Dive into Vinh Long’s culinary scene with Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu, the crispy gourami fish dish. Book eco-friendly food tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic Mekong Delta experience!
Vinh Long, the vibrant heart of Vinh Long Province, is a culinary hotspot in the Mekong Delta, cradled by the Tien and Hau Rivers with a 65 km East Sea coastline. Following Vietnam’s administrative reform, Vinh Long Province now includes Tra Vinh and Ben Tre wards, weaving together Kinh, Khmer (25% of 1.5 million residents), and Hoa food traditions. Attracting 15,000 food enthusiasts annually, Vinh Long’s culinary experiences, like the iconic Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu (fried gourami fish), 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 crispy, flavorful dish, rolled with herbs in rice paper, is a must-try for any foodie.
Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly culinary tours in Vinh Long, using bicycles and local guides to showcase Ca Tai Tuong and more while preserving local culture. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your foodie adventure.
Use “Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province” for navigation. As the Mekong Delta’s food capital, Vinh Long is perfect for travelers seeking authentic culinary delights.
With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers yearly across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, championing sustainable tourism. Our Vinh Long food tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides sharing culinary insights, and partnerships with local chefs to preserve traditions. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a tasty, responsible journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu is Vinh Long’s star dish, blending crispy fish with fresh herbs and tangy sauce. Here are the top ways to enjoy it and other culinary gems:
Description: Delight in Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu, a golden-fried gourami fish served with rice paper, herbs (dill, mint), and sweet-sour fish sauce. Roll the flaky fish with veggies for a perfect bite. Local staff often guide first-timers on wrapping techniques.
Locations: Vinh Long Night Market (Ward 1, city center); Phuoc An Restaurant (Ward 2); Tra Vinh Ward riverside stalls (15 km from city center).
Cost: $2–$7 (50,000–175,000 VND) per dish; 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 fish; included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($75–$110).
Best Time: Evenings for lively dining; November–April for pleasant weather.
Description: Learn to prepare Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu in a hands-on cooking class. Master frying techniques, herb selection, and sauce blending with local chefs, using fresh Mekong fish. Classes often include market visits to source ingredients.
Locations: Tra Vinh Ward cooking schools (15 km from city center); Vinh Long city center homestays.
Cost: $12–$25 (300,000–625,000 VND), ingredients included.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable containers for leftovers; cycle to classes.
Tip: Allow 2 hours; pair with Banh Xeo lessons; included in Legend Travel Group’s Culinary Tour ($85–$130).
Best Time: Mornings (8:00–11:00 AM); rainy season for indoor activities.
Description: Experience Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu at the vibrant Vinh Long Night Market, alongside dishes like Banh Xeo ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) and Khmer grilled fish ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Enjoy cultural performances during festivals.
Location: Ward 1, Vinh Long city center.
Cost: Food $1–$7 (25,000–175,000 VND); souvenirs like fish sauce $2–$8 (50,000–200,000 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.
Description: Cruise the Cai Be Floating Market to savor Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu prepared on boats, paired with fresh fruits ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND). Interact with vendors and explore nearby orchards for a full Mekong food experience.
Location: Cai Be Floating Market (20 km from city center).
Cost: Boat tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); food $2–$7 (50,000–175,000 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.
Description: Complement Ca Tai Tuong with Ben Tre Ward’s famous coconut candy ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Visit workshops to see candy-making and sip fresh coconut water ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) for a sweet-savory balance.
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 durian-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): Perfect 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); ideal 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 Ca Tai Tuong stalls and Khmer dishes, drawing 300+ visitors.
Chol Chnam Thmay (April): Khmer New Year with traditional feasts.
Lunar New Year (January/February): Multicultural food markets with Ca Tai Tuong 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: Choose 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).
Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu: $2–$7 (50,000–175,000 VND) per dish.
Night Market Food/Souvenirs: $1–$8 (25,000–200,000 VND).
Cooking Classes: $12–$25 (300,000–625,000 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).
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).
Budget: $12–$25 (walking, street food, homestay).
Mid-range: $30–$50 (cyclo, guided food 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 afternoons. 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 eco-practices. 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 about Ca Tai Tuong’s origins for a cultural exchange.
Savor Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu with our eco-friendly tours:
Vinh Long Foodie Tour ($75–$110/person, 1 day): Enjoy Ca Tai Tuong 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): Taste Ca Tai Tuong at Cai Be Floating Market, visit Ben Tre candy workshops, homestay. Includes meals, guide, bicycle transport.
Mekong Delta Food Journey ($350–$500/person, 4 days): Explore Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, and Ben Tre wards with Ca Tai Tuong and cultural experiences. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for a delicious adventure.
Vinh Long Province, a foodie’s paradise in the Mekong Delta, 135 km from Ho Chi Minh City, captivates with Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu (fried elephant ear fish), a culinary icon known for its crispy texture and vibrant flavors, priced at $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) per serving. This dish, often wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs at spots like An Binh Islethomestays or Cai Be markets, reflects the region’s rich culinary heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Vinh Long Tours guide you to savor this delicacy, 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 Vinh Sang Tourist Area. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to taste Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu in Vinh Long Province? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into the Mekong Delta’s flavorful world!
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:
Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu Information: vietnam.travel, vietleadingtravel.com, vietnamoriginal-travel.com, luxtraveldmc.com, tnktravel.com, impresstravel.com
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