Discover Thai Binh’s iconic dishes like banh cay and canh ca khoai in Hung Yen! Explore culinary workshops, cultural sites, and book sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group for a flavorful adventure.
Capture the spicy essence of Thai Binh’s culinary gemThai Binh, now a vibrant ward of Hung Yen province following Vietnam’s 2025 administrative reform, is a culinary treasure 110 km southeast of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, attracting over 60,000 food enthusiasts annually. Spanning 1,500 hectares, this coastal region boasts a rich gastronomic heritage with dishes like banh cay, canh ca khoai, and raw jellyfish salad, alongside cultural landmarks like Keo Pagoda. With entry fees at $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND), it’s a must-visit for foodies and eco-tourists seeking authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Thai Binh’s cuisine reflects its agricultural abundance and 53 km of coastline, offering fresh seafood and rice-based specialties. Sustainable practices, such as biodegradable packaging and solar-powered eateries, align with Hung Yen’s green initiatives, preserving its rural charm. 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 culinary exploration. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable food tours immerse you in this gastronomic haven. 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. This simplifies navigation, making Thai Binh a culinary hub in Hung Yen, easily accessible via 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 food tours in Thai Binh, perfect for travelers craving authentic culinary and cultural experiences. Our low-impact tours use electric vehicles or bicycles, led by English-speaking guides who share local recipes and traditions, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting Thai Binh’s artisans and fishers, we align with Hung Yen’s green goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is seamless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and savor Thai Binh responsibly
Dive into the flavorful charm of Thai Binh Travel (Source: Source: Internet)Thai Binh, 110 km from Hanoi, is a gastronomic heartland, established as a tourism site in the 1990s. Its 1,500-hectare expanse includes rice paddies, fishing villages, and handicraft centers like Nguyen Xa, where banh cay is crafted. Coastal abundance fuels dishes like raw jellyfish salad, while cultural festivals and water puppetry add vibrancy. Sustainable practices, including recycled materials and local staffing, make Thai Binh a model of eco-tourism. Culinary workshops, village dining, and cultural tours offer an immersive escape for food lovers.
Raw Jellyfish Salad - Photograph the unique allure of Thai Binh’s cuisine (Source: Source: Internet)These budget-friendly dishes and activities ($0–$5) showcase Thai Binh’s culinary heritage:
Savor banh cay, a crispy sticky rice cake from Nguyen Xa Commune, best at 10:00 AM, for $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND) at local stalls. Made with glutinous rice, sesame, peanuts, and tangerine peel, it’s sweet and fragrant, perfect with green tea ($0.30 or 7,000 VND).
Cost: $0.50–$2; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Stalls use biodegradable packaging; supports artisans.
Tip: Join a banh cay workshop ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); included in Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($50–$80).
Enjoy raw jellyfish salad in Thai Thuy or Tien Hai, best at 11:00 AM (April–May), for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). Mixed with onions, herbs, peanuts, and fish sauce, this spicy, sour dish highlights Thai Binh’s coastal bounty.
Cost: $1–$2; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Sourced sustainably; avoid overfishing by eating seasonally.
Tip: Try at coastal eateries; included in Thai Binh Coastal Food Tour ($60–$90).
Taste banh gai from Dai Dong village, best at 2:00 PM, for $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND). This 400-year-old specialty, made with hemp, glutinous rice, and lotus seed, offers a sweet, fragrant bite.
Cost: $0.50–$2; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local ingredients reduce transport emissions.
Tip: Buy from village stalls; included in Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($50–$80).
Relish canh ca khoai, a creamy Bombay duck soup, best at 11:00 AM (October–March), for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). Made with pennywort and gamboge, it’s a warming winter dish unique to Thai Binh.
Cost: $1–$2; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Solar-powered eateries; supports fishers.
Tip: Eat hot to avoid fishiness; included in Thai Binh Coastal Food Tour ($60–$90).
Sample charcoal-fried fish in Thai Binh, best at 12:00 PM, for $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND). Filleted, seasoned with turmeric, and grilled between bamboo clamps, it’s fragrant and golden.
Cost: $1–$3; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses local fish; minimizes waste.
Tip: Try at village markets; included in Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($50–$80).
Enjoy canh ca Quynh Coi from Quynh Coi town, best at 11:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). This rustic dish features white noodles, fish, green onions, and seasonal greens, offering a fresh, hearty flavor.
Cost: $1–$2; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Seasonal ingredients reduce environmental impact.
Tip: Visit Quynh Coi eateries; included in Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($50–$80).
Gai Cake Thai Binh - Learn Thai Binh’s culinary heritage with expert insights (Source: Source: Internet)Visit from October to March for cool weather (15–22°C or 59–71.6°F), ideal for savoring hot dishes like canh ca khoai and fried fish. The rainy season (May–October) enhances rice field greenery but requires rain gear for outdoor dining. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see fewer crowds (100–200 daily visitors) than weekends (400–600), especially during Lunar New Year or Nguyen Xa’s lunar October festival. Early mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) are perfect for market visits, while afternoons (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) suit leisurely meals.
Thai Binh, in Hung Yen, is 110 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 2–2.5 hours:
By Private Car: Drive 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, $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, $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, $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.
Cream fish soup - Dive into the flavorful charm of Thai Binh Travel (Source: Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable food tour:
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).
Culinary Gear: Small container for leftovers, reusable tote for snacks ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Extras: Notebook for recipes; cash for vendors.
Entry and Culinary Costs
Entry: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) adult; free for children under 1.3m.
Banh Cay/Gai Cake: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Jellyfish Salad/Canh Ca Khoai/Fried Fish/Quynh Coi Soup: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Culinary Workshop (Banh Cay): $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Water Puppet Show: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Homestay: $12–$18/night (300,000–450,000 VND).
Drinks (Tea, Water): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Banh Cay Packs): $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).
Guided Food 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: $21–$30 (525,000–750,000 VND).
Public Bus: $4–$6 (100,000–150,000 VND).
Private Tour Bus: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND).
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–$20 (bus, entry, meals).
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), meals/activities ($0.50–$5), and transport ($4–$80); carry cash (no cards accepted).
Fried fish - Seize the vibrant spirit of Thai Binh Travel (Source: Source: Internet)Timing: Visit at 7:00–11:00 AM for fresh markets; October–March for canh ca khoai. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–200 vs. 400–600 on weekends). Avoid Lunar New Year for quieter dining.
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: Support artisans with meal ($0.50–$3) or souvenir ($1–$4) purchases; use reusable containers. Stay on paths to protect rice fields.
Navigation: Save “Thai Binh, Hung Yen” in offline maps; ask locals in Nam Dinh for eatery directions. Avoid night travel due to rural roads.
Safety: Secure valuables; confirm restaurant hygiene. Carry a flashlight for evening dining.
Weather: Dry season for comfortable dining; 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 communal houses; say “xin chào” to locals. Avoid loud talking in eateries.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.
Quynh Coi Fish Noodle Soup "Canh Cá Quỳnh Côi" (Source: Source: Internet)Our eco-friendly tours showcase Thai Binh’s culinary and cultural delights:
Thai Binh Culinary Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Private car to Thai Binh for banh cay workshops, canh ca khoai tasting, and Keo Pagoda, with local lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Hung Yen Food & Culture Journey ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Thai Binh, Nguyen Xa, homestay ($12–$18/night), and Dong Chau Beach. Includes meals, guide.
Hanoi & Hung Yen Culinary Adventure ($250–$400/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, in the merged Thai Binh – Hung Yen Province, enchants over 60,000 visitors yearly with its culinary treasures, including banh cay (spicy ginger rice cakes), canh ca khoai (taro stem fish soup), and raw jellyfish salad, accessible with entry fees of $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND), located 110 km from Hanoi. From Nguyen Xa’s traditional banh gai workshops in Hung Yen to Quynh Coi’s renowned noodle soup in Thai Binh, this gastronomic heritage shines, preserved by sustainable practices like solar-powered eateries and local sourcing. Legend Travel Group’s Thai Binh Tours guide you through this food lover’s paradise, ensuring a sustainable Thai Binh Travel experience with immersive activities like crafting banh gai and savoring fried fish at local markets. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to savor Thai Binh’s cuisine in Thai Binh – Hung Yen Province? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an authentic gastronomic 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:
Thai Binh Culinary Information: vietnam.travel, vuadacsan.com.vn, baothaibinh.com.vn, vietnamtourism.org.vn
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