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Tra On Floating Market is one of the rare floating markets still bustling with activity in the Mekong Delta. Moreover, a tourism area has been developed at the market's usual gathering spot, offering visitors plenty of experiential activities during their visit. Join Asia King Travel to explore the floating market through this article.
Tra On Floating Market still retains its vibrant and bustling atmosphere
Tra On Floating Market is the last floating market on the Hau River (a branch of the Mekong River) before it flows into the sea. It is located in Tra On Commune, Vinh Long Province, more than 160 kilometers south of Ho Chi Minh City.
From Ho Chi Minh City, head south along National Highway 1A (taking the CT01 Expressway is faster if you're traveling by car). Follow the highway to Binh Minh Ward, then turn right onto National Highway 54 toward Tra On Commune. Once you arrive, take the ferry at Luc Sy Thanh Pier to reach the Tra On Floating Market tourist area.
Alternatively, once you reach the Tien River, you can choose to travel by boat through the canals to experience the riverine culture of the Mekong Delta. The trip typically takes about 4 to 6 hours.
The boat gathering area at the floating market
Just like most other floating markets in the region, Tra On Floating Market usually starts early in the morning. While many people are still asleep, the market is already bustling with boats coming and going to trade goods. That’s why the best time to visit is between 5 and 6 a.m. This is when the market is at its liveliest, and you can even enjoy breakfast right on the boat.
On days of high water (when the tide rises), many boats gather at the market and trading activities can last all day until late in the afternoon.
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Wake up early and hop on a boat to explore the floating market. Most boat docks in Tra On Commune offer rentals for floating market tours. As your boat approaches the market, you’ll surely be captivated by the lively and bustling atmosphere all around.
The boats at the floating market are loaded with fruits, agricultural products, and everyday goods. They move around the market area, looking for other boats carrying the goods they want to trade. If you want to buy something, simply pull up next to the vendor’s boat and negotiate the price.
Boats bustling with trading activities
Amid the large waterways, local sellers don’t use signboards to advertise their goods. Instead, they use a long bamboo pole (called “beo”) to hang samples of the fruits they’re selling, making it easy for others to see what’s on offer and come by to buy. During your journey through Tra On Floating Market, one thing you won’t forget is the warm, sincere smiles of the friendly boat vendors.
If you return to the floating market in the afternoon, you’ll still see many boats gathered in the area. However, these boats no longer carry much merchandise. Instead, they become living spaces where locals go about their daily routines. At this time, the boats serve as homes for people who spend their lives connected to the river. Despite the hardships, these floating homes are always filled with laughter, conversation, and the warmth of family life.
At this floating market, there's a dish that has become a local specialty: beef ball noodle soup served with banana blossom. It’s a favorite breakfast for both locals and tourists. Every corner of the market is a rich culinary world, from banh mi and banh xeo to countless fish dishes. Each dish carries a unique flavor you won’t soon forget.
Enjoy a steaming bowl of noodle soup right on the boat
The tourist area is located on May Islet, right along the riverbank where the floating market regularly takes place. It opens up a picturesque scene of the Mekong Delta, with lush fruit gardens heavy with ripe produce. Here, you can step into the shoes of a local farmer, hand-pick the fruits yourself, and enjoy their sweet, refreshing taste straight from the tree.
There are also many other traditional activities from the Mekong Delta for you to try, such as fishing, walking on bamboo bridges, and enjoying a lot of folk games. You can visit traditional craft villages and try your hand at making local dishes in a cooking class to gain a deeper understanding of the production process and the everyday life of local workers.
Plenty of exciting activities are waiting for you at the tourist area
Leave behind the hustle and bustle of city life, this is the perfect place to unwind, breathe in the fresh air, and take in the rustic beauty of the Mekong Delta. Not only that, but you can also enjoy refreshing, fun-filled moments swimming in the islet's waters, paddling a boat, or trying out the exciting sport of SUP boarding.
Immersed in the gentle flow of the river, listening to the wind rustling through the leaves, you'll feel a deep connection with nature that melts away stress and fatigue. The entrance fee to the tourist area is VND 50,000 per person.
Tra On Floating Market is a must-visit destination when you're in Vinh Long. This unique cultural feature of the Mekong Delta promises unforgettable experiences and lasting memories. Contact Asia King Travel to start an amazing journey in Vietnam today!
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