Discover Quang Binh’s iconic dried sweet potatoes (khoai deo)! Explore its cultural significance, costs, where to buy, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable food tours. Book now!
Capture the sweet essence of Quang Binh’s culinary gem (Source: Internet)Quang Binh, nestled in Quang Tri Province, is renowned for its UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually. Beyond its caves and beaches, Quang Binh’s dried sweet potatoes, or khoai deo, are a beloved specialty, celebrated for their chewy texture and natural sweetness. Grown on the sandy soils of Hai Ninh and Le Thuy, this traditional snack, costing $5–$8 per kg (120,000–200,000 VND), embodies the region’s rustic charm and resilience. A must-try for foodies and eco-tourists, khoai deo is a perfect souvenir from Quang Binh’s vibrant culinary scene.
Quang Binh champions sustainable tourism, with local producers using traditional methods and eco-friendly packaging to preserve khoai deo’s heritage, aligning with Quang Tri’s “Green Tourism” initiative. Legend Travel Group, with over 17 years as Southeast Asia’s leading tour operator, enhances your culinary journey with sustainable food tours, connecting you to Quang Binh’s culture and flavors. Book via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has merged Quang Binh into Quang Tri Province, with Quang Binh now a ward under Dong Hoi City. Use “Quang Binh, Quang Tri” for navigation, but “Quang Binh” remains iconic for tourism, especially for its culinary specialties like khoai deo.
As Vietnam’s travel ambassadors, Legend Travel Group connects food lovers with Southeast Asia’s culinary treasures. Our eco-friendly tours in Quang Binh feature low-impact transport—electric taxis or bicycles—and expert guides sharing insights on local cuisine, culture, and sustainability, ensuring an authentic, immersive experience. Supporting local artisans, we align with Quang Tri’s green goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is seamless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and savor Quang Binh responsibly!
Photograph the sustainable allure of Quang Binh’s specialty (Source: Internet)Khoai deo, Quang Binh’s signature dried sweet potatoes, are crafted from red sweet potatoes grown on the sandy soils of Hai Ninh commune and Le Thuy district. These potatoes, shaped like ginseng roots with orange-yellow flesh, are boiled, thinly sliced, and sun-dried for 10–12 days under Quang Binh’s intense sun, creating a chewy, naturally sweet snack. Some producers in Dong Hoi use modern drying machines to shorten production time while maintaining quality, ensuring year-round availability. A symbol of local ingenuity, khoai deo was historically a vital food source during typhoons, reflecting the resilience of Quang Binh’s people. Priced at $5–$8 per kg (120,000–200,000 VND), it’s a budget-friendly, eco-conscious gift that captures the region’s rustic flavor.
Distinct Flavor: Sweet, chewy, and melt-in-the-mouth texture, enhanced by sandy soil cultivation.
Traditional Craft: Hand-processed with minimal environmental impact, using sun-drying or eco-friendly machines.
Cultural Significance: A symbol of Quang Binh’s hardworking spirit, rooted in coastal farming traditions.
Sustainable Packaging: Often sold in biodegradable bags, supporting green tourism.
Versatile Souvenir: Lightweight, long-lasting (up to 3 months if stored properly), ideal for travelers.
Purchase khoai deo at these top spots in Quang Binh for authentic quality:
Dong Hoi Market:
A bustling hub offering fresh khoai deo from local vendors, best visited at 7:00 AM–10:00 AM.
Cost: $5–$7 per kg (120,000–175,000 VND).
Location: 2 km from Dong Hoi center, 50 km from Phong Nha.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support local farmers; bring reusable bags.
Tip: Look for golden, evenly colored slices; included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Hai Ninh Village (Quang Ninh Commune):
The heart of khoai deo production, with 250+ households crafting this specialty.
Cost: $5–$8 per kg (120,000–200,000 VND).
Location: 30 km from Dong Hoi, 80 km from Phong Nha.
Eco-Friendly Note: Direct purchases support sustainable farming communities.
Tip: Visit via Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Immersion Tour ($80–$120).
Specialty Stores in Dong Hoi:
Shops like Hoang Huy Thanh’s in Dong Hai Ward use modern drying for consistent quality.
Cost: $6–$8 per kg (150,000–200,000 VND), vacuum-packed.
Location: Central Dong Hoi, 50 km from Phong Nha.
Eco-Friendly Note: Eco-friendly packaging; supports local artisans.
Tip: Check for mold-free, golden slices; featured in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Local Festivals (e.g., Dong Hoi Culture Week, April 30–May 1):
Buy khoai deo at stalls during cultural events, best in the evening.
Cost: $5–$7 per kg (120,000–175,000 VND).
Location: Dong Hoi or nearby communes.
Eco-Friendly Note: Community-run stalls; use reusable containers.
Tip: Pair with green tea; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Immersion Tour ($80–$120).
Experience Quang Binh Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Visit from November to April for dry, cool weather (18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F), ideal for exploring markets and villages without rain disruptions. The rainy season (May–October), with temperatures of 24–34°C (75.2–93.2°F), offers lush scenery but risks muddy roads in rural areas like Hai Ninh, especially in September–October. Early mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) are best for vibrant markets with fresh khoai deo and fewer crowds (100–200 daily visitors on weekdays vs. 500–1,000 on weekends), particularly during Tet (January/February). Festivals like Dong Hoi Culture Week (April 30–May 1) provide unique opportunities to buy khoai deo and experience local culture. Purchase within 3 months of production and store in a cool, dry place.
Key khoai deo markets and villages are in Dong Hoi (50 km from Phong Nha) or Hai Ninh (30 km from Dong Hoi):
By Flight to Dong Hoi Airport (VDH):
From Hanoi: 1 hour, $40–$70 (1,000,000–1,750,000 VND) one-way.
From Ho Chi Minh City: 1.5 hours, $45–$80 (1,125,000–2,000,000 VND).
Transfer to Dong Hoi Market: Electric taxi (Xanh SM, $3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND, 10–15 min) or private car ($5–$10 round-trip or 125,000–250,000 VND).
By Train to Dong Hoi Station:
From Hanoi: 9–11 hours, $15–$40 (375,000–1,000,000 VND).
From Hue: 3–4 hours, $8–$15 (200,000–375,000 VND).
Transfer: Local bus ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND, 10 min) or taxi ($3–$5).
By Bus to Dong Hoi:
From Hanoi: 9–10 hours, $15–$20 (375,000–500,000 VND).
From Hue: 3–4 hours, $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND).
By Motorcycle or Car:
Motorcycle: $5–$8/day (125,000–200,000 VND); fuel $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) from Dong Hoi to Hai Ninh.
Car: $40–$60/day (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND); fuel $5–$10.
By Guided Tour (Legend Travel Group):
From Dong Hoi: 1-day foodie tour, $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND), includes market visits, khoai deo tastings, lunch. Navigation Tip: Save “Dong Hoi Market, Quang Tri” or “Hai Ninh, Quang Tri” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Dong Hoi. Parking: $0.40–$0.80 (10,000–20,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or bicycles reduce emissions; guided tours support local vendors.
Safety: Helmets mandatory for motorbikes (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND); confirm taxi fares.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for markets; 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, hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), reusable tote for purchases ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Biodegradable wipes; reusable containers for khoai deo.
Extras: Cash for vendors; notebook for food notes; green tea ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND) to pair with khoai deo.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for purchases ($5–$8), transport ($0.50–$5), or snacks ($0.50–$2); store khoai deo in airtight containers.
Start your Quang Binh Travel with flavorful vibes (Source: Internet)Culinary and Purchase Costs
Dried Sweet Potatoes (Khoai Deo): $5–$8 per kg (120,000–200,000 VND).
Local Meals (e.g., Bánh Lọc): $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Green Tea, Sugarcane Juice): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Tai Crafts): $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).
Guided Foodie Tour: $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND), includes market visits, tastings, lunch.
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Dong Hoi)
Private Car to Hai Ninh: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi to Market: $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND).
Motorcycle: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) fuel; rental $5–$8/day.
Public Bus to Dong Hoi Market: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Bicycle (from Dong Hoi center): $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).
Guided Tour Bus: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND)/person.
Hanoi to Dong Hoi: $17–$100 (425,000–2,500,000 VND, train/flight + taxi).
Parking: $0.40–$0.80 (10,000–20,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$20 (bus, khoai deo, meals).
Mid-range: $30–$50 (taxi, foodie tour, dining).
Luxury: $60–$100 (private car, guided tour, homestay).
Tip: Budget for khoai deo ($5–$8), transport ($0.50–$30), and meals ($1–$3); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).
Timing: Visit markets 7:00–10:00 AM for fresh stock; November–April for dry weather. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–200 vs. 500–1,000 on weekends). Avoid Tet for better availability.
Purchasing: Choose golden, mold-free khoai deo; buy from Hai Ninh or Dong Hoi Market for authenticity. Pair with green tea ($0.50–$1) for balance.
Sustainability: Use reusable bags for purchases; support local artisans. Join guided tours to minimize environmental impact.
Navigation: Save “Dong Hoi Market, Quang Tri” in offline maps; ask vendors for Hai Ninh directions. Avoid night travel due to rural roads.
Safety: Secure valuables in markets; confirm taxi fares. Check khoai deo for quality before buying.
Weather: Dry season for easy market access; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Say “xin chào” to vendors; respect local traditions. Tip vendors $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) for great service.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry hand sanitizer. Store khoai deo in a cool, dry place.
Our eco-friendly tours enhance your khoai deo experience:
Foodie Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Electric taxi from Dong Hoi to Dong Hoi Market and Hai Ninh, with khoai deo tastings, lunch ($1–$3). Includes guide, transport.
Quang Binh Explorer ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Dong Hoi Market, Phong Nha Cave, Tai homestay, khoai deoworkshops. Includes meals, guide.
Central Vietnam Journey ($300–$450/person, 4 days): Private car to Quang Binh, Hue, Hoi An, homestays, with market visits. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Dried sweet potatoes (khoai deo) in Quang Binh, priced at $5–$8 per kg (120,000–200,000 VND), are a sweet, sustainable specialty of this UNESCO-rich region, enchanting 1.5 million visitors yearly, 50 km from Phong Nha. Crafted with care in Hai Ninh and Dong Hoi, this chewy treat reflects Quang Binh’s cultural resilience. Legend Travel Group’s Quang Binh Tours guide you through this culinary adventure with eco-friendly practices, ensuring a sustainable Quang Binh Travel experience filled with flavor and heritage. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready to savor Quang Binh’s khoai deo? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a delicious adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback.
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