Long Xuyen Floating Market in the Mekong Delta: Fascinating, yet Fragile

Since January 2025, the Long Xuyen Floating Market has shrunk to an average of only around 30 boats. Yet on the waters of the Hau River, it remains one of the last authentic floating markets in the Mekong Delta.

A floating market embedded in local life

Established several decades ago to facilitate the transportation of fresh produce from the nearby countryside to the main market in Long Xuyen, this market has undergone several changes of location before covering almost 2km along the Tay Song Hau urban area. 

Among the 23 boats listed, there are 6 that specialize in selling agricultural produce, including coconuts, pineapples, sweet potatoes, eggplants, and watermelons. Additionally, there are 3 boats that serve drinks and hot meals to people who work on the river. The remaining boats are residential, where interactions occur naturally—people exchange goods, engage in brief conversations, and dogs can be seen dozing on the pontoon. At Long Xuyen Floating Market, visitors have the opportunity to observe these simple yet meaningful scenes of daily life on the water.

A site still untouched by mass tourism

Unlike Can Tho (where the markets are now crowded and sometimes polluted) or Cai Be Floating Market, Long Xuyen captivates with its simplicity and unspoiled atmosphere. The market is still an uncommercial place, close to nature, which attracts travelers keen to get off the beaten track. It's one of the few markets to retain a real local dynamic, far removed from any kind of staging. Even if the number of boats is dwindling, the experience remains invaluable, especially for lovers of photography and authentic scenes. It's a facet of the delta that needs to be discovered now, before it disappears.

When to visit the Long Xuyen Floating Market

The activities at Long Xuyen Floating Market are greatly influenced by weather conditions. During the dry season, particularly from December to April, clear mornings attract more traders. Boats are actively moving, trade flows smoothly, and the atmosphere is ideal for photography and observation. In contrast, during the rainy season, which lasts from May to November, particularly on days with heavy rain or strong winds, activity slows down significantly. Some boats may remain docked, making the market appear quieter or even very small.

Best times of the week to visit Long Xuyen Floating Market

Market activity reaches a relative peak at weekends, particularly on Saturday and Sunday mornings, as well as during Vietnamese public holidays and traditional celebrations (Tet, Mid-Autumn Festival, etc.). On these occasions, not only vendors but also small groups of Vietnamese travelers and families on excursions or foreign tourists in search of authenticity are more frequent.

It's not a noisy, saturated market like Can Tho, but rather a moderate pace, typical of a local market, where you can still feel the daily reality of the delta's inhabitants.

Best time frames to visit Long Xuyen Floating Market

The best time to visit the floating market is between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m., when activity is at its peak and the natural light is soft. After 8:00 a.m., most trading has already concluded, and the boats are leaving or returning to the quayside as the sun becomes increasingly strong.

Tip: If you’re a photography enthusiast or want to experience two different lighting moods, consider making two visits to the floating market—one just before sunrise and another an hour later.

Recommended itinerary to discover Long Xuyen

Long Xuyen is not a destination for a lengthy stay. But for an overnight stop in the Mekong Delta, the city lends itself perfectly to a quick and rewarding exploration.

Arrive in the late afternoon: Check into a hotel near the O Moi Ferry, from where boats depart for the floating market. The area offers some interesting strolls, notably along the boulevard in front of the My Phuoc Temple and around the city's Chinese-influenced temples.

Wake up early the day after: around 6:15 a.m., head to the ferry and get a local boat (approx. 200,000 to 300,000 dong) for a tour of the floating market. The tour should last between 30 minutes and an hour, ideally taken before full sun to enjoy the soft light.

Visit the Long Xuyen Market: Just off the quay, the Long Xuyen land market is a highlight. Covered but well-ventilated, this market is distinguished by the vibrant colors of tropical fruits and vegetables, the lively scenes with early-morning saleswomen, porters, and fully loaded scooters, as well as the breakfast stalls where it's easy to chat with the locals. This market plays a central role in the supply chain: the big boats of the floating market deliver the products, which are then transported ashore by small boats, then redistributed via vans and motorcycle trailers.

Where to go after Long Xuyen?

Here are a few suggestions for stopovers to combine for a coherent Mekong Delta itinerary:

Chau Doc: Just an hour's drive away from Long Xuyen, this town boasts a wealth of cultural attractions (temples, Cham minorities, Tra Su forest, secondary floating markets).

Rach Gia: Departure point for the islands of Nam Du or Hon Son, still relatively untouristy, ideal for travelers in search of nature and calm beaches. 

Sa Dec: A peaceful and charming town, known for its flower gardens, old colonial houses, and retro atmosphere.

Can Tho: Despite being more touristic, it remains a convenient transfer point, especially for those wishing to reach Phu Quoc or catch a domestic flight.

>> Read more: Tour to the Mekong Delta: itinerary ideas in 1,2,3,4,5,6 days to know

Practical Information for a Trip to Long Xuyen

Accommodation in Long Xuyen

Accommodation in Long Xuyen is limited and modest, in keeping with the image of a town still relatively untouched by tourism. No luxury hotels or tourist complexes here, but a few comfortable, practical establishments are well located for a short stopover:

Lara Hotel

Ideal for travelers looking for good value for money. The hotel offers simple, clean, and spacious rooms, perfect for a night's rest after a day's driving or sightseeing. The welcome is discreet but efficient. The hotel is just a few minutes' walk from Bên Pha Ô Môi, making it easy to get to the floating market in the morning. 

Chau Khuong Hotel

A step up in terms of standing, with slightly higher comfort: well-equipped rooms, quality bedding, an elevator, and breakfast available on site. Its proximity to the city center and main temples makes it a good choice for those who also wish to discover the city on foot.

Foods to try in Long Xuyen

There aren't many good places to eat, but there are a few local gems where you can enjoy simple, tasty dishes typical of the delta.

Banh My Thanh Lan

A very popular neighborhood address for an excellent, crunchy, and generous bánh mì. The place doesn't look like much, but the quality of the bread and the freshness of the ingredients make it a must. Just a few blocks from Hotel Lara, perfect for a quick snack.

Com tam Long Xuyen

If you're in the mood for a real meal, this family-run canteen is a dialectical option. Popular with the locals, it offers dishes of broken rice with grilled pork, egg, vegetables, and pickles, typical of the south. It's located just behind the large downtown temple, in a lively alley with an authentic atmosphere.

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