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The People's Committee of Cai Rang Ward, Cai Rang District, Can Tho City, has officially issued a notice regarding the temporary suspension of operations at the Cai Rang floating market pier, effective from February 22nd and lasting until further notice. This move comes amidst the peak tourist season at the beginning of the year, when the number of tourists flocking to the capital of the Mekong Delta increases significantly, leading to various issues related to travel service management and waterway safety.
Explaining the sudden suspension, the leaders of Cai Rang Ward People's Committee stated that through inspections and observations, serious problems have emerged in the pier area. The situation of boat owners arbitrarily raising tour prices and overcharging tourists is occurring openly, causing frustration among residents and visitors. More concerningly, the illegal pick-up and drop-off of passengers and other spontaneous activities not only tarnish the image of Can Tho tourism but also pose a high risk of waterway accidents, directly threatening the lives of passengers.
Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho) - a national intangible cultural heritage - is facing the urgent need to standardize passenger pick-up and drop-off operations to protect the image of river tourism in the Mekong Delta.
The suspension of operations at the pier is not merely a temporary administrative measure, but part of an overall plan to clean up the tourism business environment. As requested by the authorities, from February 22nd, all inland waterway vessels transporting tourists at this pier must cease operations. Vessel owners are required to sign a commitment to strictly comply with local regulations and are absolutely prohibited from picking up or dropping off passengers without an officially approved operating plan.
During the pier closure period, the People's Committee of Cai Rang Ward, along with relevant agencies, will closely coordinate with vessel owners to review, develop, and finalize a plan for the operation of a new pier. The core objective of this plan is to establish a safe and transparent operating process, with transparent pricing and compliance with legal regulations. Standardizing services, from price listing to vessel tonnage management, is expected to completely eliminate the problems of touting and price gouging that have plagued tourists visiting the riverine region.
Cai Rang Floating Market has long been considered the "soul" of Can Tho tourism and an unmissable destination in the Mekong Delta. Established in the early 20th century, it is not only a bustling center for agricultural trade but also preserves the unique cultural characteristics of the people of Southern Vietnam. In 2016, Cai Rang Floating Market was honored to be recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Agricultural product trading and food service activities take place on boats at Cai Rang Floating Market.
Although the number of trading boats has decreased somewhat in recent years compared to its heyday, the allure of the vendors' calls, the poles displaying their produce, and the bustling life on the river from 6-7 am remains a magnet for international tourists. According to surveys, the rental price for wooden tourist boats here varies widely, from 300,000 VND to 1.5 million VND depending on the type of boat and itinerary. This diversity, if not strictly managed, could easily lead to price chaos, as seen recently.
The temporary closure of the pier aims to eliminate price gouging and ensure a healthy business environment for both traders and tourists.
Rectifying operations at the pier is a necessary action to protect the heritage site's status. The tourism community and travel companies expect that, after this review, the Cai Rang floating market pier will return with a new look: more professional, safer, and truly worthy of its status as a national heritage site.
While awaiting further announcements from the Can Tho City authorities, tourists planning to visit the floating market should monitor official information to choose alternative, licensed piers, ensuring their rights and safety during their exploration of the Western region.
