Vinh Long Foodie Guide: Savor the Soulful Lau Cua Dong in the Mekong Delta

A Culinary Gem of the Mekong Delta

Vinh Long, the dynamic heart of Vinh Long Province, is a food lover’s paradise 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 culinary traditions. Attracting 15,000 food enthusiasts annually, Vinh Long’s dishes, like the soul-warming Lau Cua Dong (rice-field crab hotpot), 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 aromatic hotpot, bursting with fresh crab and vegetables, is a must-try for its comforting flavors.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly culinary tours in Vinh Long, using bicycles and local guides to showcase Lau Cua Dong while preserving culinary heritage. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your foodie journey.

Administrative Note

Use “Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province” for navigation. As the Mekong Delta’s culinary hub, Vinh Long is ideal for travelers craving authentic 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 food heritage 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 delicious, responsible adventure aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Lau Cua Dong is Vinh Long’s beloved hotpot, combining fresh rice-field crab with vibrant vegetables and a fragrant broth. Here are the top ways to enjoy it and other culinary delights:

1. Enjoy Lau Cua Dong at Local Eateries

• Description: Relish Lau Cua Dong, a steaming hotpot of rice-field crab, taro, water spinach, and rice noodles in a tangy, aromatic broth. Share it communal-style with friends, dipping fresh herbs and veggies. Local staff often guide newcomers on pairing ingredients.

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

• Cost: $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND) per hotpot (serves 2–4); 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 the freshest broth; included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($75–$110).

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

2. Learn to Cook Lau Cua Dong

• Description: Master Lau Cua Dong in a hands-on cooking class, learning to blend crab paste, tamarind, and herbs for the perfect broth. Source fresh crabs and greens from local markets with expert chefs, embracing Mekong Delta flavors.

• 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.

3. Taste Lau Cua Dong at Vinh Long Night Market

• Description: Savor Lau Cua Dong at the lively Vinh Long Night Market, alongside dishes like Ca Tai Tuong Chien Xu ($2–$7 or 50,000–175,000 VND) and Khmer-style skewers ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND). Enjoy live music during festivals like Ok Om Bok.

• Location: Ward 1, Vinh Long city center.

• Cost: Food $1–$8 (25,000–200,000 VND); souvenirs like crab paste $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 atmosphere; included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($75–$110).

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

4. Experience Lau Cua Dong at Cai Be Floating Market

• Description: Cruise the Cai Be Floating Market to enjoy Lau Cua Dong prepared on boats, paired with fresh fruits like rambutan ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND). Interact with vendors and explore nearby orchards for a complete food adventure.

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

• Cost: Boat tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); hotpot $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 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 Lau Cua Dong with Ben Tre’s Coconut Delights

• Description: Complement Lau Cua Dong 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, balancing the hotpot’s savory notes with sweet treats.

• 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 coconut candy with ginger; 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 greenery 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 Lau Cua Dong stalls and Khmer dishes, drawing 300+ visitors.

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

  • Lunar New Year (January/February): Multicultural food markets with Lau Cua Dong 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

• Lau Cua Dong: $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 VND) per hotpot (serves 2–4).

• 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).

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, 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 Lau Cua Dong’s origins for a cultural connection.

Savor Lau Cua Dong with our eco-friendly tours:

• Vinh Long Foodie Tour ($75–$110/person, 1 day): Enjoy Lau Cua Dong 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 Lau Cua Dong 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 Lau Cua Dong and cultural experiences. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

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

Lau Cua Dong, a fragrant rice-field crab hotpot, captivates with its soulful broth and fresh ingredients, embodying the Mekong Delta’s communal flavors in Vinh Long Province, located 135 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Priced at $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND) per pot, this dish, featuring crab, tamarind, and water spinach, shines at Vinh Long Market or homestays in An Binh Islet. 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 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 taste Lau Cua Dong in Vinh Long? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into the Mekong Delta’s foodie paradise!

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:

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