The scenery of Long Xuyen floating market. Photo: Collected[/caption] The floating market in the West is also a vivid cultural symbol of the Mekong Delta, constantly reflecting the lifestyle, customs and close relationship between people and nature. Life on the river is associated with bustling markets, where the skill in controlling boats or traditional trading methods are passed down through generations. From using poles to promote products to unique ways of delivery, all have created a unique feature, different from any other market. The attachment to the river helps the people of the West develop unique cultural values, enriching the intangible cultural heritage of the nation. To preserve and develop the floating market in the West, an important task is to maintain the merchant community - those who directly participate in trading activities at the market. However, in the current context, the number of traders is decreasing due to the impact of economic factors and the development of road traffic. As the embankment system develops along the rivers, the trading of goods on the river is no longer as convenient as before. This not only reduces the density of boats in the market but also reduces the typical cultural activities associated with the floating market. Faced with this situation, Can Tho city launched the Project "Preservation and Development of Cai Rang Floating Market" in 2016, aiming to maintain the floating market as a typical agricultural wholesale market of the Mekong Delta. However, the challenge in preserving the floating market lies not only in the infrastructure but also in the need to pay attention to cultural factors, with traders as the core. This requires the government and relevant departments to develop appropriate policies and solutions, preserve the traditional cultural values of the floating market, and at the same time develop tourism in a sustainable manner. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="800"] 
Cai Rang Floating Market - Can Tho. Photo: Collected[/caption] Preserving the intangible cultural heritage of floating markets is also an opportunity to develop cultural tourism. The relationship between culture and tourism can help enhance the economic value of culture and create sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Travel agencies and tourism businesses have proposed many ideas to develop floating market spaces in the direction of tourism. Some proposals include creating a model of a night market on the river, helping tourists have more time to experience and explore the lifestyle of local people. At the same time, building typical tourism products, imbued with the culture of the West, will help retain tourists longer and create more income for local people. Although tourism development brings economic benefits, it is important to preserve the traditional identity of floating markets. The appearance of commercialized elements can destroy the pristine beauty of floating markets, losing their inherent authenticity. Preserving and promoting the intangible cultural values of the Western floating market is not only the responsibility of local authorities but also requires the cooperation of the people and the tourism community. It is the local people who preserve and spread the spirit of the floating market, keeping this heritage alive in the hearts of tourists. No matter how much time passes, the Western floating market will still be a special cultural symbol, a place where the spiritual values, humanity and attachment to nature of the Western people converge. In the picture of Vietnam's intangible cultural heritage, the Western floating market will always be a unique highlight, creating attraction and leaving an unforgettable impression on anyone who has ever set foot there. Efforts to preserve and promote the value of this cultural heritage will help the Western floating market not only be a memory but also a source of pride for the Vietnamese people, an indispensable part of the diverse cultural picture of the country.Hoang Anh
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