Ốc Gạo Tân Phong: A Unique Mekong Delta Delicacy in Tien Giang’s My Tho

Nestled along the Tien River in Tan Phong, a lush islet near My Tho, Tien Giang, Ốc Gạo Tân Phong (Tan Phong rice snails) is a cherished Mekong Delta delicacy. These plump, turquoise-shelled snails, thriving in the region’s alluvial waters, are prized for their sweet, crunchy flesh and versatile preparations, from boiled to stir-fried dishes. A favorite at local homestays and markets, they offer a taste of Tien Giang’s aquatic heritage. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, curates eco-friendly tours to enjoy this delicacy while exploring My Tho’s vibrant culture and waterways. Start your culinary 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 bustling hub, now includes the former Dong Thap Province, enhancing its appeal as a culinary and eco-tourism destination. Upgraded infrastructure, including electric boats and cycling paths, supports sustainable exploration of Tan Phong and My Tho’s attractions, aligning with the “Green Delta” initiative.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group is Southeast Asia’s premier sustainable tour operator, dedicated to showcasing Vietnam’s culinary and cultural treasures. Our Tien Giang tours blend eco-friendly transport—bicycles and electric boats—with authentic tastings of Ốc Gạo Tân Phong, guided by local experts. Supporting Tan Phong’s fishing communities, 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 flavorful, eco-conscious journey!

Ốc Gạo Tân Phong, named for the rice-grain-sized snails found in Tan Phong’s river basins, is a seasonal delicacy harvested from April to May in the lunar calendar. These snails, nurtured by the alluvial Tien River, are celebrated for their tender, sweet flavor. Prepared boiled, stir-fried, or in porridge, they’re paired with tangy fish sauce dips or local rice wine. 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 aquatic ecosystem. Enjoy them on Tan Phong Island or in My Tho’s markets, paired with eco-tours for a true Mekong experience.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• Fresh Tan Phong rice snails (500g, cleaned)

• Ginger (1 small knob, sliced)

• Green onions (2, chopped)

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

• Chili (1, sliced, optional)

• Fish sauce (2 tbsp)

• Lime juice (1 tbsp)

• Sugar (1 tsp)

• Ground black pepper (1/2 tsp)

• Coconut water (1 cup, for stewing, optional)

• Butter (1 tbsp, for stir-frying, optional)

• Accompaniments:

  • Fresh herbs: mint, cilantro, Vietnamese coriander

  • Rice wine (optional, for sipping)

Preparation Methods

1. Boiled Rice Snails (Basic):

   • Rinse snails thoroughly to remove sand. Soak in water with chili or salt for 1–2 hours to purge impurities.

   • Boil snails with ginger slices for 5–7 minutes until shells open. Drain and cool slightly.

   • Mix fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chili, and garlic for a dipping sauce. Serve snails with herbs and rice wine.

2. Stir-Fried Rice Snails with Garlic:

   • Boil snails as above, then extract meat with a toothpick.

   • Sauté garlic in butter, add snail meat, and stir-fry with fish sauce and black pepper for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with green onions.

3. Rice Snail Porridge:

   • Boil snails and extract meat. Cook rice (100g) in 1 liter of water or pork broth until soft. Add snail meat, ginger, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes. Garnish with green onions and herbs.

4. Stewed Rice Snails in Coconut Water:

   • Boil snails, extract meat, and simmer in coconut water with ginger and fish sauce for 10–15 minutes. Serve with herbs.

Tips: Use ginger to neutralize the snails’ odor; serve with rice wine for an authentic experience. Ensure snails are fresh for optimal flavor.

1. Tan Phong Island Homestays

Savor homemade Ốc Gạo Tân Phong at rustic homestays, prepared with freshly harvested snails.

• Cost: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) per serving.

• Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Fresh snails, canal views, warm hospitality.

• Tips: Pair with a boat tour; included in our Thoi Son Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

2. My Tho Night Market

A vibrant food hub on 30/4 Street, offering Ốc Gạo Tân Phong at affordable stalls.

• Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per serving.

• Hours: 6:00 PM–11:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Lively atmosphere, diverse Mekong dishes, budget-friendly.

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

3. Mekong Taste Restaurant (My Tho)

A riverside eatery serving refined Ốc Gạo Tân Phong dishes with premium ingredients.

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

• Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Elegant presentation, riverfront seating, diverse menu.

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

4. Chợ Gạo Food Market

A bustling market 10 km from My Tho, offering Ốc Gạo Tân Phong alongside local produce.

• Cost: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND) per serving.

• Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.

• Highlights: Authentic preparation, vibrant market vibe, fresh snails.

• Tips: Visit early for the best selection; included in our Chợ Gạo Eco-Tour ($70–$90).

• Taste at Homestays: Enjoy Ốc Gạo Tân Phong at Tan Phong homestays for an authentic, farm-to-table experience.

• Join Cooking Workshops: Learn to prepare rice snails on Tan Phong Island, guided by local chefs ($5–$15 or 125,000–375,000 VND).

• Pair with Eco-Tours: Combine tastings with canal cruises, orchard visits, or cycling through Tan Phong for a full Mekong adventure.

• Explore Markets: Sample snails at My Tho or Chợ Gạo markets, alongside other specialties like Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho.

• Cultural Immersion: Savor snails with rice wine and “Don Ca Tai Tu” music performances for a cultural feast.

• Tips:

  • Request extra ginger in the dipping sauce to enhance flavor.

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

  • Visit from April to May (lunar calendar) for peak snail season.

My Tho, Tien Giang’s hub, is the gateway to Tan Phong (accessible by boat from My Tho):

• By Bus to My Tho, then Boat:

  • 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 Tan Phong by boat (Cai Be Pier): $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND, 10–15 minutes).

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

• By Car/Taxi to My Tho, then Boat:

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

  • My Tho to Tan Phong by boat: $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND).

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

• By Motorbike to My Tho, then Boat:

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

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

• Tips:

  • Book buses via VeXeRe or Baolau for convenience.

  • Use offline maps (Maps.me); save Cai Be Pier as a landmark.

  • Included in our Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450) for seamless transfers.

• Dry Season (December–April): Ideal for outdoor dining and island visits; Tet (January–February) features festive snail dishes.

• Rainy Season (May–November): Peak snail harvest season (April–May, lunar calendar); enjoy 10–20% tour discounts.

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

Pack for a sustainable island 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 island visits; waterproof shoes for rainy season.

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

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

• Ốc Gạo Tân Phong: $1–$7 (25,000–175,000 VND) per serving, depending on venue.

• Activities:

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

  • Boat tours to Tan Phong: $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 VND).

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

• Dining (Other Dishes): Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho, bánh bèo at eateries: $2–$8 (50,000–200,000 VND); drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Accommodation (My Tho):

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

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

  • Resorts: $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).

  • Boat from My Tho to Tan Phong: $3–$7 (75,000–175,000 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 snail season (April–May, lunar calendar).

• Seasonal Tips:

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

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

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

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); save Tan Phong Island dock as a landmark.

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

• Cultural Respect: Greet locals 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 on Tan Phong.

Our eco-friendly tours showcase Tien Giang’s culinary and cultural gems:

• Tan Phong Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Savor Ốc Gạo Tân Phong, cycle through orchards, and enjoy canal cruises. Includes boat transfers, meals, guide.

• Tien Giang Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Taste rice snails, Hủ Tiếu Mỹ Tho, and join coconut candy workshops. Includes eco-transfers, meals, guide.

• My Tho Cultural Tour ($60–$80/person): Enjoy Ốc Gạo Tân Phong 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 Tan Phong, My Tho’s markets, Cai Be Floating Market, 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!

Ốc Gạo Tân Phong is a crunchy, flavorful taste of Tien Giang’s Mekong Delta heritage, showcasing the region’s unique rice snails in rustic dishes. From Tan Phong’s serene homestays to My Tho’s vibrant markets, this delicacy invites foodies to savor local traditions. Legend Travel Group’s Tien Giang Tours let you enjoy these snails while exploring Tien Giang’s waterways and culture, ensuring a sustainable Tien Giang Travel experience. Plan your culinary adventure with our guide and book your eco-tour today!
Ready to taste Tien Giang’s rice snail 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, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group