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Sunday, 13:42, 14/06/2026

Ngu My Thanh, a distinctive floating market in central Vietnam

[VOVWORLD] - Ngu My Thanh Floating Market in Dan Dien commune, Hue city has long been a busy trading hub for the local riverine and lagoon communities.

Located in the heart of the Tam Giang Lagoon, the largest brackish-water lagoon system in Southeast Asia, about 15 kilometers from downtown Hue, Ngu My Thanh fishing village is home to more than 250 households, most of whom make their living from fishing and aquatic harvesting.

Before dawn breaks, residents of Ngu My Thanh begin their working day on the lagoon. The floating market opens from around 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. every day.

Before dawn breaks, residents of Ngu My Thanh begin their working day on the lagoon. The floating market opens from around 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. every day.

Living on and making a living from the lagoon for generations has shaped the distinctive cultural values of the local community.

Fresh shrimp, crabs, and fish are traded directly on the water, creating a lively marketplace that retains the simple, rustic charm of central Vietnam’s fishing culture.

With its natural scenery, rich lagoon ecosystem, and distinctive cultural life, Ngu My Thanh fishing village is becoming an increasingly popular destination in Hue City.

The best time to visit the floating market and watch the sunrise over the vast lagoon is between 4:30 a.m. and 6 a.m.

(Photo: VOV5)

Bathed in the morning sunlight, Ngu My Thanh presents a peaceful scene of houses lining the lagoon and boats anchored after the early-morning market.

The fishing village’s simple beauty offers a tranquil pause amid the vast expanse of the Tam Giang Lagoon.

(Photo: VOV5)
(Photo: VOV5)

In 2023, Ngu My Thanh fishing village was recognized as a community-based tourism destination. The designation helps preserve the cultural heritage of the lagoon-side fishing village, promote tourism, and create jobs for local residents.

At the Ngu My Thanh community-based tourism destination, visitors can join in various activities with local residents, such as rowing traditional boats, SUP, casting fishing nets, fishing, and harvesting clams using manual tools.

Visitors can also enjoy local specialties right on the Tam Giang Lagoon.

Le Chi, VOV5