Go Cong Horseshoe Crabs: A Coastal Delicacy of Tien Giang’s My Tho

In the coastal region of Go Cong, Tien Giang, sam Gò Công (grilled horseshoe crabs) is a culinary treasure of the Mekong Delta, celebrated for its rich, egg-filled flavor and unique texture. Harvested from the nutrient-rich waters near My Tho, these prehistoric creatures are transformed into a fatty, savory dish, especially during their egg-laying season. Paired with tangy sauces and fresh herbs, this delicacy offers a taste of Tien Giang’s maritime heritage. Legend Travel Group, a pioneer in sustainable tourism, curates eco-friendly tours that let you savor this coastal gem while exploring My Tho’s cultural and natural wonders. Start your foodie adventure—book our tours via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Note

Tien Giang Province, with My Tho as its vibrant hub, now includes the former Dong Thap Province, enhancing its appeal as a tourism destination. Upgraded infrastructure, including eco-friendly boats and coastal cycling paths, supports sustainable exploration of Go Cong’s culinary and scenic attractions, aligning with the “Green Delta” initiative.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group is Southeast Asia’s leading sustainable tour operator, dedicated to showcasing Vietnam’s culinary and cultural heritage. Our Tien Giang tours combine eco-friendly transport—electric boats and bicycles—with authentic tastings of sam Gò Công, guided by local experts. Supporting coastal communities and artisans, we offer transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our tours via links on this page for a delicious, eco-conscious journey!

Horseshoe crabs, locally known as sam, thrive along Go Cong’s 32-km coastline in Tien Giang, where the Tien River meets the South China Sea. Grilled with their nutrient-rich eggs, they’re a seasonal delicacy, especially prized for their creamy, savory flavor. Tien Giang’s tropical climate—dry season (December–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) and rainy season (May–November, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F)—supports the region’s abundant seafood and produce, enhancing the dish’s fresh accompaniments. Enjoy sam Gò Công at Go Cong’s eateries or My Tho’s markets, paired with eco-tours for a complete Mekong experience.

Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

• Fresh female horseshoe crabs (2–3, about 1 kg each, with eggs)

• Fresh herbs: mint, cilantro, perilla, Vietnamese coriander

• Pickled carrots (1/2 cup, thinly sliced)

• Sour pomelo or green mango (1/2 cup, shredded)

• Roasted peanuts (2 tbsp, crushed)

• Fried green onions (2 tbsp)

• Dipping sauce:

  • Fish sauce (2 tbsp)

  • Lime juice (1 tbsp)

  • Sugar (1 tsp)

  • Minced garlic (1/2 tsp)

  • Minced chili (1/2 tsp)

Preparation Steps

1. Select and Clean Crabs: Choose live female horseshoe crabs for their egg-filled abdomens. Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove sand and debris.

2. Grill Crabs: Place crabs shell-down on a charcoal grill or open flame. Grill for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shell turns reddish-brown and eggs are cooked.

3. Prepare Accompaniments: Arrange fresh herbs, pickled carrots, sour pomelo, and roasted peanuts on a platter. Mix dipping sauce ingredients until sugar dissolves.

4. Serve: Crack open the crab to reveal the eggs and meat. Serve with herbs, pickled veggies, and dipping sauce. Optionally, drizzle with fried green onions.

5. Enjoy Coastal Style: Scoop crab meat and eggs, pair with herbs and veggies, and dip in sauce for a fatty, tangy bite.

Tips: Grill over charcoal for authentic smokiness; ensure crabs are fresh for the best egg flavor. If horseshoe crabs are unavailable, consult local chefs for sustainable seafood alternatives.

1. Go Cong Seafood Market

A bustling coastal market in Go Cong Dong, offering freshly grilled sam Gò Công at local stalls.

• Cost: $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND) per crab.

• Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Freshly caught crabs, lively atmosphere, budget-friendly.

• Tips: Arrive early for the freshest selection; included in our Go Cong Coastal Tour ($70–$90).

2. Tan Thanh Beach Eateries

Coastal shacks near Tan Thanh Beach serve sam Gò Công with scenic ocean views.

• Cost: $4–$9 (100,000–225,000 VND) per crab.

• Hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Beachfront dining, fresh seafood, relaxed vibe.

• Tips: Pair with a sunset view; included in our Go Cong Coastal Tour ($70–$90).

3. Mekong Taste Restaurant (My Tho)

A riverside My Tho eatery offering refined sam Gò Công with premium herbs and presentation.

• Cost: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND) per crab.

• Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Elegant setting, diverse seafood menu, river views.

• Tips: Reserve a table for evening dining; included in our Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

4. My Tho Night Market

A vibrant food court on 30/4 Street with stalls serving affordable grilled horseshoe crabs.

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

• Hours: 6:00 PM–11:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Street food energy, variety of Mekong dishes, local vibe.

• Tips: Visit by 7:00 PM for freshest crabs; included in our My Tho Cultural Tour ($60–$80).

• Taste at Coastal Markets: Sample sam Gò Công at Go Cong’s seafood market for an authentic, fresh-from-the-sea experience.

• Join Cooking Workshops: Learn to grill horseshoe crabs in Go Cong or My Tho, guided by local chefs ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND).

• Pair with Eco-Tours: Combine tastings with coastal bike rides, boat tours, or visits to Tan Thanh Beach for a full Tien Giang adventure.

• Dine at Beachfront Eateries: Enjoy crabs with ocean breezes at Tan Thanh’s casual restaurants.

• Explore Local Cuisine: Complement with Tien Giang specialties like My Tho noodle soup or bánh xèo.

• Tips:

  • Request extra herbs and pickled veggies to balance the richness of the eggs.

  • Book guided foodie tours for curated tastings; included in our eco-tours.

  • Visit from October to February for peak egg season and festive coastal vibes.

My Tho, Tien Giang’s hub, is the gateway to Go Cong (50 km away):

• By Bus:

  • Ho Chi Minh City (Mien Tay Bus Station) to My Tho: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND, 1.5–2 hours, 70 km).

  • My Tho to Go Cong: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND, 1 hour).

  • Providers: Futa Bus (Tel: +84 1900 6067), Thanh Buoi.

• By Car/Taxi:

  • Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, 1.5 hours).

  • My Tho to Go Cong: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND, 1 hour).

  • Providers: Mai Linh Taxi (+84 2773 686 868), Grab app.

• By Motorbike:

  • Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND, 1.5–2 hours).

  • My Tho to Go Cong: 1 hour.

  • Rent at Mekong Moto Rentals, HCMC (+84 938 456 789).

• Tips:

  • Book buses via VeXeRe or Baolau for ease.

  • Use offline maps (Maps.me); save Go Cong Seafood Market as a landmark.

  • Included in our Go Cong Coastal Tour ($70–$90) for seamless transfers.

• Dry Season (December–April): Ideal for coastal dining and market visits; October to February is peak egg season for sam Gò Công.

• Rainy Season (May–November): Lush scenery and fewer crowds; enjoy 10–20% tour discounts. August–October offers vibrant coastal markets.

• Tips: Book 3–4 weeks in advance for peak seasons; check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.

Pack for a sustainable coastal trip:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire for dry season; raincoat ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season.

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

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

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

• Tech Gear: Smartphone for photos; portable charger; camera for coastal shots.

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for market buys, bamboo straw for sustainability.

Tip: Carry VND (50,000–200,000 notes) for small vendors; use a waterproof backpack in rainy season.

• Grilled Horseshoe Crabs: $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND) per crab, depending on venue.

• Activities:

  • Cooking workshops: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

  • Boat tours: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

  • Bicycle rental: $2–$4/day (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Dining (Other Dishes): My Tho noodle soup, bánh xèo at eateries: $2–$8 (50,000–200,000 VND); drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Accommodation (My Tho or Go Cong):

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

  • Hotels (e.g., Minh Kieu Hotel, My Tho): $20–$50/night (500,000–1,250,000 VND).

  • Resorts (e.g., Mekong Riverside Resort): $80–$150/night (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND).

• Transport:

  • Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Taxi from My Tho to Go Cong: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost:

• Budget: $15–$35 (bus, market meals, homestay).

• Mid-range: $35–$70 (guided tours, restaurant dining, hotel).

• Luxury: $100–$180 (resorts, private tours, upscale dining).

Tip: Use ATMs in My Tho for cash; carry small VND notes for markets.

• Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222) 3–4 weeks in advance, especially for egg season (October–February).

• Seasonal Tips:

  • Dry Season: Pack sunscreen; ideal for coastal exploration.

  • Rainy Season: Bring waterproof gear; enjoy lush coastal scenery.

• Sustainability: Support local fishers; use eco-transport like bicycles or electric boats.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); save Tan Thanh Beach as a landmark.

• Safety: Secure valuables at markets; handle crabs carefully to respect vendors.

• Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào” (hello); tip servers $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Health: Stay hydrated ($0.50 or 12,500 VND per bottle); apply mosquito repellent at coastal spots.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Tien Giang’s coastal and culinary highlights:

• Go Cong Coastal Tour ($70–$90/person): Savor sam Gò Công at Tan Thanh Beach, cycle coastal paths, and visit Go Cong’s seafood market. Includes transfers, meals, guide.

• Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Taste horseshoe crabs, My Tho noodle soup, and join coconut candy workshops. Includes eco-transfers, meals, guide.

• My Tho Cultural Tour ($60–$80/person): Enjoy sam Gò Công at My Tho’s night market, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, and experience “Don Ca Tai Tu” music. Includes eco-transfers, lunch, guide.

• Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450/person, 2–3 days): Explore Go Cong, My Tho’s markets, and homestays ($10–$25/night). 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 around this page!

Go Cong Horseshoe Crabs (sam Gò Công), a succulent delicacy from Tien Giang Region, Dong Thap Province’s coastal bounty, 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City, blend rich eggs with fresh herbs and zesty sauces like lime and chili, priced at $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) per serving, inviting foodies to savor Mekong Delta traditions at lively Go Cong Markets or vibrant My Tho dining scenes. This unique dish, harvested sustainably from Go Cong’s mudflats, captures the region’s seafood heritage and draws culinary enthusiasts yearly. Legend Travel Group’s Tien Giang Tours ensure a responsible, immersive Tien Giang Travel experience, blending eco-friendly practices like low-impact fishing and community-led conservation with visits to Vinh Trang Pagoda, Thoi Son Islet, and other local specialties like hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho ($1–$2, 25,000–50,000 VND). Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to taste Tien Giang’s coastal treasure? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into the Mekong Delta’s flavorful heart!

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:

• Go Cong Horseshoe Crabs Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vietnamnews.vn, deluxegrouptours.vn, vietfuntravel.com.vn, mekong-delta-tours.com, scootersaigontour.com