Discover Long An’s iconic grilled snakehead fish with our guide to eco-friendly food tours, top restaurants, and costs. Book sustainable culinary adventures with Legend Travel Group!
Capture the smoky essence of Long An’s culinary highlightNestled in the fertile Mekong Delta, Long An Province, now encompassing Tay Ninh Ward, is a culinary gem renowned for its cá lóc nướng trui (grilled snakehead fish), a dish that captivates with its smoky, savory flavor and vibrant accompaniments. This rustic delicacy, served with fresh herbs, vermicelli, and tangy chili sauce, draws food lovers to Long An’s riverside eateries and markets, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers eco-friendly culinary tours that immerse you in the preparation and enjoyment of this iconic dish while supporting local communities. Start your foodie journey—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 its culinary hotspots and attractions.
With over 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group is Southeast Asia’s premier sustainable tour operator, dedicated to preserving Vietnam’s cultural and environmental heritage. Our Long An tours combine visits to local eateries and markets with eco-friendly transport like bicycles and electric boats, guided by experts who share the region’s culinary traditions. Supporting Long An’s farmers and chefs, 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 experience!
Photograph the cultural 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 snakehead fish, a staple of Mekong Delta cuisine. With a population of 2.1 million, including Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa communities, Long An’s culinary scene blends rustic flavors with cultural diversity, making cá lóc nướng trui a must-try dish.
In Tan An, riverside restaurants grill fresh snakehead fish over open flames, served with bean sprouts, dill, and chili sauce.
Cost: $4–$12 (100,000–300,000 VND); guided dining tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.
Highlights: Smoky fish wrapped in rice paper, scenic river views, local chef interactions.
Tips: Visit at sunset for ambiance; included in our Long An Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
Tan An’s Cho Dao Market offers freshly grilled snakehead fish at vibrant food stalls, perfect for street food lovers.
Cost: Free entry; dishes $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND); guided tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Hours: 5:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Highlights: Sample fish with fresh herbs, explore local produce, bargain for snacks.
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 cá lóc nướng trui using traditional methods.
Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM daily.
Highlights: Grill fish over straw, learn herb pairings, enjoy your creation.
Tips: Book in advance; included in our Long An Eco-Food Tour ($75–$95).
Combine snakehead fish dining with 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 grilled fish meals, sustainable travel, scenic waterways.
Tips: Best in the rainy season for lush views; included in our Long An Eco-Food Tour ($75–$95).
Learn Long An’s culinary heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Nha Hang Song Vam (Tan An): A riverside eatery specializing in cá lóc nướng trui with fresh herbs and rice paper.
Cost: $4–$15 (100,000–375,000 VND).
Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.
Tips: Reserve a riverside table; try the fish salad.
Café Mekong View (Tan An): A cozy café offering snakehead fish spring rolls 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.
Soi Da Pub (Tan An): A vibrant pub serving snakehead fish snacks 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 snakehead fish 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.
Seize the flavorful spirit of Long An Travel (Source: Internet)Rustic Dining: Savor cá lóc nướng trui at riverside restaurants or market stalls ($2–$15 or 50,000–375,000 VND).
Cooking Classes: Learn to grill snakehead fish with local chefs ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND).
Market Tours: Explore Cho Dao Market for fresh fish and ingredients ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Eco-Boat Dining: Enjoy grilled fish 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 dishes.
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 during the dry season for comfortable dining experiences.
Long An’s culinary scene is 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.
Capture the authentic charm of Long An’s food culture (Source: Internet)Dry Season (December–April): Ideal for outdoor dining and market tours; the Ba Chua Xu Festival (April–May) features traditional dishes.
Rainy Season (May–November): Fresh fish harvests and lush scenery; 10–20% tour discounts. August–October is great for combining dining with 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.
Embrace the vibrant spirit of Long An Travel adventures (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: Meals at restaurants (e.g., Nha Hang Song Vam, Soi Da Pub): $2–$15 (50,000–375,000 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 festival seasons.
Seasonal Tips:
Dry Season: Ideal for outdoor dining; pack sunscreen and hats.
Rainy Season: Fresh fish; 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 sauces 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 grilled snakehead fish and cultural treasures:
Long An Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Savor cá lóc nướng trui at Cho Dao Market, join a cooking class, and visit riverside eateries. Includes transfers, meals, guide.
Long An Eco-Food Tour ($75–$95/person): Enjoy snakehead fish on a Vam Co River boat tour and explore 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 snakehead fish 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!
Begin your Long An Tours with a savory adventure (Source: Internet)Long An’s grilled snakehead fish is a culinary highlight of the Mekong Delta, offering smoky flavors and vibrant cultural experiences. Legend Travel Group’s Long An Tours guide you to savor this iconic dish, learn from local chefs, and support communities, ensuring a sustainable Long An Travel journey. Plan your cá lóc nướng trui adventure with our guide and book your eco-friendly tour today!
Ready to taste Long An’s legendary grilled snakehead fish? Reserve your culinary tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into the Mekong Delta’s rich flavors!
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: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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