Chao Long Cai Tac: A Soulful Culinary Journey in Can Tho City’s Mekong Delta

In the heart of Can Tho City’s Mekong Delta, Chao Long Cai Tac, a fragrant offal porridge, is a beloved dish that embodies the region’s rustic charm and Khmer-Vietnamese heritage. Served piping hot with bitter herbs, banana blossoms, bean sprouts, and a kick of chili, this soul-warming meal offers a symphony of flavors that captivates food lovers. Drawing over 2 million visitors annually, Can Tho’s vibrant food scene thrives on sustainable markets and local eateries, making it the perfect place to experience this iconic porridge. Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, offers eco-friendly food tours to savor Chao Long Cai Tac and dive into Mekong culture. Start your culinary adventure—book a tour via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Legend Travel Group is a leader in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, crafting authentic experiences that prioritize cultural immersion and environmental care. Our Can Tho food tours use eco-friendly transport—bicycles and electric boats—guided by local experts who share the secrets of Chao Long Cai Tac. Supporting vendors in Cai Tac and Vi Thanh wards, we align with Can Tho City’s “Green Delta” initiative to protect the region’s waterways. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless culinary journey. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and taste the Mekong responsibly!

Following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, Hau Giang and Soc Trang provinces have merged into Can Tho City, with Can Tho as the administrative center. District-level units are now wards or communes, improving access to culinary hubs like Cai Tac through sustainable infrastructure, including cycling paths and a VND500 billion flood control project. This enhances your ability to explore Chao Long Cai Tac eateries and markets.

Located 240 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City and centered in the Mekong Delta, Can Tho City spans 1,609 km² of fertile wetlands and 2,300 km of canals. Bordered by Vinh Long, Bac Lieu, and Kien Giang, it features a tropical monsoon climate with a dry season (December–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) and a rainy season (May–November, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F), with peak rainfall in August–October (100–400 mm). Known for its rice, aquaculture, and vibrant food culture, Can Tho’s markets and restaurants showcase Chao Long Cai Tac alongside specialties like bánh xèo and Phu Huu pomelos, making it a foodie’s paradise.

The ideal time to savor Chao Long Cai Tac is December to April, during the dry season, when warm, sunny weather (25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) enhances market visits, food tours, and outdoor dining. Evening markets in Cai Tac and Vi Thanh thrive, offering steaming bowls of porridge. This period aligns with cultural events like the Khmer Ok Om Bok Festival (October–November), adding vibrancy but increasing crowds.

The rainy season (May–November) offers cooler temperatures (22–30°C or 71.6–86°F) and 20–30% discounts, though heavy showers in August–October may affect outdoor dining. Indoor cooking classes and restaurant visits shine during this time. Check AccuWeather for May–October weather updates.

Tip: Book food tours 3–5 weeks in advance for December–April to secure better rates. Visit in March–April or October for milder weather and fewer crowds.

Can Tho City is easily accessible:

• By Air: Can Tho International Airport (VCA), 50 km from Cai Tac, serves domestic and limited international flights:

  • Ho Chi Minh City: $70–$140 (1,750,000–3,500,000 VND).

  • Hanoi: $100–$180 (2,500,000–4,500,000 VND).

  • International (e.g., Bangkok): $250–$550.

  • Taxis/Grab to Cai Tac: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

• By Bus: From Can Tho to Cai Tac (1–1.5 hours, $3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). From Ho Chi Minh City (5–6 hours, $8–$15 or 200,000–375,000 VND) or Hanoi (30–34 hours, $30–$50 or 750,000–1,250,000 VND).

• By Train: Can Tho’s railway station (expected completion 2026) will connect to Ho Chi Minh City (6–7 hours, $15–$30 or 375,000–750,000 VND). Currently, buses or flights are best.

Getting Around Can Tho City:

• Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND), perfect for Cai Tac’s food stalls.

• Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Electric Boats: $10–$20/trip (250,000–500,000 VND) for canal-side eateries.

• Grab/Taxi: $4–$8/trip (100,000–200,000 VND).

Tip: Use bicycles or electric boats for eco-friendly access to Chao Long Cai Tac vendors. Download the Grab app for transparent pricing.

Pack these essentials for a culinary adventure:

• Clothing: Lightweight outfits for dry season; waterproof jackets for rainy season. Casual attire for markets; modest clothing for pagodas.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat for market visits.

• Footwear: Comfortable shoes for walking; sandals for boat trips; waterproof shoes for rainy season.

• Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella.

• Tech Gear: Smartphone/camera for food photography; portable charger.

• Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, straw to support sustainability.

Tip: Bring a waterproof bag for rainy season market visits. Carry small VND notes for quick food purchases.

Chao Long Cai Tac is a traditional Mekong Delta porridge featuring rice cooked with pork offal (liver, heart, intestines) in a fragrant broth, served with a vibrant array of accompaniments like bitter herbs, banana blossoms, bean sprouts, chili, and lime. Each vendor in Cai Tac Ward adds a unique twist, creating a rich, savory flavor that’s both comforting and complex. Packed with protein and vitamins, this dish is a street food staple, especially at evening markets, where its steaming bowls draw locals and travelers alike.

1. Dine at Cai Tac Food Stalls

Savor Chao Long Cai Tac at bustling street stalls in Cai Tac Ward, where vendors serve hot porridge with fresh herbs and chili.

• Cost: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) per bowl.

• Hours: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Arrive by 5:00 PM for the freshest servings. Included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($55–$75).

2. Join a Cooking Class

Learn to prepare Chao Long Cai Tac with local chefs, mastering broth techniques and sourcing ingredients at markets.

• Cost: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND).

• Hours: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM or 3:00 PM–7:00 PM.

• Tip: Book in Vi Thanh for authentic recipes. Included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($55–$75).

3. Taste at Vi Thanh Night Market

Sample Chao Long Cai Tac alongside other Mekong specialties at Vi Thanh’s lively night market.

• Cost: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) per bowl.

• Hours: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Pair with sugarcane juice. Included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($55–$75).

4. Visit Local Restaurants

Enjoy Chao Long Cai Tac at family-run eateries in Cai Tac or Vi Thanh, served with sides like bánh xèo.

• Cost: $3–$12 (75,000–300,000 VND) per meal.

• Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Request extra herbs for flavor. Included in our Can Tho Cultural Tour ($50–$70).

5. Experience During Cultural Festivals

Taste Chao Long Cai Tac at the Khmer Ok Om Bok Festival (October–November), where food stalls highlight local dishes.

• Cost: Free entry; porridge $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Hours: Festival hours vary.

• Tip: Book festival tours early. Included in our Can Tho Cultural Tour ($50–$70).

Dining

• Chao Long Cai Tac at stalls: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Restaurants: $3–$12 (75,000–300,000 VND).

• Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

Activities

• Cooking classes: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND).

• Festival entry: Free.

Accommodation (Cai Tac, Vi Thanh, or Can Tho)

• Homestays: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

• Hotels: $30–$80/night (750,000–2,000,000 VND).

• Resorts: $100–$250/night (2,500,000–6,250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost

• Budget: $15–$40 (includes market porridge, bike rental).

• Mid-range: $40–$70 (includes cooking classes, dining).

• Luxury: $70–$100 (includes private tours, upscale lodging).

Tip: Carry VND for vendors; use ATMs in Vi Thanh. Book tours early for peak season savings.

• Book Early: Reserve food tours via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222, email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com) 3–5 weeks in advance, especially for December–April or festivals.

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for Cai Tac’s eateries. Confirm prices before ordering.

• Stay Safe: Secure valuables at busy markets; wash hands before eating street food.

• Sustainability: Support eco-vendors; use reusable items to align with Can Tho’s green initiatives.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip vendors $0.50–$2; respect communal dining customs.

• Health Precautions: Use mosquito repellent at night markets; stay hydrated.

Our sustainable tours highlight Chao Long Cai Tac and Can Tho’s culinary treasures:

• Can Tho Foodie Tour ($55–$75/person): Chao Long Cai Tac tasting, cooking class, Vi Thanh Night Market. Includes eco-transfers, meals.

• Mekong River Adventure ($55–$75/person): Nga Bay Floating Market, Cai Tac food stalls. Includes electric boat, snacks.

• Can Tho Cultural Tour ($50–$70/person): Chao Long Cai Tac dining, Khmer Pagoda, festivals. Includes bike rentals, lunch.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): Chao Long Cai Tac, Nga Bay, homestays. Includes activities, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, fees, and meals. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+. Book now via links around this page!

Chao Long Cai Tac, a soulful fish congee dish, captures the essence of Can Tho City’s Mekong Delta, blending fragrant rice porridge with fresh herbs and local fish for an unforgettable culinary experience, located 170 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Served at bustling stalls in Cai Khe Ward or through immersive cooking classes, this dish offers a taste of local life, reflecting the region’s vibrant riverine culture. Legend Travel Group’s Can Tho Tours guide you to savor Chao Long Cai Tac, ensuring a sustainable Can Tho Travel experience with eco-friendly practices like locally sourced ingredients and support for community vendors, paired with visits to Cai Rang Floating Market and Binh Thuy Ancient House. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste the Mekong’s heartwarming flavors with Chao Long Cai Tac? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into Can Tho’s delicious world!

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:

• Can Tho Culinary Information: vietnam.travel, mekong-delta-tours.com, vietnamtourism.org.vn, tnktravel.com, vinpearl.com, canthopromotion.vn