Discover Nguyen Xa Cay Cake Village in Thai Binh, Hung Yen! Learn cay cake making, explore cultural sites, and book sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic culinary adventure.
Nguyen Xa Cay Cake Village, located in Nguyen Xa Commune, Thai Binh, Hung Yen, is a vibrant handicraft hub renowned for its traditional cay cake, attracting over 20,000 visitors annually. Situated 105 km southeast of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, this charming village spans 500 hectares of lush rice fields and cultural landmarks, offering an authentic taste of Vietnamese rural life with entry fees at $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND). It’s a must-visit for foodies, culture enthusiasts, and eco-tourists seeking sustainable experiences.
Thai Binh, now a ward of Hung Yen following Vietnam’s 2025 administrative reform, is the heart of cay cake craftsmanship, where locals transform sticky rice, crab eggs, and tangerine peel into fragrant, rustic delicacies. The village’s cultural heritage, including water puppetry and folk festivals, thrives alongside eco-friendly practices like biodegradable packaging and solar-powered workshops, aligning with Hung Yen’s green initiatives. The temperate climate (dry season: November–April, 15–26°C or 59–78.8°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–33°C or 71.6–91.4°F) ensures year-round exploration. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours immerse you in this culinary haven. Book via the links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s 2025 reform merged Thai Binh province into Hung Yen, with Thai Binh City now a ward. Nguyen Xa Commune remains a key cultural site in Thai Binh, Hung Yen, easily navigated using updated maps referencing “Thai Binh, Hung Yen.”
Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, crafts eco-friendly tours in Thai Binh, perfect for travelers craving authentic culinary and cultural experiences. Our low-impact tours use electric vehicles or bicycles, led by English-speaking guides who share insights into cay cake traditions and local heritage, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting Nguyen Xa’s artisans, we align with Hung Yen’s eco-goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is seamless. Book our tours via the links on this page and explore Thai Binh responsibly
Nestled in Nguyen Xa Commune, Thai Binh, 105 km from Hanoi, this village is a living testament to Vietnam’s culinary artistry, established as a tourism site in the 1990s. Its 500-hectare expanse includes rice fields, traditional stilt houses, and cay cake workshops, where artisans craft the iconic “crab egg cake” using sticky rice, peanuts, sesame, lard, and tangerine peel. The village’s cultural festivals, like Nguyen Xa’s water puppet shows, draw crowds, while sustainable practices, such as recycled materials and local staffing, preserve its charm. Activities like cay cake-making classes, village cycling, and cultural tours make Nguyen Xa a perfect escape for immersive, eco-conscious travelers.
These affordable activities ($0–$5) blend culinary and cultural immersion:
Join a cay cake-making workshop, best at 8:00 AM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), crafting this rustic delicacy with local artisans.
Cost: $3–$5; entry $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Workshops use biodegradable tools; support local artisans.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for hands-on guidance; included in Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($50–$80).
Pedal through rice fields and village lanes, best at 9:00 AM, with bike rentals at $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND), meeting locals.
Cost: $2–$3; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Bikes reduce emissions; stick to paths to protect crops.
Tip: Rent at homestays; carry water for 3–7 km routes.
Enjoy traditional water puppet shows, best at 5:00 PM, for $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND), showcasing Nguyen Xa’s folk tales.
Cost: $2–$4; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Weekends, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Venues use solar lighting; supports performers.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for front-row seats; included in Thai Binh Overnight Tour ($90–$130).
Explore Nguyen Xa’s ancient communal houses, best at 10:00 AM, for free (donations $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND), admiring traditional architecture.
Cost: Free; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walk or cycle to minimize impact.
Tip: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); included in Thai Binh Cultural Tour ($50–$80).
Savor fresh cay cake and banh gai, best at 2:00 PM, for $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND) at village stalls.
Cost: $0.50–$2; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Buy from local vendors to support the community.
Tip: Pair with Vietnamese tea ($0.30 or 7,000 VND).
Visit from November to April for cool, dry weather (15–26°C or 59–78.8°F), ideal for cycling and workshops. The rainy season (May–October) enhances rice field greenery but requires rain gear for muddy paths. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see fewer crowds (50–100 daily visitors) than weekends (200–300), especially during Nguyen Xa’s festival (lunar October), when puppet shows peak. Early mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) offer calm for workshops, while afternoons (2:00–5:00 PM) suit relaxed tasting and tours.
Nguyen Xa, in Thai Binh, Hung Yen, is 105 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 2–2.5 hours:
By Private Car: Drive 2 hours via Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway, costing $35–$55 (875,000–1,375,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 2 hours, $25–$35 (625,000–875,000 VND) one-way; $50–$70 (1,250,000–1,750,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.
By Private Motorcycle: Ride via Highway 1A, 2–2.5 hours, $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND) fuel; rental $5–$8/day (125,000–200,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Public Bus: Bus from Giap Bat to Thai Binh ward (2 hours, $2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), then xe om to Nguyen Xa (5 km, $1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND), totaling $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND) round-trip.
By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Hoan Kiem Ward, 2 hours, $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND)/person for 20+ people, including guide.
From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($45–$65 or 1,125,000–1,625,000 VND, 2.5 hours, 135 km); Xanh SM taxi ($40–$55 or 1,000,000–1,375,000 VND); or Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min) + private car ($25–$35 or 625,000–875,000 VND).
Navigation Tip: Save “Nguyen Xa, Thai Binh, Hung Yen” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Thai Binh ward. Parking: $0.60–$1 (15,000–25,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or group buses reduce emissions; cycling in Nguyen Xa minimizes impact.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; confirm fares.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Light layers, sturdy shoes for villages; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM/BusMap apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, camera for workshop shots.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Notebook for recipe notes; cash for small vendors.
Entry and Activity Fees
Entry: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) adult; free for children under 1.3m.
Cay Cake Workshop: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND).
Water Puppet Show: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Cay Cake/Snacks: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Homestay: $10–$15/night (250,000–375,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Tea): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Cay Cake Packs): $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).
Guided Culinary Tour: $12–$20 (300,000–500,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Private Car: $35–$55 (875,000–1,375,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $50–$70 (1,250,000–1,750,000 VND).
Private Motorcycle: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND) fuel; rental $5–$8/day.
Public Bus + Xe Om: $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND).
Private Tour Bus: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND)/person.
Airport to Nguyen Xa: $45–$65 (1,125,000–1,625,000 VND).
Parking: $0.60–$1 (15,000–25,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $8–$15 (bus + xe om, entry, snacks).
Mid-range: $25–$45 (private car, workshop, guided tour).
Luxury: $70–$100 (Xanh SM taxi, homestay, premium tour).
Tip: Budget for entry ($0.50–$1), activities ($0.50–$5), and transport ($6–$70); carry cash (no cards accepted).
Timing: Visit at 7:00–10:00 AM for cool weather; November–April for dry paths. Weekdays for fewer crowds (50–100 vs. 200–300 on weekends). Avoid lunar October festival for quieter visits.
Booking: Buy entry tickets on-site (QR code e-tickets); reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for workshops or homestays. Book puppet shows at village centers.
Sustainability: Stay on paths to protect rice fields; use reusable bottles. Support artisans with snack ($0.50–$2) or souvenir ($1–$4) purchases.
Navigation: Save “Nguyen Xa, Thai Binh, Hung Yen” in offline maps; ask locals in Thai Binh ward for signs. Avoid night rides due to rural roads.
Safety: Wear sturdy shoes; secure valuables. Confirm fares; carry a flashlight for evening walks.
Weather: Dry season for safe cycling; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and waterproof bags ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at communal houses; say “xin chào” to locals. Avoid touching workshop tools without permission.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Nguyen Xa’s culinary and cultural wonders:
Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Private car to Nguyen Xa for cay cake workshops, village cycling, and puppet shows, with local lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Hung Yen Cultural Escape ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Nguyen Xa, Keo Pagoda, homestay ($10–$15/night), and coastal villages. Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Hung Yen Food Journey ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Nguyen Xa, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ninh Binh’s Trang An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Nguyen Xa Cay Cake Village in Thai Binh, the merged Thai Binh – Hung Yen Province, captivates over 20,000 visitors yearly with entry fees of $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND), located 105 km from Hanoi. From hands-on cay cake (spicy ginger rice cake) workshops to water puppetry performances at Keo Pagoda and serene rice fields, its culinary heritage shines, preserved by sustainable practices like biodegradable packaging and local sourcing. Legend Travel Group’s Thai Binh Tours guide you through this cultural gem, ensuring a sustainable Thai Binh Travel experience with immersive activities like crafting cay cake and cycling village lanes. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to explore Nguyen Xa Cay Cake Village in Thai Binh – Hung Yen Province? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an authentic culinary 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:
Nguyen Xa Cay Cake Village Information: vietnam.travel, baothaibinh.com.vn, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vuadacsan.com.vn
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