Southern Vietnam’s iconic floating market posts public prices to give tourists peace of mind

Residents in Vietnam are enjoying a five-day National Day holiday from Saturday to Wednesday next week.

During the holiday, Cai Rang Floating Market is expected to be one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting Can Tho.

Service prices are being publicly posted, while boats and other means of transportation have been prepared to ensure visitors can comfortably experience the bustling market on the river.

A trip to Cai Rang Floating Market is also considered an appealing option for those looking for an immersive tourism experience in the delta.

Arriving early at Ninh Kieu Wharf, Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, said she and her friends had chosen Cai Rang Floating Market as the first stop on their journey to explore the Mekong Delta.

“We got up early so we could catch a boat to the floating market,” she shared.

“I think the fare at VND100,000 [US$3.8] per person is reasonable and suitable for tourists wanting to explore the market.”

Do Thanh Tung, director of Mekong Delta Explorer and Event Company in Ninh Kieu Ward, said the fare for visiting Cai Rang Floating Market remains VND100,000 per individual visitor.

The listed price will not be increased during the holiday.

According to the tourism management division under the Can Tho Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the department has issued a dispatch instructing tourism businesses and the management boards of Ninh Kieu Wharf, An Binh, Market Tourist Wharf, and other related facilities to prepare for the National Day holiday.

They are required to publicly display service prices and sell services at the posted prices.

The municipal department has also asked the management boards of the two wharves to develop plans and measures to ensure security and safety for tourists, particularly for tourism activities that could pose risks to visitors' lives and health.

Authorities have been instructed to detect, prevent and strictly deal with individuals who follow or harass tourists.

Sufficient staff must also be deployed to guide visitors and provide timely assistance.

“There are no businesses or boat owners increasing fares for Cai Rang Floating Market tours during the National Day holiday,” said an official from the tourism management division.

“However, the fare may vary depending on how many destinations a tourist boat visits.”

Meanwhile, Nguyen Thanh Phong, director of Tan Dai Phong Construction, Trading and Manufacturing Company, said his company's boat fares during the holiday would remain unchanged from the regular posted prices.

The company operates two-hull cruise boats, basket boats, and electric boats for river tours.

A two-hull cruise boat for up to 12 passengers costs VND2.25 million ($86.3) per trip for a Cai Rang Floating Market tour.

A combined Cai Rang Floating Market and fruit garden tour costs VND3 million ($115) per trip, while a tour covering Cai Rang Floating Market and Son Islet is priced at VND5 million ($191.7) per trip.