Bún Mực Culinary Guide: Sustainable Food Tours in Phu Yen

A Coastal Culinary Gem in Tuy Hoa

Bún Mực, Phu Yen’s fragrant squid noodle soup, is a beloved dish that draws food enthusiasts to Tuy Hoa, located 450 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City and 560 km south of Hanoi. Following Vietnam’s 2025 administrative changes, this coastal delicacy, featuring fresh squid and a pineapple-infused broth, attracts over 35,000 visitors annually to Tuy Hoa’s vibrant eateries and markets. Priced at $1.50–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per bowl, Bún Mực offers a sweet, savory taste of Phu Yen’s maritime heritage, making it a must-try for eco-conscious foodies and cultural explorers.

Crafted with medium-sized squid from Phu Yen’s South China Sea ports and sustainable ingredients like local tomatoes and herbs, Bún Mực reflects the region’s eco-friendly culinary practices, using biodegradable serveware and responsibly sourced seafood. The tropical climate (dry season: January–August, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F; rainy season: September–December, 20–28°C or 68–82.4°F) ensures year-round dining opportunities. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly food tours immerse you in this culinary treasure, supporting local fishers and farmers while promoting sustainable initiatives. Book via links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Note

Vietnam’s 2025 restructuring merged Phu Yen into Dak Lak Province, with Phu Yen and Tuy Hoa now wards. Bún Mực remains a culinary highlight in Tuy Hoa, easily accessible from the city center, a key hub for food tourism.

With over 17 years as Southeast Asia’s leading sustainable tourism operator, Legend Travel Group crafts eco-friendly culinary tours in Phu Yen, blending gastronomic exploration with cultural immersion. Our low-impact transport (electric scooters, bicycles) and English-speaking guides share insights on local seafood traditions, sustainable sourcing, and green practices. Supporting Tuy Hoa’s fishing and farming communities, our tours align with Vietnam’s sustainability goals. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Sign up for a Legend Travel Group account to track our guides and book eco-tours via links on this page!

Bún Mực is a signature Phu Yen dish, featuring delicate rice vermicelli in a fragrant broth infused with pineapple, tomatoes, and fish sauce, topped with tender, crispy squid sourced from local ports like Phuoc Dong. The dish is enhanced by fresh herbs, including chives, dill, and shiso leaves, and served with chili paste for a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor. Prepared in small, family-run eateries, Bún Mực uses sustainably caught squid and eco-friendly packaging, reflecting Phu Yen’s commitment to preserving its coastal ecosystem. Celebrated in Tuy Hoa’s markets and restaurants, this dish embodies the region’s rich maritime heritage and culinary artistry.

These sustainable activities, costing $1.50–$15, blend food and culture:

1. Savor Bún Mực at Local Eateries

Taste Bún Mực with fresh herbs, best at 6:00 PM, costing $1.50–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) at Tuy Hoa restaurants. Enjoy coastal ambiance.

• Cost: $1.50–$3; market visits free.

• Hours: Daily, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose eateries with biodegradable serveware; support local vendors.

• Tip: Try at “30 Tháng 4” Square; included in Legend Travel Group’s Phu Yen Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

2. Join a Bún Mực Cooking Class

Learn to prepare squid and pineapple broth, best at 10:00 AM, with guided workshops at $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND). Master Phu Yen’s recipe.

• Cost: $5–$10; market visits free.

• Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use sustainable ingredients; avoid plastic packaging.

• Tip: Book at Tuy Hoa Central Market; included in Legend Travel Group’s Phu Yen Culinary Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

3. Visit Squid Markets

Explore fresh squid at Tuy Hoa’s markets, best at 7:00 AM, with guided tours at $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND). Learn about sustainable fishing.

• Cost: $3–$5; market entry free.

• Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable bags; buy from local fishers.

• Tip: Visit Phuoc Dong Market; included in Legend Travel Group’s Phu Yen Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).

4. Dine at an Eco-Homestay

Enjoy Bún Mực at coastal homestays near Tuy Hoa Beach, best at 6:00 PM, for $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) with meals included.

• Cost: $10–$15; meals $1.50–$3.

• Hours: Check-in 2:00 PM; check-out 12:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose homestays with biodegradable amenities; support local families.

• Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for cultural dining; included in Phu Yen Coastal Eco-Tour ($100–$150).

5. Attend a Seafood Festival

Taste Bún Mực during Phu Yen’s seafood festivals (Lunar April), best at 5:00 PM, with dishes at $1.50–$3 and free entry. Enjoy cultural performances.

• Cost: $1.50–$3; entry free.

• Hours: Seasonal, 4:00 PM–9:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support biodegradable festival materials; respect traditions.

• Tip: Plan for Lunar April; included in Legend Travel Group’s Phu Yen Cultural Eco-Tour ($100–$150).

Visit from January to August for dry, warm weather (22–30°C or 71.6–86°F), ideal for market tours and outdoor dining. The rainy season (September–December) adds lush scenery but may require rain gear. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see 50–150 visitors at Tuy Hoa’s eateries, compared to 200–600 during weekends and festivals like Lunar April’s seafood events. Early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) are best for market visits, while evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) suit dining with coastal breezes.

Tuy Hoa, in Phu Yen, is 450 km from Ho Chi Minh City (7–8 hours) and 560 km from Hanoi (9–10 hours):

• By Private Car: Drive 7–8 hours from Ho Chi Minh City via National Highway 1A, costing $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.

• By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 7–8 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, $70–$100 (1,750,000–2,500,000 VND) one-way. Use Xanh SM app.

• By Motorcycle: Ride from Ho Chi Minh City, 7–8 hours, $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) fuel; rental $7–$12/day (175,000–300,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).

• By Public Bus: Sleeper buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Tuy Hoa (7–8 hours, $10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND) via Phuong Trang. Book online.

• By Train: SE trains to Tuy Hoa Station from Ho Chi Minh City (8–9 hours, $15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND). Book via Vietnam Railways.

• By Flight: Fly to Tuy Hoa Airport (VTS) from Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour, $30–$60 or 750,000–1,500,000 VND), then Xanh SM taxi to city center (15 min, $3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Tuy Hoa, Phu Yen” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs to Tuy Hoa Central Market. Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or trains reduce emissions; bicycles in Tuy Hoa minimize impact.

• Safety: Secure valuables; confirm bus/taxi fares.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:

• Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes; waterproof jacket ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) for rainy season.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).

• Culinary Gear: Small backpack, reusable tote for market purchases ($1–$2).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Biodegradable wipes; reusable containers for leftovers.

• Extras: Cash for vendors; notebook for recipe notes.
  Tip: Carry small VND notes for dining ($1.50–$3) or souvenirs ($2–$5).

Costs for Bún Mực Experiences

Culinary and Activity Fees

• Bún Mực (Per Bowl): $1.50–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Cooking Class: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Squid Market Tour: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).

• Eco-Homestay with Meal: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

• Festival Dishes: $1.50–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Snacks (e.g., Sticky Rice): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Drinks (Water, Coffee): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (e.g., Local Crafts): $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

Transportation (Round-Trip, from Tuy Hoa Center)

• Private Car: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).

• Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND).

• Motorcycle: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) fuel; rental $7–$12/day.

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Walking: Free.

• Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person, from Tuy Hoa)

• Budget: $5–$15 (walking, dining).

• Mid-range: $20–$35 (taxi, dining, cooking class).

• Luxury: $50–$80 (private car, premium tour, homestay).
  Tip: Budget for dining ($1.50–$3) and transport ($0–$10); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).

• Timing: Visit markets at 6:00–9:00 AM for fresh squid; January–August for dry weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (50–150 vs. 200–600 during festivals). Plan for Lunar April’s seafood festivals for vibrant dining.

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided culinary experiences. Book cooking classes at Tuy Hoa Central Market.

• Sustainability: Choose eateries with biodegradable serveware; bring reusable containers. Support local fishers for snacks ($0.50–$2) or crafts ($2–$5).

• Navigation: Save “Tuy Hoa, Phu Yen” in offline maps; ask locals for Bún Mực restaurants near “30 Tháng 4” Square.

• Safety: Secure valuables; confirm taxi fares. Verify dish authenticity at eateries.

• Weather: Dry season for easy market visits; rainy season needs rain gear ($3–$7) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; respect vendor spaces. Avoid haggling excessively.

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and sanitizer.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Bún Mực’s aromatic allure:

• Phu Yen Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Electric scooter from Tuy Hoa for Bún Mực tasting, market tour, and cooking class, with local lunch ($1.50–$3). Includes guide, transport.

• Phu Yen Culinary Eco-Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Bún Mực, O Loan blood cockles, and eco-homestay. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

• Phu Yen Coastal & Culinary Explorer ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Bún Mực, Ganh Da Dia, Tuy Hoa Beach, and homestays. Includes meals, guides. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Sign up for an account to track tours and book now via links!

Bún Mực in Phu Yen, with its tender squid, pineapple-infused broth, and fresh chives, is a culinary delight in Tuy Hoa, priced at $1.50–$3 per bowl and drawing 35,000+ visitors yearly. This dish blends Phu Yen’s coastal heritage with sustainable practices, from eco-friendly dining to responsibly sourced seafood. Legend Travel Group’s Phu Yen Toursensure a green, immersive Phu Yen Travel journey, preserving Phu Yen’s culinary allure. From market tastings to homestay dining, Bún Mực promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready to savor Bún Mực? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a culinary eco-adventure in Phu Yen!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group