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With the plethora of waterways, floating markets have long been an integral part of the Mekong Delta’s trading system, offering an efficient way for locals to trade produce. The wooden boats, carrying neatly arranged fruits and vegetables, have become an iconic feature of the region.
The Long Xuyen floating market, located in An Giang province, stretches about 2 kilometers along the Hau River. It offers a more relaxed experience compared to the larger, busier markets in the region.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting the Long Xuyen floating market, including costs, where to book a tour, and the best time to visit.
If you’re eager to explore the Mekong Delta’s iconic floating market before it disappears or simply want an alternative to the busier Cai Rang Market, this guide is for you.
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Still wiping the sleep from our eyes at dawn, we followed our guide to the dock, where a local woman arrived in a small sampan boat to take us along the Hau River.
As we approached the cluster of boats and floating houses, the sun slowly began to rise, casting a soft glow over the scene. Locals were sipping coffee, washing clothes, and doing dishes on board, while the river came to life with morning activity.
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Deeper into the floating village, we saw fishermen casting nets among the water hyacinth and locals effortlessly navigating smaller boats, trading fruits, vegetables and other goods.
Above all, the tranquility of the Long Xuyen floating market stood out, a rarity among the bustling markets of the Mekong Delta. With few tourists in sight, it remains off the beaten path, frequented mostly by locals and often without English-speaking guides.
Read: Guide to Visiting Long Xuyen
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What to Expect at the Floating Market
Long Xuyen’s floating market is a smaller wholesale market, with only a few boats trading on the river. You'll mostly find a variety of fruits, such as coconuts, bananas, and pineapples, carefully stacked in vibrant piles.
In the early 1990s, there were about 400-500 boats exchanging goods. Today, that number has dropped significantly due to several factors, including the expansion of road transport networks, the growth of onshore markets, and changes in career choices among the younger generation.
Although trading activity is limited, the riverbanks are lined with floating houses and houseboats, creating more of a floating village atmosphere. This unique setting allows you to witness the daily lives of locals as they trade and go about their lives on the water.
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Food vendors paddle from boat to boat, offering local dishes. Keep an eye out for the lady selling rice noodles with stir-fried pork, a typical breakfast meal for the river residents. A serving costs 15,000vnd ($0.60) and is both filling and delicious, often served with cucumber slices and topped with fish sauce and chili.
Tip: Bring a small amount of cash with you in case you want to buy something from the market.
Although Long Xuyen might not be as bustling as the Cai Rang market in Can Tho City, it offers a more authentic and intimate experience. While you can observe the floating village from the riverbank, the best way to explore is by taking a small boat that brings you closer to the action.
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Best Time to Visit
Visit the Long Xuyen floating market as early as possible, with the best time being around 5:30 to 6:30am, just after sunrise. For photographers, this is when the river is calm, and the lighting is ideal. It's also the perfect time to visit if you want to avoid tourist boats and the midday heat.
Tip: It can get quite hot on the boat, so be sure to wear sunscreen and bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Read: Best Time To Visit Vietnam
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How to Book a Boat Tour
The most convenient way to arrange a boat to the floating market is through your accommodation. We booked ours through La Homestay, and they organized the pick-up and drop-off, as well as a local boatman to take us to the market.
Alternatively, you can find a boatman at O Moi ferry terminal, where locals dock their boats. Some boats are bigger to accommodate larger groups, while smaller ones fit up to four people. If you opt for a smaller boat, be aware that there may not be a chair for you to sit on.
Tip: Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. If you're visiting during the rainy season (May to October), bring a raincoat.
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Cost of Boat Tours
A boat tour to the Long Xuyen floating market costs around 200,000vnd ($8) per person. If you prefer to rent a boat on your own, be sure to bargain for the best price and check that the boat has proper life jackets for your safety.
It's also a good idea to arrange the boat a day in advance, as it can be difficult to secure one in the dark if you're planning to visit at sunrise.
Read: Phong Dien Floating Market
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How Long is the Boat Tour
The tour usually lasts around an hour, but if you book a private tour, you can spend as much or as little time as you'd like. On our tour, there was no set time limit; though realistically, there’s only so much you can do on a boat.
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We hope you found this guide to be helpful in planning your trip. Please let us know if we missed anything by leaving a comment below.
If you’re looking to explore more vibrant floating houses in An Giang province, visit Chau Doc located around 57 kilometers northwest of Long Xuyen. From the relaxed riverside, you can also discover the nearby Cham villages and an interesting array of pagodas on Sam Mountain with the best views of An Giang province.
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