Floating market comes alive at dawn at Vietnam estuary

The floating market sits in a stunning location, bordered by both the sea and a river and surrounded by some of the most scenic spots in the central province.

Shrouded in the pre-dawn mist, the Cua Dai estuary awakens to the hum of boat engines and the lively chatter of fishermen and traders, offering a captivating glimpse of life on the water at daybreak.

A bustling floating market

After a night of inshore fishing, dozens of boats return one by one, their holds brimming with fresh fish, shrimp, and squid, ready to sell their catch right on the water.

Trading runs from roughly 4:00 to 7:00 am every day.

Small boats belonging to traders quickly pull up alongside the fishing boats to buy seafood.

Freshly hauled from the holds, the catch is sorted, weighed, and sold on the spot before being brought ashore.

All of the trading takes place right on the river, creating a bustling scene that reflects the distinctive rhythm of life in this estuary community.

Nguyen Van Mai, a fisherman in An Phu Commune, said the boats that come to trade mostly have engines of 55-75 horsepower and specialize in inshore fishing in the waters stretching from the Ly Son area inward.

Each day, the boats set out in the early afternoon, fish through the night, and return at dawn in time to sell their catch while it is still fresh.

"As soon as dawn breaks, the boats are already bustling. The moment they return from the sea, the catch is sold right on the water,” Mai said.

“Within just a few hours, everything is sold out.”

The hardships of inshore fishing

According to local fishermen, today's inshore fishing trips are mostly carried out by middle-aged and older workers, as most young people have shifted to offshore fishing.

Income from each trip depends on the size of the catch: some days bring in VND5-8 million (US$189-302), while others yield only around VND3-4 million ($113-151).

Despite this precarious income, many fishermen remain committed to the trade, as it has been their family's livelihood for generations.

More than just a marketplace for fishermen and traders, the early-morning market also draws local residents who come to buy fresh seafood at affordable prices.

Lasting only a few hours each morning, the floating market at the Cua Dai estuary has long been a distinctive feature of local life, reflecting the simple yet vibrant working life of residents along this stretch of Quang Ngai's coast.