Nga Nam Floating Market – A Must-do in Soc Trang, Mekong Delta
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[Updated Aug 1, 2025 ] The Nga Nam Floating Market has remained closed since the COVID-19 pandemic and is no longer in operation.
In the Mekong Delta, only two floating markets remain—each offering a unique glimpse into river life: the authentic, non-touristy Long Xuyen Floating Market, peacefully nestled along the route between Can Tho and Chau Doc, and the vibrant, tourist-favorite Cai Rang Floating Market in the heart of Can Tho city.
One of the best authentic things to see and do in Soc Trang is Nga Nam non-touristy floating market and the local villages. This market gives many visitors so much touching about the Mekong Delta floating market like 30 years ago because of its charmings, natural beauties, amazing sampan experiences and the stunning location. It is a must-see for those who want to know the real floating market of the local Vietnamese with the traditional and cultural river life on the Mekong River.
By Thomas Vietnam at vemekong.com | Official Soc Trang Visitor Guide | 7-floating-market Vietnam Cai Rang, Long Xuyen, Nga Nam, Phong Dien, Chau Doc, Cai Be, Tra On
The first thing you need to know is that. This authentic market is for real and for the locals. That is why it is not located in the center where there is much noise, huge traffic and malls nearby. Nga Nam floating market, Soc Trang province, is in the town of the same name as the market. The market is both on the mainland and on the Nga Nam canal, so that you can see the market with or without the sampan ride. But the absolute sampan ride gives you a unique experience to explore other sides of Nga Nam (Nga Nam means 5 tributaries/canals) canals.
Firstly, you get to Nga Nam market and its riverside, where there are so many local sampan ferries. Secondly, you take the hand-rowing sampan from there, there are small sampan and big boats for a big group, so it depends on your group. The last, the boat trip, just takes you about 15 minutes from that boat station to explore all 5 canals of Nga Nam floating market. Top tip: You should hire a boat a day ahead at least, the next early morning is too dark and hurry to have a boat at 5am.
As a local travel expert, we do know that the floating market will be less busy after 7am. Because the locals need time to go back to their home which is far away from Nga Nam. Let’s tell you, we inspect this market a lot and it is always busy and real touching is at the sunrise. This market is especially great for KOLs, Influencers and Media to film and add values for both sides. Top tip: Best enjoying time to be right at the spot is from 5:45am-6:am-6:30am. I hope you have an amazing sunrise on the Mekong Delta river and catch many photos of pupils, locals sitting on the sampan ferry for school and market!
As you see, this is a very local floating market which is located in the deep countryside of Soc Trang, there are plenty of authentic pagodas that you may stop over to feel more about the villages and its spiritual life. At Nga Nam floating market, you sometimes find coffee and noodle soup and some cakes, fruits on the land market as well. Besides, you may admire local women there, we see many of them are female who run boats and manage the small business as well. Top tip: Smile and have a cup of coffee with the locals and watch the river floating life at the floating market.
It is very fine to do the floating market tour from Soc Trang city which is 55km from the city center. But somehow you have to stay overnight in Can Tho city, you still can do the Nga Nam floating market tour from Can Tho city center which is 73km away by the shortcut way. And it is only 40km away from Bac Lieu city center! Top tip: you can leave Can Tho for Nga Nam floating market and then keep going to Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Ca Mau or for Con Dao, Phu Quoc.
What a trip! If you can make this full adventure day tour of Nga Nam Floating Market & Hau Giang Forest & Wildlife in One day will be so well-planned and worthy. Top tip: Contact vemekong.com to see more unique full itinerary.
We do not think so! The local market is not too touristy yet, so it does not run during the traditional Tet Lunar New Year, but the Calendar New Year is fine. Top tip: If you make a visit to this market one week before Lunar New Year, you win! The best time for all.
Yeah, you can do it by yourself. Vietnamese are friendly and used to with foreigner tourists, so you are fine to bargain and make a deal with them. Remember responsible travel please, bargain for fun and willing to help the local and its destination. There are few local motels on 3/2 street and nearby for you to take a sleep. Top tip: Get to Nga Nam riverside market in the afternoon for hiring a sampan. Make sure you have a life jacket equipped on the boat. And please book your room in advance.
Join Soc Trang daily group tours for the best solution about boat, time, pick-up and drop-off, information, fun, great memory, responsible travel and safety at vemekong.com. Top tip: Hire a bike or motorbike for the adventure and off the beaten tracks to do Nga Nam floating market tour by yourself and explore Soc Trang rice fields and many unlocked villages.
It is always good to repeat “responsible travel” over and over. River itself is facing so many challenges from chemical and human waste and modern life with high-tech. We do appreciate any of you who do respect and take good behavior about the river and its protection. Top tip: Soc Trang River Tour from Vemekong.com is a kind of responsible tour in Soc Trang province.
Soc Trang Khmer pagodas are solemn places, so you should choose beautiful clothes that are still polite and discreet. In the temple grounds, there are many animal statues such as elephants, snakes, etc. If you go with the children, please remind them not to climb because these are sacred symbols of the Khmer people.
The monks don’t ask for money, although donations won’t hurt.
Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, scarf to wear when visiting temples, pagodas, and the cathedral.
If you plan to extend your tour to Soc Trang homestay, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent cream.
When visiting the Soc Trang or doing any customized tours, choose reputable providers with boat trips equipped with lifebuoys, jackets, motorcycle and cycling tours with the helmets. Safety is a priority!
Soc Trang tourist attractions are magnificent itself, but if you have enough time, don’t forget to put other places onto your bucket lists such as Bat pagoda, Chen Kieu (Bowl) pagoda, Dung islet, Ghe Ngo boat race festival, pink trumpet tree road, Clay pagoda (Chua Dat Set), Khleang pagoda, Nga Nam floating market, Phat Hoc 2 pagoda, Soc Trang central market, Soc Trang museum, Som Rong pagoda, popular and clean homestays and hotels in Soc Trang…
Soc Trang food & drink guide ranges from street food, authentic, fancy to fusion foods. As a tropical land of many fresh vegetables and homegrown gardens, which always make Soc Trang cuisines fresh, close to nature and very traditional. If you are a food lover, don’t hesitate to put other bites onto your food lists such as Cong Cake, Pia Cake, Bun Nuoc Leo Soc Trang’s Noodle Soup…
Bring the raincoat if you travel to Soc Trang in the rainy season, as Soc Trang always looks fantastic in the full rain and full sun.
Hopefully, the above tips will help you to come up with a great plan for your adventure in Soc Trang, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Have a safe trip!
“Sleep less, travel more, respect more” – Thomas Vietnam – Local travel expert.
Thank you
