Hau Giang’s Culinary Delights: A Food Lover’s Guide to Mekong Delta Flavors

Hau Giang, a gastronomic jewel in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta now part of Can Tho City, is a paradise for food lovers, drawing over 2 million visitors annually with its bold, fresh flavors and Khmer-Vietnamese heritage. Renowned for dishes like Bun Goi Gia (tamarind noodle soup), Soi Mam (grilled pork on hot pebbles), and Dot Choai (stir-fried fern), Hau Giang’s cuisine reflects its lush wetlands and vibrant markets. From Vi Thanh’s bustling night market to canal-side eateries, the region champions sustainable, local ingredients. Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, offers eco-friendly food tours to immerse you in Hau Giang’s culinary tapestry. Start your foodie 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 committed to sustainable tourism, delivering authentic Mekong Delta experiences with a focus on cultural immersion and environmental care. Our Hau Giang food tours feature eco-friendly transport—bicycles and electric boats—guided by local experts who share the stories behind each dish. Supporting vendors in Vi Thanh and Nga Bay wards, we align with Can Tho City’s “Green Delta” initiative to protect the region’s ecosystems. 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

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, enhancing access to Hau Giang’s culinary hubs through sustainable infrastructure like cycling paths and a VND500 billion flood control project. This makes exploring Hau Giang’s food scene more convenient than ever.

Located 240 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Hau Giang 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 tropical fruits like Cau Duc pineapples and Phu Huu pomelos, Hau Giang’s cuisine thrives in markets, restaurants, and festivals, offering a vibrant taste of the Mekong Delta.

The ideal time to savor Hau Giang’s cuisine is December to April, during the dry season, when warm, sunny weather (25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) enhances outdoor dining at Vi Thanh Night Market and canal-side eateries. This period aligns with fruit harvests and festivals like Tet (January–February), though crowds and prices peak. The rainy season (May–November) offers cooler temperatures (22–30°C or 71.6–86°F), 20–30% discounts, and lush produce, with indoor cooking classes thriving. The Khmer Ok Om Bok Festival (October–November) features vibrant food stalls. Check AccuWeather for May–October updates.

Tip: Book food tours 3–5 weeks in advance for December–April. March–April or October offer milder weather and fewer crowds.

Hau Giang’s cuisine is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Below are the must-try dishes and fruits, perfect for travelers seeking authentic Mekong Delta tastes:

1. Bun Goi Gia (Tamarind Noodle Soup)

A tangy, sweet-sour rice noodle soup with shrimp, pork, banana flower, and chives, served with fish sauce or soybean dip.

• Cost: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Where to Try: Vi Thanh Night Market, Mekong Delights Restaurant.

• Tip: Add chili and kumquat for extra zing. Included in our Hau Giang Foodie Tour ($55–$75).

2. Soi Mam (Grilled Pork on Hot Pebbles)

Marinated pork grilled on sizzling pebbles, wrapped in rice paper with herbs and dipped in sweet-sour sauce.

• Cost: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Where to Try: Vi Thanh Garden Eatery, canal-side stalls.

• Tip: Enjoy the smoky aroma and communal dining. Included in our Hau Giang Foodie Tour ($55–$75).

3. Dot Choai (Stir-Fried Fern)

A crisp, earthy fern stir-fried with garlic, beef, or shrimp, showcasing Hau Giang’s wetland bounty.

• Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Where to Try: Hoa Sen Local Kitchen, Nga Bay Floating Market.

• Tip: Pair with rice for a light meal. Included in our Hau Giang Cultural Tour ($50–$70).

4. Cá Lóc Nướng Trui (Grilled Snakehead Fish)

Whole fish grilled over an open flame, served with herbs, rice paper, and fish sauce.

• Cost: $4–$8 (100,000–200,000 VND).

• Where to Try: Phuoc An Seafood Restaurant, local homestays.

• Tip: Peel the charred skin for tender flesh. Included in our Mekong River Adventure ($55–$75).

5. Bún Nước Lèo (Khmer-Style Noodle Soup)

A fragrant fish-based broth with rice noodles, herbs, and optional fermented fish paste, reflecting Khmer influences.

• Cost: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Where to Try: Song Nuoc Restaurant, Vi Thanh market stalls.

• Tip: Try at breakfast for freshness. Included in our Hau Giang Foodie Tour ($55–$75).

6. Fresh Fruits: Cau Duc Pineapples & Phu Huu Pomelos

Sweet, juicy pineapples and tangy pomelos, perfect as snacks or souvenirs.

• Cost: $0.50–$2/kg (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Where to Try: Nga Bay Floating Market, Cau Duc orchards.

• Tip: Visit in March–April for peak ripeness. Included in our Hau Giang Eco-Tour ($60–$80).

• Vi Thanh Night Market (Vi Thanh Ward): Bustling stalls offering Bun Goi Gia, Soi Mam, and grilled seafood ($1–$6 or 25,000–150,000 VND). Open 5:00 PM–10:00 PM.

• Nga Bay Floating Market (Nga Bay Ward): Canal-side vendors serve noodle soups and fruits ($1–$4 or 25,000–100,000 VND). Best 5:00 AM–11:00 AM.

• Mekong Delights Restaurant (25 Tran Ngoc Que, Vi Thanh): Authentic dishes like Bun Goi Gia ($1.50–$4 or 37,500–100,000 VND). Open 8:00 AM–9:00 PM.

• Song Nuoc Restaurant (10 Nguyen Cong Tru, Vi Thanh): Seafood and Bún Nước Lèo ($3–$12 or 75,000–300,000 VND). Open 9:00 AM–10:00 PM.

• Cooking Classes: Learn to make Bun Goi Gia or Dot Choai ($20–$40 or 500,000–1,000,000 VND). Available via Legend Travel Group tours.

Tip: Visit markets at dawn or dusk for the freshest offerings. Book restaurant tables during festivals like Ok Om Bok (October–November).

Dining

• Street food: $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

• Food tours: $50–$75 (1,250,000–1,875,000 VND).

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

• Boat tours (for market dining): $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

Accommodation (Vi Thanh)

• 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 street food, bike rental).

• Mid-range: $40–$70 (includes restaurant meals, tours).

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

Tip: Carry VND for vendors; use ATMs in Vi Thanh. Book tours early for peak season (December–April) 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 markets and restaurants. Confirm boat prices for canal-side dining.

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

• Sustainability: Support eco-vendors; use reusable straws and bags 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: Apply mosquito repellent at night markets; stay hydrated.

Our sustainable tours showcase Hau Giang’s culinary highlights:

• Hau Giang Foodie Tour ($55–$75/person): Bun Goi Gia, Soi Mam, Dot Choai tasting, cooking class, Vi Thanh Night Market. Includes eco-transfers, meals.

• Mekong River Adventure ($55–$75/person): Nga Bay Floating Market, canal-side dining. Includes electric boat, snacks.

• Hau Giang Cultural Tour ($50–$70/person): Bún Nước Lèo dining, Khmer Pagoda, festivals. Includes bike rentals, lunch.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): All culinary highlights, 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!

Hau Giang Region, Can Tho City, a culinary haven in the Mekong Delta located 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City, enchants with its vibrant celebration of flavors, from the tangy Bun Goi Gia (tamarind noodle soup) to sizzling Soi Mam (fermented fish hotpot) and crisp Dot Choai (fried taro cakes), priced at $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND). Whether dining at Vi Thanh’s night market, tasting fruits at Nga Bay, or learning recipes in cooking classes in Phung Hiep District, Hau Giang offers an unforgettable foodie adventure. Legend Travel Group’s Hau Giang Tours guide you through these delights, ensuring a sustainable Hau Giang Travel experience with eco-friendly practices like locally sourced ingredients and support for community vendors, paired with visits to Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve and Vi Thuy Melaleuca Forest. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Hau Giang’s Mekong magic? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into a world of flavors!

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:

• Hau Giang Cuisine Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group