Phong Dien Floating Market - An impressive market (2024)

Contents

1 Where is Phong Dien Floating Market located?
2 How to get to Phong Dien Floating Market
3 The best time to visit the floating market
4 What does Phong Dien Floating Market sell?
5 The History of Phong Dien Floating Market
6 The story behind the eyes of the boat
7 Bamboo poles at Phong Dien Floating Market
8 What to do at Phong Dien Floating Market
9 Some tourist attractions near Phong Dien Floating Market
- 9.1 Muoi Cuong Cocoa farm
- 9.2 Fruit gardens

Phong Dien floating market is one of the markets that represents the cultural identity and activities of Can Tho people. You will immerse yourself in a simple lifestyle and enjoy many delicious and attractive specialties. The bustling scene of buyers and sellers and the peaceful beauty of the sunrise on the boat will excite every tourist.

Phong Dien Floating Market - An impressive destination (2024) — Phong Dien floating market is a long-stand floating market in Can Tho

Where is Phong Dien Floating Market located?

The market is located at Provincial Road 923, Nhon Loc hamlet, Nhon Ai commune, Phong Dien district, Can Tho. This address is 17km from Can Tho city center. Its location is at the confluence of rivers, and branches leading to Cau Nhim, Can Tho, and Truong Long. The market sells many Can Tho specialties, local fruits, and vegetables.

Phong Dien Floating Market - a corner phong dien floating market — A peaceful corner of Phong Dien floating market in Can Tho

How to get to Phong Dien Floating Market

There are two common ways to get to Phong Dien floating market.

By road: Starting from the center of Can Tho city, you follow 30/4 street. When moving to the roundabout, turn left onto road 3/2, continue to Cai Rang bridge, then go straight to 923 Road to reach the floating market.

Phong Dien Floating Market - going along the canal — The boat will go along the canal to get to the Phong Dien Floating market

By water: You can go to Ninh Kieu Wharf, then rent a boat to go straight to the floating market.

The best time to visit the floating market

Most of the floating markets in Can Tho are open all year round and early in the morning. Therefore, the best time to visit Phong Dien Floating Market is around 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. It is the time trading activities are taking place busily and bustlingly. Besides, the weather is pleasant in the early morning, so tourists can enjoy the fresh air.

Phong Dien Floating Market - early morning is an ideal time — Early morning is the most suitable time to visit Phong Dien Floating market

What does Phong Dien Floating Market sell?

Phong Dien floating market sells a variety of products, ranging from local fruits and vegetables to household items such as roofing leaves, knives, hoes, machetes, etc. Some boats even sell products of weaving craft such as baskets, baskets, baskets, sieves, sifting, and tearing rods.

Phong Dien Floating Market - selling a variety of local fruits and vegetables — Many kinds of fruits and other products are being sold at the floating market.

In addition, the market also serves food: rice noodle soup, grilled pork with rice noodles, porridge, duck salad, noodles, coffee, etc. Currently, the floating market also offers floating gas stations for passing boats, machine repair stores, and so on.

Phong Dien Floating Market-sell different kinds of goods — Tourists can see different kinds of goods sold here. (Photo: VnExpress.com)

The History of Phong Dien Floating Market

The floating markets in the Mekong Delta are said to have been formed in the North of Hau River in the 18th century. With the increase in trading agricultural products, people needed a hub to exchange their products.

Phong Dien Floating Market - was formed in the 18th century — The floating market was formed due to the increasing demand in selling and buying.

However, road transport hadn’t been expanded, so the best way was to carry those farming products on the boat. Traders started to gather confluence of many things tributary of the river and canals, having a favorable location, to exchange their goods.

Phong Dien Floating Market - boats are used to transport products — Boats were the main means of transportation in the past

The story behind the eyes of the boat

Many tourists wondered why many boats at the floating markets have a pair of eyes. Each region in Viet Nam has different explanations for this trait of culture. According to some local legends, drawing the dragon’s eyes will ward off aquatic monsters.

Phong Dien Floating Market - the meanings of eyes on the boat — Many tourists are curious about why boats in the Mekong Delta usually have eyes

The previous generation believed boats were also underwater creatures and needed eyes to see to avoid aquatic monsters that hindered them underwater. Boats in the Mekong Delta often have round eyes, black irises, and white labels, revealing a gentle attitude.

Bamboo poles at Phong Dien Floating Market

Using bamboo poles to advertise products is a popular form of promotion at floating markets. Because the trading space is large and crowded, they cannot use sound to promote their products. The traders often hang their products on a bamboo pole so that their customers can see the sold products. However, the boats selling drinks and food use trumpets to attract customers’ attention.

Phong Dien Floating Market - bamboo poles — Using bamboo poles to hang products is a unique way to advertise at the floating market.

What to do at Phong Dien Floating Market

Enjoy breakfast on the boat at Cai Rang Floating Market

Visiting the floating market, visitors cannot miss the chance to enjoy delicious dishes. The boat owners serve breakfast with many Southern traditional dishes such as rice noodle soup, grilled pork with rice noodles, and others. These dishes have bold characteristics of the local cuisine. Enjoying breakfast while watching the bustling scene, the sunrise, and the sound of the bells will be a must-tried activity.

Phong Dien Floating Market - having breakfast on the boat — Having Vietnamese breakfast on the boat is an interesting activity for tourists.

Take impressive photos at Cai Rang Floating Market

Apart from attractive food, the floating market is also attractive because of its tranquil landscape. Phong Dien Floating Market has a vibrant market scene with a beautiful river, colorful boats, and friendly people. Visitors can take impressive photos of the sunrise and peaceful scenery or people who are busy exchanging products. This photo can make your trip more unforgettable.

Phong Dien Floating Market - take beautiful photos — Most tourists choose to get there by boat so that they can go sightseeing and watch the sunrise

Sip the ‘floating coffee”

‘Floating coffee’ is used to call the coffee cups offered by local people on the boats at Phong Dien floating market. Vietnamese coffee is always somewhat captivating to every foreign tourist due to its unique taste. But when you enjoy it right at the floating market, it will be a different sense. You can get a delicious cup of coffee at a reasonable price. Starting your day with floating coffee and enjoying the relaxing scene of the Phong Dien floating market is a time-worthy experience.

Phong Dien Floating Market - floating coffee — Enjoying morning coffee right at Phong Dien Floating Market is a great experience.

Enjoy fresh tropical fruit on the boat

Phong Dien District is famous for having a lot of fruit gardens; therefore, many people sell tropical fruits at the floating market. Coming there, tourists can enjoy different kinds of fresh tropical fruits such as durians, Ha Chau strawberries, jackfruits, mangosteens, pineapples, and so on. Don’t hesitate to try any kind of fruits here.

Phong Dien Floating Market - a peeled pineapple — The sellers here are happy to peel the pineapple for their customers.

Talk to the traders at Phong Dien Floating Market

Traders on the boat here are usually friendly and welcoming. They always smile and have a sense of humor. If you have the opportunity to go to the floating market, do not hesitate to chat with the traders here. They will impress you with interesting stories.

Phong Dien Floating Market - talking to local people — Having a tour guide to help you talk to local people is a good idea.

Some tourist attractions near Phong Dien Floating Market

Muoi Cuong Cocoa farm

Muoi Cuong Cocoa farm is located in My Ai hamlet, My Khanh commune, Phong Dien district, City. Can Tho. The farm excites many tourists to see the cocoa trees and the traditional process of making chocolate here. Also, tourists can enjoy drinks made from chocolate right on the farm.

Fruit gardens

Visiting the fruit garden, visitors not only have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of fresh fruits but also enjoy many delicious and attractive dishes of the Southern region. Besides, tourists can attend many interesting activities such as canoeing, camping, and other entertaining activities. Here are some fruit gardens you can go to after visiting the Phong Dien floating market.