(VOVworld) – The floating markets of Vietnam’s southwestern region have been revived in the Culture and Tourism village of Vietnamese ethnic groups. This activity is part of an on-going “National Great Solidarity: Vietnam Cultural Heritage” Week. VOV’s reporter Bui Hang introduces us to the lively atmosphere of the floating market, with its busy boats and the echoing of southern folk music.

The resounding call of “Don ca tai tu”, or the Improvisational Chamber Music of the southwestern region, attracts visitors to the floating market area which is crowded with boats and junks. Many varieties of fruit such as longan, rambutan, durian, and mango are sold on the boats. Visitors can also enjoy special dishes of the southern region including noodle, pancake, red-bean sweetened soup, and coffee. Nham Hung, Director of the southern delta floating market, explains more: “We built 25 boats and junks in the Can Tho city and transported them to Hanoi. Each boat weights between 1 to 15 tons.  We also shipped southern fruits to Hanoi including star apples, mangoes, Nam roi pomelo, and Ha Chau strawberries. We introduced Can Tho’s special cuisine including its cylindric glutinous rice cake, fried banana cake, and sweetened soup. We have 9 artists performing Don ca tai tu.”

Visitors can get on boats or junks to travel around the floating market to enjoy southern fruit and dishes or sing with Don ca tai tu artists. Nguyen Hoang Hai from Can Tho city rows a boat at the market. “I’m so happy to take part in this event to explain my homeland’s culture to northern people. I take tourists around the floating market and tell them about our customs.”

Tran Nha Tran sells fruit on a boat at the floating market. “Selling fruit and commodities and singing Don ca tai tu on the river are my homeland’s typical characteristics. In addition to buying fruit, food, the people can sing Don ca tai tu together. I’m so proud to represent Can Tho province at this event.”

The sellers hang the commodities they sell on high poles on their boats so customers can easily see the things they want to buy. Nguyen Thi Duyen is a visitor from Gia Lam district on the outskirt of Hanoi. “This is the first time I have been to a southern delta floating market. I’m very eager to see how people sell and buy things from the boats. I was told that the sellers don’t raise the prices of their commodities and buyers don’t have to bargain.”

Many senior citizens also want to explore the southern delta floating market and indulge themselves in the melodious chanting songs of the river. Nguyen Van Dai from Ha Dong district in Hanoi says: “The floating market is very nice. I’m delighted to come here. I hope the market will be organized in Hanoi every year.”