND per passenger, the bus offers much more convenience and safety than motorbikes because you do not need to drive like riding a motorcycle. At the same time, it is also less tiring even though it is a long journey and takes about 4 hours. One thing you should keep in mind when choosing a bus to get to Can Tho is that you should book tickets early and choose a seat in the top or middle if you get motion sickness. The road to Can Tho is not flat but has many potholes, so it can easily make you tired if you sit at the back.

Another option for those who love elegance and comfort without having to squeeze on a bus or sunbathe on a motorbike is the limousine. The ticket price for a limousine is slightly higher than a bus, ranging from 150,000 VND – to 300,000 VND depending on the brand and number of people. The inside of the limousine is usually designed quite comfortably, modernly, and spaciously enough for about nine people to sit together. Vũ Linh Limousine is one of the well-known brands that provides nine-seat Limousines with an affordable price range from 180.000 VND to 240.000 VND depending on the seating position in the limousine. Trí Nhân Limousine is another option for you if you want to experience the most comfortable. With a new limousine sleeper bus system with many modern amenities such as high-quality leather beds, USB charging ports, and high-quality TV screens, Trí Nhân Limousine is a high-quality limousine that promises the most convenient journey. However, the price is higher than other limousines, which is 280.000 VND per ticket.

The route from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho is simple. From Ho Chi Minh City, you can drive to Vo Van Kiet Street and then run to National Highway 1A. Driving along this national highway will reach My Thuan Bridge, and continuing on National Highway 1A we will reach Can Tho Bridge. Coming to this bridge also means you have reached the city center, and you only need to turn right onto Pham Hung and then drive a little further to get to Cai Rang Floating Market. In addition, if you are a knowledgeable person and often visit the Cai Rang floating market, you can take a shorter shortcut near Tay Do University.

Early Morning Adventures at the Floating Market

1. A glimpse into the unique Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho

Cai Rang Floating Market is unique because it opens overly early, around 4 – 5 a.m. Therefore, you have to wake up very early in the morning, so that you can watch the sunrise, people catching fish, do activities along the riverbank, and enjoy the fresh air on the river. Around 5:00 a.m., you arrive at Ninh Kieu Wharf and get off the boat to visit the floating market. The price to rent a boat to Cai Rang floating market is also very affordable, starting from only 400,000 VND (departing from Ninh Kieu pier).

This market was formed in the early years of the 20th century. In the 90s of the 20th century, it was moved across the Cai Rang bridge to Phong Dien, about 1km from the old location. If you want to know why the market is called Cai Rang, the author Vuong Hong Sen will reveal this secret in the book “Secrets of the Southern Language.” According to him, Cai Rang is derived from the word “Karan” in Khmer, which means “to make” a terracotta stove.

Over the years, traders on the river changed from calling it “cà ràng” to misreading Cai Rang as it does now. There are also many other ways to explain, but because there is no convincing proof, it is not convenient to mention them. Everyone knows the Cai Rang floating market as the most extensive wholesale trading place for agricultural products in the Mekong Delta region.

In addition to agricultural products, the market also sells other diverse items such as Can Tho specialties: vermicelli fish sauce, porridge, vermicelli noodles… The drink menu is full of dishes: bean milk, milk coffee, coconut water, and all kinds of sweet soups. …at affordable prices.

2. Clues to Discover a Trader’s Specialities

To facilitate trading on the river, the Cai Rang floating market has a unique trading signal, which is “cây beo.” This is a long tree built on or in front of the boat to hang vegetables, fruits, or agricultural products that you want to sell on it. Due to the sound of boats going to the Cai Rang floating market and the strong wind, instead of sounding for sale like a trader on land, the trader will hang onto whatever they want to sell on “cây beo.” When the trader sells potatoes, they will hang them up.

In addition, there are many points about this culture that you should know. The clothes hung up won’t be sold, as they’re the household’s clothes living on the boat. Although many boats don’t hang up anything, they are also selling. These are small boats selling delicious culinary dishes in the market. And if they hang up the roofing sheet, they are probably selling their boat.

3. A Scenic Destination Unleashing Creativity in Each Photo

If you go to the Cai Rang floating market and don’t have a photo album to bring back, it’s truly a pity. According to the experience of those who have gone before, we should try to live virtually on the boat’s nose; the photos captured will be incredibly impressive. Moreover, you can also explore your creativity and show your photography skills that capture each moment in Cai Rang Floating Market.

Cai Rang floating market will soothe your soul with peaceful moments and allow you to experience the rustic lives of people. Come and feel the tranquil rhythm of life here.