Every spring, the Mekong Delta becomes more lively than ever. Across the river tributaries, boats gather in crowds, filled with seasonal fruits; merchants call out to customers, creating a vivid spring atmosphere. Traveling to the Mekong Delta in spring is not only a journey to enjoy nature but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique river culture - especially at the bustling floating markets of the early year. Join LV Travel to explore the most exciting destinations this spring!
1. Why travel to the Mekong Delta in spring?
Spring (from January to March) is considered the best time to explore the Mekong Delta thanks to its cool, pleasant weather and abundant sunshine—perfect for river cruising and outdoor activities. During this season, the region’s fruit gardens begin their harvest, offering visitors a chance to enjoy fresh, vibrant produce right at the orchards. Spring is also the time when many cultural festivals take place, such as the Óc Om Bok Festival, the Lady Xu Temple Festival, and the Nghinh Ông Festival, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere across the provinces. In addition, the floating markets are at their busiest, filled with boats trading fruits, flowers, and local specialties, giving travelers a truly authentic experience of Mekong Delta river life.
2. Unique Floating Markets in the Mekong Delta
2.1 Cái Răng Floating Market (Can Tho)
Cái Răng Floating Market is located on the Cái Răng River, near Cái Răng Bridge, about 6 km from downtown Can Tho by road and around 30 minutes by boat from Ninh Kiều Wharf. When talking about floating markets in the Mekong Delta, Cái Răng is one of the most famous and widely known. It is also a must-visit destination for most travelers during their trip to Tây Đô (Can Tho).
2.2 Cái Bè Floating Market (Tien Giang)
Cái Bè Floating Market is located on Tân Phong Islet, along the expansive Tiền River. When traveling in Tiền Giang, visiting Cái Bè is a must for any traveler. What makes this market special is that trading takes place around the clock, day and night, creating a lively and continuous flow of activity. This 24/7 market schedule also makes it very convenient for visitors to explore, shop for local goods, and experience the vibrant river life of the Mekong Delta.
2.3 Phong Điền Floating Market (Can Tho)
Different from the bustling Cái Răng Floating Market, Phong Điền offers a much more peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. This market is well-known for its wide range of agricultural products, freshly harvested from local farms and brought directly to the boats for trading. The riverside setting is breezy and serene, making it an ideal spot for travelers seeking a quieter and more authentic experience. Visitors can also enjoy rowboat trips through natural canals, allowing them to immerse themselves in the calm, scenic waterways that define the charm of the Mekong Delta.
2.4 Ngã Năm Floating Market (Soc Trang)
Located at the junction where five rivers meet, Ngã Năm Floating Market offers a truly unique and picturesque river landscape. Early spring is the busiest time of the year here, as boats loaded with fruits, vegetables, and vibrant spring flowers gather to trade. The market comes alive as early as 3–4 AM, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere that reflects the authentic spirit of the Mekong Delta. With its dynamic scenes of river trading and colorful boat displays, Ngã Năm is also an excellent place for photography, providing travelers with stunning snapshots of local river life.
2.5 Long Xuyên Floating Market (An Giang)
If you’re looking for a more rustic and authentic market experience, Long Xuyên Floating Market is the perfect choice. Unlike some of the more crowded markets in the region, Long Xuyên remains quieter while still preserving the warm, distinctive charm of the Mekong Delta. Visitors can enjoy delicious local breakfast dishes such as purple sticky rice cake and the famous Châu Đốc fish noodles, served right from boat vendors. This market also offers a wonderful opportunity to observe and learn about the daily routines of the local river communities, making it an insightful and memorable stop for travelers.
2.6 Ngã Bảy Floating Market (Hau Giang)
Ngã Bảy Floating Market, also known as Phụng Hiệp Floating Market, is located in Ngã Bảy Town. Established in 1915, it has long been a major trading hub where locals buy and exchange goods, and it is also a popular destination for visitors exploring the Mekong Delta during the floating-water season.
Every day, from around 2–3 AM, boats from various areas gather here, creating a lively and bustling scene. The energetic trading activities and the vibrant atmosphere make Ngã Bảy one of the most fascinating floating markets to experience in the region.
3. What to Eat in the Mekong Delta During the Flood Season?
Not only blessed with stunning natural landscapes, the Mekong Delta is also home to one of the richest and most unique culinary cultures in Vietnam. When traveling to the Mekong Delta during the flood season, visitors must try the delicious dishes of Can Tho, which showcase the local people’s culinary heritage and the region’s abundant resources.
3.1 Mam Hotpot (Lẩu Mắm)
More than just a specialty of Can Tho, mam hotpot (lẩu mắm) is considered a culinary treasure of the Mekong Delta. This dish is prepared using a special recipe, with main ingredients including fermented fish paste (mắm cá linh), pork, shrimp, crab, squid, and octopus.
What makes Can Tho’s mam hotpot so beloved is its flavorful broth and the accessibility of ingredients. It is traditionally served with over 20 different types of fresh vegetables, which diners can add to the boiling broth. To enjoy it, simply boil the broth, add the main ingredients, wait until they are cooked, then add the vegetables and savor the delicious, aromatic flavors.
3.2 Fermented Bean Curd Duck (Vịt Nấu Chao)
Fermented bean curd duck (vịt nấu chao) is ranked among the top 100 most distinctive dishes in Vietnam. To make this dish truly delicious, chefs carefully select Siamese ducks that are lean with minimal fat. Each piece of duck is meticulously marinated so that the flavors penetrate evenly, resulting in tender meat without any unpleasant odor. When combined with fermented bean curd (chao), the dish develops a rich, savory aroma and a creamy texture that is indulgent yet never greasy.
3.3 Grilled Snakehead Fish (Cá Lóc Nướng)
Snakehead fish is known for its firm, flavorful meat, and grilled snakehead fish from Can Tho is a must-try specialty when traveling to the Mekong Delta during the flood season.
What makes this dish unique is its simplicity: the fish does not need to be scaled, cleaned, or marinated. Freshly caught from the river, the fish is simply washed and then wrapped in dry straw, which is set on fire for grilling. Once the straw has burned to ashes, all that’s left to do is scrape off the blackened outer layer, and the fish is ready to be enjoyed—juicy, aromatic, and full of natural flavor.
3.4 Goby Fish Hotpot (Lẩu Cá Kèo)
Goby fish hotpot (lẩu cá kèo) is a quintessential Mekong Delta dish that can win over any food lover. The rich, creamy flavor of the fish blends perfectly with the tangy, slightly sour broth, creating a unique and memorable taste.
The goby fish is kept whole, including its intestines and bile, to enhance the richness of the broth, and is cooked directly in the simmering hotpot. The dish is traditionally served with sliced banana blossom, giang leaves, water mimosa, and other fresh herbs. One taste is enough to leave a lasting impression on any traveler, offering an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience of the Mekong Delta.
4. Tips for Visiting the Mekong Delta Floating Markets
- Go early in the morning: Most floating markets are busiest and most lively at sunrise. Except for a few markets that have special trading hours around noon or afternoon, it’s best to visit early, even before full daylight, such as at Cái Răng Floating Market.
- Boat arrangements: If you are traveling in a large group, you can rent a private boat. For smaller groups or solo travelers, you may need to wait to join a shared boat tour.
- Dress and belongings: Wear light, comfortable clothing and avoid carrying too many items, as personal belongings can easily fall into the river. When taking photos, be especially careful to prevent dropping cameras or phones into the water.
Visiting the Mekong Delta and exploring its floating markets during the early spring is an incredibly enjoyable experience, offering you and your travel companions countless memorable and relaxing moments. Spring travel to the Mekong Delta is a wonderful chance to explore a peaceful, fertile region rich in cultural identity. For a truly fulfilling journey, let LV Travel accompany you and create unforgettable experiences along the rivers and markets of this charming region.
👉 You might also like:
- Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes During Lunar New Year (Tet)
- Best Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Vietnam
- Exploring Vietnamese Calligraphy: A Unique Tet Tradition for Visitors