Discover Bánh Cu Đơ, Ha Tinh’s iconic peanut candy, with our guide to top markets, tastings, and sustainable tours. Book eco-friendly adventures with Legend Travel Group!
Capture the sweet-spicy essence of Ha Tinh’s culinary gemBánh Cu Đơ, or Cu Do Candy, is a cherished specialty of Ha Tinh Province, celebrated for its fragrant blend of molasses, spicy ginger, crispy peanuts, and rice paper. Crafted in Ha Tinh Ward, 341 km from Hanoi, this round, rustic treat attracts over 15,000 visitors annually, with activities costing $0.50–$35 (12,500–875,000 VND). Its unique sweetness reflects the warmth and hospitality of Ha Tinh’s people, making it a must-try for culinary travelers and a perfect souvenir.
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 production, using locally sourced peanuts and biodegradable packaging, supports Ha Tinh’s artisanal heritage. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly culinary tours blend Cu Do Candy tastings with cultural exploration, using electric vehicles and local guides. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your sweet 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 Cu Do Candy markets and shops.
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 artisans 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.
Photograph the flavorful allure of Ha Tinh’s food scene (Source: Internet)Bánh Cu Đơ, a traditional Ha Tinh confection, is handmade with molasses from local sugarcane, fresh ginger, roasted peanuts, and rice paper, creating a crispy, sweet-spicy treat. Unlike other Vietnamese candies, its rustic texture and bold flavors embody Ha Tinh’s cultural simplicity. Available at markets like Cho Tinh and Cho Cay or specialty shops in Ha Tinh Ward, it’s often enjoyed with green tea or as a snack with local seafood dishes. Artisans use eco-friendly methods, supporting sustainable agriculture and small-scale producers, making Cu Do Candy a delicious and responsible choice.
These budget-friendly activities ($0.50–$35) highlight Ha Tinh’s culinary and cultural charm:
Taste freshly made Bánh Cu Đơ, 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: Choose vendors with biodegradable packaging; locally sourced peanuts.
Tip: Pair with green tea; included in Ha Tinh Food Tour ($70–$100).
Learn to craft Bánh Cu Đơ with local artisans, 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 ingredients; supports community artisans.
Tip: Master molasses blending; included in Ha Tinh Culinary Tour ($80–$120).
Buy Bánh Cu Đơ as souvenirs, best at 6:00 AM, for $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Cost: $1–$3.
Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM–9:00 AM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable totes; support local producers.
Tip: Bargain gently; included in Ha Tinh Food Tour ($70–$100).
Enjoy Bánh Cu Đơ with mussel soup at riverside eateries, best at 5:00 PM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Cost: $3–$5.
Hours: Daily, 4:00–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Locally sourced ingredients; biodegradable plates.
Tip: Visit Duc Tho Commune; included in La River Culinary Tour ($80–$120).
Pedal to stalls for Bánh Cu Đơ, 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 Nguyen Du Street; included in Ha Tinh Eco-Tour ($65–$95).
Experience Ha Tinh Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)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 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 Bánh Cu Đơ:
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” in offline maps (Maps.me) for candy stalls. 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).
Learn Ha Tinh’s heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)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).
Bánh Cu Đơ: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Candy-Making Workshop: $15–$20 (375,000–500,000 VND).
Cho Tinh/Cay Market: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Bánh Cu Đơ with Mussels: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 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, Bánh Cu Đơ, market).
Mid-range: $30–$50 (train, homestay, tour).
Luxury: $80–$120 (private car, premium stay).
Seize the sweet spirit of Ha Tinh Travel (Source: Internet)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 candy 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 Bánh Cu Đơ.
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 artisans modestly for excellent service.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Ha Tinh’s culinary highlights:
Ha Tinh Food Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Savor Bánh Cu Đơ, Ram, and La River mussels, explore Cho Tinh market. Includes guide, eco-transport.
Ha Tinh Culinary & Culture Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Enjoy Bánh Cu Đơ, 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 Cu Đơ, Ha Tinh’s iconic peanut candy, is a sweet-spicy delight that captures the soul of Vietnam’s North-Central Coast. From savoring its crispy texture at Cho Tinh market to learning its artisanal craft, this treat embodies Ha Tinh’s warm hospitality. Legend Travel Group’s Ha Tinh Tours ensure a sustainable, immersive journey, blending Bánh Cu Đơ with Ha Tinh’s cultural and natural wonders for an authentic Ha Tinh Travel experience. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-tour today to taste the heart of Ha Tinh!
Ready to savor Bánh Cu Đơ? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group for an authentic, sustainable culinary adventure!
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.
Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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