If you’re heading to Can Tho, Vietnam’s vibrant river city, you’re in for a treat—not just for its lush scenery but also for its lively markets and local shopping experiences. Unlike typical tourist traps, many of these tours offer authentic glimpses into daily life on the Mekong Delta, especially floating markets bustling with boats laden with colorful fruits and vegetables. For a truly immersive experience, tours like the Can Tho: Floating Market & Mekong’s Legacy or the Largest Floating Market, Wild Small Canal System & Organic cocoa stand out for their detailed itineraries and rich local flavor. Whether you prefer a peaceful boat ride, a chance to sample tropical fruits, or learn about cocoa farming, Can Tho’s market tours deliver.
In this guide, we cover the best shopping and market tours, highlighting what makes each one special—from small-group adventures to full-day explorations. We’ll help you understand which tour fits your interests and style, so you can make the most of your time in this fascinating part of southern Vietnam.
1. Can Tho: Floating Market & Mekong’s Legacy
At number one on our list is the Can Tho: Floating Market & Mekong’s Legacy, a tour that combines the iconic Cai Rang floating market with an authentic Mekong River experience. For about $23 per person, this 6-hour journey offers a relaxing pace with no rush—perfect if you want to soak in the scenery and local life. The tour includes a local breakfast on the water and visits to tropical fruit gardens and canal systems that reveal the quiet side of Mekong life. The boat ride is private, and guides like Sophia have a reputation for sharing extensive, engaging stories. Reviewers praise the tour for its authenticity and value, with a 5/5 rating from over 500 reviews.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful, in-depth look at floating markets and rural life, with excellent value and friendly guides.
2. Can Tho: A Real Mekong Tour, Floating Market, Cacao & Life’s
Second place goes to the Can Tho: A Real Mekong Tour, offering a well-rounded 6.5-hour experience for $25. This tour’s strength lies in its diverse activities: visiting Cai Rang’s famous floating market, exploring small secret canals, and visiting an organic cacao farm. Tour guide Duy is appreciated for his knowledge and enthusiasm, making this trip stand out. The tour also includes a veggie-friendly breakfast on the river, and stops at local fruit gardens and rice noodle farms.
Reviewers love its authenticity, noting the absence of pushy shopping and the genuine insight into Mekong life.
Bottom Line: Best suited for curious travelers who want a mix of floating market sights and farm visits, with a focus on local food and culture.
3. Largest Floating Market, Wild Small Canal System & Organic cocoa
Coming in at number three, this $38 tour provides a comprehensive 5-hour exploration of Cai Rang’s bustling floating market coupled with a cruise through jungle-like small canals. It stands out for its delicious breakfast of noodle soup and Vietnamese coffee, plus a chance to visit a cacao organic farm and try fresh cacao milk. The boat rides are designed to provide a peaceful yet immersive experience, with a focus on local commerce and nature.
Guests often comment on how engaging the guide is, making you feel like you’re discovering hidden corners of the Mekong.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a full sensory experience—markets, food, and lush quiet waterways—all in one trip.
4. The hidden Fabulous Floating Market and Small Canal
This shorter, 3-4 hour tour offers a more intimate look at Cai Rang, departing early for the best floating market scenes. For just $25, it includes a private boat cruise and visits to rural villages and a noodle factory. You’ll sample Vietnamese breakfast foods and observe local life on the water.
Travelers rave about the personalized attention and the opportunity to see how locals buy and sell without the crowds typical of larger tours.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want a focused, authentic experience with fewer travelers and more interaction.
5. Cai Rang floating market, Cacao & hidden small canal
Number five offers an extended 6-7 hour trip for $33, blending floating market sightseeing with a visit to a cacao farm and small, peaceful canals. The tour emphasizes local food and chocolate-making, with tastings of cacao milk and chocolate. It’s perfect if you’re interested in food culture, as you’ll also explore local noodle villages and fruit gardens—all guided by knowledgeable locals.
Guests mention the unhurried pace and depth of local insight as key benefits.
Bottom Line: Best for foodies and those wanting a culinary journey through Mekong life.
6. Mekong Delta and Cai Rang Floating Market 5-Hours Tour
This 5-hour trip, at $30, combines a floating market visit with a local breakfast and a glimpse inside a noodle factory. The tour is designed for easy access, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, ensuring no stress. It’s a great starter for anyone new to the Mekong, offering authentic sights and behind-the-scenes food prep.
Reviewers praise the smooth organization and engaging guide.
Bottom Line: Ideal for short visits or first-timers wanting a taste of Mekong culture without overcommitting.
7. Mekong Delta Explore Cai Rang and Phong Dien Floating Market
For a full 7-hour day trip at $30, this tour visits two floating markets—Cai Rang and Phong Dien—and includes local breakfast, canal cruises, and visits to fruit gardens and noodle factories. It’s perfect for food lovers eager to see multiple markets and enjoy local specialties.
Tour guides are known for their friendly explanations and small-group attention.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting an immersive, comprehensive Mekong experience focusing on local food and markets.
8. Can Tho: Cai Rang floating market & Mekong’s Legacy
This 6-7 hour tour at $35 emphasizes the earliest morning to see Cai Rang at its liveliest. It includes a tour of the floating market, a traditional noodle workshop, and a visit to lush fruit gardens. The experience is enhanced by guides who love sharing insider stories about river trade and local agriculture.
Guests love the balance of authentic market scenes and culinary workshops.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded option for culinary and cultural insights in one day.
9. Can Tho: Authentic Floating Market, Wild Canal system, Cocoa
A budget-friendly choice at only $20 for 5.5 hours, this tour combines floating market visits, noodle village explorations, and an organic cocoa farm. The tour is led by a friendly local millennial who shares personal stories about local life.
Guests appreciate the relaxed pace and authenticity of this tour, especially the chocolate tasting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for cost-conscious travelers seeking a genuine Mekong experience.
10. Nature Reserve and Largest, Authentic Floating Market Experiences
At $89, this full-day experience offers the most extensive adventure, including the largest floating market, small jungle canals, and a four-decade-old noodle village. It’s a longer, more comprehensive tour with a focus on nature and local life.
Guests report it’s worth the price for its in-depth exploration and extraordinary scenery.
Bottom Line: Best for dedicated travelers who want a full immersion with multiple stops and longer duration.
11. Can Tho: Floating Market, Canals, Garden & Cooking Class
This 6-hour tour at $26 features floating market visits, scenic canal cruises, and cooking classes. It combines culinary experiences with local scenery—great for food lovers wanting hands-on learning.
Past participants praise the personalized attention and delicious food.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a culinary twist on your market tour.
12. Cai Rang Floating Market Tour – Amazing Can Tho
This specialized 5-hour tour costs around $78 and features an early morning boat ride to see Cai Rang at its busiest, plus a local rice noodle tasting and cacao farm visit. It offers a deep dive into local trade and food.
Guests love the in-depth visits and local stories shared by guides.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies and culture enthusiasts wanting an intimate, detailed experience.
13. Can Tho: Floating Market, Canal, Cacao Farm & Mekong’ Life
This 6-hour tour at $24 covers Cai Rang, a noodle factory, and a cacao farm. It’s designed to give a well-rounded view of local trade and agriculture with small boat rides.
Reviewers highlight the insightful guides and delicious food.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a balanced look at food, farms, and floating markets.
14. Cai Rang floating market, see sunrise, Cacao orchard, small canal
For early risers, this 7-hour tour at $42 offers sunrise views of the largest floating market, a cacao orchard, and peaceful small canals. It’s praised for its tranquility and authenticity.
Guests love the personalized breakfast on the boat and the beautiful countryside.
Bottom Line: Best for adventure seekers wanting a serene, authentic start to the day.
15. Can Tho: Floating Market, Cacao & Canals with French Guide
Completing our list is a French-guided tour offering Cai Rang, village walks, and cacao farm tastings. For French speakers, it provides a cultural twist on the usual market trips.
Tour highlights include guided walks and local wine tasting.
Bottom Line: Great for French-speaking travelers wanting a cultural and culinary experience.
How to Choose the Right Market Tour in Can Tho
When picking your shopping and market tour, consider your interests and schedule. For ultimate authenticity and quiet exploration, the Hidden Fabulous Floating Market is perfect. If food is your main focus, Tours with cacao farms or noodle factories like the Cai Rang, Cacao & hidden small canal offer an immersive culinary experience. Budget-conscious travelers should check out the Authentic Floating Market & Cacao, while those wanting a full-day adventure might prefer the Nature Reserve and Large Floating Market**.
Book early, especially for tours with limited small-group sizes like the Can Tho: Floating Market & Mekong’s Legacy, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Can Tho offers a diverse range of shopping and market tours—from peaceful boat rides to lively floating markets, and from sweet cacao farms to bustling noodle villages. Whether you’re a food lover, a culture seeker, or someone who just wants to see local life in action, there’s a tour for you. The best advice is to match your interests with the tour’s focus—if you love culinary experiences, tours like Cai Rang, Cacao & hidden small canal will delight. For those wanting tranquility and authenticity, the Fabulous Floating Market is perfect. And remember, booking early can mean the difference between a memorable trip and missing out. Happy exploring!