The Mekong Delta's largest city and its famous dawn floating market, best done as an overnight trip.
Can Tho is the Mekong Delta's commercial centre, and the Cai Rang floating market is its main draw, with wholesale boats trading from about 05:30. Day trips are possible but demanding at about seven hours of driving; an overnight in Can Tho is the usual approach. Limousine buses leave from Mien Tay Bus Station and the Pham Ngu Lao area, and the expressway link has shortened the trip to about three hours.
Prices for a dawn boat to the market are about 150,000-300,000 VND (~$5.70-11.41) per person.
| Distance | About 170 km / 106 miles |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 3-3.5 hours each way |
| Getting there | Overnight tour, limousine bus, or private car |
| Cost | Dawn boat about 150,000-300,000 VND (~$5.70-11.41) |
| Difficulty | hard |
| Address | Cai Rang District, Can Tho City |
How to get there
- Limousine bus (about 150,000-250,000 VND / ~$5.70-9.51)
- Overnight group tour (about 1,500,000-3,000,000 VND / ~$57.03-114.07)
- Private car (about 2,500,000-3,500,000 VND / ~$95.06-133.08)
Location
Cai Rang District, Can Tho City
10.0452, 105.7469 View on map
Highlights
- Cai Rang floating market wholesale trading from about 05:30
- Dawn boat ride among trading boats
- Can Tho as the Mekong Delta's commercial centre
- Expressway link shortening the trip to about three hours
Tips for visiting
- Stay overnight; a same-day return means about seven hours of driving.
- Limousine buses leave from Mien Tay Bus Station and the Pham Ngu Lao area.
- A dawn boat to the market costs about 150,000-300,000 VND per person.
- Be on the water by about 05:30 to see the busiest trading.
- Bring a light layer and insect repellent for the early boat.
When to visit
Go at dawn; November to April is driest.
Accessibility
Boarding small boats at dawn is difficult for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
Can Cai Rang be done as a day trip?
It is possible but demanding at about seven hours of driving; an overnight in Can Tho is the usual approach.
When is the floating market busiest?
Wholesale boats trade from about 05:30, so dawn is the best time.
How long does it take to reach Can Tho?
About 3-3.5 hours each way by road, shortened by the expressway link.