Discover Long An’s iconic sticky rice cake, bánh tét, with our guide to eco-friendly tours, top restaurants, and costs. Book sustainable culinary adventures with Legend Travel Group!
Capture the savory essence of Long An’s culinary treasureNestled in the vibrant Mekong Delta, Long An Province, now encompassing Tay Ninh Ward, is celebrated for its bánh tét, a cylindrical sticky rice cake that symbolizes prosperity and tradition, especially during Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year). This southern Vietnamese delicacy, filled with mung beans, pork, and wrapped in banana leaves, captivates with its rich, savory flavor and cultural significance. Drawing thousands of visitors annually, Long An’s markets and kitchens offer an authentic taste of this culinary gem. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, curates eco-friendly tours that immerse you in the art of bánh tét making while supporting local communities. Start your culinary 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 easy access to bánh tét culinary experiences 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 bánh tét tastings and cooking classes with eco-friendly transport like bicycles and electric boats, guided by local experts who share the region’s culinary traditions. Supporting Long An’s artisans 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 experience!
Photograph the vibrant tradition of Long An’s heritage (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 fertile soils, nourished by the Vam Co Dong and Vam Co Tay rivers, produce the glutinous rice essential for bánh tét. With a population of 2.1 million, including Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa communities, Long An’s culinary scene reflects southern Vietnam’s vibrant heritage, with bánh tét as a cultural cornerstone, especially during Tet.
In Tan An, local families offer hands-on classes to craft bánh tét, teaching traditional wrapping and cooking techniques.
Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM daily.
Highlights: Prepare mung bean and pork fillings, wrap in banana leaves, enjoy your creation.
Tips: Book in advance; included in our Long An Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
Tan An’s bustling Cho Dao Market features vendors selling freshly made bánh tét and festive variations.
Cost: Free entry; cakes $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND); guided tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Hours: 5:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.
Highlights: Sample sweet and savory bánh tét, explore Tet specialties, interact with vendors.
Tips: Visit during Tet for festive vibes; included in our Long An Market Tour ($60–$80).
Restaurants along the Vam Co River serve bánh tét with Mekong Delta dishes like grilled snakehead fish.
Cost: $4–$15 (100,000–375,000 VND); guided dining tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.
Highlights: Pair bánh tét with fish sauce, enjoy river views, cultural storytelling.
Tips: Reserve for sunset dining; included in our Long An Eco-Food Tour ($75–$95).
During Tet (January–February), Long An hosts workshops to learn bánh tét making with festive celebrations.
Cost: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).
Hours: Varies by festival schedule.
Highlights: Craft festive bánh tét, join Tet markets, experience cultural performances.
Tips: Book early for Tet; included in our Long An Cultural Tour ($65–$85).
Experience Long An Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Nha Hang Pho Nuoc (Tan An): A riverside restaurant serving bánh tét with Mekong Delta specialties like lẩu mắm.
Cost: $4–$15 (100,000–375,000 VND).
Hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.
Tips: Try bánh tét with pork stew; reserve for dinner.
Café Cho Dao (Tan An): A cozy café offering bánh tét slices and Vietnamese coffee near the market.
Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Hours: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.
Tips: Perfect for morning coffee with market views.
Mekong Breeze Pub (Tan An): A lively pub with bánh tét 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 Cho Dao Market.
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 (Tan An): A sustainable homestay offering home-cooked bánh tét meals.
Cost: $15–$35/night (375,000–875,000 VND).
Amenities: Home-cooked meals, bike rentals, cultural tours.
Tips: Ideal for immersive culinary stays.
Green Bamboo Hotel (Tan An): A budget-friendly hotel near culinary hotspots.
Cost: $25–$50/night (625,000–1,250,000 VND).
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, breakfast, guided tours.
Tips: Great for short market visits.
Start your Long An Travel with authentic culinary vibes (Source: Internet)Cooking Classes: Learn to make bánh tét with local families ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND).
Market Tours: Explore Cho Dao Market for fresh bánh tét and Tet specialties ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Rustic Dining: Savor bánh tét at riverside restaurants with Mekong dishes ($4–$15 or 100,000–375,000 VND).
Eco-Boat Tours: Enjoy bánh tét on electric boat trips along Vam Co River ($15–$30 or 375,000–750,000 VND).
Cultural Immersion: Join Tet festivals or visit artisans to understand bánh tét’s cultural significance.
Tips:
Bring a reusable tote for market purchases; wear comfortable shoes for cooking classes.
Book guided tours for cultural insights; included in our foodie tours.
Visit during Tet (January–February) for festive bánh tét experiences.
Long An’s bánh tét 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 market tours and outdoor dining; Tet (January–February) features bánh tét as a festive staple.
Rainy Season (May–November): Lush landscapes and fewer crowds; 10–20% tour discounts. August–October is great for combining bánh tét tastings with floating markets.
Tips: Book 3–4 weeks in advance for Tet; 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 culinary 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 tours: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND).
Dining: Bánh tét and meals at restaurants (e.g., Nha Hang Pho Nuoc, Mekong Breeze Pub): $2–$15 (50,000–375,000 VND); drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Products: Bánh tét cakes $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 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 Tet.
Seasonal Tips:
Dry Season: Ideal for market visits; pack sunscreen and hats.
Rainy Season: Lush scenery; bring waterproof gear.
Sustainability: Support local artisans; 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; ensure bánh tét is fresh when purchasing.
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 bánh tét and cultural treasures:
Long An Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Explore Cho Dao Market, join a bánh tét cooking class, and dine at riverside eateries. Includes transfers, meals, guide.
Long An Eco-Food Tour ($75–$95/person): Enjoy bánh tét on a Vam Co River boat tour and visit local 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 bánh tét workshops, 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 bánh tét is a culinary and cultural treasure of the Mekong Delta, offering rich flavors and festive traditions. From crafting this iconic sticky rice cake in vibrant markets to savoring it during Tet celebrations, it embodies Long An’s heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Long An Tours guide you through this flavorful experience, ensuring a sustainable Long An Travel journey that supports local communities and eco-friendly practices. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Long An culinary adventure today!
Ready to savor Long An’s legendary sticky rice cake? Reserve your culinary tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse in the Mekong Delta’s vibrant heritage!
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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