Savor the famous blood cockles of O Loan Lagoon in Phu Yen! Discover culinary experiences, costs, transport, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable food tours. Book your seafood adventure now!
Capture the savory essence of Dak Lak’s culinary gemO Loan Lagoon, a brackish water gem in Phu Yen, located 25 km north of Tuy Hoa and 460 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, is renowned for its succulent blood cockles (sò huyết), drawing food enthusiasts and travelers to its serene shores. Following Vietnam’s 2025 administrative changes, this National Treasure, spanning 1,570 hectares, attracts over 20,000 visitors annually, especially during the Lunar January Boat Racing Festival. With dishes priced at $1.50–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND), O Loan’s blood cockles offer a taste of Phu Yen’s rich maritime heritage, making it a must-visit for eco-conscious foodies.
Nestled beneath Quan Cau Pass, O Loan Lagoon combines stunning scenery with sustainable aquaculture, producing cockles with vibrant red flesh and rich flavor due to its unique freshwater-saltwater balance. The tropical climate (dry season: January–August, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F; rainy season: September–December, 20–28°C or 68–82.4°F) enhances year-round dining experiences. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly food tours guide you through this culinary haven, supporting local fishers and sustainable practices. Book via links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s 2025 restructuring merged Phu Yen into Dak Lak Province, with Phu Yen and Tuy Hoa now wards. O Loan Lagoon, in Phu Yen, remains a key culinary destination, easily accessible from Tuy Hoa, a central hub 25 km away.
With over 17 years as Southeast Asia’s leading sustainable tourism operator, Legend Travel Group crafts eco-friendly culinary tours in Phu Yen, blending gastronomic adventures with cultural immersion. Our low-impact transport (electric scooters, boats) and English-speaking guides share insights on local seafood traditions, sustainable fishing, and green practices. Supporting Phu Yen’s fishing communities, our tours align with Vietnam’s sustainability goals. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Sign up for a Legend Travel Group account to track our guides and book eco-tours via links on this page!
Dive into the flavorful charm of Dak Lak Travel (Source: Internet)O Loan Lagoon’s blood cockles are a Phu Yen specialty, prized for their sweet, slightly salty flavor and vibrant red blood, thriving in the lagoon’s ideal brackish waters rich in microalgae. Harvested by skilled local divers, these cockles are prepared fresh, often grilled, steamed, or stir-fried, and served with tangy dips like salt, pepper, and lime or muối kiến vàng (yellow ant salt). Sustainable aquaculture practices, including regulated harvesting and ecosystem preservation, ensure the lagoon’s biodiversity, supporting over 100 marine species. Dining on a wherry boat while cruising the lagoon, framed by Dong Chay and Cam Mountains, elevates this culinary experience, making it a hallmark of Phu Yen’s seafood culture.
These sustainable activities, costing $1.50–$15, blend food and nature:
Savor grilled blood cockles with scallion oil, best at 5:00 PM, costing $1.50–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) at lagoon-side stalls. Enjoy sunset views.
Cost: $1.50–$3; boat dining $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose stalls with biodegradable utensils; support local fishers.
Tip: Try at Quan Cau Pass eateries; included in Legend Travel Group’s O Loan Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Learn to prepare stir-fried cockles with tamarind, best at 10:00 AM, with guided workshops at $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND). Master local recipes.
Cost: $5–$10; market visits free.
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use sustainable ingredients; avoid plastic packaging.
Tip: Book at Chi Thanh markets; included in Legend Travel Group’s Phu Yen Culinary Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Eat cockle congee on a lagoon boat tour, best at 4:00 PM, costing $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) for boat and $1.50–$3 for dishes. Watch divers at work.
Cost: $3–$5 (boat); $1.50–$3 (dishes).
Hours: Daily, 3:00 PM–7:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use eco-friendly boats; respect marine life.
Tip: Book boats at An Hai dock; included in Legend Travel Group’s O Loan Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Tour sustainable cockle farms, best at 8:00 AM, with guided visits at $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND). Learn about eco-aquaculture practices.
Cost: $3–$5; entry free.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support regulated farming; avoid disturbing harvest areas.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; included in Legend Travel Group’s Phu Yen Rural Eco-Tour ($100–$150).
Taste cockles during the Lunar January 7 festival, best at 6:00 PM, with free entry and dishes at $1.50–$3. Enjoy cultural performances.
Cost: Free; dishes $1.50–$3.
Hours: Seasonal, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support biodegradable festival materials; respect traditions.
Tip: Plan for Lunar January; included in Legend Travel Group’s Phu Yen Cultural Eco-Tour ($100–$150).
Experience Dak Lak Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Visit from January to August for dry, warm weather (22–30°C or 71.6–86°F), ideal for boat dining and farm tours. The rainy season (September–December) enhances lagoon scenery but may limit boat trips, requiring rain gear. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see 50–100 visitors at dining spots, compared to 200–500 during weekends and the Lunar January Boat Racing Festival. Early mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) are best for farm visits, while late afternoons (4:00–7:00 PM) suit scenic dining with sunset views.
O Loan Lagoon, in Phu Yen, is 25 km from Tuy Hoa (30–45 min) and 460 km from Ho Chi Minh City (7–8 hours):
By Private Car: Drive 30–45 min from Tuy Hoa via National Highway 1A, costing $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 30–45 min from Tuy Hoa, $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND) one-way. Use Xanh SM app.
By Motorcycle: Ride from Tuy Hoa, 30–45 min, $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) fuel; rental $7–$12/day (175,000–300,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Public Bus + Xe Om: Bus from Tuy Hoa to Chi Thanh (25 min, $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND), then xe om to the lagoon (10 min, $1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND). Total: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND) round-trip.
By Flight + Taxi: Fly to Tuy Hoa Airport (VTS) from Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour, $30–$60 or 750,000–1,500,000 VND), then Xanh SM taxi to the lagoon (40 min, $8–$12 or 200,000–300,000 VND).
Navigation Tip: Save “O Loan Lagoon, Phu Yen” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Quan Cau Pass. Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or bicycles reduce emissions; group buses lower impact.
Safety: Secure valuables; confirm taxi/xe om fares.
Learn Dak Lak’s coastal legacy with expert insights (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable trip:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes; waterproof jacket ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) for rainy season.
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 apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Culinary Gear: Small backpack, reusable tote for market purchases ($1–$2).
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Biodegradable wipes; reusable containers for leftovers.
Extras: Cash for vendors; notebook for recipe notes.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for dining ($1.50–$3) or souvenirs ($2–$5).
Culinary and Activity Fees
Blood Cockles (Per Dish): $1.50–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Blood Cockles (Per Kg): $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND).
Wherry Boat Dining: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Cooking Workshop: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Cockle Farm Tour: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Festival Dishes: $1.50–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Eco-Homestay with Meal: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).
Snacks (e.g., Sticky Rice): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Coffee): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Local Crafts): $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Tuy Hoa)
Private Car: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $12–$20 (300,000–500,000 VND).
Motorcycle: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) fuel; rental $7–$12/day.
Public Bus + Xe Om: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 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, from Tuy Hoa)
Budget: $5–$15 (bus + xe om, dining).
Mid-range: $20–$35 (taxi, dining, workshop).
Luxury: $50–$80 (private car, premium tour, homestay).
Tip: Budget for dining ($1.50–$3) and transport ($3–$20); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).
Seize the vibrant spirit of Dak Lak Travel (Source: Internet)Timing: Visit at 7:00–10:00 AM for farm tours or 4:00–7:00 PM for dining; January–August for dry weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (50–100 vs. 200–500 during festivals). Plan for Lunar January 7 for the Boat Racing Festival.
Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided culinary experiences. Book boats/workshops at An Hai or Chi Thanh docks.
Sustainability: Choose vendors with biodegradable packaging; bring reusable containers. Support local fishers for snacks ($0.50–$2) or crafts ($2–$5).
Navigation: Save “O Loan Lagoon, Phu Yen” in offline maps; ask locals at Quan Cau Pass for dining spots.
Safety: Secure valuables; confirm boat/taxi fares. Check weather for safe boating.
Weather: Dry season for easy access; rainy season needs rain gear ($3–$7) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; respect fishing traditions. Avoid loud noises during festivals.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase O Loan Lagoon’s culinary treasures:
O Loan Food Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Electric scooter and boat from Tuy Hoa for cockle tasting, boat dining, and cooking workshop, with local lunch ($1.50–$3). Includes guide, transport.
Phu Yen Culinary Eco-Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): O Loan cockles, Tuy Hoa markets, and eco-homestay. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Phu Yen Coastal & Culinary Explorer ($250–$400/person, 3 days): O Loan Lagoon, Ganh Da Dia, Bò Một Nắng tasting, and homestays. Includes meals, guides. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Sign up for an account to track tours and book now via links!
O Loan Lagoon in Phu Yen Ward, Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen), captivates with its blood cockles, a culinary delight offering sweet, vibrant flavors in dishes like grilled cockles and porridge, priced at $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND), drawing thousands within Dak Lak’s 1 million annual visitors, located 440 km from Ho Chi Minh City. This 1,575-hectare brackish lagoon in Tuy An District blends coastal seafood heritage with sustainable aquaculture, featuring eco-friendly boat dining and farm tours during the O Loan Lagoon Festival (7th day of the 1st lunar month). Legend Travel Group’s Dak Lak Tours ensure a green, immersive Dak Lak Travel experience, guiding you through cockle tastings, boat cruises, and visits to nearby Ganh Da Dia and Mang Lang Church, preserving the region’s allure with community-led conservation. Don’t miss out—sign up for a Legend Travel Group account, browse our featured tours, and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to savor O Loan Lagoon’s blood cockles in Dak Lak? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable culinary eco-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:
O Loan Lagoon and Blood Cockles Information: vietnam.travel, vinpearl.com, phuyentour.vn, vietnamcoracle.com, vietnamtourism.org.vn, en.baophuyen.vn, asiamystika.com, rosaalbaresort.com
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
