Dao Snails: Savor Saigon’s Iconic Snail Dishes in Ho Chi Minh City

Culinary Legacy & Vibrant Food Scene
In the heart of Saigon, Dao Snails stands as a culinary legend, captivating foodies with its fresh, flavorful snail dishes at 212B/C79 Nguyen Trai, Ward 1. Renowned for dishes like oc huong rang muoi (roasted sweet snails with salt) and oc len xao dua (creeper snails with coconut), this eatery draws locals and tourists alike, including Vietnamese celebrities. Its fast service, diverse menu, and affordable prices make it a must-visit in Ho Chi Minh City’s thriving street food culture. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly food tours, using bicycles and Metro Line 1, guide you to Dao Snails and other culinary gems, supporting local vendors sustainably. Start your foodie adventure—book our tours via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or sales@legendtravelgroup.com! TripAdvisor Ho Chi Minh City

Administrative Update
Vietnam recently merged Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau into Ho Chi Minh City, reorganizing districts into 168 wards (e.g., District 1 is now Ward 1). Spanning 6,772 sq.km with 13.7 million residents, the expanded city enhances access to culinary hotspots like Dao Snails via cycling paths, electric buses, and a VND1 trillion flood control project. This connectivity links Ward 1’s food scene to Thu Duc’s pagodas and Can Gio’s eco-attractions, making Saigon a dynamic food and culture hub. TripAdvisor Ho Chi Minh City

Legend Travel Group, a premier Southeast Asia tour operator, crafts authentic, eco-conscious food tours in Ho Chi Minh City. Our tours to Dao Snails and other eateries use bicycles and low-emission vehicles, guided by local experts who share Saigon’s culinary heritage. Supporting communities in Ward 1, Tan Binh, and Thu Duc, we align with the city’s “Green Metropolis” vision. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless dining experience. Book our food tours via links on this page and savor Saigon sustainably! TripAdvisor Reviews

Located in Ward 1, Dao Snails is a cornerstone of Ho Chi Minh City’s street food scene, set in a tropical monsoon climate: dry season (December–April, 25–35°C or 77–95°F) and rainy season (May–November, 23–32°C or 73.4–89.6°F), with peak rainfall in June–September (150–400 mm). The restaurant’s open-air setting and vibrant atmosphere complement its menu of over 27 snail varieties, from grilled oc toi to creamy oc len xao dua. Nearby attractions like Ben Thanh Market and Notre-Dame Basilica make it a perfect stop for foodie explorers. Its sustainable sourcing and fast service elevate its status as a Saigon icon. TripAdvisor Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s main transport hub, with easy access to Dao Snails at 212B/C79 Nguyen Trai, Ward 1:

• By Air: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), 7 km from Ward 1, serves 40 million passengers annually via Terminal T3 (Vietnam Airlines domestic) and T1/T2 (other airlines). Round-trip costs:

  • Hanoi: $80–$150 (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND).

  • Da Nang: $60–$120 (1,500,000–3,000,000 VND).

  • Bangkok/Singapore: $200–$500.

  • Taxis/Grab to Ward 1 (7 km): $5–$8 (120,000–200,000 VND).

• By Bus: From Hanoi (30–34 hours, $35–$60 or 875,000–1,500,000 VND), Da Nang (18–20 hours, $20–$40 or 500,000–1,000,000 VND), or Can Tho (3–4 hours, $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND). Local bus #152 to Ward 1: $0.25 (6,000 VND).

• By Train: Saigon Railway Station in Ward 3 connects to Hanoi (30–34 hours, $40–$80 or 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND) and Da Nang (16–18 hours, $25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND). A high-speed rail is planned for 2030.

Getting to Dao Snails:

• Metro Line 1: From Ben Thanh Station (Ward 1) to nearby stations, $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND), ideal for Ward 1’s flat streets.

• Grab/Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) from Ward 1 landmarks.

• Walking: 10-minute walk from Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area.

Tip: Use bicycles or Metro Line 1 for eco-friendly travel; book our Saigon Foodie Tour ($55–$75) for guided transport to Dao Snails.

The dry season (December–April) offers sunny weather (25–35°C or 77–95°F), ideal for open-air dining at Dao Snails. Tet (January–February) adds festive vibes but crowded streets. The rainy season (May–November) brings cooler temperatures (23–32°C or 73.4–89.6°F), lush scenery, and 15–25% tour discounts. Evening visits (6:00 PM–10:30 PM) capture Saigon’s lively food scene, with brief showers manageable via covered seating.

Tip: Book tours 3–5 weeks ahead for December–April; visit evenings for peak atmosphere. Check AccuWeather for rainy season updates. TripAdvisor Ho Chi Minh City

Pack these essentials for a delightful dining experience:

• Clothing: Lightweight outfits for dry season; waterproof jackets for rainy season. Casual attire suits the open-air vibe.

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

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella, moist towelettes (provided but charged).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab app, 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 small VND notes for quick payments; carry your own dry napkins for convenience.

Dao Snails is a Saigon institution, celebrated for its fresh, diverse snail dishes and vibrant atmosphere. Offering over 27 varieties, from oc huong rang muoi (sweet snails roasted with salt) to oc toi (grilled large snails), the menu caters to adventurous palates. Signature dipping sauces—nuoc mam cham (fish sauce) and lemon-pepper—elevate flavors, while fast service ensures minimal wait times. Its sustainable sourcing from Mekong Delta fisheries and popularity among locals and celebrities make it a cultural gem in Ward 1’s food scene, perfect for foodie travelers. TripAdvisor Ho Chi Minh City

1. Savor Signature Snail Dishes

Try oc len xao dua ($3 or 75,000 VND) or oc huong rang muoi ($2.50 or 62,500 VND) with nuoc mam cham or lemon-pepper sauce.

• Cost: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND); special dishes $10 (250,000 VND).

• Hours: 10:00 AM–10:30 PM daily.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Foodie Tour ($55–$75).

2. Explore Ben Thanh Market

Walk 1 km to Ward 1’s iconic market for pho and souvenirs, a 10-minute stroll from Dao Snails.

• Cost: Free entry; food $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Hours: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70).

3. Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Cycle 2 km to this Taoist gem in Ward 1 for spiritual serenity post-meal.

• Cost: Free; donations $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Hours: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Spiritual Tour ($45–$65).

4. Stroll Pham Ngu Lao

Explore this backpacker hub, 500m away, for nightlife and street food after Dao Snails.

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

• Hours: Evening best.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Foodie Tour ($55–$75).

5. Dine at Vinh Khanh Street

Venture 3 km to Ward 4’s seafood alley for more snail dishes at eateries like Oc To.

• Cost: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND) per dish.

• Hours: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM daily.

• Tip: Included in our Saigon Street Food Tour ($60–$80).

Dining at Dao Snails

• Snail dishes: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Special dishes: $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND).

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

Transportation

• Metro Line 1: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Bus (#152): $0.25 (6,000 VND).

• Grab/Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) within Ward 1.

• Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND).

Nearby Activities

• Ben Thanh Market: Free; food $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Jade Emperor Pagoda: Free; donations $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

Accommodation (Ward 1)

• Hostels: $8–$20/night (200,000–500,000 VND).

• Hotels: $25–$80/night (625,000–2,000,000 VND).

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

Total Daily Cost

• Budget: $15–$40 (includes dining, metro, market).

• Mid-range: $40–$80 (includes tours, Grab, dining).

• Luxury: $100–$200 (includes private tours, upscale lodging).

Tip: Carry VND for quick payments; ATMs are widespread in Ward 1.

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

• Seasonal Tips:

  • Dry Season: Dine outdoors; use sunscreen.

  • Rainy Season: Opt for covered seating; carry raincoats ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Sustainability: Use bicycles; support local vendors for eco-friendly dining.

• Navigation: Download Maps.me, Grab; save Dao Snails (212B/C79 Nguyen Trai, Ward 1) as a landmark.

• Safety: Watch for pickpockets in Ward 1; secure valuables.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip servers $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); use hand sanitizer before eating.

Our sustainable tours highlight Dao Snails and Saigon’s food scene:

• Saigon Foodie Tour ($55–$75/person): Dao Snails, Ben Thanh Market, Pham Ngu Lao street food. Includes bike rentals, guide, meals.

• Saigon Street Food Tour ($60–$80/person): Dao Snails, Vinh Khanh Street, cooking class. Includes eco-transfers, guide, meals.

• Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70/person): Dao Snails, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Tan Binh Market. Includes bike rentals, guide, lunch.

• Mekong Delta Food Adventure ($200–$350/person, 2–3 days): Dao Snails, Mekong Delta markets, homestays. Includes meals, activities, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Get 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book via links on this page! TripAdvisor Reviews

Dao Snails in Ho Chi Minh City’s Ward Ben Thanh, a vibrant hub of Saigon’s street food culture, offers fresh snail dishes like grilled snails with chili salt and lemongrass-steamed snails, priced at $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND), enchanting foodies with its lively atmosphere. Located in the heart of District 1, this culinary gem draws thousands yearly. Legend Travel Group’s Ho Chi Minh City Tours ensure a sustainable Ho Chi Minh City Travel experience, blending eco-friendly practices like locally sourced ingredients and low-impact tours with visits to nearby Ben Thanh Market and Notre-Dame Basilica. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly foodie adventure today!
Ready to taste Saigon’s iconic Dao Snails? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and indulge in Ward 1’s culinary magic!

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:

• Dao Snails Information: By Tony Bui at Legend Travel Group