The Can Tho city administration hopes to complete work to upgrade the Cai Rang floating market by next year. The project, which began in 2016, is restoring and upgrading the market to meet the requirements of vendors and attract more visitors.

The province is looking for investors to set up a stop station and operate tourist boats, floating restaurants and stalls at a total cost of US$2.2 million.

According to the city Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Cần Thơ received 300,000 visitors in the first seven months of this year, including 35,500 foreigners. Of them, 146,000 visited the floating market.

The market first appeared 100 years ago as a place selling agricultural produce.

Apart from selling fruits and vegetables from the city, it also offers some unique farm products from neighbouring provinces.

The region’s foods, specialties and handicraft products are also brought to the market.

It is open every day from 4am to 9am, and attracts nearly 300 boats and 500 – 700 local and foreign tourists.

During festivals and holidays, up to 500 boats visit the kilometre-long market. 

VNA