There are many things to do in Cai Be, because fortunately there is more than just a floating market.
1. Take a boat through the canals
Cai Be is located directly on the Mekong River and this mighty river has smaller sea rivers that also split into smaller canals. There is only one way to explore this delta and that is by boat.
With the motorized boats you can cover greater distances and see a lot more. In addition, you can also visit the Cai Be floating market and then continue your way through other rivers.From the boat you can see life on the water, with boats full of fruit passing you or being loaded from land. Stop on the way on islands in the river where you can visit small local factories and workshops.
In addition, you can explore the smaller canals with traditional sampan rowing boats and float through the nippa palm forest. It is a wonderfully soothing feeling when you paddle quietly through the water with the shade of the palms and forests around you.
2. Cycling in Cai Be
The second best way to explore Cai Be is with a bike ride. A bike ride takes you through the countryside and local villages, past fruit orchards and over small bridges that cross the canals.Cycling in the Mekong Delta is great, because there is almost no traffic on all the narrow roads through the countryside and the delta is as flat as a pancake.
Get lost one the winding side roads, on the way you can stop to taste some fruit and a local fruit orchard or for a coffee at a roadside coffee shop. Locals here are friendly and laid back. It is great to see there daily life up close.
3. Experience local life
As said, it is great to discover the local life here. It is completely different from the people who live in the city, along the coast in central Vietnam or in the mountains of northern Vietnam. You can experience a lot from this both with the mentioned boat trip and bicycle tour.
Around Cai Be you will find many small workshops and factories that convert locally sourced food into local specialties such as rice paper, coconut candies, fish sauce or dried fish. During a visit you can see the entire process and possibly try the production process yourself.
4. Kayaking
As an alternative to a boat trip or letting a local paddle yourself in a sampan boat, you can also actively go out on your own. The best thing to do in Cai Be then is kayaking.Kayak trips are available and a single homestay along the river has kayaks for rent. In order not to get lost in the maze of channels, it is useful to go out with a guide, who can also show you the best places.
5. Farms and fruit orchards
Most of the fruit in Vietnam comes from the Mekong Delta. During a boat trip you will also notice how many other boats you will see that are loaded with fruit. That is why it is nice to visit a fruit orchard, where you even have the opportunity to pick fruit yourself.You will see fruits that you immediately recognize, but there are also fruits that you have probably never heard of. Popular fruits from the Mekong Delta are jackfruit, mangoes, rambutans, mangosteens and durian.
