Discover Bún Nước Lèo, Soc Trang’s legendary rice vermicelli soup! Learn its recipe, costs, top eateries, and sustainable tours. Book with Legend Travel Group for a culinary adventure in the Mekong Delta
Capture the fragrant essence of Soc Trang's culinary gem (Source: Internet)Soc Trang, a cultural gem in the Mekong Delta, now part of the expanded Can Tho City administrative region, is a vibrant destination 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Celebrated for its Khmer, Vietnamese, and Chinese heritage, Soc Trang attracts over 3 million visitors annually with its pagodas, festivals, and culinary treasures. Bún Nước Lèo, a fragrant rice vermicelli soup, is the region’s culinary pride, recognized as an Asian Record dish in 2023 for its unique blend of flavors. Known for its clear, spicy broth and fresh ingredients, this dish embodies Soc Trang’s multicultural identity. Soc Trang’s commitment to sustainable tourism, through the “Mekong Green” initiative, ensures an eco-friendly culinary experience. Legend Travel Group, a leading local tour operator, offers immersive foodie tours to savor Bún Nước Lèo and explore Soc Trang’s gastronomic scene. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your flavorful adventure
Legend Travel Group specializes in authentic, sustainable Southeast Asian experiences across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Our Soc Trang tours use eco-friendly transport—bicycles, electric boats, and eco-vans—guided by local experts who share the region’s culinary and cultural stories. Supporting communities in Soc Trang’s central ward and Nga Nam, we align with Can Tho City’s vision to preserve its heritage. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless journey. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and taste Soc Trang responsibly!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has merged Soc Trang and Hau Giang into Can Tho City, with Can Tho as the administrative hub. District-level units are now wards or communes, making Can Tho City Vietnam’s largest by landmass. Enhanced by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric buses, and a VND800 billion flood mitigation project—Soc Trang’s markets and eateries are easily accessible, perfect for culinary exploration.
Photograph the cultural allure of Soc Trang's heritage (Source: Internet)Bún Nước Lèo, meaning “vermicelli soup with broth,” is Soc Trang’s iconic dish, often dubbed the “soul of Mekong Delta cuisine.” It features rice vermicelli in a clear, aromatic broth made with fermented fish paste (mắm bò hóc or mắm cá sặc), lemongrass, and ngải bún (a turmeric-like root). Topped with snakehead fish, shrimp, roasted pork, and fresh herbs like banana blossom, water morning glory, and chives, it’s served with a fish sauce dip spiked with black pepper, chili, and lime. Priced at $1–$3.50 (25,000–87,500 VND), its bold, balanced flavors—sweet, spicy, and tangy—reflect the unity of Kinh, Khmer, and Chinese cultures. A comfort food for rainy days, Bún Nước Lèo is a must-try, celebrated for its authenticity and depth.
Originating with Soc Trang’s Khmer community, Bún Nước Lèo emerged centuries ago as a hearty meal using local ingredients like mắm bò hóc, a fermented fish paste central to Khmer cuisine. During the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945), Chinese and Vietnamese settlers adapted the dish, incorporating roasted pork and rice vermicelli, creating a multicultural masterpiece. The dish’s name, “nước lèo,” refers to its clear broth, a hallmark of Soc Trang’s version compared to thicker broths elsewhere. Recognized as an Asian Record dish in 2023, Bún Nước Lèo symbolizes Soc Trang’s ethnic harmony, gaining fame at festivals like Ooc Om Bok and spreading to cities like Ho Chi Minh City. Its enduring popularity lies in its authentic preparation and local pride.
Experience Soc Trang Tours with sustainable dining (Source: Internet)Crafting Bún Nước Lèo requires precision to achieve its clear, fragrant broth and harmonious flavors. Here’s a traditional recipe for 4–6 servings, adapted from Soc Trang’s culinary experts:
Prepare the Broth:
Boil 500 g pork bones in 3 liters of water for 10 minutes, skimming foam. Rinse bones.
In a clean pot, simmer bones with 1 liter coconut water (from 1–2 dừa xiêm) and 2 liters water for 2 hours.
Add 300 g mắm cá sặc (snakeskin fish paste) or mắm bò hóc, cooking for 30 minutes. Filter to remove solids, keeping the broth clear.
Add 200 g ground ngải bún (roasted and pounded), 5 smashed lemongrass stalks, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Simmer 30 minutes, skimming foam for clarity.
Prepare Toppings:
Boil 500 g snakehead fish (cá lóc) and 300 g shrimp (tép đất), removing skin and bones. Flake fish; peel shrimp.
Slice 200 g roasted pork (heo quay) into thin strips.
Blanch 200 g bean sprouts and 200 g water morning glory (rau muống bào) for 30 seconds.
Thinly slice 100 g banana blossom (bắp chuối), soak in lime water to prevent browning.
Chop 100 g chives, basil, and húng lủi (mint-like herb).
Cook Vermicelli:
Boil 600 g fresh rice vermicelli (bún tươi) for 6–8 minutes until tender but chewy. Rinse and drain.
Assemble:
Place vermicelli in a bowl. Top with fish, shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, water morning glory, banana blossom, and herbs.
Ladle hot broth over toppings to cover.
Serve:
Offer fish sauce (nước mắm) with black pepper, sliced chili, and lime wedges for dipping or customization.
Cooking Classes: Learn this recipe in Soc Trang workshops, costing $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND), often including market visits for fresh ingredients.
Tip: Use wild-caught fish for richer flavor and simmer broth gently to maintain clarity. Adjust mắm for desired intensity.
A vibrant hub where vendors serve steaming Bún Nước Lèo with fresh herbs, ideal for breakfast or lunch.
Cost: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND/bowl).
Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Tip: Visit early for the freshest ingredients. Included in our Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70).
This morning market, 30 km from downtown, offers Bún Nước Lèo from food boats, blending culinary and riverine experiences.
Cost: $1.50–$3.50 (37,500–87,500 VND/bowl); boat rental $10–$20/hour (250,000–500,000 VND).
Hours: 4:00 AM–8:00 AM daily.
Tip: Arrive at 5:00 AM for peak vibrancy. Included in our Mekong River Adventure ($60–$80).
Quán Bún Nước Lèo Quế Nhi (44 Phú Lợi, Ward 2): Famous for its sweet, clear broth and generous toppings, rated 4.5/5. Open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; $1–$2.50 (25,000–62,500 VND). Contact: +84 299 361 6161.
Quán Bún Nước Lèo Thảo (52 Phú Lợi, Ward 2): A decade-old favorite with bold flavors, rated 4.3/5. Open 7:00 AM–9:00 PM; $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Quán Bún Nước Lèo Trang (23 Dã Tượng, Ward 6): Known for artisanal bún and fresh toppings, rated 4.4/5. Open 6:00 AM–10:30 PM; $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND). Contact: +84 299 382 6571.
Quán Bún Nước Lèo Cá Đồng (655 QL 1A, Ward 2): Offers rustic, wild-caught fish flavors, rated 4.2/5. Open 6:00 AM–8:00 PM; $1–$2.50 (25,000–62,500 VND).
Enjoy Bún Nước Lèo at Ooc Om Bok Festival (October–November) or Tet (January–February, lunar calendar), where street stalls serve festive portions.
Cost: $1.50–$3.50 (37,500–87,500 VND/bowl).
Tip: Pair with festival performances for a cultural feast. Included in our Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90).
Start your Soc Trang Travel with soul-warming vibes (Source: Internet)Market Breakfast: Start your day with Bún Nước Lèo at Soc Trang Central Market or Nga Nam Floating Market, savoring the broth’s warmth with fresh herbs ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Rainy Day Comfort: Enjoy a steaming bowl at Quán Quế Nhi during the rainy season (May–October), perfect for cooler days, enhancing the peppery warmth.
Cooking Classes: Master Bún Nước Lèo in workshops, learning broth techniques and sourcing ingredients at markets ($25–$45 or 625,000–1,125,000 VND).
Festival Dining: Taste Bún Nước Lèo at Ooc Om Bok or Tet, where vendors offer hearty servings amidst cultural vibrancy.
Cultural Pairing: Combine with Soc Trang’s Pía cake ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for a sweet contrast, reflecting the region’s diverse flavors.
Tip: Add chili and lime to the fish sauce dip for a spicy-tangy kick. Sip slowly to appreciate the broth’s complex layers.
The dry season (November–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) is ideal for market visits and outdoor dining, with February–April offering pleasant weather. The rainy season (May–October, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F) enhances Bún Nước Lèo’s appeal as a warming dish, though August–October flooding may limit rural access. Ooc Om Bok Festival (October–November) and Tet (January–February) are peak times to enjoy Bún Nước Lèo at festive stalls, with prices rising 10–20%. Visit eateries early mornings (6:00 AM–9:00 AM) for fresh broth or evenings (5:00 PM–8:00 PM) for lively dining. Check AccuWeather for updates.
Tip: Book tours 3–5 weeks in advance for festival seasons to secure spots. Visit Nga Nam Floating Market at dawn for a unique breakfast.
By Air: Fly to Can Tho International Airport (VCA), 60 km away, from Ho Chi Minh City ($70–$140 or 1,750,000–3,500,000 VND) or Hanoi ($100–$180 or 2,500,000–4,500,000 VND). Eco-van transfers to Soc Trang cost $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
By Bus: From Ho Chi Minh City (5–6 hours, $6–$15 or 150,000–375,000 VND) or Can Tho (1–1.5 hours, $3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND).
By Private Transfer: Eco-vans from Can Tho or Ho Chi Minh City cost $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND) for 2–4 passengers.
Tip: Book eco-van transfers via Legend Travel Group for sustainable travel. Download MyCanTho app for bus schedules.
Bún Nước Lèo Costs:
Markets/Eateries: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND/bowl).
Festival Stalls: $1.50–$3.50 (37,500–87,500 VND/bowl).
Cooking Classes: $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND).
Transport in Soc Trang:
Taxi/Grab (1–5 km): $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND); fuel $1–$2/liter (25,000–50,000 VND).
River Boat: $10–$20/hour (250,000–500,000 VND, shared).
Bicycle Rental: $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND).
Dining (Other Dishes):
Street Food (e.g., Bánh Cóng, Pía Cake): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Restaurants: $3–$12 (75,000–300,000 VND).
Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Accommodation (Soc Trang Central Ward):
Hostels/Guesthouses: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).
Hotels: $30–$100/night (750,000–2,500,000 VND).
Resorts: $120–$300/night (3,000,000–7,500,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Excluding Tours):
Budget: $15–$40 (Bún Nước Lèo, street food, bike rental).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (restaurants, taxi, motorbike).
Luxury: $70–$110 (upscale dining, hotel, private boat).
Tip: Use ATMs in Soc Trang Central Ward; carry VND for stalls. Bargain gently for bulk food purchases.
Book Early: Reserve flights, hotels, and tours 3–5 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group (+84 938 987 654) or Klook for peak seasons or festivals.
Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) or MyCanTho app. Central wards are walkable; use bikes or boats for rural sites.
Sustainability: Choose bicycles or electric boats; buy Bún Nước Lèo from local vendors to support small businesses; use reusable utensils to align with Mekong Green initiatives.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip vendors or guides ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); respect market etiquette by not handling food excessively.
Health Precautions: Apply mosquito repellent for morning market visits; stay hydrated; ensure food is freshly prepared at stalls.
Safety: Secure valuables in crowded markets; avoid flooded rural routes in August–October.
Savor Bún Nước Lèo and Soc Trang’s culinary heritage with our sustainable tours:
Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70/person): Soc Trang Central Market, Nga Nam Floating Market, Bún Nước Lèo tasting, cooking class. Includes eco-transfers and meals.
Mekong River Adventure ($60–$80/person): Nga Nam Floating Market, Hau River cruise, Bún Nước Lèo vendors. Includes electric boat transfers and lunch.
Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75/person): Bún Nước Lèo eateries, Kh’leang Pagoda, Khmer Museum. Includes bike rentals and snacks.
Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90/person, October–November): Bún Nước Lèo stalls, Ooc Om Bok Festival, Ngo boat races. Includes eco-transfers and dining.
Mekong Delta Explorer ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): Bún Nước Lèo experiences, pagodas, markets, and eco-tours across Soc Trang. Includes all activities, meals, and eco-transfers.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees, and meals/snacks. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book now via links around this page!
Bún Nước Lèo, Soc Trang's culinary crown, blends Khmer, Vietnamese, and Chinese flavors into a fragrant, soul-warming dish that captivates visitors. From market stalls to festival feasts, this rice vermicelli soup tells a story of cultural unity and local pride. Legend Travel Group's Soc Trang Tours guide you to savor Bún Nước Lèo sustainably, ensuring a sustainable Soc Trang Travel experience that supports local artisans and preserves its heritage. Don't miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Bún Nước Lèo adventure today to immerse yourself in the Mekong Delta's gastronomic heart!
Ready to taste Soc Trang's Bún Nước Lèo? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a flavorful journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, 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.
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