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Cruises to Cai Be

2 Reviews
Cai Be (Photo:akachai/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Cai Be

Located on a tributary of Vietnam's Mekong River, Cai Be gained "fame" for its bustling floating market, where hundreds of traders once bought and sold a variety of goods from stationary boats. The market dates back to the 17th century, but unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately for the locals), the improvement of Vietnam's infrastructure means the market is no longer a necessity for those looking to buy and sell wares. The government keeps the market afloat for the benefit of tourists through incentives for traders and local farmers, but what was once bustling would now be better described as sleepy.

But you'll still get a glimpse of life along the Mekong as you sail on small wooden boats called sampans past homes situated right on the water. Along the way, you'll stop at tourist attractions that include artisan workshops and homes of wealthy merchants.

Sampans are the only way to not only get around Cai Be but also get from your riverboat to points of interest, as your ship will moor in the river. Your river cruise operator will arrange all tours and transport; there is no opportunity for independent exploration.

  • More about Cai Be

  • Why Cruise to Cai Be?

  • Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

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Scenic Spirit
Scenic Spirit

9 Night
Meandering Along The Mekong

74 Reviews
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Scenic Spirit
Scenic Spirit

9 Night
Meandering Along The Mekong

74 Reviews
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Viking Saigon
Viking Saigon (Image: Viking River Cruises)

14 Night
Magnificent Mekong

15 Reviews
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Emerald Harmony
Emerald Harmony on the Mekong (Photo: Ashley Kosciolek/Cruise Critic)

12 Night
Wonders Of Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong

12 Reviews
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14 Night
Magnificent Mekong

15 Reviews
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7 Night
Majestic Mekong River Cruise

12 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

12 Night
Temple Discovery And Meandering Along The Mekong C...

74 Reviews
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12 Night
Temple Discovery And Meandering Along The Mekong C...

74 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

12 Night
Temple Discovery And Meandering Along The Mekong C...

74 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

12 Night
Temple Discovery And Meandering Along The Mekong C...

74 Reviews
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12 Night
Temple Discovery And Meandering Along The Mekong C...

74 Reviews
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14 Night
Treasures Of The Mekong Meandering Cruise - 9 Nigh...

74 Reviews
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14 Night
Treasures Of The Mekong Meandering Cruise - 9 Nigh...

74 Reviews
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17 Night
Journey Along The Mekong - 9 Night Cruise

74 Reviews
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12 Night
Meandering Along The Mekong And Temple Discovery C...

74 Reviews
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More about Cai Be

Why Cruise to Cai Be?

Pros:

Stops here offer insights into how important rice is to the Vietnamese culture

Cons:

The floating market is only a tiny remnant of what it once was

Bottom Line:

Works best as an introductory port when starting your cruise in Vietnam

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The official currency in Vietnam is the dong. You'll want to have dong in hand by the time you get to Cai Be or exchange money on your riverboat as there is nowhere to get money during your tour. Street vendors, including those with a small table of handmade items or kids and women selling items like straw hats, postcards or bookmarks, accept dollars.

Language?

The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese, though street vendors will understand enough English to try and sell you something.


Cai Be Cruise Reviews
Had a great tour of the city and wonderful information. The temple was really beautiful and I still can't understand how anyone can drive in this area of the world. I figured out how they do it, but wouldn't try itRead More
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GDanishSpots1
Market was really cool, so was the templeRead More
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gringagirlatl

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