Authorities in Can Tho have temporarily shut down the Khoi My tourist stop at Cai Rang Floating Market due to safety concerns after an incident where four tourists fell into the river.

On February 17, an inter-agency inspection team, led by the Can Tho Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, conducted a review and ordered the temporary suspension of operations at the floating shop.

Khoi My is a specialty goods shop operating on a floating platform (houseboat) located about 20 meters from the riverbank, with a water depth of approximately five meters. The facility features an extended wooden and metal ramp that allows tourists to walk from their boats onto the platform.

The incident: Structural collapse leads to tourist fall

At the inspection, Khoi My's owner, T.C. (36 years old), provided a statement detailing the incident that occurred on the morning of February 16. According to T.C., the collapse happened when a large group of tourists gathered on the extended platform while waiting for their boat transfer. The weight exceeded the structure’s capacity, causing a section to give way, plunging four people into the river.

Nearby tour boats quickly responded, assisting the fallen tourists to safety. Following the incident, Can Tho’s Traffic Police Department conducted an investigation, issued a report, and ordered the immediate suspension of the shop’s operations.

Regulatory violations and required safety measures

During the inspection, Can Tho’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism identified multiple safety and regulatory violations at Khoi My, including:

Failure to meet business operation requirements.
Operating with an expired registration for the floating platform.
Inadequate safety measures for tourists.

Officials have mandated that the owner complete all necessary legal procedures, reinforce the platform’s structure, and upgrade safety standards before applying for reopening approval.

The incident gained widespread attention after a video clip surfaced on social media, showing tourists falling into the water near the floating shop. Several bystanders on the platform quickly stepped in to help them out of the river.

Hoai Thanh