Why to visit Phong Dien Floating Market
Phong Dien Floating Market is one of the most famous floating markets in the Mekong Delta, located on the Hau River in Can Tho Province. This market is famous for its bustling activity and atmosphere. It provides a unique experience where visitors can explore local life and culture while floating along the river.
What's Special About Phong Dien Floating Market
- Authentic Experience: Unlike the more commercialized markets, Phong Dien offers a genuine glimpse into the daily life of the local Mekong Delta people.
- Colorful Boats: The market features colorful boats filled with fresh produce, local specialties, and traditional goods.
- Cultural Insight: Visitors can observe the traditional way of life, where transactions are conducted from boat to boat.
Things to Do at Phong Dien Floating Market
- Embark on a boat ride to navigate through the market as fishermen sell fresh fruits and vegetables as well as fish to other local people.
- Buy unusual items from local vendors, such as tropical fruits as well as traditional handicrafts.
- Savor the freshness of local delicacies available in the region of the Mekong Delta: either fresh fish or sweet coconut candies sold on boats
- Visit some local villages after visiting the market and explore how farming and fishing are still engaged by the local people.
Little Known Facts About Phong Dien Floating Market
- Phong Dien is one of the few floating markets that maintains its traditional attraction despite the rise in tourism in the region.
- The boats used at the market indicate what they are selling with "floating poles" and display large samples of produce on the poles for easier identification.
- It starts early in the morning and is usually most active at dawn, making it a great place to capture photos of the sun rising.
- The market is an important cultural hub where fishermen and farmers from the locality meet each other discuss trade, and share news.
Entry Fee
Free entry, but a fee may be charged by boat tours.
Timings
Open daily from 4:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
Average Duration
2 – 3 hours.
Distance
- From Can Tho City Center: 15 km, 30 minutes by car.
- From Ho Chi Minh City: 170 km, 4–5 hours by car.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Cai Rang Floating Market (10 km)
- Bang Lang Stork Garden (20 km)
- Ninh Kieu Wharf (15 km)
