Discover Banh Da Vung, Ha Tinh’s crispy sesame rice cracker, with our guide to top markets and sustainable food tours. Book eco-friendly adventures with Legend Travel Group!
Banh Da Vung, or Bánh Đa Vừng, is a beloved specialty of Ha Tinh Province, known for its thick, crispy sesame rice crackers that deliver a rich, nutty flavor. Found in bustling markets like Cho Tinh, Cho Cay, and Cho Hoi in Ha Tinh Ward, 341 km from Hanoi, this delicacy attracts food lovers with dishes costing $0.50–$5 (12,500–125,000 VND). Over 12,000 visitors annually flock to Ha Tinh to savor these crackers, often paired with La River mussels or fresh salads, making it a must-try for culinary explorers.
Ha Tinh’s tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F) creates ideal conditions for market visits and outdoor dining. Sustainable practices, such as using locally sourced rice and biodegradable packaging, preserve Ha Tinh’s culinary traditions. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly food tours blend Banh Da Vung tastings with cultural exploration, using electric vehicles and local guides. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your culinary adventure.
As of July 1, 2025, Vietnam’s administrative reform restructured Ha Tinh’s districts into wards and communes. Ha Tinh City is now Ha Tinh Ward. Use “Ha Tinh Ward, Ha Tinh Province” for accurate navigation to Banh Da Vung markets.
With 17 years of expertise in sustainable tourism across Southeast Asia, Legend Travel Group offers eco-conscious culinary tours in Ha Tinh, prioritizing environmental care and community support. Our tours feature low-impact transport, English-speaking guides sharing local food stories, and partnerships with vendors using sustainable practices. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book via links in this guide for a responsible, flavorful journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.
Banh Da Vung is crafted from premium new-season rice, ensuring a fragrant, flexible texture without corn or cassava additives common elsewhere. Handmade in Ha Tinh Ward’s markets, these large, sesame-studded crackers are toasted to a golden crisp, offering a fatty, aromatic flavor. Often paired with stir-fried La River mussels, fresh herbs, or chili dipping sauce, Banh Da Vung is a versatile snack or meal component. Its artisanal production by local vendors supports Ha Tinh’s economy, making it a sustainable choice for food enthusiasts seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
These budget-friendly activities ($0.50–$35) showcase Ha Tinh’s culinary and cultural charm:
Enjoy crispy Banh Da Vung topped with stir-fried La River mussels, best at 5:00 PM, for $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) at Cho Tinh market.
Cost: $2–$4.
Hours: Daily, 4:00–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with biodegradable plates; locally sourced mussels.
Tip: Add chili sauce for zest; included in Ha Tinh Food Tour ($70–$100).
Buy freshly made Banh Da Vung at this vibrant market, best at 6:00 AM, for $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Cost: $0.50–$2.
Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM–9:00 AM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable totes; support local artisans.
Tip: Bargain gently; included in Ha Tinh Food Tour ($70–$100).
Learn to make Banh Da Vung with local chefs, best at 9:00 AM, for $15–$20 (375,000–500,000 VND).
Cost: $15–$20.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses organic rice; supports community kitchens.
Tip: Master the toasting technique; included in Ha Tinh Culinary Tour ($80–$120).
Sample Banh Da Vung with fresh salads, best at 6:00 PM, for $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Cost: $1–$3.
Hours: Daily, 5:00–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Locally sourced ingredients; minimal packaging.
Tip: Pair with herbs; included in Ha Tinh Food Tour ($70–$100).
Pedal to this riverside market for Banh Da Vung, best at 7:00 AM, for $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND/day) bike rental.
Cost: $2–$5.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Zero-emission activity; supports local rentals.
Tip: Explore nearby La River; included in La River Eco-Tour ($65–$95).
November–April (Dry Season, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°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, 24–36°C or 75.2–96.8°F): Vibrant markets and fewer crowds (30–100 daily visitors); bring rain gear. Last-minute bookings often available.
Festival Seasons: Lunar New Year (January/February) for bustling food markets, with higher crowds (200+ visitors). Avoid Tet for quieter visits.
Timing Tip: Mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) for fresh markets; evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) for dining. Avoid late nights for safety.
Ha Tinh Ward, 341 km from Hanoi and 1,400 km from Ho Chi Minh City, is the hub for Banh Da Vung markets:
From Hanoi (6–8 hours):
Train: $20–$65 (500,000–1,625,000 VND) round-trip, 6–7.5 hours to Ha Tinh Station, then taxi ($4–$6 or 100,000–150,000 VND).
Bus: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND) round-trip, 6.5–8 hours to Ha Tinh, then taxi ($4–$6).
Private Car: $90–$110 (2,250,000–2,750,000 VND) round-trip, 6–7 hours.
Xanh SM Taxi: $150–$190 (3,750,000–4,750,000 VND) round-trip, 6–7 hours.
From Ho Chi Minh City (2–33 hours):
Flight: $70–$130 (1,750,000–3,250,000 VND) round-trip, 2 hours to Vinh Airport (unavailable July–December), then taxi to Ha Tinh ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND).
Train: $55–$110 (1,375,000–2,750,000 VND) round-trip, 28–32 hours to Ha Tinh, then taxi ($4–$6).
Bus: $50–$85 (1,250,000–2,125,000 VND) round-trip, 30–33 hours to Ha Tinh, then taxi ($4–$6).
From Vinh Ward (30–45 minutes):
Taxi: $6–$8 (150,000–200,000 VND) round-trip.
Motorbike Rental: $8–$12/day (200,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required).
Navigation Tip: Save “Cho Tinh Market, Ha Tinh Ward” or “Cho Cay Market, Ha Tinh Ward” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose trains or Xanh SM taxis for lower emissions; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.
Safety: Confirm taxi fares; avoid unlicensed motorbikes to prevent fines ($100–$200 or 2,500,000–5,000,000 VND).
Pack these essentials for a sustainable culinary trip:
Clothing: Lightweight attire, comfortable shoes, hat; waterproof jacket ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND) for rainy season.
Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), biodegradable napkins, reusable tote ($1–$4 or 25,000–100,000 VND).
Essentials: Compact umbrella ($4–$8), hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).
Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($8–$15 or 200,000–375,000 VND).
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Banh Da Vung with Mussels: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Banh Da Vung at Markets: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Cooking Class: $15–$20 (375,000–500,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND/day).
Guided Culinary Tour: $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND).
Homestay in Ha Tinh: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).
From Hanoi: Train: $20–$65; Bus: $15–$30; Private Car: $90–$110; Xanh SM Taxi: $150–$190.
From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight: $70–$130 + taxi ($12–$15); Train: $55–$110; Bus: $50–$85.
From Vinh Ward: Taxi: $12–$16 (300,000–400,000 VND); Motorbike: $16–$24 (400,000–600,000 VND).
Budget: $8–$18 (bus, Banh Da Vung, market).
Mid-range: $30–$50 (train, homestay, tour).
Luxury: $80–$120 (private car, premium stay).
Timing: Visit at 6:00–9:00 AM for fresh markets; 5:00–7:00 PM for dining. November–April for outdoor exploration; weekdays for fewer crowds (30–100 vs. 50–150 on weekends).
Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead; buy Banh Da Vung and activity tickets on-site.
Sustainability: Support vendors with biodegradable packaging; use reusable items. Join local food cleanups.
Navigation: Save “Cho Tinh Market, Ha Tinh Ward” in offline maps; look for stalls with fresh sesame crackers.
Safety: Check vendor hygiene; secure valuables. Avoid cycling after dark.
Weather: Dry season for market visits; rainy season needs rain gear ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Greet locals with “xin chào”; tip vendors modestly for excellent service.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Ha Tinh’s culinary highlights:
Ha Tinh Food Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Savor Banh Da Vung, Ram, and mussel dishes, explore Cho Tinh market. Includes guide, eco-transport.
Ha Tinh Culinary & Culture Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Enjoy Banh Da Vung, visit Nguyen Du’s Memorial House, homestay. Includes meals, guide.
North-Central Vietnam Explorer ($360–$520/person, 4 days): Discover Ha Tinh’s cuisine, Thien Cam Beach, Vu Quang National Park, eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transports, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via links in this guide.
Bánh Đa Vừng, Ha Tinh’s crispy sesame rice cracker, is a culinary gem of Vietnam’s North-Central Coast, priced at $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND), embodying the region’s rich heritage in every savory crunch ([web:0,8]). Savor it paired with La River mussels at Cho Tinh Market in Vinh City or learn its artisanal craft through workshops in Huong Son District, where rice flour, sesame seeds, and spices are steamed and sun-dried to perfection, drawing food lovers yearly ([web:0,2,8]). Supported by sustainable practices like locally sourced ingredients and biodegradable packaging, Legend Travel Group’s Ha Tinh Tours ensure a responsible, immersive Ha Tinh Travel experience, blending culinary exploration with visits to Thien Cam Beach, Nguyen Du Memorial Site, and other local specialties like bánh bèo($0.50–$2, 12,500–50,000 VND). Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to taste Bánh Đa Vừng in Ha Tinh? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and crunch into an unforgettable culinary adventure!
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:
Bánh Đa Vừng Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vinpearl.com, localvietnam.com, yummyvietnam.net, scootersaigontour.com, baohatinh.vn
Favorite experiences booked by travelers