Vinh Long Foodie Guide: Savor the Exotic Thanh Tra (Loquat) in the Mekong Delta

A Tropical Delight of the Mekong Delta

Vinh Long, the vibrant heart of Vinh Long Province, is a culinary haven 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 includes Tra Vinh and Ben Tre wards, blending Kinh, Khmer (25% of 1.5 million residents), and Hoa culinary traditions. Attracting 15,000 food enthusiasts annually, Vinh Long’s fruit-centric experiences, like the exotic Thanh Tra (loquat), 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). With its crunchy skin and tangy-sweet flesh, Thanh Tra is a must-try for fruit lovers.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly Thanh Tra tours in Vinh Long, using bicycles and local guides to showcase orchards while supporting sustainable farming. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your fruit-filled adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province” for navigation. As the Mekong Delta’s fruit capital, Vinh Long is ideal for travelers seeking unique culinary 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 orchard insights, and partnerships with local farmers to preserve agricultural heritage. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a flavorful, responsible journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Thanh Tra, or loquat, is Vinh Long’s exotic fruit, celebrated for its vibrant orange skin and sweet-tart flavor. Here are the top ways to enjoy it and other culinary delights:

1. Taste Thanh Tra Fresh from Orchards

• Description: Savor Thanh Tra straight from the tree in Vinh Long’s lush orchards. Its crunchy, edible skin and juicy flesh pair perfectly with a sprinkle of chili salt or a sip of coconut water ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND). Farmers guide visitors on picking the ripest fruits.

• Locations: An Binh Island orchards (10 km from city center); Ben Tre Ward gardens (30 km); Vinh Long Market (Ward 1, city center).

• Cost: $2–$5/kg (50,000–125,000 VND); tasting tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support organic farms; bring a reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for purchases.

• Tip: Visit orchards in the morning for the freshest Thanh Tra; included in Legend Travel Group’s Fruit Tour ($80–$120).

• Best Time: February–May for peak ripeness; November–April for pleasant weather.

2. Enjoy Thanh Tra at Vinh Long Night Market

• Description: Sample Thanh Tra alongside local treats like Banh Xeo ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) and coconut candy ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) at the bustling Vinh Long Night Market. Vendors offer pre-peeled loquats during festivals like Lunar New Year.

• Location: Ward 1, Vinh Long city center.

• Cost: $2–$5/kg (50,000–125,000 VND); snacks $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with 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 liveliest vibe; included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($75–$110).

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

3. Try Thanh Tra Dishes at Local Eateries

• Description: Taste Thanh Tra in savory dishes like perch dried with loquat or Thanh Tra-infused fish sauce soup ($2–$6 or 50,000–150,000 VND). These unique recipes highlight the fruit’s tangy notes, often paired with rice or noodles.

• Locations: Vinh Long Night Market (Ward 1); Phuoc Thanh Restaurant (Ward 2); Tra Vinh Ward eateries (15 km).

• Cost: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND) per dish; drinks like iced tea $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 fresh dishes; included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($75–$110).

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

4. Savor Thanh Tra at Cai Be Floating Market

• Description: Cruise the Cai Be Floating Market to buy Thanh Tra from boats, paired with fruits like mangosteen ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND). Enjoy loquats on board while gliding through Mekong canals for a vibrant foodie experience.

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

• Cost: Boat tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); Thanh Tra $2–$5/kg (50,000–125,000 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 Thanh Tra with Khmer Desserts in Tra Vinh Ward

• Description: Complement Thanh Tra with Khmer sweets like Num Ansom (sticky rice cake, $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) in Tra Vinh Ward. Visit local markets to enjoy loquats with traditional desserts, blending tangy and sweet flavors.

• Location: Tra Vinh Ward markets (15 km from city center).

• Cost: Thanh Tra $2–$5/kg (50,000–125,000 VND); desserts $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use reusable containers; support local vendors.

• Tip: Visit markets in the afternoon for fresh sweets; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Food Tour ($85–$130).

• Best Time: Afternoons; rainy season for indoor market visits.

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for orchard tours and 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 orchards and fewer crowds (50–150 daily visitors); perfect for indoor market visits. Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Peak Thanh Tra Season (February–May): Loquats are at their ripest, with vibrant flavor. Expect higher prices ($3–$5/kg or 75,000–125,000 VND) and crowds (100–250 daily visitors).

• Festival Seasons:

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

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

  • Lunar New Year (January/February): Multicultural markets with Thanh Tra specials.

• Timing Tip: Mornings (6:00–10:00 AM) for orchards and 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 orchard 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

• Thanh Tra: $2–$5/kg (50,000–125,000 VND).

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

• Orchard Tours: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 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 Thanh Tra, homestay).

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

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

• Timing: Plan orchard visits for mornings (6:00–10:00 AM) during Thanh Tra season (February–May); evenings (5:00–9:00 PM) for markets. Schedule market visits 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 organic farms. Choose eco-transport like bicycles or Xanh SM taxis.

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

• Safety: Secure valuables; confirm prices before purchasing. Avoid heavy rain for outdoor tours.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; ask farmers about Thanh Tra’s cultivation for a cultural exchange.

Savor Thanh Tra with our eco-friendly tours:

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

• Vinh Long Fruit & Nature Adventure ($150–$200/person, 2 days): Explore Cai Be Floating Market, An Binh orchards, homestay. Includes meals, guide, bicycle transport.

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

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

Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province, is a fruit lover’s paradise where Thanh Tra shines with its tangy-sweet allure. From orchard tastings to vibrant market experiences, this loquat embodies the Mekong Delta’s culinary charm. Legend Travel Group’s Vinh Long Tours let you savor Thanh Tra while supporting local farmers, ensuring a sustainable Vinh Long Travel experience filled with eco-friendly practices. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your culinary tour today!
Ready to taste Thanh Tra? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a flavorful Mekong Delta adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group