Savor Thai Binh’s iconic canh ca khoai (cream fish soup) in Hung Yen! Explore culinary workshops, cultural sites, and book sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group for a flavorful journey.
Thai Binh, now a dynamic ward of Hung Yen province following Vietnam’s 2025 administrative reform, is renowned for its velvety canh ca khoai (cream fish soup), drawing over 30,000 food lovers annually from October to March. Located 110 km southeast of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, this coastal haven spans 700 hectares of rice fields, fishing villages, and cultural landmarks, offering an authentic taste of northern Vietnamese cuisine with entry fees at $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND). It’s a must-visit for culinary explorers and eco-tourists seeking sustainable experiences.
Thai Binh’s canh ca khoai, made with fresh cream fish (Bombay duck), pennywort, and gamboge, is a unique delicacy, distinct from other northern recipes that use water dropwort or porridge. The area’s cultural heritage, including water puppetry and ancient temples, thrives alongside eco-friendly practices like biodegradable utensils and solar-powered eateries, aligning with Hung Yen’s green initiatives. The temperate climate (dry season: November–April, 15–26°C or 59–78.8°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–33°C or 71.6–91.4°F) ensures year-round exploration. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours immerse you in this culinary paradise. Book via the links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s 2025 reform merged Thai Binh province into Hung Yen, with Thai Binh City now a ward. Thai Binh, Hung Yen, remains a culinary hotspot, easily navigated with updated maps referencing “Thai Binh, Hung Yen.”
Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism with over 17 years of experience, crafts eco-friendly tours in Thai Binh, perfect for foodies and cultural enthusiasts. Our low-impact tours use electric vehicles or bicycles, led by English-speaking guides who share canh ca khoai recipes and local traditions, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting Thai Binh’s fishing communities, we align with Hung Yen’s eco-goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is seamless. Book our tours via the links on this page and explore Thai Binh responsibly
Located in Thai Binh, Hung Yen, 110 km from Hanoi, this coastal ward is the epicenter of canh ca khoai, a creamy soup crafted from fresh Bombay duck, pennywort, and gamboge, served piping hot to avoid fishiness. Established as a tourism site in the 2000s, Thai Binh’s 700-hectare expanse includes fishing villages, rice paddies, and cultural sites like Keo Pagoda. Its winter season (October–March) is peak time for savoring this warming dish. Sustainable practices, such as recycled materials and local staffing, preserve its coastal charm. Activities like soup-making workshops, village cycling, and cultural tours make Thai Binh a vibrant destination for immersive, eco-conscious travel.
These budget-friendly activities ($0–$5) blend culinary and cultural experiences:
Join a canh ca khoai workshop in Thai Binh’s fishing villages, best at 9:00 AM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), mastering this creamy soup with local chefs.
Cost: $3–$5; entry $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM (October–March).
Eco-Friendly Note: Workshops use biodegradable tools; support fishers.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for hands-on guidance; included in Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($60–$90).
Pedal through Thai Binh’s coastal hamlets, best at 8:00 AM, with bike rentals at $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND), visiting fish markets and soup stalls.
Cost: $2–$3; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Bikes reduce emissions; stick to paths to protect fields.
Tip: Rent at homestays; carry water for 5–8 km routes.
Taste steaming canh ca khoai at local eateries, best at 11:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), enjoying its rich, non-fishy flavor on chilly days.
Cost: $1–$2; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM (October–March).
Eco-Friendly Note: Eateries use solar power; support local vendors.
Tip: Pair with rice ($0.30 or 7,000 VND) for a hearty meal.
Enjoy traditional water puppet shows in Thai Binh, best at 5:00 PM, for $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND), celebrating coastal folklore.
Cost: $2–$4; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Weekends, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Venues use solar lighting; supports artisans.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group for front-row seats; included in Thai Binh Overnight Tour ($100–$150).
Explore the 17th-century Keo Pagoda, best at 10:00 AM, for free (donations $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND), admiring its wooden architecture.
Cost: Free; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walk or cycle to minimize impact.
Tip: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); included in Thai Binh Cultural Tour ($60–$90).
Visit from October to March for cool weather (15–22°C or 59–71.6°F), ideal for savoring hot canh ca khoai and exploring villages. The rainy season (May–October) offers lush scenery but requires rain gear for muddy paths. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see fewer crowds (80–150 daily visitors) than weekends (300–500), especially during Lunar New Year, when cultural events peak. Early mornings (8:00–11:00 AM) are perfect for cooking workshops, while afternoons (2:00–5:00 PM) suit relaxed dining and tours.
Thai Binh, in Hung Yen, is 110 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 2–2.5 hours:
By Private Car: Drive 2 hours via Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway, costing $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 2 hours, $30–$40 (750,000–1,000,000 VND) one-way; $60–$80 (1,500,000–2,000,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.
By Private Motorcycle: Ride via Highway 1A, 2–2.5 hours, $15–$20 (375,000–500,000 VND) fuel; rental $6–$10/day (150,000–250,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Public Bus: Bus from Giap Bat to Thai Binh ward (2 hours, $2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), totaling $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND) round-trip.
By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Hoan Kiem Ward, 2 hours, $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person for 20+ people, including guide.
From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($50–$70 or 1,250,000–1,750,000 VND, 2.5 hours, 140 km); Xanh SM taxi ($45–$60 or 1,125,000–1,500,000 VND); or Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min) + private car ($30–$40 or 750,000–1,000,000 VND).
Navigation Tip: Save “Thai Binh, Hung Yen” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Nam Dinh. Parking: $0.60–$1 (15,000–25,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or group buses reduce emissions; cycling in Thai Binh minimizes impact.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; confirm fares.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Light layers, sturdy shoes for villages; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM/BusMap apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, camera for culinary shots.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Notebook for recipe notes; cash for small vendors.
Entry and Activity Fees
Entry: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) adult; free for children under 1.3m.
Canh Ca Khoai Workshop: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND).
Water Puppet Show: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Canh Ca Khoai Meal: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Homestay: $12–$18/night (300,000–450,000 VND).
Drinks (Tea, Water): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Local Crafts): $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).
Guided Culinary Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Private Car: $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $60–$80 (1,500,000–2,000,000 VND).
Private Motorcycle: $15–$20 (375,000–500,000 VND) fuel; rental $6–$10/day.
Public Bus: $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND).
Private Tour Bus: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person.
Airport to Thai Binh: $50–$70 (1,250,000–1,750,000 VND).
Parking: $0.60–$1 (15,000–25,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$18 (bus, entry, meal).
Mid-range: $30–$50 (private car, workshop, guided tour).
Luxury: $80–$120 (Xanh SM taxi, homestay, premium tour).
Tip: Budget for entry ($0.50–$1), activities ($1–$5), and transport ($4–$80); carry cash (no cards accepted).
Timing: Visit at 8:00–11:00 AM for cool weather; October–March for fresh cream fish. Weekdays for fewer crowds (80–150 vs. 300–500 on weekends). Avoid Lunar New Year for quieter visits.
Booking: Buy entry tickets on-site (QR code e-tickets); reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for workshops or homestays. Book puppet shows at village centers.
Sustainability: Stay on paths to protect coastal areas; use reusable bottles. Support fishers with meal ($1–$2) or craft ($1–$4) purchases.
Navigation: Save “Thai Binh, Hung Yen” in offline maps; ask locals in Nam Dinh for signs. Avoid night rides due to rural roads.
Safety: Wear sturdy shoes; secure valuables. Confirm fares; carry a flashlight for evening walks.
Weather: Dry season for safe cycling; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and waterproof bags ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at Keo Pagoda; say “xin chào” to locals. Avoid loud talking in fishing villages.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Thai Binh’s canh ca khoai and cultural treasures:
Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Private car to Thai Binh for canh ca khoai workshops, village cycling, and Keo Pagoda, with local lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Hung Yen Coastal Food Journey ($120–$180/person, 2 days): Thai Binh, Keo Pagoda, homestay ($12–$18/night), and fishing villages. Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Hung Yen Culinary Adventure ($280–$450/person, 3 days): Thai Binh, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ninh Binh’s Trang An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Thai Binh Region, in the merged Thai Binh – Hung Yen Province, captivates over 30,000 visitors yearly with entry fees of $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND), located 110 km from Hanoi, as the home of canh ca khoai (taro stem fish soup). From creamy soup workshops in Quynh Coi to water puppetry performances at Keo Pagoda and coastal villages like Dong Chau, its culinary and cultural allure shines, preserved by sustainable practices like solar-powered eateries and local sourcing. Legend Travel Group’s Thai Binh Tours guide you through this gastronomic gem, ensuring a sustainable Thai Binh Travel experience with immersive activities like cooking canh ca khoai and cycling fishing hamlets. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to savor Thai Binh’s canh ca khoai in Thai Binh – Hung Yen Province? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an authentic culinary adventure!
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:
Canh Ca Khoai Information: vietnam.travel, baothaibinh.com.vn, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vuadacsan.com.vn
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