The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho is considering expanding operations at the Cai Rang Floating Market to run around the clock, as part of a broader push to revitalise river-based tourism.
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, vice chairwoman of the Can Tho People’s Committee, has urged the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to attract investment into river and orchard eco-tourism, accelerate digital transformation to reach global travellers and better link local heritage sites with tour routes.
She called for a review of existing river tours, with a focus on the Cai Rang Floating Market, noting that spaces beneath the Quang Trung, Hung Loi and Cai Rang bridges along the Ninh Kieu route could be redesigned and illuminated to create new attractions and draw more visitors.
“Cai Rang Floating Market now operates only in the morning. We should develop it to run day and night, with brightly lit and decorated under-bridge spaces in the evening to create photo spots and help promote the market,” Diep said.
She suggested that river tourism expansion be rolled out in 2026, focusing on the Ninh Kieu Wharf-Cai Rang Floating Market route, while also developing the Nga Nam Floating Market and Nga Bay Floating Market.
Diep added that improving the quality of festival organisation is also important, with the aim of positioning Can Tho as a city of festivals.
Can Tho welcomed more than 11 million visitors in 2025, up 18 per cent year on year, she said, noting that recent river festivals had helped stimulate tourism demand. In 2026, the city has set a target of at least 11.4 million visitors.
