Phong Dien Floating Market: A peaceful slice of Can Tho

1. About Phong Dien Floating Market

1.1. Location

Phong Dien Floating Market is located in Phong Dien Ward, Can Tho (formerly Nhon Ai Commune, Phong Dien District). It is about 17 kilometers away from downtown. In the past, the market sat at the three-way junction where the Can Tho River splits from the Hau River. Today, you need to travel around 800 meters farther from the old spot, following the KH9 canal.

1.2. Directions

You can reach Phong Dien Floating Market either by road or water, depending on how you want to experience the journey.

By road: Follow Nguyen Van Cu Street southwest all the way to the center of Phong Dien Ward. The way from here to the floating market will be a bit tricky to navigate, so it’s best to ask a local for directions. The trip should take about 30 minutes, covering around 17 kilometers.

By water: You can also take a boat from Ninh Kieu Wharf straight to Phong Dien Floating Market. The trip takes around 40 minutes along the Can Tho River. The fees vary depending on the number of passengers and the type of boat, ranging from a few hundred thousand to a few million VND.

>>> Check out: Mekong Delta floating markets: TOP 8 vibrant hubs of trade and culture

2. What to explore at Phong Dien Floating Market?

2.1. A unique way of selling products

What makes Phong Dien Floating Market stand out among floating markets in Can Tho is how the sellers display what they are offering. Instead of calling out to customers, each boat uses a long pole placed at the front. Goods are hung from this pole, so buyers can see what is for sale from a distance. Some boats also use more modern ways to catch attention, such as signs and posters. For boats that move around, instead of using display poles, they make sounds with horns.

There is a special signal used when someone wants to sell their boat. If you see a palm leaf hanging on the display pole, it means the boat itself is for sale.

2.2. A wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables

At Phong Dien Floating Market, you can find a large selection of fresh produce. There are tropical fruits like dragon fruit, mango, plum, rambutan, guava, green orange, sweet tangerine, purple star apple, mangosteen, and durian. Along with fruits, the market also offers a range of vegetables such as pineapple, cassava, squash, and gourd.

2.3. Delicious dishes for breakfast

Phong Dien Floating Market is also known for its tasty breakfast options. There is a whole section of food boats offering local favorites like balut eggs, grilled pork noodles, duck salad, hu tieu, and bun rieu. Sitting on a boat in the early morning and breathing in the fresh air while enjoying a hot bowl of noodles is a special experience that many tourists love. A bowl costs around 20,000 VND. Drinks like iced tea or fruit juice start at about 10,000 VND.

2.4. Bustling local life

From the early hours of the morning, local traders light up their boats and head to the market to buy fresh fruits and vegetables in bulk. They then deliver these goods to nearby canals and villages to resell them throughout the day. By joining a trader's boat, visitors will get a closer look at daily life on the river. You can listen to stories about how they make a living here. Sometimes, if the boat owner is busy with too many customers, you might even find yourself helping out as a seller for a moment.

>>> Explore: Can Tho Markets: 12 BEST local markets you should not miss

3. Best time to visit Phong Dien Floating Market

Phong Dien Market is open every day. The best time to visit is between 5 AM and 7 AM, when the market is at its busiest, with boats filled with goods moving across the water and the whole scene buzzing with activity. The rising sun casts a golden glow over the river, creating a perfect setting for photos. If you want to fully experience the rhythm of life on the water, it is best to start your trip as early as possible.

>>> Discover: Mekong Delta weather: Things you need to know to plan a perfect trip

4. Useful tips for visitors to Phong Dien Floating Market

To make the most of your visit to Phong Dien Floating Market, keep these helpful tips in mind: 

• Ask about the fee and itinerary before boarding a boat ride to the market.
• Ask for prices before buying goods.
• Wear a life jacket while on a boat.
• Avoid standing while the boat is moving.
• Dress comfortably. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
• Keep the river clean by not throwing trash into the water.
• Be respectful toward the locals to show appreciation for the culture.

5. Other places to drop by on your trip to Phong Dien

If you have some time after your visit to Phong Dien Floating Market, consider exploring these nearby attractions:

• Tay Do Bridge (2.5 kilometers away): This large bridge connects parts of Can Tho and offers a nice view of the river below. It is a great spot for a quick photo stop, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Phan Van Tri Tomb (4.1 kilometers away): This is the resting place of Phan Van Tri, a respected Vietnamese poet and patriot. The site is peaceful, with historical value for those interested in Vietnam's cultural past.
• Vam Sang Fruit Garden (5.5 kilometers away): A lush orchard where you can walk through rows of fruit trees, try fresh tropical fruits, and enjoy the peaceful countryside. It is a relaxing stop for nature lovers.

>>> Read more: Mekong Delta tours: A fascinating journey through Vietnam's iconic region

Whether you want to sample a hot bowl of noodles on a boat, buy fresh tropical fruits, or simply soak in the local atmosphere, Phong Dien Floating Market gives you an authentic glimpse into riverine life in the Mekong Delta. With many friendly locals to meet, a visit to Phong Dien is a perfect way to connect with the rhythm of southern Vietnam.

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