Discover Long An’s iconic fish sauce hotpot, lẩu mắm, with our guide to eco-friendly tours, top restaurants, and costs. Book sustainable culinary adventures with Legend Travel Group!
Capture the bold flavors of Long An’s culinary masterpieceNestled in the lush Mekong Delta, Long An Province, now encompassing Tay Ninh Ward, is renowned for its lẩu mắm(fish sauce hotpot), a bold and aromatic dish that captures the region’s culinary soul. This vibrant hotpot, enriched with fermented fish sauce, fresh river seafood, and seasonal greens, offers a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, drawing thousands of food enthusiasts annually. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, curates eco-friendly culinary tours that immerse you in the preparation and enjoyment of lẩu mắm while supporting local communities. Start your foodie adventure—book our tours via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
As of July 1, 2025, Tay Ninh Province has merged into Long An Province, with Long An City as the administrative center. Vietnam’s streamlined administrative structure (wards/communes and provinces/cities) enhances regional connectivity. Long An’s tourism infrastructure, upgraded with cycling paths, electric boat networks, and a VND700 billion eco-tourism project, ensures seamless access to lẩu mắm dining experiences and attractions.
With over 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group is Southeast Asia’s premier sustainable tour operator, committed to preserving Vietnam’s cultural and environmental heritage. Our Long An tours combine lẩu mắm tastings and cooking classes with eco-friendly transport like bicycles and electric boats, guided by local experts who share the region’s culinary stories. Supporting Long An’s fishers and farmers, we align with the Mekong Delta’s “Green Tourism” 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 journey!
Photograph the savory allure of Long An’s food scene (Source: Internet)Located 50 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Long An Province thrives in a tropical monsoon climate with 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). The Vam Co Dong and Vam Co Tay rivers provide abundant freshwater fish and fertile soils for greens like water spinach and lotus stems, essential for lẩu mắm. With a population of 2.1 million, including Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa communities, Long An’s culinary scene reflects the Mekong Delta’s diversity, with lẩu mắm as a beloved communal dish.
In Tan An, riverside restaurants serve steaming lẩu mắm with fresh fish, shrimp, and seasonal greens like cải bẹ xanhand bông điên điển.
Cost: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND); guided dining tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.
Highlights: Communal hotpot with fish sauce broth, river views, local chef interactions.
Tips: Visit at sunset for ambiance; included in our Long An Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
Tan An’s vibrant Cho Dao Market offers lẩu mắm at bustling food stalls, paired with fresh herbs and rice noodles.
Cost: Free entry; hotpot $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND); guided tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Hours: 5:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Highlights: Sample hotpot with lotus stems, explore local produce, bargain for ingredients.
Tips: Arrive early for the freshest fish; included in our Long An Market Tour ($60–$80).
In Chau Thanh, local families teach hands-on classes to prepare lẩu mắm with fermented fish sauce and river ingredients.
Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM daily.
Highlights: Craft fish sauce broth, select fresh greens, enjoy your hotpot.
Tips: Book in advance; included in our Long An Eco-Food Tour ($75–$95).
Enjoy lẩu mắm on electric boat tours along the Vam Co River, visiting fish farms and lotus fields.
Cost: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND).
Hours: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.
Highlights: On-board hotpot dining, sustainable travel, scenic waterways.
Tips: Best in the rainy season for lush views; included in our Long An Eco-Food Tour ($75–$95).
Experience Long An Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Nha Hang Song Vam (Tan An): A riverside restaurant specializing in lẩu mắm with fresh fish and seasonal greens.
Cost: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).
Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.
Tips: Try the hotpot with river shrimp; reserve for dinner.
Café Mekong View (Tan An): A cozy café offering lẩu mắm-inspired snacks and Vietnamese coffee.
Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Hours: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.
Tips: Great for morning coffee with river views.
Mekong Moon Pub (Tan An): A vibrant pub serving lẩu mắm appetizers and local beers.
Cost: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Hours: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM daily.
Tips: Visit on weekends for live music.
The Mira Central Park Hotel (Tan An): A 4-star hotel with eco-friendly amenities, 10 minutes from dining hubs.
Cost: $50–$90/night (1,250,000–2,250,000 VND).
Amenities: Pool, gym, free breakfast, bicycle rentals.
Tips: Book early for river-view rooms.
Mekong Riverside Homestay (Chau Thanh): A sustainable homestay offering home-cooked lẩu mắm meals.
Cost: $15–$35/night (375,000–875,000 VND).
Amenities: Home-cooked meals, bike rentals, cooking classes.
Tips: Perfect for immersive culinary stays.
Green Bamboo Hotel (Tan An): A budget-friendly hotel near Cho Dao Market and restaurants.
Cost: $25–$50/night (625,000–1,250,000 VND).
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, breakfast, guided tours.
Tips: Ideal for food-focused travelers.
Start your Long An Travel with flavorful vibes (Source: Internet)Rustic Dining: Savor lẩu mắm at riverside restaurants or market stalls ($3–$15 or 75,000–375,000 VND).
Cooking Classes: Learn to craft lẩu mắm with local chefs using fresh ingredients ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND).
Market Tours: Explore Cho Dao Market for fish sauce and greens ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Eco-Boat Dining: Enjoy lẩu mắm on electric boat tours along Vam Co River ($15–$30 or 375,000–750,000 VND).
Cultural Immersion: Visit fish farms or join festivals like Ba Chua Xu (April–May) for traditional hotpot experiences.
Tips:
Bring a reusable tote for market purchases; wear comfortable shoes for cooking classes.
Book guided tours for culinary insights; included in our foodie tours.
Visit August–October for fresh greens and vibrant flavors.
Long An’s lẩu mắm experiences are accessible via Tan An, the province’s transport hub:
By Bus:
Ho Chi Minh City (Mien Tay Bus Station) to Tan An: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND, 1–1.5 hours, 50 km).
My Tho to Tan An: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND, 45 minutes, 40 km).
Providers: Phuong Trang (Futa Bus), Tel: (+84) 1900 6067; Kumho Samco.
By Car/Taxi:
Ho Chi Minh City to Tan An: $20–$35 (500,000–875,000 VND, 1–1.5 hours).
My Tho to Tan An: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND, 45 minutes).
Providers: Mai Linh Taxi (+84) 2723 838 838, Grab app.
By Motorbike:
Ho Chi Minh City to Tan An: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND, 1–1.5 hours).
Rent at Mekong Moto Rentals, HCMC (+84) 938 456 789.
Tips:
Book buses online via VeXeRe or Baolau; arrive 30 minutes early at Mien Tay Bus Station.
Use offline maps (Maps.me); save Cho Dao Market as a landmark.
Learn Long An’s heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Dry Season (December–April): Ideal for outdoor dining and market tours; the Ba Chua Xu Festival (April–May) features traditional hotpot.
Rainy Season (May–November): Lush greenery and fresh harvests; 10–20% tour discounts. August–October is best for vibrant greens and floating markets.
Tips: Book 3–4 weeks in advance for festivals; check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.
Clothing: Lightweight, breathable attire for dry season; waterproof jacket ($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 markets; waterproof shoes for rainy season.
Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella.
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, straw to support sustainability.
Tip: Carry VND (50,000–200,000 notes) for vendors; use a waterproof backpack in rainy season.
Seize the vibrant spirit of Long An Travel (Source: Internet)Market/Dining Entry: Free–$5 (0–125,000 VND).
Activities:
Guided food tours: $5–$20 (125,000–500,000 VND).
Cooking classes: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Boat dining: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND).
Dining: Lẩu mắm and meals at restaurants (e.g., Nha Hang Song Vam, Mekong Moon Pub): $3–$15 (75,000–375,000 VND); drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Accommodation:
Homestays: $15–$35/night (375,000–875,000 VND).
Hotels: $25–$90/night (625,000–2,250,000 VND).
Resorts: $100–$200/night (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND).
Transport to Tan An:
Bus from Ho Chi Minh City: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Taxi from My Tho: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost:
Budget: $25–$50 (bus, street food, market visits).
Mid-range: $50–$100 (guided tours, dining, taxi).
Luxury: $120–$250 (resorts, private tours, upscale dining).
Tip: Carry VND for small transactions; ATMs are available in Tan An.
Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group 3–4 weeks in advance, especially for festivals.
Seasonal Tips:
Dry Season: Ideal for outdoor dining; pack sunscreen and hats.
Rainy Season: Fresh greens; bring waterproof gear.
Sustainability: Support local fishers; use bicycles or electric boats to reduce carbon footprint.
Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me); save Cho Dao Market as a landmark.
Safety: Secure valuables; be cautious with spicy broth if sensitive.
Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào” (hello); tip guides $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Health: Stay hydrated ($0.50 or 12,500 VND per bottle); carry hand sanitizer for street food.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Long An’s lẩu mắm and cultural treasures:
Long An Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Savor lẩu mắm at Cho Dao Market, join a cooking class, and dine riverside. Includes transfers, meals, guide.
Long An Eco-Food Tour ($75–$95/person): Enjoy lẩu mắm on a Vam Co River boat tour and visit fish farms. Includes eco-transfers, snacks, guide.
Mekong Delta Culinary Journey ($350–$500/person, 2–3 days): Discover Long An, My Tho, and Ben Tre with lẩu mắm dining, markets, and homestays. Includes meals, transfers, guide.
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!
Long An’s lẩu mắm is a culinary masterpiece of the Mekong Delta, blending bold fish sauce flavors with fresh river ingredients. Legend Travel Group’s Long An Tours guide you to savor this iconic hotpot, learn from local chefs, and support communities, ensuring a sustainable Long An Travel experience. Plan your lẩu mắm adventure with our guide and book your eco-friendly tour today!
Ready to taste Long An’s legendary fish sauce hotpot? Reserve your culinary tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse in the Mekong Delta’s vibrant flavors!
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
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
