The event aimed to further introduce and promote the image of “Cai Rang Floating Market Culture”, creating key attractions for domestic and international tourists. This was also one of the activities in response to the Tourism and Trade Week of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, held in Can Tho City from November 29 to December 2

Cai Rang Floating Market has become a brand

Therefore, this place is an important docking point for many boats to trade goods. On average, approximately 200 to 250 boats engage in trading goods, with the number sometimes reaching 300 to 400. Of these, about 150 are fixed docking points, while around 100 come from other locations. In addition, there is an average of 200 trips per day, sometimes exceeding 400 trips, with boats carrying tourists to visit the floating market.

Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City, speaking at the opening ceremony of the Tourism Festival "Cai Rang Floating Market Culture" in 2024

Trading activities here serve both the business community and local residents, creating jobs for hundreds of workers and small traders who provide services on the river.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thai Bao, the majority of domestic and international tourists visiting Can Tho City have a desire to visit Cai Rang Floating Market, not only because the floating market has a unique cultural charm of the local residents but also carries the very distinctive waterway culture of the Southern region. Therefore, Cai Rang Floating Market has become a tourism brand of Can Tho City.

Promoting the cultural value of the floating market in tourism development

The eighth “Cai Rang Floating Market Culture” Tourism Festival was held in Can Tho City from November 30 to December 2, 2024, featuring many notable highlights, including development booths for tourism and trade services from Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta provinces; an exhibition contest of boat models showcasing the agricultural products traded at the floating market; a fruit and cultural cuisine festival; the second 'Beauty of Traditional and Modern Ao Ba Ba' contest in Cai Rang District; Don ca tai tu performances on the river; a Southern folk song contest; composite boat racing; traditional games; and various social welfare activities... Especially during this occasion, the Organizing Committee introduced the ritual of the Tong Phong Festival, a unique traditional festival rich in cultural and spiritual values that has been a long-standing tradition of the people in the Southern river region.

Tourists "check in" at beautifully decorated spots to serve visitors.

The activities not only promote tourism but also provide an opportunity for businesses to directly meet, connect, and collaborate in business. Through the festival, the Organizing Committee hopes to gather feedback and evaluations from tourists to gradually improve the quality of tourism services at the floating market.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Can Tho City - suggested that Cai Rang District coordinate with relevant departments and agencies to focus on raising the awareness of Cai Rang Floating Market residents about the cultural value of the floating market in tourism development. At the same time, guide and train residents in knowledge and skills related to tourism, creating livelihoods for people from tourism activities at the floating market.

Beautifully decorated boats at the Cai Rang Floating Market stop serve visitors during the event.

In addition, the organization actively works to conserve and promote the intangible cultural value of Cai Rang Floating Market; researches and advises on building mechanisms and policies to support residents, traders in conserving and promoting the floating market in connection with tourism development; manages the quality of tourism services, builds a safe and friendly tourism environment...