Discover cao lầu, Hoi An’s iconic noodle dish in Da Nang City! Explore top restaurants, prices, recipes, and sustainable food tours for a UNESCO culinary adventure. Book your tour with Legend Travel Group today!
Capture the savory essence of Hoi An Ancient Town’s culinary gem (Source: Internet)Hoi An Ancient Town, now Minh An Ward in Da Nang City following the merger of Quang Nam Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its 15th–19th-century trading port legacy, attracting over 4.5 million of Da Nang’s 8 million annual visitors. Among its culinary treasures, cao lầu stands out as a signature Central Vietnamese dish, celebrated for its chewy, ash-infused noodles, savory pork, and vibrant Tra Que herbs. Originating in the 17th century during Hoi An’s bustling trade era, cao lầu reflects a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences, making it a cultural icon. With sustainable dining practices enhancing its appeal, cao lầu offers a taste of Hoi An’s soul. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, curates eco-friendly food tours to savor this dish, bookable via links throughout this guide. Dive into Hoi An’s culinary heritage—reserve your tour now
Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Southeast Asia experiences, prioritizing sustainability and cultural immersion. Our Hoi An food tours feature low-impact transport like bicycles and electric shuttles, guided by local experts who share the history of cao lầu and Hoi An’s cuisine. We support Minh An’s artisans and farmers and align with Da Nang City’s “Green Heritage” initiative to preserve culinary traditions. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless gastronomic journey. Taste cao lầu responsibly with our curated tours—book via the links on this page!
Quang Nam Province has merged into Da Nang City, making Hoi An Minh An Ward under Da Nang’s administration. This restructuring eliminates the district level, but Hoi An’s UNESCO status and culinary fame remain vibrant. Da Nang City promotes sustainable tourism through biodegradable packaging, electric transport, and a VND500 billion flood mitigation project (2023), ensuring access to Hoi An’s dining hotspots year-round.
Photograph the authentic allure of Hoi An’s food scene (Source: Internet)Cao lầu, meaning “high floor” in Vietnamese, emerged in the 17th century when Hoi An was a thriving port under the Nguyen Dynasty, hosting traders from China, Japan, and beyond. Legend suggests merchants dined on upper floors to oversee their shops, naming the dish cao lầu. Its unique noodles, made with water from the ancient Ba Le Well and ash from Cu Lao Cham’s melaleuca trees, reflect Hoi An’s resourcefulness and multicultural heritage. Unlike Chinese lo mein or Japanese udon, cao lầu is distinctly Vietnamese, blending chewy noodles, roasted pork, and local herbs in a minimal broth. Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, cao lầu is a culinary symbol of Hoi An’s trading past, celebrated in eateries and during festivals like the Full Moon Lantern Festival.
Cao lầu’s complex flavor comes from carefully sourced ingredients and traditional methods:
Noodles: Made from local sticky rice flour, soaked in Ba Le Well water, and mixed with ash from Cu Lao Cham’s melaleuca trees, creating yellow, chewy strands. Hand-rolled and cut, they’re boiled and oiled for texture.
Pork: Char siu-style roasted pork, marinated with five-spice powder, soy sauce, and garlic, sliced thinly for tenderness.
Toppings: Tra Que Village herbs (basil, mint, lettuce), bean sprouts, fried noodle squares for crunch, and crushed peanuts.
Broth: A light, savory broth (just a splash), made from pork bones, soy sauce, and spices, enhancing without overpowering.
Preparation: Noodles are layered with greens, pork, and toppings, drizzled with broth, and served immediately to preserve texture.
Taste Profile: Cao lầu offers a harmonious balance of chewy noodles, savory pork, fresh herbs, and a subtle smoky ash note, with a crunchy finish from noodle squares.
Cao Lầu: $1–$2.50 per bowl (25,000–62,500 VND), depending on venue (street stalls vs. restaurants) and portion size.
Drinks: Vietnamese iced coffee or tea $0.25–$0.50 (6,250–12,500 VND); fresh coconut $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Food Tours: $10–$45 (250,000–1,125,000 VND), including cao lầu and other Hoi An specialties.
Cooking Classes: $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND), covering cao lầu preparation and market visits.
Tip: Prices may rise 10–15% during peak seasons (March–August, Tet in January–February); rainy season (September–January) offers discounts. Expect waits during lunch (11:00 AM–2:00 PM).
Cao lầu is ubiquitous in Minh An Ward, from street stalls to upscale restaurants. Top spots include:
Thanh Cao Lầu:
Location: 26 Thai Phien Street, Minh An Ward, Da Nang City (10-minute walk from Japanese Covered Bridge).
Details: A family-run eatery since the 1980s, known for authentic cao lầu with chewy noodles and Tra Que herbs. Small, cozy space with local vibes.
Price: $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND) per bowl.
Hours: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM daily; busiest at lunch.
Sustainability: Uses local produce; minimal plastic packaging.
Feedback: “Best cao lầu in Hoi An, fresh and flavorful!” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
Trung Bắc Restaurant:
Location: 87 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward (central Old Town).
Details: A historic eatery with over 100 years of tradition, serving cao lầu with house-marinated pork and crisp noodle squares.
Price: $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND) per bowl.
Hours: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.
Sustainability: Sources Tra Que herbs; biodegradable serveware.
Feedback: “A Hoi An institution for cao lầu lovers” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).
Morning Glory Restaurant:
Location: 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An Ward (near Hoi An Market).
Details: An upscale venue by chef Ms. Vy, offering gourmet cao lầu with premium ingredients in a restored colonial house.
Price: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND) per bowl.
Hours: 8:00 AM–10:00 PM daily.
Sustainability: 80% local ingredients; eco-friendly packaging via Taste Vietnam initiative.
Feedback: “Elegant cao lầu with vibrant flavors” (Tripadvisor, 4.7/5 stars).
Tip: Visit Thanh Cao Lầu for authentic vibes or Morning Glory for a refined experience; combine with Hoi An Central Market (200 m) for a foodie morning.
Experience Hoi An Tours with sustainable dining (Source: Internet)Hoi An’s dining scene is evolving with sustainability at its core, enhancing cao lầu’s appeal:
Local Sourcing: Over 80% of cao lầu ingredients (rice, herbs, pork) come from Tra Que Village and Duy Xuyen Ward, supporting 200+ farmers and reducing emissions.
Eco-Friendly Practices: 70% of vendors use biodegradable packaging, per Vietnam’s 2022 anti-plastic campaign. Restaurants like Morning Glory minimize waste with digital menus.
Cultural Preservation: Cao lầu’s heritage status drives chef training programs, ensuring traditional recipes endure, as seen in Trung Bắc’s century-old methods.
2026–2028 Trends: Expect solar-powered kitchens, vegan cao lầu (using tofu and mushroom broth), and QR-coded recipe guides to cater to growing Asian tourism (e.g., Chinese, Korean markets). Eco-lodges will offer cao lầu workshops.
Legend Travel Group’s food tours amplify these trends, partnering with eco-conscious vendors and promoting low-impact dining, ensuring your cao lầu experience supports Hoi An’s heritage.
Start your Hoi An Travel with a flavorful bite (Source: Internet)Hoi An’s Minh An Ward is 28 km from Da Nang International Airport (DAD), the main gateway. Sustainable travel options include:
Flight: $35–$140 one-way (875,000–3,500,000 VND) to DAD; 45-minute taxi ($12–$15 or 300,000–375,000 VND) to Hoi An. Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air.
Train: $20–$85 (500,000–2,125,000 VND) to Da Nang Station; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND). Vietnam Railways (SE1, SE3).
Bus: $16–$45 (400,000–1,125,000 VND) to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18). Operators: Futa Bus, Hanh Cafe.
Sustainable Tip: Trains emit 42.61 kg CO2 vs. 121.74 kg for flights; use Xanh SM electric taxis to Hoi An (30% less CO2).
Guided Tour: Our tours ($120–$220) include eco-transfers.
Flight: $40–$160 one-way (1,000,000–4,000,000 VND) to DAD; 45-minute taxi ($12–$15).
Train: $20–$85 (500,000–2,125,000 VND) to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).
Bus: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND) to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).
Guided Tour: Our tours ($120–$220) include eco-transfers.
Bus #1: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND); every 15–20 minutes (5:00 AM–9:00 PM) to Hoi An Bus Station; 10-minute walk to Old Town.
Taxi/Grab: $12–$15 (300,000–375,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxis $13–$16 (325,000–400,000 VND).
Shuttle Bus: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND); hourly (6:00 AM–9:00 PM).
Bicycle/Motorbike: Bike $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND); motorbike $5–$10/day + $2 fuel (restricted in Old Town pedestrian zones).
Guided Tour: Our half-day tours ($55–$75) include eco-transfers.
Route Tip: Base yourself in Minh An Ward; use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me). Old Town is pedestrianized (8:30 AM–11:00 AM, 3:00 PM–9:30 PM); park outside zones.
Spring (February–April): Mild (24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F), low rainfall (25–50 mm). Ideal for outdoor dining at Thanh Cao Lầu; book 2–3 weeks ahead for Full Moon Lantern Festival (14th lunar day monthly).
Summer (May–August): Warm (25–38°C or 77–100.4°F), occasional showers (90–120 mm). Great for evening visits to Trung Bắc; enjoy cao lầu during festival nights.
Rainy Season (September–January): Cooler (19–29°C or 66.2–84.2°F), heavy rain (150–500 mm, peaking October–November). Indoor dining at Morning Glory ideal; 10–20% discounts apply. Check flood forecasts for November.
Tet Nguyen Dan (January–February, lunar): Vibrant markets and festive cao lầu; expect crowds and higher prices (hotels $100–$300/night).
Tip: February–April offers the best weather for street food exploration; combine cao lầu tasting with the Lantern Festival for a magical experience.
Plan Ahead: Book food tours 2–3 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Klook (+84 938 987 654) for festivals or peak seasons. Confirm eatery hours (typically 8:00 AM–9:00 PM).
Dress Code: Casual attire; bring mosquito repellent for outdoor stalls; wear comfortable shoes for Old Town’s cobbled streets.
Pack Smart: Reusable water bottle, small VND for stall payments, wet wipes for sticky fingers, camera (ask permission for vendor photos).
Budget Wisely: Expect $20–$120/day (budget: $20–$50; mid-range: $50–$80; luxury: $80–$120). Cao lầu $1–$2.50; tours $10–$120.
Stay Safe: Check for pork or soy allergies; secure valuables in crowded markets; avoid slippery paths during November floods.
Sustainability: Support vendors like Thanh Cao Lầu using biodegradable packaging; opt for bike tours ($1–$2/day) or walking to reduce emissions; avoid plastic waste with reusable containers.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); engage politely with vendors; tip servers ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).
Navigation: Most cao lầu eateries are within 5–10 minutes’ walk from Old Town center; combine with Hoi An Market or Japanese Covered Bridge for a half-day itinerary. Offline maps essential.
Hoi An Tra Que Herb Village Cooking Class (Source: Internet)Our sustainable food tours immerse you in Hoi An’s culinary heritage, with cao lầu as a highlight:
Hoi An Street Food Adventure ($55–$75/person): Cao lầu at Thanh Cao Lầu, Hoi An Market, bánh bèo at Bà Hường, banh xeo tasting. Includes Old Town ticket ($6), eco-transfers, and lunch.
Hoi An Foodie Tour ($60–$80/person): Cao lầu at Trung Bắc, Morning Glory, Bánh Mì Phượng, white rose dumplings. Includes eco-transfers and tastings.
Hoi An Culinary Craft Tour ($75–$95/person): Cao lầu cooking class, Tra Que Village, lantern-making workshop. Includes bike rentals, boat transfers, and meals.
Hoi An Night Glow Tour ($55–$75/person): Cao lầu at Morning Glory, Full Moon Lantern Festival, Nguyen Hoang Night Market, river boat ride. Includes eco-transfers and snacks.
Central Vietnam Culinary Explorer ($350–$550/person, 3–4 days): Hoi An’s cao lầu, Da Nang, Tam Ky, cooking classes, homestays ($15–$50/night). Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees ($6), and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) and seasonal promotions available. Book now via links around this page!
Cao lầu, Hoi An’s iconic noodle dish, is a culinary masterpiece of Hoi An Ancient Town, embodying the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s 17th-century trading heritage. From Thanh Cao Lầu’s authentic bowls for $1 to Morning Glory’s gourmet renditions, this dish captivates with its chewy, ash-infused noodles and savory pork. Supported by sustainable practices like Tra Que sourcing and biodegradable packaging, cao lầu reflects Hoi An’s commitment to cultural preservation. Legend Travel Group’s Hoi An Tours guide you to the heart of this culinary tradition, ensuring a sustainable Hoi An Travel experience that supports artisans and delivers unforgettable flavors. Don’t miss Hoi An’s cao lầu tradition—browse our featured tours and book your culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste cao lầu in Hoi An Ancient Town? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a sustainable gastronomic journey!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group.
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