Discover Tra Vinh’s top 10 must-try dishes in Vinh Long, from Banh Canh Ben Co to Makapuno Coconut. Book eco-friendly foodie tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic Mekong Delta culinary adventure!
Capture the briny essence of Tra Vinh’s culinary gem
Learn Tra Vinh’s cultural legacy with expert insights (Source: Internet)Tra Vinh, now a vibrant ward of Vinh Long Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform on July 1, 2025, is a Mekong Delta gem renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and diverse culinary heritage. Nestled between the Tien and Hau Rivers with a 65 km coastline along the East Sea, Tra Vinh’s cuisine blends Kinh, Khmer (30% of 1 million residents), and Hoa influences, offering an array of mouthwatering dishes. Attracting 10,000 food-loving visitors annually, Tra Vinh’s culinary experiences range from $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND), set against a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F) that enhances vibrant market scenes and lush surroundings.
Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly foodie tours in Tra Vinh, combining culinary delights with cultural exploration using eco-transport and local guides. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your culinary adventure.
Use “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” for navigation. Tra Vinh remains a key culinary and cultural hub within Vinh Long, ideal for international travelers seeking authentic Mekong Delta flavors.
With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Tra Vinh foodie tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides sharing culinary and cultural insights, and partnerships with local vendors to support sustainable practices. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for an immersive, responsible experience aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.
Ben Co Vietnamese Udon - "Bánh Canh Bến Có" (Source: Internet)Tra Vinh’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, showcasing its coastal and agricultural heritage. Here are the top 10 dishes you can’t miss, available at markets, stalls, and restaurants across Tra Vinh:
Description: Originating from Ben Co Hamlet, Nguyet Hoa Village, this hearty noodle soup features thick, chewy rice noodles in a sweet-savory pork broth, topped with pork leg, stomach, heart, coriander, lime, and chili.
Price: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND) per bowl.
Where to Try: Quan Banh Canh Ben Co Nguyet Hoa (7 km from city center); Tra Vinh Night Market (Ward 2, city center).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with reusable cutlery; bring a reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).
Tip: Add extra chili for a spicy kick; pair with a visit to nearby orchards. Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).
Description: A Khmer-inspired specialty from Hiep Hoa Commune, crafted with glutinous rice, katuk leaf juice for a green crust, and fillings of mung bean, pork belly, and salted duck egg yolk. Sliced with banana rope for smooth rounds.
Price: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) per cake (serves 2–4).
Where to Try: Thach Thi Ly’s Family Stall (Hiep Hoa, 15 km from city center); Tra Vinh Market (Ward 2, city center).
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses banana leaf packaging; bring a reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).
Tip: Buy as a gift; pair with Vietnamese iced coffee ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND). Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).
Description: A small, red-pincered crab from Tra Vinh’s coastal forests, known for its tender, greasy flesh and crispy shell. Popular dishes include steamed with beer, boiled with coconut water, grilled, or fermented (mam chu u).
Price: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND) per dish.
Where to Try: Duyen Hai Coastal Eateries (20 km from city center); Tra Vinh Night Market (Ward 2, city center).
Eco-Friendly Note: Support sustainable fishing vendors; join beach cleanups.
Tip: Try roasted with tamarind for a tangy flavor. Included in Legend Travel Group’s Coastal Tour ($70–$100).
Description: A luxurious coconut variety with creamy, jelly-like flesh, eaten raw or mixed with ice, milk, and peanuts for a dessert-like treat. A festive favorite in Tra Vinh’s orchards.
Price: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) per coconut; $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND) for a dessert bowl.
Where to Try: Vinh Kim Orchard Stalls (12 km from city center); Tra Vinh Night Market (Ward 2, city center).
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses biodegradable straws; bring a reusable container.
Tip: Try with mango for a tropical twist. Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).
Description: Sun-dried shrimp from Vinh Kim Village, known for their pink-red color and rich umami flavor. Perfect as a snack, noodle topping, or gift, crafted with minimal salt.
Price: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) for a portion; $20–$30/kg (500,000–750,000 VND).
Where to Try: Vinh Kim Village Market (12 km from city center); Tra Vinh Market (Ward 2, city center).
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-friendly packaging; support sustainable fishing.
Tip: Pair with bun nuoc leo for a local dish. Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).
Description: A fragrant noodle soup with tender rice noodles, a tangy-sweet broth of pork bone, tamarind, and fermented soybeans, topped with pork belly, shrimp cake (cha tom), and fresh veggies.
Price: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND) per bowl.
Where to Try: Quan An 79 (79 Le Loi Street, city center); Tra Vinh Night Market (Ward 2, city center).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with reusable bowls; bring a reusable spoon.
Tip: Add crushed peanuts for texture. Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).
Description: A traditional rice spirit from Xuan Thanh Village, crafted with glutinous rice and secret herbs, offering a smooth, aromatic flavor (25–30% alcohol). Served in cups or bottled for gifting.
Price: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) per cup; $2.50–$5 (62,500–125,000 VND) for 500 ml.
Where to Try: Xuan Thanh Village Distillery (10 km from city center); Tra Vinh Night Market (Ward 2, city center).
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses glass bottles; sip responsibly.
Tip: Pair with grilled fish. Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).
Description: A comforting porridge with snakehead fish, ginger, and herbs, symbolizing a bride’s culinary skill in Tra Vinh’s tradition. Known as “obsession” (Am), it’s ideal for cooler days.
Price: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND) per bowl.
Where to Try: Quan Chao Am Ba Sau (Ward 3, city center); Tra Vinh Night Market (Ward 2, city center).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with reusable bowls; bring a reusable spoon.
Tip: Add lime and ginger for warmth. Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).
Description: A unique fish sauce from fermented clam worms, with a sweet, mild flavor and yellow-blue hue. Used as a dipping sauce or in noodle dishes like bun nuoc leo.
Price: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) for a tasting portion; $1.50–$5 (37,500–125,000 VND) for 500 ml–1 liter.
Where to Try: Duyen Hai Coastal Market (20 km from city center); Tra Vinh Market (Ward 2, city center).
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses glass bottles; support sustainable fishing.
Tip: Try with banh xeo for a flavorful dip. Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).
Description: A tart, mildly sweet fruit (5–12 cm) with gelatinous pulp and crunchy seeds. Eaten with chili salt, mixed with ice and sugar, or blended into smoothies and wines.
Price: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per fruit or dessert; $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) for smoothies.
Where to Try: Tra Vinh Market (Ward 2, city center); Vinh Kim Orchard Stalls (12 km from city center).
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses biodegradable packaging; support local orchards.
Tip: Try the smoothie with milk and ice. Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).
Tra Cuon cylindric glutinous rice Cake - "Bánh Tét Trà Cuôn" (Source: Internet)Enhance your foodie adventure with nearby cultural and natural sites:
Ang Pagoda: A 10th-century Khmer masterpiece, 5 km from the city center. Entry: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Ba Om Pond: A lotus-filled oasis, 5 km southwest. Free entry; electric boat rides ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND).
Chua Co (Stork Pagoda): A serene temple with storks, 3 km from the center. Free entry.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or cyclos ($1–$3/hour or 25,000–75,000 VND) to reach these sites; join cleanups to support conservation.
Chu U Crab (Source: Internet)November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for market visits and outdoor dining, with moderate crowds (50–150 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead.
May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): Lush scenery and fewer crowds (30–100 daily visitors); bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.
Festival Seasons: Lunar New Year (January/February) and Ok Om Bok (October/November) feature festive dishes, drawing 200+ visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.
Timing Tip: Mornings (6:00–10:00 AM) for fresh market dishes; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for vibrant night market dining.
Makapuno Coconut - "Dừa Sáp" (Source: Internet)Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province, is 125 km from Ho Chi Minh City, 45 km from Vinh Long Ward, and 80 km from Can Tho:
From Ho Chi Minh City (2.5–3.5 hours): Bus ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) + taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND); private car ($60–$80 or 1,500,000–2,000,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($90–$120 or 2,250,000–3,000,000 VND, eco-friendly).
From Hanoi (4.5–5 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($65–$130 or 1,625,000–3,250,000 VND) + taxi ($50–$60 or 1,250,000–1,500,000 VND).
From Vinh Long Ward (45–60 minutes): Taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); motorbike rental ($7–$12/day or 175,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required).
Navigation Tip: Save “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for buses or Xanh SM taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.
Vinh Kim dry Shrimps - "Tôm khô Vinh Kim" (Source: Internet)Walking: Free, ideal for city center markets (1–2 km radius).
Cyclo: $1–$3/hour (25,000–75,000 VND), eco-friendly, perfect for short trips to eateries.
Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND), sustainable, great for Nguyet Hoa, Hiep Hoa, or Duyen Hai.
Taxi/Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), best for longer trips to Duyen Hai.
Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize cyclos or bicycles; book through Legend Travel Group for eco-transport.
Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes near Tra Vinh Market.
Suong Rice Noodles Soup (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable experience:
Clothing: Lightweight, breathable attire, sturdy sandals, hat; waterproof poncho ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season.
Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), reusable utensils to reduce waste.
Essentials: Compact umbrella ($3–$6), hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).
Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND).
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Xuan Thanh Wine - "Rượu Xuân Thạnh" (Source: Internet)Banh Canh Ben Co, Chao Am, Bun Suong: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Banh Tet Tra Cuon, Makapuno Coconut: $2–$8 (50,000–200,000 VND).
Chu U Crab: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND).
Vinh Kim Dry Shrimp: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND); $20–$30/kg (500,000–750,000 VND).
Xuan Thanh Wine: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND); $2.50–$5 (62,500–125,000 VND) for 500 ml.
Nuoc Mam Ruoi: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND) for 500 ml–1 liter.
Elephant Apple: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).
Drinks (e.g., iced coffee, coconut water): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Pagoda/Museum Entry: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Boat Tours (Ba Om Pond): $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Guided Foodie Tour: $20–$35 (500,000–875,000 VND).
Homestay: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).
Cyclo: $1–$3/hour (25,000–75,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).
Taxi/Xanh SM: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).
Budget: $5–$15 (walking, street food, homestay).
Mid-range: $20–$35 (cyclo, guided tour, local dining).
Luxury: $50–$80 (taxi, premium dining, homestay).
Fish Congee - "Cháo ám" (Source: Internet)Timing: Visit morning markets (6:00–10:00 AM) for fresh dishes; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for vibrant night market dining. November–April for dry weather; weekdays for fewer crowds (30–100 vs. 50–150 on weekends).
Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s foodie tours 24–48 hours ahead; book homestays 1–2 weeks ahead for festivals (January/February, October/November).
Sustainability: Choose vendors with reusable cutlery or eco-packaging; join market or beach cleanups. Use eco-transport like bicycles or Xanh SM taxis.
Navigation: Save “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps; key culinary spots are in the city center or 7–20 km away.
Safety: Secure valuables; confirm prices before ordering. Avoid heavy rain for outdoor dining.
Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào”; ask about dish preparation for a cultural exchange.
Worm Sauce - "Nước mắm rươi" (Source: Internet)Explore Tra Vinh’s culinary scene with our eco-friendly tours:
Tra Vinh Foodie Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Savor Banh Canh Ben Co, Makapuno Coconut, and more at Tra Vinh Market. Includes guide, cyclo transport, meals.
Tra Vinh Cultural & Culinary Adventure ($140–$190/person, 2 days): Enjoy local dishes, Ba Om Pond cruise, homestay. Includes meals, guide, bicycle transport.
Mekong Delta Explorer ($340–$480/person, 4 days): Discover Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, Can Tho, with culinary stops and eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via this guide.
Elephant Apple (Source: Internet)Tra Vinh Region, Vinh Long Province, a culinary paradise in the Mekong Delta located 130 km from Ho Chi Minh City, captivates food lovers with a vibrant array of flavors, from the briny Chu U Crab at Cho Lon Night Market to the tangy Elephant Apple (bứa) in local salads, reflecting its rich Khmer-Vietnamese heritage. With sustainable dining options like eco-friendly homestays and community-led markets, Tra Vinh draws thousands yearly. Legend Travel Group’s Tra Vinh Tours offer eco-friendly foodie tours, ensuring a sustainable Tra Vinh Travel experience that supports local communities while immersing you in pagodas like Ang Pagoda and orchards. Don’t miss out—book your tour today for a delicious, eco-conscious adventure in Tra Vinh Province!
Ready to taste Tra Vinh’s culinary treasures? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Mekong Delta journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Tra Vinh Culinary Information: vietnamtravel.com, vietnamoriginal-travel.com, asiatravellinks.com, scootersaigontour.com, vemekong.com, tnktravel.com
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