HÀ NỘI — A duplicate of the Cái Răng Floating Market, a national intangible heritage treasure and unique cultural feature of southwestern Việt Nam, will be among the special sights and activities planned for the annual Vietnamese Great National Solidarity and Cultural Heritage Week. The events will take place at the Việt Nam Nationalities Village for Culture and Tourism from November 18 to 23.

The event aims to honour the cultural heritage of Việt Nam’s more than 50 ethnic groups, enhance national unity and celebrate the 87th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front (November 18) and Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23).

Nearly 200 representatives of 13 ethnic groups, such as the Tày, Dao, Thái and Khơ Mú, will take part in the events, along with local tourism associations, travel agents, international and domestic tourists.

As one of the three largest floating markets in the southern province of Cần Thơ, Cái Răng trades in the specialties and typical fruits of the Mekong Delta region, contributing to the preservation and promotion of local cultural features. The floating market is one of the most popular destinations in Cần Thơ for local and foreign tourists.

The Cái Răng Floating Market originated in the early 20^th century in a location favourable for water traffic and trading. The market opens early in the morning and operates until about 9am everyday. Products, mainly fruits and vegetables, are hung on the boats’ bamboo poles so tourists and locals can easily know which products each boat is selling.

The market, which has thrived for over a century, has been a centre for commerce in the city and its neighbouring provinces, such as An Giang, Vĩnh Long, Đồng Tháp, Trà Vinh and Sóc Trăng.

The UK’s Rough Guide series chose the Cái Răng Floating Market as one of the ten most impressive markets in the world.

Another highlight of the six-day event will be the National Great Solidarity Festival, followed by a conference entitled "Constructing and Developing the Việt Nam Nationalities Village for Culture and Tourism in the New Period". The event will culminate in the inauguration of the first phase of the Pháp Ấn Pagoda under construction in the village. — VNS