The distinctive features of five well-known Western floating markets
Western floating markets attract a large number of visitors due to their outstanding features.
The floating market is regarded as the Southwest's "soul." Visitors come here not only for the beauty of the charming river but also for the experience of trading and dining on a bustling and unique canoe. Although it is the same floating market, each region's floating markets have its own distinct and interesting characteristics.
Cai Rang Floating Market - Can Tho
Cai Rang floating market is a wholesale market specializing in wholesale trading of Mekong Delta fruits and agricultural products. It is located at the confluence of three rivers (Cai Rang and Hau river tributaries). The market was designated a national intangible cultural heritage site in 2016. It was once Overseas China's largest rice buyer in the WestCai Rang floating market used to operate from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. when it was a wholesale market. Business people frequently have to leave early because this is when merchants go to pick up goods to sell from other locations. Now that tourism is more active in the area, the market opens from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. to serve tourists. The market is very quiet and almost nonexistent on Lunar New Year days such as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Tet.
It is the market with the most visitors and the most media attention. There are many famous restaurants here, such as the pink noodle shop, whose noodle soup was praised as the "queen of broth" by Gordon Ramsay (a famous Scottish chef and judge on the American Chef King program).
Long Xuyen Floating Market - An Giang
Long Xuyen floating market is located on the gentle Hau River, close to Long Xuyen city, An Giang, making it very convenient for visitors to travel. Long Xuyen floating market, unlike many other floating markets, is extremely peaceful and takes place in the middle of a quiet and peaceful space. This place sells very cheaply because it is not affected by the commercialization of tourism. It can be said that the floating market sells goods that are not affected by the price of the tourism business the most. He sells with the sincerity and honesty of a true Western son.
The image of "kelp trees" everywhere instead of the hustle and bustle of sellers is a feature of the Long Xuyen floating market. To attract visitors, the trader will hang the items sold by the boat on the "kelp tree" (a tall pole). So, if you're curious about what that boat sells or what items you'd like to purchase, just look at the "kelp."
Nga Bay (Ngã Bảy) Floating Market – Hau Giang
Ngã Bảy market, also known as Phung Hiep (Phụng Hiệp) floating market, is over 100 years old and is located in Ngã Bảy city, Hau Giang province. The Phung Hiep Floating Market was established in 1915, and it was the largest waterway intersection in Cochinchina until the 1940s. The market's distinguishing feature is its location at junction seven, where seven rivers meet. With over 300 boats gathered every day, this location has become the focal point for the majority of the Western provinces' trade, exchange, and transshipment activities.
Thanks to its uniqueness and novelty, the Phung Hiep floating market was made a documentary by Jacques Yves Cousteau – the captain of the famous Calypso ship in 1922. People know that Ngã Bảy floating market is not only a market with a "huge" history, and large scale, but also curious to visit because this place was mentioned in the famous ancient song - The love of selling mats of the late composer Vien Chau (Viễn Châu.
Tra On (Trà Ôn) Floating Market – Vinh Long
Tra On Floating Market is the last floating market on the Hau River before it empties into the sea, located in the Tra On district, Vinh Long province, right between the confluence of the Hau and Mang Nhut rivers. Tra Wen floating market, unlike other floating markets, frequently follows the water. The market is open all day and is busiest in the mornings or during the height of the big water. The trader sells fresh agricultural products in groups distributed by gardeners in the form of wholesale at the Tra On floating market.
This location's main products are fruits of various varieties such as coconut, banana, guava, pineapple, gourmet orange, cup, grapefruit, and jackfruit... Visitors should try the appealing and popular specialties such as vegetarian fish or beef noodle balls served with banana vegetables,... There is a point in this market that defines the "brand": the seller does not state the challenge, and the buyer does not pay the price.
Nga Nam (Ngã Năm) Floating Market – Soc Trang
Nga Nam floating market is located in Ward 1, Nga Nam town, Soc Trang province, at the confluence of five rivers flowing in five directions: Ca Mau, Vinh Quoi, Long My, Thanh Tri, and Phung Hiep. The bustling and charming river scenery of the "nine dragons" country.
While Cai Rang floating market is primarily used for tourism, Nga Nam floating market serves as an important trade hub. Because traffic in these areas is still limited, trade in goods, particularly agricultural products, contributes to transporting more goods to remote areas of the southern Hau River such as Soc Trang, Hau Giang, Bac Lieu, and Ca Mau peninsula. Nga Nam floating market is open almost all day, starting at 2 or 3 a.m. because it is where the largest boats buy, sell, and distribute goods.
Source: Thiên Ngọc, @nhu.nguyen_, @haoduhi, Henry Lee, @alex._.hutra, Viet Fun Travel, Tắc Chiến, Nguyễn Thanh Tuấn, Lan Hương, Miền Tây Có gì, @maiiphuogg, @ploy.ngoc, @onghoangtrasua, @cookwithshirley, @long.heli, @the.crazy.doc, @paxanhnguyen