Discover Sa Dec Rice Noodle Soup in Dong Thap, a Mekong Delta delicacy. Explore top eateries, costs, and sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group!
Nestled in the vibrant Mekong Delta, now part of Tien Giang Province, Dong Thap Ward is a culinary haven renowned for its iconic Sa Dec Rice Noodle Soup (Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc), a dish that attracts food enthusiasts from across Vietnam and beyond. Celebrated for its tender, chewy noodles and rich pork broth, this specialty, recognized among Vietnam’s top 100 dishes by the Vietnam Record Organization, offers a taste of the region’s cultural heritage. Legend Travel Group, a leading sustainable tour operator, enhances your culinary journey with eco-friendly food tours, connecting you to Dong Thap’s vibrant food scene and local communities. Book your adventure via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
As of July 1, 2025, Dong Thap Province has merged into Tien Giang Province, with My Tho as the administrative center. Dong Thap is now a ward, but its culinary fame, particularly for Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc, remains strong, supported by upgraded infrastructure like cycling paths, electric boat networks, and a VND600 billion flood control project, ensuring easy access to Sa Dec’s dining and attractions.
With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group is Southeast Asia’s premier sustainable tourism operator, dedicated to preserving Vietnam’s culinary and cultural heritage. Our Dong Thap food tours pair dining at top Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc eateries with eco-friendly activities like boat trips and cycling, guided by local experts who share the region’s traditions and sustainable practices. Supporting communities in Dong Thap, My Tho, and Sa Dec, we align with Tien Giang’s “Green Delta” initiative. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our tours via links on this page for an authentic, eco-conscious culinary experience!
Located in Sa Dec City, 150 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Thap Ward is the birthplace of Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc, a rice noodle soup crafted from Sa Dec’s renowned rice flour, a tradition over 100 years old. The region’s tropical monsoon climate features a dry season (December–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) and a rainy season (May–November, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F, with peak rainfall of 100–400 mm in August–October). Known for its milky-white, chewy noodles and flavorful pork broth, this dish is served wet (nước) or dry (khô), with toppings like pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs, making it a Mekong Delta must-try.
Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc stands out for its unique characteristics:
Distinctive Noodles: Made from Sa Dec’s premium rice flour, the noodles are wide, tender, and chewy without being friable, offering a perfect texture.
Rich Broth: Slow-simmered pork bones create a savory, aromatic broth, enhanced with fresh chives, minced garlic, and optional chili paste.
Diverse Toppings: Includes sliced pork, shrimp, pork liver, quail eggs, and crunchy pork skin (bì), paired with fresh herbs, lettuce, and bean sprouts for a balanced flavor.
Cultural Heritage: A century-old culinary tradition, concentrated in Tan Phu Dong Commune, Sa Dec, where rice flour production is a local art, even exported internationally.
Versatile Serving Styles: Choose nước (soup) or khô (dry with broth on the side), customizable with lime, chili, and fish sauce for a personalized taste.
Photo @metrip Pho is soft and great to go with pig bone storage. It is easy to recognize that it is stacked on top of other ingredients, including chopped pork, steamed pork powder, pig organs, green onions, herbs and vegetables from the Chinese community. A new experience related to this specialty is to try it without stocks.
Dine at renowned eateries like Hu Tieu My Ngoc or Di Nam Sa Dec, where you can enjoy nước or khô styles with fresh, local ingredients.
Cost: $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND) per bowl; drinks $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Hours: Typically 7:00 AM–10:00 PM daily.
Highlights: Creamy coconut milk, crunchy pork skin, secret sauce recipes.
Tips: Try khô for a unique texture; included in our Dong Thap Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
Explore traditional noodle-making at Tan Phu Dong’s factories, where rice flour is crafted into Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc noodles, a process perfected over 100 years.
Cost: Tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND); souvenirs (dried noodles) $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM daily.
Highlights: Hands-on noodle-making, buying export-quality dried noodles.
Tips: Book through Sa Dec River Tours (+84) 930 234 789; included in our Dong Thap Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
Join a Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc cooking class to learn the art of crafting noodles and broth, using local ingredients like pork and herbs.
Cost: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Highlights: Hands-on cooking, tasting your creation, farmer market visits.
Tips: Book through local cooperatives; included in our Dong Thap Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
Pair your noodle experience with a visit to Sa Dec Night Market, offering street food like bánh xèo and tangerine juice alongside Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc.
Cost: Meals $2–$8 (50,000–200,000 VND); drinks $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Hours: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM daily.
Highlights: Vibrant food stalls, Sa Giang shrimp crackers.
Tips: Arrive by 6:00 PM for the best selection; included in our Dong Thap Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
Enhance your culinary journey with eco-friendly tours to Sa Dec Flower Village (4 km), Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House (1 km), or Tan Thuan Dong Floating Market (30 km).
Cost: Boat tours $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND); bike rentals $2–$4/day (50,000–100,000 VND).
Highlights: Lotus fields, historical sites, river markets.
Tips: Book through Sa Dec River Tours (+84) 930 234 789; included in our Dong Thap Eco-Tour ($70–$90).
By Bus:
Ho Chi Minh City (Mien Tay Bus Station) to Sa Dec: $10–$18 (250,000–450,000 VND, 3–4 hours).
My Tho to Sa Dec: $4–$7 (100,000–175,000 VND, 1–1.5 hours). Providers: Phuong Trang (+84) 1900 6067.
By Car/Taxi:
Ho Chi Minh City to Sa Dec: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, 3–4 hours). Route: Ho Chi Minh City–Trung Luong Expressway–National Highway 1A–National Route 80.
My Tho to Sa Dec: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND, 1 hour). Providers: Mai Linh Taxi (+84) 2773 686 868, Grab app.
By Motorbike:
Ho Chi Minh City to Sa Dec: $6–$12/day (150,000–300,000 VND, 3–4 hours). Rent at Mekong Moto Rentals (+84) 938 456 789.
Tips:
Book buses online via VeXeRe or Baolau; use offline maps (Maps.me) with Sa Dec Night Market as a landmark.
Transfers included in our Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450).
Dry Season (December–April): Ideal for dining and exploring nearby attractions like Tet flower markets (January–February); book 3–4 weeks in advance.
Rainy Season (May–November): Lush scenery and fewer crowds; 15–25% tour discounts. August–October is great for serene dining.
Tips: Visit in early morning for the freshest Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc; check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.
Hu Tieu My Ngoc (Sa Dec): Famous for its secret sauce and chewy noodles. $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND). Address: 154 Hung Vuong Street, Ward 2. Open: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM. Tel: (+84) 936 789 456.
Di Nam Sa Dec (Sa Dec): Family-run since 1988, offering khô with coconut milk and chili paste. $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND). Address: 75 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 1. Open: 7:00 AM–9:00 PM. Tel: (+84) 938 234 567.
Sa Dec Night Market (Sa Dec): Street stalls with affordable Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc. $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND). Address: Tran Hung Dao Street. Open: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM.
Hotels and Homestays:
Lotus Haven Homestay: Tan Quy Dong, Sa Dec (4 km). $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND). Tel: (+84) 939 123 456.
Mekong Charm Hotel: 120 Tran Hung Dao, Sa Dec (1 km). $25–$60/night (625,000–1,500,000 VND). Tel: (+84) 927 345 678.
Sen Vang Resort: Cao Lanh (35 km). $90–$180/night (2,250,000–4,500,000 VND). Tel: (+84) 913 789 123.
Restaurants:
Nha Hang Sen Viet (Sa Dec, 1 km): Lotus-based dishes, bánh xèo. $4–$15 (100,000–375,000 VND). Open: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Pho Sa Dec (Sa Dec, 1 km): Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc, shrimp crackers. $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND). Open: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Cafes:
Sa Dec River Cafe (Sa Dec, 500 m): Riverside views, coffee $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND). Open: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Lotus Bloom Cafe (Tan Quy Dong, 4 km): Coffee, lotus tea $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND). Open: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Tip: Support local eateries using organic ingredients; carry VND for small vendors.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable culinary visit:
Clothing: Lightweight attire for dry season; waterproof jacket ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season. Modest clothing for cultural sites.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.
Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella.
Tech Gear: Smartphone for photos; portable charger for market visits.
Documents: Passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag for souvenirs (e.g., dried noodles), straw to support sustainability.
Tip: Use a small backpack for convenience; carry VND for street food vendors.
Dining:
Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc: $2–$8 (50,000–200,000 VND) per bowl.
Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Activities:
Noodle factory tours: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Cooking workshops: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Boat tours to nearby attractions: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).
Accommodation:
Homestays: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).
Hotels: $25–$60/night (625,000–1,500,000 VND).
Transport to Sa Dec:
Bus from Ho Chi Minh City: $10–$18 (250,000–450,000 VND).
Taxi from My Tho: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost:
Budget: $20–$50 (homestay, street food, market visits).
Mid-range: $50–$100 (hotel, guided tours, dining).
Luxury: $100–$200 (hotel, private tours, upscale dining).
Tip: Carry VND for small transactions; ATMs are available in Sa Dec and My Tho.
Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222, email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com) 3–4 weeks in advance, especially for Tet or peak season (December–April).
Seasonal Tips:
Dry Season: Ideal for dining and exploring markets; pack sunscreen.
Rainy Season: Lush scenery; bring waterproof gear.
Sustainability: Support restaurants using local ingredients; avoid single-use plastics.
Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); save Hu Tieu My Ngoc as a landmark.
Safety: Secure valuables at busy markets; confirm prices before ordering.
Cultural Respect: Greet staff with “xin chào” (hello); tip servers $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) for excellent service.
Health: Stay hydrated ($0.50 or 12,500 VND per bottle); apply mosquito repellent near waterways.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc and beyond:
Dong Thap Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Dine at Hu Tieu My Ngoc or Di Nam Sa Dec, visit Sa Dec Night Market, join a Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc cooking class. Includes eco-transfers, meals, guide.
Dong Thap Eco-Tour ($70–$90/person): Enjoy Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc, cycle through Sa Dec Flower Village, take an electric boat tour in Tram Chim National Park. Includes transfers, snacks, guide.
Dong Thap Cultural Tour ($60–$80/person): Pair Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc dining with visits to Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, Thap Muoi Lotus Festival. Includes eco-transfers, lunch, guide.
Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450/person, 2–3 days): Savor Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc, explore Xeo Quyt, stay at homestays ($15–$30/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!
Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc, a rice noodle soup from Sa Dec City in Dong Thap Province, 130 km from Ho Chi Minh City, is a culinary masterpiece blending tender pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs in a fragrant broth, priced at $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), showcasing the Mekong Delta’s rich heritage and drawing food lovers yearly. Savor this iconic dish at bustling Sa Dec Market or local eateries, paired with sustainable practices like locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. Legend Travel Group’s Dong Thap Tours ensure a responsible, immersive Dong Thap Travel experience, combining culinary adventures with visits to Sa Dec Flower Village, Tram Chim National Park ($2–$5 entry, 50,000–125,000 VND), and cultural sites like Nguyen Sinh Sac Tomb, all supported by community-led conservation. Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to taste the iconic Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in the Mekong Delta’s culinary charm!
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:
Hủ Tiếu Sa Đéc Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, mekong-delta-tours.com, vietnamamazingtours.com, scootersaigontour.com, tripadvisor.com
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