Ngan Dua Floating Market – a cultural mark of the river region

Tra Su Floating Market: Merchants on the edge of the forest
Market street at the river junction
Floating market on the last day of the year
The "beauties" on the floating markets in the West

When the new rural development program was implemented, the onshore market was invested in spacious and modern, causing the floating market to gradually lose its number of buyers and sellers. However, this place is still deeply imprinted in the memories of many generations, becoming an indispensable part of life and a unique cultural feature of the Mekong Delta .

The once bustling floating market on Ngan Dua canal, Hong Dan commune.

Every day, from 4am onwards, boats from Cai Trau canal ( Can Tho city) and Loc Ninh canal bustle to Ngan Dua canal. Some people transport goods to trade across the provinces, others take the opportunity to bring their farm produce to the market.

The image of women running boats loaded with goods is familiar at the floating market.

Mr. Vo Ut Chinh, 63 years old, residing in Thanh 2 Hamlet, Hong Dan Commune, has been making a living at the floating market for more than 20 years. In addition to selling along the canal, he also drives a sampan to neighboring communes. He confided: “My wife and I have long been familiar with the river scene, and although there is now a market on the shore, we are still attached to the profession. Although we are old, we have no intention of leaving the floating market.”

Mr. Vo Ut Chinh has been making a living on the floating market for more than 20 years.

The couple prepares goods to serve shoppers.

Goods at the floating market are abundant, from snakehead fish, square crabs, homegrown vegetables to necessities and daily necessities. Along the canal banks, there are also small shops and grocery stores, contributing to maintaining the rhythm of life and serving people from early morning to late night.

Boats and boats travel and trade busily on the canal.

For many traders, trading on the floating market is not only a way of life but also an integral part of life. Although the bustling trading scene and crowded boats are no longer as before, Ngan Dua floating market still persists, as a cultural heritage in the hearts of people living in the river area.

Ngan Dua canal connects many canals, creating favorable conditions for trade development.