Vinh Long Foodie Guide: Dare to Savor Chuot Dong Nuong (Grilled Field Rat) in the Mekong Delta

A Bold Culinary Adventure in the Mekong Delta

Vinh Long, the vibrant hub of Vinh Long Province, is a culinary hotspot in the Mekong Delta, nestled between the Tien and Hau Rivers with a 65 km East Sea coastline. Following Vietnam’s administrative reform, Vinh Long Province now encompasses Tra Vinh and Ben Tre wards, blending Kinh, Khmer (25% of 1.5 million residents), and Hoa food traditions. Attracting 15,000 adventurous foodies annually, Vinh Long’s unique dishes, like Chuot Dong Nuong (grilled field rat), cost $1–$8 (25,000–200,000 VND) in a 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). This unconventional delicacy, made from clean field rats, offers a surprisingly savory flavor for daring travelers.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly culinary tours in Vinh Long, using bicycles and local guides to showcase Chuot Dong Nuong while supporting local communities. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your bold food adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province” for navigation. As the Mekong Delta’s culinary capital, Vinh Long is perfect for travelers seeking unique food experiences.

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

Chuot Dong Nuong is Vinh Long’s daring delicacy, grilled to perfection with a smoky, savory taste. Here are the top ways to enjoy it and other culinary gems:

1. Savor Chuot Dong Nuong at Local Eateries

• Description: Taste Chuot Dong Nuong, field rats marinated with lemongrass and chili, then grilled until crispy. Served with herbs and fish sauce, this dish surprises with its tender, chicken-like flavor. Eateries ensure hygiene, using only field rats from rice paddies.

• Locations: Vinh Long Night Market (Ward 1, city center); Tra Vinh Ward roadside stalls (15 km); An Binh Island eateries (10 km).

• Cost: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND) per serving; drinks like sugarcane juice $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with reusable cutlery; bring a reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for takeaway.

• Tip: Visit 5:00–9:00 PM for the freshest grills; included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($75–$110).

• Best Time: Evenings; November–April for pleasant weather.

2. Experience Chuot Dong Nuong at Vinh Long Night Market

• Description: Dive into Chuot Dong Nuong at the lively Vinh Long Night Market, alongside dishes like Banh Xeo($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) and Khmer-style fish ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Enjoy cultural performances during festivals like Ok Om Bok.

• Location: Ward 1, Vinh Long city center.

• Cost: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND) per serving; souvenirs like chili sauce $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for eco-friendly packaging; bring a reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

• Tip: Bargain politely (10–15% off); visit 5:00–9:00 PM for the best vibe; included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($75–$110).

• Best Time: Evenings; November–April for dry weather.

3. Join a Chuot Dong Nuong Cooking Class

• Description: Learn to prepare Chuot Dong Nuong in a hands-on cooking class, mastering marination and grilling techniques. Local chefs guide you through sourcing field rats and pairing with herbs, offering a cultural dive into Vinh Long’s bold cuisine.

• Locations: Tra Vinh Ward cooking schools (15 km from city center); Vinh Long city center homestays.

• Cost: $12–$20 (300,000–500,000 VND), ingredients included.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable containers for leftovers; cycle to classes.

• Tip: Allow 2 hours; pair with Lau Cua Dong lessons; included in Legend Travel Group’s Culinary Tour ($85–$130).

• Best Time: Mornings (8:00–11:00 AM); rainy season for indoor activities.

4. Taste Chuot Dong Nuong at Cai Be Floating Market

• Description: Cruise the Cai Be Floating Market to try Chuot Dong Nuong prepared on boats, paired with fresh fruits like mangosteen ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND). Engage with vendors for a unique Mekong dining experience.

• Location: Cai Be Floating Market (20 km from city center).

• Cost: Boat tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); dishes $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose electric or rowboat tours; avoid plastic waste.

• Tip: Start at 6:00 AM for peak activity; included in Legend Travel Group’s Mekong Food Tour ($80–$120).

• Best Time: Mornings; November–April for calm waters.

5. Pair Chuot Dong Nuong with Ben Tre’s Coconut Treats

• Description: Balance Chuot Dong Nuong’s savory notes with Ben Tre Ward’s coconut candy ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) or coconut water ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND). Visit workshops to see candy-making for a sweet contrast.

• Location: Ben Tre Ward (30 km from city center).

• Cost: Workshop tours $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND); candy $2–$5/pack (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support local artisans; use reusable bags.

• Tip: Try pandan-flavored candy; included in Legend Travel Group’s Culinary & Nature Tour ($80–$120).

• Best Time: Mornings for workshops; November–April for comfortable exploration.

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for outdoor dining at markets and floating markets with sunny skies and moderate crowds (80–200 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 (50–150 daily visitors); perfect for indoor cooking classes. Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons:

  • Ok Om Bok (October/November): Features Chuot Dong Nuong stalls and Khmer dishes, drawing 300+ visitors.

  • Chol Chnam Thmay (April): Khmer New Year with bold feasts.

  • Lunar New Year (January/February): Multicultural markets with Chuot Dong Nuong specials.

• Timing Tip: Mornings (6:00–10:00 AM) for floating markets; evenings (5:00–9:00 PM) for night markets and festivals. Book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead.

Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province, is 135 km from Ho Chi Minh City and 40 km from Can Tho:

• From Ho Chi Minh City (2.5–3.5 hours): Bus ($7–$15 or 175,000–375,000 VND) + taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); private car ($70–$90 or 1,750,000–2,250,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($100–$130 or 2,500,000–3,250,000 VND, eco-friendly).

• From Hanoi (4.5–5 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($70–$140 or 1,750,000–3,500,000 VND) + taxi ($50–$65 or 1,250,000–1,625,000 VND).

• From Can Tho (40–60 minutes): Taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND); motorbike rental ($8–$15/day or 200,000–375,000 VND, Vietnamese license required).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Vinh Long, 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 (1–3 km radius).

• Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND), eco-friendly, great for food stops.

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND), sustainable, perfect for culinary tours.

• Taxi/Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), best for trips to Tra Vinh or Ben Tre wards.

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

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

Pack these essentials for a sustainable foodie trip:

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

• Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), biodegradable hand wipes.

• 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).

Culinary Costs

• Chuot Dong Nuong: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND) per serving.

• Night Market Snacks/Souvenirs: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Cooking Classes: $12–$20 (300,000–500,000 VND).

• Floating Market Boat Tour: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Guided Culinary Tours: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND).

• Homestay: $12–$30/night (300,000–750,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Local)

• Cyclo: $1–$4/hour (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$6/day (50,000–150,000 VND).

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

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $12–$25 (walking, market dishes, homestay).

• Mid-range: $30–$50 (cyclo, guided tour, local dining).

• Luxury: $60–$90 (taxi, premium dining, homestay).

• Timing: Plan market dining for evenings (5:00–9:00 PM) in the dry season; mornings (6:00–10:00 AM) for floating markets. Schedule cooking classes during rainy season mornings. Expect 50–150 visitors on weekdays, 80–200 on weekends.

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

• Sustainability: Use reusable items; support vendors with ethical sourcing. Choose eco-transport like bicycles or Xanh SM taxis.

• Navigation: Save “Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps; most food spots are within 1–30 km of the city center.

• Safety: Secure valuables; confirm prices before ordering. Avoid heavy rain for outdoor dining.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; ask locals about Chuot Dong Nuong’s cultural significance for a deeper connection.

Savor Chuot Dong Nuong with our eco-friendly tours:

• Vinh Long Foodie Tour ($75–$110/person, 1 day): Taste Chuot Dong Nuong and Banh Xeo at Vinh Long Night Market, with cultural stops. Includes guide, cyclo transport, meals.

• Vinh Long Culinary & Nature Adventure ($150–$200/person, 2 days): Enjoy Chuot Dong Nuong at Cai Be Floating Market, visit Ben Tre candy workshops, homestay. Includes meals, guide, bicycle transport.

• Mekong Delta Food Odyssey ($350–$500/person, 4 days): Explore Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, and Ben Tre wards with Chuot Dong Nuong and cultural experiences. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for a daring journey.

Chuot Dong Nuong, a grilled field rat dish rooted in the Mekong Delta’s culinary tradition, challenges and delights adventurous palates in Vinh Long Province, located 135 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Priced at $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) per serving, this bold delicacy, often seasoned with lemongrass and chili, offers a unique taste of local culture at vibrant markets like Vinh Long Market or homestays in An Binh Islet. Legend Travel Group’s Vinh Long Tours guide you to explore this dish, ensuring a sustainable Vinh Long Travel experience with eco-friendly practices like locally sourced ingredients and support for community vendors, paired with visits to Cai Be Floating Market and Van Thanh Mieu Temple. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to try Chuot Dong Nuong in Vinh Long? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into the Mekong Delta’s bold 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:

• Chuot Dong Nuong Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, mekong-delta-tours.com, tnktravel.com, vnexpress.net