Floating Market Of Generosity

The Mekong Delta has hundreds of floating markets; all the booths and transportation means are boats and dinghies of various sizes. Although Long Xuyen floating market is not as famous as others in the southern region, tourists will still feel the generosity of southerners.

Long Xuyen now has high-rises, wide roads and big parks that faded the country-like appearance of many years ago. Boarding a boat and the steersman is happy to serve travelers. The dinghy runs through rows of boats in the river when the sunlight breaks slightly, the wind blows up and the river surface curls in a red hue.

Along the banks are different landscapes. On one side are beautiful houses while on the other are paddy fields and houses on stilts. The river becomes more and more bustling, especially at places where small canals flow into the river.

Boats selling the same agro-product items are tied together in groups. People travel among dinghies as crossing adjoining stalls or row houses. Some boats sell fuel and offer mechanical repair services.

The Tien and the Hau rivers become good mothers opening their arms to children from all regions. Boat owners sell everything and invite guests to buy their wares. After half an hour, the boat arrives at a floating market where dinghies are tied together like a small islet. Boats from many regions carrying various kinds of fruits and vegetables come there and sell agro-products to wholesalers, which will be transported and retailed in urban areas. Despite busily loading goods, local traders always welcome tourists merrily. Some invite guests getting on big boats to contemplate the great Hau River in a noisy ambience with people and dinghies. Bamboo poles with agro-products hung on them are placed on dinghies to tell guests what they are selling.

Sellers often invite tourists to try local fruits and guests will feel their generosity, magnanimity, simplicity, easiness and straightforwardness of the delta dwellers.
After over an hour traveling around the floating market, tourists return to the wharf. The boat waves goodbye to trading dinghies, depots and the nice people in the watery region of Hau Giang.

Category: Vietnam Discovery