Savor Gỏi Cá Đục, Ha Tinh’s iconic Duc Fish Salad, with our guide to authentic dishes and sustainable food tours. Book eco-friendly adventures with Legend Travel Group!
Capture the vibrant essence of Ha Tinh’s coastal gemGỏi Cá Đục, or Duc Fish Salad, is a signature dish of Ha Tinh Province, celebrated in Xuan Nghi Village, Thach Ha Commune, just 10 km from Ha Tinh Ward and 351 km from Hanoi. This coastal delicacy, made from sweet, fragrant Duc fish, attracts food enthusiasts with dishes costing $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND), drawing over 8,000 visitors annually. Rolled in rice paper with fresh herbs and dipped in tangy chili sauce, it offers a symphony of flavors—sweet, spicy, sour, and savory—unique to Ha Tinh’s seaside cuisine.
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 enjoying fresh seafood. Sustainable fishing practices and eco-friendly eateries preserve the region’s coastal ecosystem. Legend Travel Group’s culinary tours blend Gỏi Cá Đục with Ha Tinh’s cultural heritage, using electric vehicles and local guides. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your food adventure.
As of July 1, 2025, Vietnam’s administrative reform restructured Ha Tinh’s districts into wards and communes. Use “Thach Ha Commune, Ha Tinh Province” for accurate navigation to Xuan Nghi Village.
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 traditions, and partnerships with vendors using biodegradable packaging. 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.
What is Duc Fish Salad "Gỏi Cá Đục" in Ha Tinh Province? (Source: Internet)Duc fish, measuring 13–18 cm and caught along Ha Tinh’s coast, are prized for their tender, sweet meat. In Xuan Nghi Village, Gỏi Cá Đục is prepared fresh, often raw or lightly marinated, wrapped in rice paper with herbs, cucumber, and copra, and served with a spicy-sour dipping sauce. This dish, rooted in Ha Tinh’s fishing culture and the legacy of poet Nguyen Du, offers a fresh, light contrast to heavier Vietnamese seafood dishes. Local eateries and markets practice sustainable sourcing, ensuring the preservation of marine life and coastal traditions.
These budget-friendly activities ($2–$35) highlight Ha Tinh’s culinary and cultural charm:
Enjoy Duc Fish Salad rolled in rice paper with herbs, best at 5:00 PM, for $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Cost: $2–$5.
Hours: Daily, 4:00–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with biodegradable plates; sustainably sourced fish.
Tip: Add chili sauce for extra spice; included in Ha Tinh Food Tour ($70–$100).
Learn to prepare Gỏi Cá Đục with local chefs, 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 kitchens.
Tip: Master rice paper rolling; included in Ha Tinh Culinary Tour ($80–$120).
Shop for fresh Duc fish and herbs, 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 fishers.
Tip: Bargain gently; included in Ha Tinh Food Tour ($70–$100).
Cycle to Xuan Nghi Village to see Duc fish harvesting, 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: Visit nearby Thien Cam Beach; included in Ha Tinh Coastal Tour ($65–$95).
Dine on Gỏi Cá Đục while enjoying traditional Ca Tru performances, best at 6:00 PM, for $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).
Cost: $5–$8.
Hours: Daily, 5:00–8:00 PM (seasonal performances).
Eco-Friendly Note: Supports cultural preservation; low-impact venues.
Tip: Book cultural dining early; included in Ha Tinh Cultural Tour ($75–$110).
Photograph the lively allure of Ha Tinh’s cuisine (Source: Internet)November–April (Dry Season, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F): Ideal for outdoor dining and market visits, 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): Fresh seafood and fewer crowds (30–100 daily visitors); bring rain gear. Last-minute bookings often available.
Festival Seasons: Lunar New Year (January/February) for vibrant food markets and Ca Tru events, with higher crowds (200+ visitors). Avoid Tet for quieter dining.
Timing Tip: Evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) for dining; mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) for markets and cooking classes. Avoid late nights for safety.
Xuan Nghi Village, in Thach Ha Commune, is 10 km from Ha Tinh Ward and 351 km from Hanoi:
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 to Thach Ha ($6–$8 or 150,000–200,000 VND).
Bus: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND) round-trip, 6.5–8 hours to Ha Tinh, then taxi ($6–$8).
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 Thach Ha ($15–$18 or 375,000–450,000 VND).
Train: $55–$110 (1,375,000–2,750,000 VND) round-trip, 28–32 hours to Ha Tinh, then taxi ($6–$8).
Bus: $50–$85 (1,250,000–2,125,000 VND) round-trip, 30–33 hours to Ha Tinh, then taxi ($6–$8).
From Ha Tinh Ward (15–20 minutes):
Drive 10 km north on National Highway 1A to Thach Ha Commune, following signs to Xuan Nghi Village.
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 “Xuan Nghi Village, Thach Ha Commune” in offline maps (Maps.me). 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 culinary 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).
Gỏi Cá Đục: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Cooking Class: $15–$20 (375,000–500,000 VND).
Thach Ha Market: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND/day).
Ca Tru Dining Experience: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).
Guided Culinary Tour: $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND).
Homestay in Thach Ha: $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 ($15–$18); Train: $55–$110; Bus: $50–$85.
From Ha Tinh Ward: Taxi: $12–$16 (300,000–400,000 VND); Motorbike: $16–$24 (400,000–600,000 VND).
Budget: $10–$20 (bus, Gỏi Cá Đục, market).
Mid-range: $30–$50 (train, homestay, tour).
Luxury: $80–$120 (private car, premium stay).
Capture the sustainable charm of Ha Tinh’s ecotourism (Source: Internet)Timing: Visit at 5:00–7:00 PM for dining; 6:00–9:00 AM for markets. 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 food and activity tickets on-site.
Sustainability: Support vendors with biodegradable packaging; use reusable items. Join local seafood cleanups.
Navigation: Save “Xuan Nghi Village, Thach Ha Commune” in offline maps; look for busy stalls for fresh Gỏi Cá Đục.
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”; respect Ca Tru performers with modest applause.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Ha Tinh’s culinary highlights:
Ha Tinh Food Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Savor Gỏi Cá Đục, Ram, and Banh Muot, explore Thach Ha market. Includes guide, eco-transport.
Ha Tinh Culinary & Culture Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Enjoy Gỏi Cá Đục, 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.
Gỏi Cá Đục, Ha Tinh Province’s Duc Fish Salad, is a coastal culinary masterpiece blending fresh seafood with vibrant herbs and tangy sauces, priced at $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND), located 400 km from Hanoi. Savor it in Xuan Nghi Village or learn its preparation in local cooking classes, capturing Ha Tinh’s seaside soul. Legend Travel Group’s Ha Tinh Tours ensure a sustainable Ha Tinh Travel experience, combining eco-friendly practices like local sourcing and low-impact tours with visits to Son Kim Hot Spring and Nguyen Du Memorial. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to savor Gỏi Cá Đục? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an authentic North-Central Coast adventure!
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:
Gỏi Cá Đục Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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