Nha Trang Huynh De Crab Guide: Savor Vietnam’s Luxurious Seafood Delicacy

A Rare Seafood Treasure with Cultural Roots

Nha Trang, located in Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, is a coastal gem 440 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, renowned for its vibrant seafood scene, drawing over 4 million visitors annually. Among its delicacies, the Huynh De crab stands out as a luxurious, rare treat, costing $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND) per kg. Known as the “King of Seafood,” this turtle-shaped crab, with its sweet, meaty flesh, is a must-try in Nha Trang’s tropical climate (dry season: January–August, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F; rainy season: September–December, 24–28°C or 75.2–82.4°F). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable seafood tours, featuring eco-friendly dining practices, ensure a responsible culinary experience. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your gastronomic journey!

Administrative Note

Ninh Thuan Province has merged into Khanh Hoa Province, with Nha Trang city reclassified as Nha Trang Ward. For global tourists, “Nha Trang” remains the key term. Use “Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa” in navigation apps for accuracy.

With over 17 years as Southeast Asia’s leading sustainable tourism operator, Legend Travel Group crafts eco-friendly culinary tours in Nha Trang, tailored for food enthusiasts seeking authentic seafood experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like electric taxis and partner with restaurants prioritizing sustainable sourcing, guided by English-speaking experts sharing local culinary and Cham cultural insights. Supporting local fishermen, we align with Khanh Hoa’s “Blue Tourism” initiative. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our eco-tours via links throughout this guide for a responsible dining adventure!

Huynh De crabs, named after a legendary king who savored their rich flavor during a sea voyage, are a rare delicacy in Nha Trang’s 507 km² bay, caught 10–20 km offshore. Their distinctive turtle-like shape, red-orange shell, and meaty, sweet flesh set them apart, with prices reflecting their scarcity ($20–$50/kg vs. $5–$15/kg for common crabs). Sourced sustainably from local fisheries, these crabs are prepared in eco-conscious restaurants using minimal waste methods, preserving Nha Trang’s marine ecosystem. Whether boiled or roasted, Huynh De crabs offer a taste of coastal luxury, making them a highlight of any visit, just a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City.

These eco-friendly dining experiences, costing $10–$50, showcase Huynh De crabs’ exquisite flavor:

1. Boiled Huynh De Crab at Ben Cang Seafood Restaurant

Savor boiled crabs with lemon-pepper dip, best at 6:00 PM, for $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND) per kg, highlighting natural sweetness.

• Cost: $20–$40/kg; serves 2–3.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–11:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Locally sourced crabs; biodegradable utensils.

• Tip: Visit at No. 24 Ngo Quyen Street; included in Legend Travel Group’s Seafood Eco-Tour ($60–$90).

2. Roasted Huynh De Crab at Nha Toi Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy salt-roasted crabs, best at 7:00 PM, for $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) per kg, with a spicy, ocean-fresh taste.

• Cost: $25–$50/kg; serves 2–3.

• Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–11:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Minimal oil cooking; waste composting.

• Tip: Located at No. 24 Ngo Quyen Street; included in Legend Travel Group’s Culinary Adventure Tour ($50–$80).

3. Huynh De Crab Hot Pot at Thanh Hien Seafood Restaurant

Indulge in a fragrant crab broth hot pot, best at 6:30 PM, for $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND) per person, with veggies and noodles.

• Cost: $15–$30/person; minimum 2 people.

• Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Sustainable crab sourcing; reusable serveware.

• Tip: Pick live crabs at the restaurant; included in Legend Travel Group’s Hot Pot Eco-Tour ($70–$100).

4. Steamed Huynh De Crab at Hien Khuong Seafood Restaurant

Taste steamed crabs with lemongrass, best at 5:30 PM, for $20–$45 (500,000–1,125,000 VND) per kg, preserving delicate flavors.

• Cost: $20–$45/kg; serves 2–3.

• Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–10:30 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Energy-efficient steaming; local ingredients.

• Tip: Located at No. 39-59 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street; included in Legend Travel Group’s Seafood Eco-Tour ($60–$90).

5. Huynh De Crab Salad at Vinh Luong Seafood Market

Try a fresh crab salad with green mango, best at 4:00 PM, for $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) per serving, prepared by market vendors.

• Cost: $10–$20/serving; serves 1–2.

• Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM–6:00 PM.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Zero-waste preparation; local produce.

• Tip: Visit at 49 Ngo Gia Tu Street; included in Legend Travel Group’s Market Culinary Tour ($40–$70).

• Dry Season (January–August, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F): Peak crab season (April–July) for larger, meatier Huynh De crabs. Evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) offer pleasant dining by the sea; weekdays see fewer crowds (5,000–10,000 daily visitors) than weekends (20,000–30,000).

• Rainy Season (September–December, 24–28°C or 75.2–82.4°F): Smaller crabs but richer roe; indoor dining recommended. Midday (12:00–3:00 PM) avoids showers. Quieter post-Tet (5,000–10,000 daily visitors).

• Tip: Visit during Nha Trang Sea Festival (June, biennial) for seafood events; check AccuWeather for storm alerts (October–November).

Nha Trang Ward is 440 km from Ho Chi Minh City, with seafood spots 2–10 km from the center:

• By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): From Cam Ranh Airport to Nha Trang Ward (40 min, 35 km), $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND); to Ben Cang or Vinh Luong Market (10–20 min), $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND). Book via Xanh SM app.

• By Hybrid Bus: From Nha Trang center to Ngo Quyen Street or Nguyen Tat Thanh Street (10–15 min), $0.30–$0.80 (7,000–20,000 VND). Use BusMap app.

• By Bicycle: Rent in Nha Trang Ward ($2–$5/day), 15–30 min to Ben Cang, emission-free for short trips.

• By Motorcycle: Rent in Nha Trang Ward ($5–$10/day), 10–20 min to markets, $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) fuel. Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).

• By Legend Travel Group Tour: Electric taxi or hybrid bus to restaurants/markets, $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND)/person, including guide.

• From Ho Chi Minh City: Fly to Cam Ranh Airport (45 min, $30–$60 or 750,000–1,500,000 VND), then taxi ($10–$15); or sleeper train (7–9 hours, $15–$30), then cyclo ($1–$2). Navigation Tip: Save “Ben Cang, 24 Ngo Quyen, Nha Trang” or “Vinh Luong Market, 49 Ngo Gia Tu” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Electric taxis and buses reduce emissions; bicycles minimize impact.

• Safety: Secure valuables; confirm fares. Avoid night rides to markets.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable dining adventure:

• Clothing: Light, breathable attire; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season.

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

• Dining Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Xanh SM/BusMap apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).

• Other Gear: Small towel for hand-washing, reusable tote for souvenirs ($1–$2).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Biodegradable wipes; avoid single-use plastics.

• Extras: Cash for vendors; hand-washing solution (tea/lemon) often provided.
  Tip: Carry small VND notes for transport ($0.30–$5), crab dishes ($10–$50), or snacks ($0.50–$2); secure valuables at restaurants.

Huynh De Crab and Related Costs

Dining Costs

• Boiled/Roasted Huynh De Crab: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND)/kg; serves 2–3.

• Huynh De Crab Hot Pot: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND)/person; minimum 2.

• Huynh De Crab Salad: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND)/serving; serves 1–2.

• Side Dishes (Veggies, Noodles): $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Drinks (Water, Coconut): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).

• Souvenirs (Dried Seafood): $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).

Transportation

• Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) from airport; $2–$5 in ward.

• Hybrid Bus: $0.30–$0.80 (7,000–20,000 VND)/trip.

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Motorcycle Rental: $5–$10/day; fuel $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Flight from Ho Chi Minh City: $30–$60 (750,000–1,500,000 VND).

• Train from Ho Chi Minh City: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND).

• Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).

• SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $15–$30 (bus, market salad, snacks).

• Mid-range: $50–$80 (taxi, boiled crab, tour).

• Luxury: $100–$150 (hot pot, premium tour).
  Tip: Budget for crab dishes ($10–$50), transport ($0.30–$15), and extras ($1–$10); carry cash for restaurants and markets (no cards at most sites).

• Timing: Dine 5:00–8:00 PM for fresh catches; January–August for peak crab season (April–July). Weekdays for fewer crowds (5,000–10,000 vs. 20,000–30,000 on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter restaurants.

• Booking: Reserve tables at Ben Cang or Nha Toi for groups; book Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided dining. Select live crabs at restaurants/markets.

• Sustainability: Choose restaurants with sustainable sourcing; avoid plastic utensils. Support local vendors for snacks ($0.50–$2) or dried seafood ($2–$10).

• Dining Etiquette: Eat crabs by hand; dip in lemon-pepper sauce. Use provided tea/lemon solution to clean hands. Say “xin chào” to staff.

• Navigation: Save restaurant/market addresses in offline maps; follow signs from Nha Trang center. Visit markets early (4:00–7:00 AM) for freshest crabs.

• Safety: Watch for allergies; confirm crab prices by weight. Secure valuables at crowded markets.

• Weather: Dry season ideal for outdoor dining; rainy season suits indoor restaurants. Bring rain gear ($2–$5) for September–December. Check AccuWeather.

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

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Nha Trang’s Huynh De crab delicacies:

• Nha Trang Seafood Eco-Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Electric taxi to Ben Cang, boiled Huynh De crab dinner, Vinh Luong Market visit. Includes guide, meal.

• Khanh Hoa Culinary Adventure ($120–$180/person, 2 days): Huynh De crab hot pot at Thanh Hien, VinWonders, homestay ($20–$50/night). Includes meals, guide.

• Vietnam Coastal Food Journey ($300–$450/person, 4 days): Nha Trang Huynh De crabs, Hoi An, Phu Quoc seafood, eco-transfers. Includes meals, guides. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via links!

Huynh De crabs, priced at $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND) per kg, are Nha Trang’s luxurious seafood treasure, offering sweet, meaty flavors in dishes like boiled or roasted specialties. Sourced sustainably, they reflect Nha Trang’s rich marine heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Nha Trang Tours guide you to the finest Huynh De crab experiences, ensuring a sustainable Nha Trang Travel journey filled with unforgettable culinary delights. Sign up for our newsletter to follow new guides and book your Huynh De crab adventure today!
Ready to savor Huynh De crabs in Nha Trang? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable 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.

Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group.