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Mekong Delta people have created a complex network of canals to facilitate travel in this low-lying region. A floating market has emerged at the confluence of seven river branches in Hau Giang Province. Known as the Nga Bay Floating Market (the market at the intersection of seven rivers.) or Phung Hiep Floating Market.
Where seven rivers meet at Nga Bay
Nga Bay Floating Market used to be the largest trading center on the river due to its position. Traveling and shopping on the seven river branches has become an attraction for every visitor. Additionally, each river branch has different craft villages. Let’s explore the floating market and the surroundings further with Asia King Travel in this article.
After 10 years of digging canals, a confluence of seven river branches was established in 1915. A spontaneous market quickly developed here, gathering over 300 boats each day. Subsequently, houses and streets were built along the shore, creating a unique space “above the wharf, below the boat.”
With significant influence, the area quickly became the largest waterway hub in Southern Vietnam, greatly impacting the agricultural market during the French colonial period. The French even planned to build a trading port for Hau Giang.
Nga Bay Floating Market used to be livelier than it is now. Source: Vietgoing
For nearly 100 years afterward, no floating market can compared to Nga Bay in scale and reputation. In the past, Nga Bay market had over 1,000 boats of various sizes. During peak times like Tet, this number could exceed 3,000. At night, oil lamps lit up the area, dancing on the water waves throughout the night like a lantern festival.
In 2002, Nga Bay Floating Market was relocated to improve waterway traffic and reduce environmental pollution. The market's vibrancy significantly diminished, and many lamented the loss of a once-renowned name in the Mekong Delta. In 2006, the market was restored to its original location, and Hau Giang Province worked hard to promote a famous tourist destination.
Nga Bay Floating Market within Nga Bay City, Hau Giang Province. You can still see the seven river branches converging at the city, resembling a Roman city on the water. The city is 55 and 180 kilometers away from the two largest cities in the South, Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City respectively.
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Nga Bay City lies on National Route 1A - the main road running through Vietnam, making access very convenient. Whether coming from Can Tho or Ho Chi Minh City, just follow National Route 1A to reach the city. However, for a wonderful experience on the water, consider trying a boat trip from Hau River to Nga Bay, just like the real traders!
Trading boat symbol in Nga Bay City
You can hire a small boat to the floating market at Nga Bay ferry terminal. As the boat departs, the beautiful scenery of the market unfolds in the early mist. The daily life of the locals and traders is lively. Sitting on the gently floating boats and enjoying some local specialties at the famous market is surely a peaceful and relaxing delight.
Nga Bay Floating Market operates year-round, so you can visit at any time. It's best to go during the dry season from December to April for the most favorable weather conditions. In the rainy season, you'll witness locals’ offbeat activities during the flooding period, but rising water levels and sudden rain can disrupt your visit.
Early morning on a river of the Mekong Delta
The floating market usually starts at dawn every day. From 5 to 8 AM is the peak time for fresh produce trading. The diversity of goods is immense, especially fruits. Visitors can easily tell which fruits are in harvest season by observing the bustling boats filled with produce.
The famous floating market of the Mekong Delta features a variety of goods that reflect Southern culture. The vibrant colors of fruits will enchant any visitors. Notably, the bright red of rambutans, the green of coconuts, and the fragrant aroma of durian stand out. The garden-fresh fruits are all delicious, tasting them once will leave a lasting impression.
The trading scene at Nga Bay Floating Market
In addition to fresh produce, there are boats selling animals at the market. Phung Hiep displays chickens, fish, and turtles year-round for visitors. Notably, even have boats selling snakes. Additionally, handicrafts and household items are readily available.
Like markets on land, the floating market has many small boats serving food and drinks. You can call them over and enjoy Southern specialties right on your boat.
In a large and crowded space, buyers and sellers often struggle to hear each other. So, they devised a simpler method: hang their goods on a tall pole at the front of boats to indicate what they were selling. Food service boats don’t hang their items; instead, they are typically compact and navigate closely to the larger boats.
We can see this boat selling a lot of agricultural products through the pole
Visitors can observe and learn about the lives of floating families with multiple generations living on their boats. Some boats serve as "mobile homes" on the water. With pots of ornamental plants and animals, each boat has all the necessities for daily life. They are visually striking and even have motorbikes parked on board.
Asking for the boat tour to run through traditional boat-building villages, weaving crafts, fruit orchards, and the ecological areas along each river branch flowing into Nga Bay.
Boat-making village near Nga Bay
Regaining former glory day by day, Nga Bay Floating Market is an ideal destination for visitors to experience the culture of the Mekong Delta. Contact Asia King Travel to take a trip on a river in “all rivers lead to Nga Bay!”
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