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Ca Mau Floating Market is in the southernmost province of Vietnam. In a region where waterways are more prevalent than roads, the floating market is essential for the local economy. Boats filled with Southwest Vietnam specialties met at Ganh Hao River to trade goods. The trading scene is a colorful mosaic of daily life on the water.
Trading scene on Ca Mau Floating Market. Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
Ca Mau Floating Market holds a special allure for tourists seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Vietnam. Beyond the shopping experience, tourists can interact with friendly locals and observe their way of life. Asia King Travel will bring you a closer look at Ca Mau Floating Market right below.
Ca Mau Floating Market often takes place at Ganh Hao River junction near Ca Mau City, Ca Mau Province, Vietnam. It is easily accessible from the city center by boat or by walking across Ganh Hao Bridge. You just need to catch a 15-minute boat drive to arrive from the city center.
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Ca Mau Province is 300 kilometers and 140 kilometers away from two major cities in the South, Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, respectively. From both cities, just follow National Highway 1A to Ca Mau City. At the city center, take a boat on Ganh Hao River south to reach the Ca Mau Floating Market.
Ganh Hao River is a bridge connecting trade between southern Vietnam provinces
Although there is an airport, there are not many direct flights to Ca Mau Airport. You must fly to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City first and then take another flight to Ca Mau Airport. Currently, there are 4 flights per week between Ho Chi Minh City and Ca Mau on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
You can visit Ca Mau floating market at any time of the year. Each period will bring different specialties of the Southern region. The most ideal time is during the summer from June to August, as this is the season for fresh fruits.
Boats were filled with fruits to sell on the floating market. Source: BestPlus
You should visit the market between 4 AM and 6 AM when boats start gathering. You can not only buy fresh produce but also immerse yourself in locals' daily life at this time. Furthermore, it’s time to admire the brilliant sunrise over Ganh Hao River while enjoying local specialties sold on boats. If you're not an early riser, visiting later in the morning is still an option, but you may miss out on the market’s lively atmosphere.
Ca Mau Floating Market primarily operates as a wholesale market. It serves as a central hub for local traders to buy large quantities of goods for resale in other markets. This is evident in the large volumes of goods displayed on the boats and the early morning hours when the market is most active. However, tourists are warmly welcomed to purchase as much as they like.
The boat selling which item will hang that on a pole. Source: Vietnam Budget
Vendors often promote their goods by hanging samples on long bamboo poles attached to their boats. This practice is a visual advertisement, allowing potential buyers to easily identify the types of products available from a distance. Each boat displays various goods on poles creating a colorful scene along the river.
No one knows how long the market has existed, they only know that since childhood, they have been following their parents on Ganh Hao River. They continue to make a living by trading at the Ca Mau Floating Market when grow up. For many people, the boat has become their livelihood.
Locals always welcome visitors onto their boats. Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
In the morning, the market bustles with the buying and selling, but by evening it transforms into a quiet space with only the sound of the wind and the gentle lapping of water against boats. Boats now become floating homes bobbing on the water. At the bow of the boat, children fish in the river while mothers prepare the evening meal. All of this creates a peaceful countryside scene.
Additionally, the floating market is a feast for the senses. If you visit Ca Mau floating market, you should experience the unique cuisine of the river region. You can order a bowl of hu tieu and sip a cup of coffee right on the boat. Other dishes worth trying are banh mi, bread soup, and jellyfish rice noodles.
Even though sold on a boat, the food is still extremely delicious
Many boats are selling a variety of fruits for you to enjoy, or to buy as gifts for loved ones. You can ask the seller to peel the fruit to taste the deliciousness before buying. In addition, the floating market is an attractive destination for many people to enjoy daily delicacies. Both banks are full of eateries selling snacks with the typical flavor of southern Vietnam.
Ca Mau Floating Market is a living example of how communities can adapt to their natural surroundings, turning potential challenges into thriving opportunities. If you want to experience life on the river, contact us now to set an appointment to Ca Mau.
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