Savoring Banh Tet Tra Cuon: Tra Vinh’s Culinary Gem in Vinh Long

A Culinary Treasure of the Mekong Delta

Tra Vinh, now a vibrant ward of Vinh Long Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform on July 1, 2025, is a Mekong Delta destination celebrated for its rich Khmer heritage and culinary traditions. Among its gastronomic delights, Banh Tet Tra Cuon, a cylindrical glutinous rice cake, stands out as a cultural icon originating from Hiep Hoa Commune. Crafted with meticulous care, this delicacy captivates food lovers with its unique green crust and savory fillings, drawing 10,000 visitors annually to Tra Vinh’s culinary and cultural scene, with dining experiences costing $1–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND). The tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F) enhances visits with vibrant market atmospheres and lush surroundings.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly foodie tours in Tra Vinh, blending culinary exploration with cultural immersion using eco-transport and local guides. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your culinary adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” for navigation. Tra Vinh remains a key culinary and cultural hub within Vinh Long, ideal for international travelers seeking authentic Mekong Delta flavors.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Tra Vinh foodie tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides sharing culinary and cultural insights, and partnerships with local artisans to support sustainable practices. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for an immersive, responsible experience aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Banh Tet Tra Cuon, a Tra Vinh specialty pioneered over 80 years ago by Madam Thach Thi Ly, a Khmer artisan from Hiep Hoa Commune, is a cultural and culinary masterpiece. Its distinctive features include:

• Crust: Sticky, glossy green exterior made from glutinous rice and katuk leaf juice, giving it a vibrant color and earthy flavor.

• Filling: A rich blend of mung bean paste, pork belly, and salted duck egg yolk, offering a balance of savory and creamy textures.

• Preparation: Hand-crafted with a meticulous process of soaking rice, grinding katuk leaves, and wrapping in banana leaves, tied with thin banana ropes for smooth slicing into perfect rounds.

• Serving Style: Cut into circular slices using banana rope for a polished look, served with fish sauce, chili, and lime for customizable flavor.

• Cultural Significance: Rooted in Khmer traditions, Banh Tet Tra Cuon is a festival favorite, especially during Lunar New Year and Ok Om Bok, symbolizing prosperity and community.

Tra Vinh’s vibrant food scene offers several spots to savor authentic Banh Tet Tra Cuon, from its origin in Hiep Hoa to bustling city markets. Here are the top recommendations:

1. Thach Thi Ly’s Family Stall

• Location: Hiep Hoa Commune, 15 km from Tra Vinh city center.

• Description: The original home of Banh Tet Tra Cuon, run by descendants of Madam Thach Thi Ly. This rustic stall offers the most authentic recipe, crafted with traditional methods and fresh katuk leaves.

• Price: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND) per cake (serves 2–4).

• Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses banana leaf packaging; bring a reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for purchases.

• Tip: Buy extra cakes as gifts; pair with local coconut water ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND). Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).

• Transport: Bicycle ($2–$5/day or 50,000–125,000 VND) or taxi ($7–$10 or 175,000–250,000 VND).

2. Tra Vinh Night Market

• Location: Ward 2, Tra Vinh city center, near Le Loi Street.

• Description: A lively evening market with multiple vendors selling Banh Tet Tra Cuon alongside other Khmer and Mekong Delta specialties. Perfect for a vibrant foodie experience.

• Price: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND) per cake or slice.

• Hours: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM daily.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with minimal plastic; use a reusable container for takeaway.

• Tip: Try with banh xeo (crispy pancakes) for a complete meal. Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).

• Transport: Walk (10 minutes from city center) or cyclo ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

3. Tra Vinh Market

• Location: Ward 2, Tra Vinh city center.

• Description: A bustling daytime market where local vendors sell freshly made Banh Tet Tra Cuon. Ideal for morning or midday culinary stops.

• Price: $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND) per cake.

• Hours: 5:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support vendors using banana leaves; bring a reusable tote for shopping.

• Tip: Arrive by 8:00 AM for the freshest cakes; pair with Vietnamese iced coffee ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

• Transport: Walk (5 minutes from city center) or cyclo ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

4. Quan An Ngon Tra Vinh

• Location: 45 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, 1 km from Tra Vinh city center.

• Description: A cozy restaurant offering a refined version of Banh Tet Tra Cuon with premium ingredients, served in a clean, air-conditioned setting.

• Price: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) per cake or portion.

• Hours: 7:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses locally sourced ingredients; bring reusable utensils to reduce waste.

• Tip: Pair with a side of pickled vegetables for extra flavor. Close to Ong Pagoda for post-meal exploration.

• Transport: Bicycle ($2–$5/day or 50,000–125,000 VND) or taxi ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND).

Enhance your Banh Tet Tra Cuon adventure with nearby cultural and natural sites:

• Ang Pagoda: A 10th-century Khmer masterpiece, 5 km from the city center. Entry: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). Visit after dining at Tra Vinh Market.

• Ba Om Pond: A lotus-filled oasis, 5 km southwest. Free entry; electric boat rides ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND). Pair with a trip to Thach Thi Ly’s stall.

• Chua Co (Stork Pagoda): A serene temple with resident storks, 3 km from the center. Free entry. Explore after lunch at Quan An Ngon.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or cyclos ($1–$3/hour or 25,000–75,000 VND) to reach these sites; join cleanups to support conservation.

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for market visits and outdoor dining, with moderate crowds (50–150 daily visitors). Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead.

• May–October (Rainy Season, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F): Lush scenery and fewer crowds (30–100 daily visitors); bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons: Lunar New Year (January/February) and Ok Om Bok (October/November) feature Banh Tet Tra Cuon as a festive dish, drawing 200+ visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Timing Tip: Mornings (6:00–10:00 AM) for fresh cakes at markets; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for vibrant night market dining.

Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province, is 125 km from Ho Chi Minh City, 45 km from Vinh Long Ward, and 80 km from Can Tho:

• From Ho Chi Minh City (2.5–3.5 hours): Bus ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) + taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND); private car ($60–$80 or 1,500,000–2,000,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($90–$120 or 2,250,000–3,000,000 VND, eco-friendly).

• From Hanoi (4.5–5 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($65–$130 or 1,625,000–3,250,000 VND) + taxi ($50–$60 or 1,250,000–1,500,000 VND).

• From Vinh Long Ward (45–60 minutes): Taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); motorbike rental ($7–$12/day or 175,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for buses or Xanh SM taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.

• Walking: Free, ideal for city center markets (1–2 km radius).

• Cyclo: $1–$3/hour (25,000–75,000 VND), eco-friendly, perfect for short trips to eateries.

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND), sustainable, great for Hiep Hoa Commune.

• Taxi/Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), best for longer trips to Hiep Hoa.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize cyclos or bicycles; book through Legend Travel Group for eco-transport.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes near Tra Vinh Market.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable experience:

• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable attire, sturdy sandals, hat; waterproof poncho ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season.

• Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), reusable utensils to reduce waste.

• Essentials: Compact umbrella ($3–$6), hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

• Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

Dining Costs

• Banh Tet Tra Cuon: $1.50–$5 (37,500–125,000 VND) per cake or portion.

• Other Local Dishes (e.g., banh xeo, coconut): $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Drinks (e.g., iced coffee, coconut water): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

Activity Costs

• Pagoda/Museum Entry: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Boat Tours (Ba Om Pond): $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Guided Foodie Tour: $20–$35 (500,000–875,000 VND).

• Homestay: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Local)

• Cyclo: $1–$3/hour (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Taxi/Xanh SM: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $5–$15 (walking, street food, homestay).

• Mid-range: $20–$35 (cyclo, guided tour, local dining).

• Luxury: $50–$80 (taxi, premium dining, homestay).

• Timing: Visit morning markets (6:00–10:00 AM) for the freshest cakes; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for vibrant night market dining. November–April for dry weather; weekdays for fewer crowds (30–100 vs. 50–150 on weekends).

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s foodie tours 24–48 hours ahead; book homestays 1–2 weeks ahead for festivals (January/February, October/November).

• Sustainability: Choose vendors using banana leaf packaging; join market cleanups. Use eco-transport like bicycles or Xanh SM taxis.

• Navigation: Save “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps; Hiep Hoa Commune is 15 km from the city center via National Highway 53.

• Safety: Secure valuables; avoid heavy rain for outdoor dining. Confirm prices before ordering.

• Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào”; ask about the cake-making process for a cultural exchange.

Explore Tra Vinh’s culinary scene with our eco-friendly tours:

• Tra Vinh Foodie Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Savor Banh Tet Tra Cuon, visit Tra Vinh Market, explore Ang Pagoda. Includes guide, cyclo transport, meals.

• Tra Vinh Cultural & Culinary Adventure ($140–$190/person, 2 days): Enjoy Banh Tet tastings, Ba Om Pond cruise, homestay. Includes meals, guide, bicycle transport.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($340–$480/person, 4 days): Discover Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, Can Tho, with culinary stops and eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via this guide.

Tra Vinh Region, Vinh Long Province, a culinary haven in the Mekong Delta, captivates with Banh Tet Tra Cuon, a glutinous rice cake specialty that shines as a Mekong Delta delicacy, located 130 km from Ho Chi Minh City. This traditional Khmer-influenced dish, featuring sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves with mung bean and pork fillings, offers a taste of Tra Vinh’s heritage, served at Hiep Hoa’s stalls and vibrant city markets like Cho Lon for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). Legend Travel Group’s Tra Vinh Tours guide you through sustainable foodie tours, ensuring a green Tra Vinh Travelexperience that supports local communities with eco-friendly practices and visits to cultural sites like Ang Pagoda and Ba Om Pond. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-conscious culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Tra Vinh Province’s Banh Tet Tra Cuon? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Mekong Delta culinary journey!

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:

• Banh Tet Tra Cuon Information: vietnamtravel.com, vietnamoriginal-travel.com, asiatravellinks.com, scootersaigontour.com, vemekong.com, tnktravel.com