Mekong Delta Vietnam

The Chai Rang Market of the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta got its nickname because it is one of the most fertile areas in the world. Nutrients flow into the soil from the mighty Mekong River, which starts in Tibet and flows all the way through Southeast Asia into southern Vietnam before ending up in the ocean.

The delta is also known as Cuu Long or Nine Dragons referring to the nine tributaries of the Mekong River. It´s along the Mekong River that all the farms and fishing communities are located. The environmental conditions allows for many different fruits, vegetables and rice to grow. Every morning, before sunrise, fishermen and farmers take their boats to the floating markets to trade their daily catch, fresh vegetables and tropical fruit. If you visit this area of Vietnam it´s a must to visit one of the floating markets in the Mekong Delta.

Mekong Delta, Chi Rang Market. Photo: Merete Moen

Cai Rang famous floating market Mekong

I went to the biggest floating market in the Mekong Delta, the Chi Rang, just 6 km from Can Tho. It´s a wholesale market, of if you are buying, look at what is tied to the long pole above the boat to figure out what they are selling to smaller traders.

The floating markets starts at 4 or 5 in the morning and ends when the sun rises high at 9 or 10. The market is best around 6 to 7, and it´s well worth getting here early to beat the tourists and the heat. Fruits such as pineapple, dragon fruit, water melon and vegetables as yam and cabbage are sold at the market but also garden tools, crafts and food.

Watermelons on Cai Rangs famous floating market in the Mekong Delta. Photo: Merete Moen

The locals are extremely friendly in Vietnam. Photo: Merete Moen

The Cat Rang Market, in Can Tho is entertaining to visit. Photo: Merete Moen

Mekong Delta for a daytrip or spend a night

If you visit the south of Vietnam, you can go to the Mekong Delta for a day trip or even better do as I did, spend at least one night by the Mekong River, to really experience the rice bowl of Vietnam. To quote Lonelyplanet, ”the delta is the water world that moves to the rhythms of the mighty Mekong, where boats, houses and markets floats upon innumerable rivers, canals and streams that criss-cross the landscape like arteries”, it´s so unique.

Enjoying my day at the Cat Rang floating market and life by the riverside in the Mekong Delta. Photo: Merete Moen

Floating Markets is a way of life

Cai Rang Floating Market is a cultural gem of Can Tho. The market was originally established to meet the local community´s trading needs. Today the market is considered as the best floating market in the Mekong Delta. It is charming, fun and full of life. A great experience. For more information I suggest the Travel Guide that I used to plan my trip from Lonely Planet, click here to visit Mekong Lonely Planet.