CẦN THƠ — The Cần Thơ city administration hopes to complete work to upgrade the Cái Răng floating market by next year.

The project, which began in 2016, is restoring and upgrading the market to meet the requirements of vendors and attract more visitors.

Vương Công Khanh, vice chairman of the Cái Răng District People’s Committee, said the province is looking for investors to set up a stop station and operate tourist boats, floating restaurants and stalls at a total cost of VNĐ50 billion (US$2.2 million).

The district has so far spent VNĐ248 billion ($10.66 million) on rearranging the mooring system for boats, installing lights in the market and building public restrooms for tourists.

“The project is necessary for maintaining and developing the market as the city’s most popular destination,” Khanh said, adding it would also help raise awareness among sellers and local residents of environmental protection, food hygiene and safety and security.

The city will launch various tours to meet the demands of tourists, such as tours connecting the floating market with other attractions such as Cồn Sơn Islet.

The 67ha islet on the Hậu River, a tributary of the Mekong, attracts tourists with its tranquil setting, fresh air, fruit orchards, floating houses, and delicious traditional southern cakes.

According to the city Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Cần Thơ received 300,000 visitors in the first seven months of this year, including 35,500 foreigners. Of them, 146,000 visited the floating market.

The market first appeared 100 years ago as a place selling agricultural produce.

Apart from selling fruits and vegetables from the city, it also offers some unique farm products from neighbouring provinces.

The region’s foods, specialties and handicraft products are also brought to the market.

It is open every day from 4am to 9am, and attracts nearly 300 boats and 500 – 700 local and foreign tourists.

During festivals and holidays, up to 500 boats visit the kilometre-long market. — VNS