The mighty Mekong Delta is the proverbial food basket of Vietnam, and provides over a third of the country’s annual food crop. That’s an amazing statistic given that the delta covers just ten percent of Vietnam’s total land mass. It’s therefore not just the “rice bowl” of the country, but a vital environment for local agriculture and aquaculture. It’s a busy region, home to incredible biodiversity and millions of people, which makes it a wonderful place for travelers to experience Vietnam’s natural diversity and intriguing local life.
Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Amidst the delta’s lively goings-on, quaint floating markets highlight the adaptability of local people and the significance of the Mekong as a life source. Friendly sellers rise early in the morning to set up their boats, selling a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, fish and other local snacks. The markets are more than just a place for the exchange of goods, but reflect local interactions, a culture that is unique in Vietnam, and the very essence of life in the Mekong Delta.
There are five colorful markets that visitors on a tour to the Mekong can encounter. The Cai Rang Floating Market, the biggest and most famous of them all, has over a 100 boats and is full of activity.
Cai Rang Floating market
Cai Rang Floating market
The Phong Dien Floating Market and Chau Doc Floating Market are smaller and less touristic, while Long Xuyen Floating Market and a fifth market that’s turned out to be a secret gem (we tell you more about it in our handy guide), both have around 100 boats and are our favorites, with delightful scenes of market life that are ideal for photography, and especially charming atmospheres.
Chau Doc Floating market
Long Xuyen Floating Market
Visits to the markets can be incorporated with scenic boat cruises that meander through the delta, cycling tours along its lively banks, and walking tours that immerse travelers in the daily life of communities who rely on the Mekong’s pulse. We’ve designed experiences here that incorporate this and more, and we will happily customize explorations of this mesmerizing destination for your travelers.
Our Product Manager Brice Van Huffel has personally inspected the floating markets and provided valuable information to create an up-to-date guide with details about each one, so that you can make the most informed decisions for your travelers.
For further insight into what we can offer your travelers in the majestic Mekong Delta in 2019, check out our product brochure HERE or contact our Sales team HERE for more information.
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