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For the people of Vietnam in the Central and Northern regions, seeing the floating trading boats on the rivers around the Western provinces evokes very interesting feelings. Unlike the markets held on land, Cai Be floating market brings a uniqueness by conducting trade right on the floating water surface. To learn more about this famous location in Tien Giang, do not hesitate to join NVK Travel in reading the following article.
The people of Tien Giang in particular and the Western region in general have a deep connection with the beautiful memories associated with Cai Be floating market. The market has become part of their lives, their joys, and even a part of the daily life of many people living here.
Cai Be floating market is located on the Tien River, in the town of Cai Be, Tien Giang province (currently referred to as Dong Thap province after the merger). In the Southwestern region, it is one of the three largest wholesale markets, conducting diverse and bustling trading activities.
From fruits, seafood, various goods to necessities and traditional dishes and drinks of the Western region, everything is traded here. If you have arrived in the town and are ready to head to the floating market, you need to turn onto Provincial Road 876, then find Trung Nu Vuong street. The next step is to drive another short distance of about 200-300 meters to "encounter" the market.
If you don’t want to get lost on your first visit, tourists can easily ask around. The enthusiasm and friendliness of the local people in the market area will surely surprise you.
Cai Be floating market viewed from above
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Reversing the wheel of time, based on many official documents that record evidence, Cai Be floating market was born when the ancient Vietnamese began to explore the surrounding land in the 17th-18th centuries. In the context where road traffic was not yet developed, everyone here tended to gather around the river and trade directly using boats or canoes.
According to the book Gia Dinh thanh thong chi, the "golden age" and most prosperous time of Cai Be market was in the early 19th century. Descriptions in the book indicate that at this time, bamboo rafts densely lined the river mouth, carrying rice, fish, and dried fish as well as various types of bark sold all the way to Cambodia. By the end of the 19th century, along with Cai Rang floating market and the seven-way junction, Cai Be had become the largest wholesale market area in the South.
Currently the largest floating market in Southeast Asia
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The market usually starts trading very early, specifically around 3-4 AM, it is already bustling like a "festival" with boats coming and going. However, if you are a photographer and want to capture the best frames here, you should wake up at dawn and arrive at the market around 5-6 AM.
At that time, the weather will be slightly cool, providing a pleasant feeling for you to capture the most beautiful moments of the market scene, as people flock in. When the sun rises high at noon, the whole river seems to wear a deep yellow coat. In the evening, the market transforms, becoming shimmering and mystical, yet retains a tranquil and poetic appearance as people gradually leave.
The floating market operates from early morning
If you are a visitor from the North or Central regions, you should consider traveling to Cai Be floating market by plane, departing from Tan Son Nhat or Can Tho airport. In case you are in the surrounding provinces of Saigon or the Western region, tourists can travel by motorbike or car as they wish. Of course, if you come here, you should also use the tour guide service provided by NVK Travel.
The crowd makes the market more beautiful
When you arrive at Cai Be floating market and stand on a boat, you will feel as if you are embraced by a vast water space. From the cheerful smiles to the crisp sounds of people passing by, everything will leave a lasting impression that tourists cannot forget.
Cai Be floating market divides its trading areas into different zones, which is one of the factors that create the uniqueness of this place. Specifically, in the floating market area, activities of trading specialty fruits from the West take place, such as Cai Be tangerines, Lo Ren custard apples, coconut, green skin grapefruit, Tan Phuoc pineapples, and cat mangoes,...
At the junction from the church leading to the Vam Long Hai entrance, the trading of various vegetables and fruits takes place vigorously. Stretching across other sections of the floating market, you can easily find other items such as rice, fabric, seafood, or personal necessities.
Freely trading in different areas of the floating market
You can completely explore the entire Cai Be floating market by renting a boat to move around. A boat, although small in appearance, can accommodate up to 10 people, with prices ranging from 500,000-700,000 VND. If you are going with fewer people, you can rent a small canoe at half the cost.
Enjoying the beautiful scenery around the floating market
If you visit Cai Be floating market during the Tet Doan Ngo festival, you can participate in the unique mud bathing festival. Around 1-4 PM, the water will gradually recede, revealing rocky islets. Joining the bustling festival, you will bathe in the mud with the locals, feeling joy and sharing laughter together.
Immerse yourself in laughter during the mud bathing festival
Due to the increasing demand for tourism, the unique culinary features of the West have entered Cai Be floating market, turning it into a place that can fill your stomach with specialty food and drinks. The calls of "hu tieu here" on the river make anyone who is hungry unable to resist. Additionally, you can savor many other dishes such as heart porridge, fish soup, pork noodle soup, wet cake,...
Delicious cuisine at Cai Be floating market
Cay Beo is a unique cultural feature created by the locals when conducting trade at Cai Be floating market. Specifically, they will hang what they sell on a long bamboo pole, tied to the front of the boat, crafted together (called Cay Beo). There’s no need for luxurious signs or LED lights like in the city; this unique "advertising" method will amaze any visitor.
Experiencing the beautiful Cay Beo culture
To have the best experience when visiting Cai Be floating market, tourists should pay special attention to some information as follows. These small notes will help you have the most perfect feelings when visiting here.
Prepare your essentials to head straight to Cai Be floating market
From the floating rafts swaying on the water to the bustling atmosphere of trade, Cai Be floating market offers tourists unforgettable experiences. Not only does it showcase rich local culture, but it has long been considered an essential piece in the beautiful landscape of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. If in the future there is a demand for tourism in Tien Giang, don't forget that NVK Travel is providing premium travel services, so contact us for tour guidance right away.
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