Floating Market

Cai Rang Floating Market, Can Tho, Mekong Delta

Tuesday 11 April.

The floating markets of the Mekong Delta are disappearing. Improved roads and new bridges have made transportation faster and more efficient by highway rather than by boat along the rivers and canals. But for now, the Can Tho Floating Market is going strong though smaller than when I first visited.

Wares are displayed hoisted to the top of bamboo poles so, if the produce is pineapples keep your eyes peeled for a boat bearing a pineapple up a pole. The eyes on the boats keep lookout for sea monsters, crocodiles and help the boats see in the dark which is good as often they are driven by a guy swinging in a hammock steering these lumbering behemoths with his foot.

However, it seems the smaller rowing boats are usually paddled by wiry women in a matching (or non) twin set plying their way deftly through the congestion of river traffic. It just goes to show that what's learnt on the river can be taken directly to the street.

If you want to see the market in full swing, get there early, real early not like the couple I met whilst staying at the Golf Hotel who asked me "how early?" I suggested departing the hotel no later than 6.45am, earlier if possible. They decided on an 11.00am.

 

So, over the next few days I will be posting photos from the market.