Cai Be is a river-land mixed town in Vietnam. It is a district of Tien Giang Province in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Along the river, there are docks that handle passengers and goods, and the floating market.
(TRAVPR.COM) VIETNAM - February 19th, 2016 - Cai Be is the north shore of the tree My Thuan Bridge, the gateway to the city of Vinh Long and the Cuu Long River Delta. Nearby Vinh Long, it is the bustling Cai Be Floating Market, where you can see wholesalers on big boats hang a sample of what they sell from the top of a long pole. It is also a leisure time for boating to see small canals and visit orchards.
Cai Be and Tan Phong Island are located on the left hand side of the Upper Mekong River. Nowadays Cai Be is one of the most important centers for the distribution of the agricultural products, especially the tropical fruits for the whole country and also for the entire region.
The nature is fertile, harmonious; people are opened-heart, hospitality; a distinctive ecological system and the river network of South Vietnam together with a floating market; the cultural features are very distinctive but really special in general are made Cai Be as a Mekong Delta in miniature, a safe and attractive destination for travelers all over the world.
Visiting this place discover daily life of local people along Mekong river, travelers will have chance to enjoy the boat trip of on the mighty of the Mekong river for the dreamy and the pleasure moment and learn more culture like local folk songs and cooking class with special dishes in local homestay.
How to get there
After 110km on the National Highway 1A from Ho Chi Minh City, travelers will arrive Cai Be being considered as a wild land where it is always ready waiting the discovery of the travelers.
What to see
Cai Be Floating Market
It is among the others in Mekong Delta such as Cai Rang, Phong Dien, Phung Hiep Floating markets. Up to now, the history ofCai Be Floating Market is still unknown but people believe that it was formed during time of the formation of the delta in 17th to 18th century by people came from the Central of Vietnam. They were the founders of the delta who cultivated and settled down here for years. According to “Gia Dinh Thanh Thong Chi”, Nguyen Lord declared to build the Long Ho Town in Cai Be (called Cai Be Town) in 1732, Cai Be river mouth where located the Cai Be floating market stretching 500m long is the center for many boats in the delta gathering and trading. This is the place for more than 400 boats doing the business everyday. It is so busy in the morning especially at 5-8am but it opens all day. Each boat has one bamboo stick on the front which used to hang the product of the boat. This is a kind of advertising to show what do the boat sell inside. Local people produce the farming products in the farm or in the garden and then they load them to the floating market. Some people come here to buy the products from the merchants and bring back to the markets in the mainland for selling to the customers.
Tropical fruits in Tan Phong island near Cai Be
Hoa Loc Mango: the name was after the name of Hoa Loc region. People can't forget the sweet and fresh flavor of Hoa Loc Mango. According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuong, Hoa Loc Mango is the top of 120 species which Long Dinh Southern Fruit Institute developed and this fruit won the "The Queen Fruit" title in mango competitions.
The father tree is in Mr. Hai Cong garden now and Long Dinh Southern Fruit Institute had reproduced the cheap seedling to sell for farmers in the whole country. To choose the best one, people must distinguish the big shape, light brown skin from the others.
Tan Phong Island: The Island in middle of Vinh Long, Tien Giang and Ben tre provinces where you can find the best quality fruits, friendly people and peaceful road for cycling. You can stop at Mekong Rustic garden and homestay for communicating with local people and learn how to gardening, ditch fishing hook and enjoy the folk songs from local hosts. More information at www.Mekongrustic.com
Cai Be orange: this is the most popular one and had a long history in this region. King and sweet orange can be found in Cai Be, An Huu, Tan Phong Island with the nice and unforgettable flavor. Once you come and taste the specialty here you can't leave without emotion.
Dong Hoa Hiep Old House. There are quite some old houses in Dong Hoa Hiep Commune, Cai Be. Best preserved ones include Ba Duc Old House, Cai Huy Old House and Anh Kiet Old HOuse. They were built in old architecture typical in the region. Some were restored under cooperation program of Vietnamese government and Japanese organization, JICA.
What to do
Visiting Cai Be Market and experience the rustic Mekong, you will have a great photographic opportunities as all manner of produce is traded from boats, communicate with the local, take sampans along canals to visit local houses and enjoy fresh fruits.
Where to eat
Tan Phong island local Restaurant. A semi-open restaurant with nice settings and great view of Tien River, especially during sunset. Excellent food yet need a wider range of wines.
Where to stay
Mekong Rustic homestay, Tan Phong Commune, Cai Be, ☎ +84 978 581 143. Website: www.mekongrustic.com An eco-rustic homestay set in a large and well-landscaped green area with good food, pure atmosphere and nice people, typical of Mekong Delta. Request a bed with garden view if you are light sleepers. From US$12 USD/person include breakfast.
Travel Tips
Almost floating markets start in the very early morning and finish before noon. Thus, to catch the liveliest and busiest scenery, you should plan to stay one night in Vinh Long. Bring along camera, hat, sunscreen and insect repellant.
Spend the day on the cruise or boat in Cai Be exploring the fascinating life on the Mekong River. This trip will allow you to visit a floating market and a beautiful island. This trip is an idyllic experience for anyone wishing to indulge in the delta’s most prized assets for a truly memorable and satisfying day visit.
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