A foreigner who owns a resort in Can Tho City in Vietnam's Mekong Delta region has offered a series of measures to make Cai Rang Floating Market in the city in particular and other floating markets in the delta in general more appealing. 

Many floating markets are facing a risk of sinking into oblivion as the number of boats, vendors, and buyers has gradually fallen, leading to gloomy trading activities.

As the director of a hospitality services company in Phong Dien District, Can Tho City, Martin Stiermann, a German national, shared various recommendations with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper to revive the floating markets in the delta to their peak.

“I realize that Cai Rang Floating Market has changed year over year,” he said.

“I suggested the floating market not be surrounded by concrete at a conference several months ago, but the presence of a high anti-erosion embankment has driven boats and traders away nowadays.”

The number of boats at the floating market is decreasing, diminishing its once-bustling trading atmosphere and leading to a drop in tourist arrivals.

Cai Rang Floating Market, one of Can Tho City's main attractions, has seen significant changes. However, Phong Dien Floating Market continues to attract tourists.

Despite not being as famous or large as Cai Rang, Phong Dien still retains the authentic spirit of the delta.

“A month ago, my family and I traveled to neighboring Vinh Long Province, experienced a tour on the Co Chien River and explored the brick kilns and a coconut house there," he said.

Though these sites are not extremely distinctive, they bear the uniqueness of the delta, he said, lamenting that Cai Rang Floating Market has been modernized and its essence has faded.

Many foreign tourists have posted on Facebook or left comments on social media forums, expressing their disappointment with the changes in Can Tho City. They believe that the modernization of the floating market might drive tourists away.

Stiermann hopes that local authorities will preserve the market's uniqueness and consider tourists' expectations while developing it.

Although the construction of roads and bridges has improved transportation, it has negatively affected merchants at the floating market.

To support these merchants, authorities could reduce tax rates and provide vendors with ao ba ba, a traditional garment of the southern region, to help maintain trading activities and attract travelers.

Stiermann also suggested launching tours that combine sightseeing with purchasing farm produce at the floating market to encourage trading activities.

“I prefer purchasing goods and drinking coffee on the boat to doing them on the ground,” he said.

It is vital to create favorable conditions for merchants to be confident in their trading activities at the floating market and see a positive outlook, the foreigner explained.

He suggested vendors use eco-friendly glasses and boxes rather than plastic ones to impress tourists and protect the environment.

“Foreigners told me that Vietnam’s southwestern region is charming, with wonderful cuisine and cultural features, but they do not want to return a second time due to the karaoke noise," Stiermann elaborated.

Many boats at the floating market are equipped with karaoke machines, and the singing has become a nuisance for travelers, especially international visitors. This issue should be addressed to attract and retain tourists.

He also suggested that Mekong Delta provinces collaborate to develop river-based tourism, highlighting the diverse cultural features of different ethnic groups.

Such collaboration could offer tourists a wide array of souvenirs, specialties, and art performances.

Furthermore, the areas along both banks of the Can Tho River should prioritize tourism services, products, and structures over residential developments.

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