Sustaining the Mekong Delta’s way of life

Staying afloat: A file photo of a vendor preparing vegetables for sale to a resident of a house boat in a canal off the Song Hau river in the floating Cai Rang market in Can Tho. — AFP

The Mekong Delta’s famed floating markets, where local speciality produce is sold on boats, provide a unique scene that draws both local and foreign visitors.

In addition, the markets illustrate the southerners’ custom of trading and travelling on the river.

Nham Hung, a cultural researcher, said floating markets represented the cultural features, tourism specialties and pride of the land and people of the Mekong Delta.

A frequent visitor to the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho city, Dang Thu Hian was charmed by the local cuisine and culture.

“Listening to the lively sounds on the river in the early morning while enjoying a bowl of hot hu tieu (noodle soup), a cup of ba ba sweet soup and grilled banana cakes is an amazing experience,” she said.

“By visiting the highland markets in the northwest and the floating markets of the Mekong River Delta, I learned more about the lives, customs and habits of the people in each region.”

Floating marketplaces in the Mekong Delta continue to exist, playing a part in economic activity and serving as a tourist draw despite numerous changes and the diversification over time.

However, many experts, management organisations and businesses are concerned with how to sustainably protect and enhance the value of the floating markets, while at the same time expanding tourist experiences.

Associate Professor Dao Ngoc Canh of Can Tho University argued that floating market tourism services and products must be continuously enhanced to match social development and satisfy tourists.

“If floating market tourism is merely exploited without investment, it will eventually become monotonous,” he said.

He suggested establishing a floating market tourist service centre with the functions of inspecting and supervising tourism services, as well as organising tours connecting the Cai Rang floating market with nearby tourist attractions.

“It is also important to realise that cultural heritage is the foundation for promoting sustainable tourism development,” he said.

With vision and management, the floating markets will provide a place for locals to earn an income from a vibrant tourist scene. — Vietnam News/ANN