Vinh Long Foodie Guide: Savor the Unique Nam Moi (Bean Chicken Mushroom) in the Mekong Delta

A Rare Culinary Delight of the Mekong Delta

Vinh Long, the vibrant heart of Vinh Long Province, is a culinary gem 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 food traditions. Attracting 15,000 food enthusiasts annually, Vinh Long’s culinary treasures, like the unique Nam Moi (bean chicken mushroom), 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). Known for its chicken-like flavor and fleeting harvest season, Nam Moi is a must-try for adventurous foodies.

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

Administrative Note

Use “Vinh Long, Vinh Long Province” for navigation. As the Mekong Delta’s culinary hub, Vinh Long is ideal for travelers seeking rare 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 foraging insights, and partnerships with local communities to preserve culinary traditions. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a delicious, responsible journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Nam Moi, or bean chicken mushroom, is a seasonal delicacy prized for its savory, chicken-like taste. Here are the top ways to enjoy it and other culinary delights:

1. Taste Nam Moi Dishes at Local Eateries

• Description: Savor Nam Moi stir-fried with green beans or in a fragrant soup, highlighting its unique chicken-like flavor. Freshly foraged, these mushrooms are a local favorite, often served with rice or noodles. Eateries guide newcomers on pairing options.

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

• 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 the freshest Nam Moi; included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($75–$110).

• Best Time: Evenings; May–June for peak mushroom season.

2. Join a Nam Moi Foraging Tour

• Description: Embark on an early-morning foraging tour to hunt Nam Moi in Vinh Long’s forests and fields, guided by local experts. Learn to identify these mushrooms, then taste them in a freshly cooked dish. Tours often include visits to nearby orchards.

• Locations: An Binh Island (10 km from city center); Tra Vinh Ward fields (15 km).

• Cost: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND), includes guide and meal.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Follow sustainable foraging practices; cycle to sites.

• Tip: Start at 4:00–6:00 AM for the best harvest; included in Legend Travel Group’s Nature & Food Tour ($80–$120).

• Best Time: Mornings; May–June for Nam Moi season.

3. Enjoy Nam Moi at Vinh Long Night Market

• Description: Sample Nam Moi dishes at the vibrant Vinh Long Night Market, alongside local favorites like Banh Xeo ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) and Khmer grilled skewers ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND). Live music adds to the festive vibe during events like Ok Om Bok.

• Location: Ward 1, Vinh Long city center.

• Cost: Dishes $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND); souvenirs like dried mushrooms $3–$8 (75,000–200,000 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 liveliest atmosphere; included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($75–$110).

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

4. Cook Nam Moi at a Culinary Workshop

• Description: Learn to cook Nam Moi in a hands-on workshop, mastering dishes like stir-fried Nam Moi with green beans or mushroom soup. Source fresh ingredients from local markets with chefs, embracing Mekong Delta flavors.

• 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.

5. Pair Nam Moi with Ben Tre’s Coconut Treats

• Description: Complement Nam Moi with Ben Tre Ward’s coconut candy ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) or fresh coconut water ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND). Visit workshops to see candy-making, balancing the mushroom’s savoriness with sweet notes.

• 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 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 workshops. Bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Peak Nam Moi Season (May–June): Nam Moi flourishes after early rains, offering the freshest harvests. Expect higher prices ($4–$8 or 100,000–200,000 VND per dish) and crowds (100–250 daily visitors).

• Festival Seasons:

  • Ok Om Bok (October/November): Features Nam Moi dishes and Khmer specialties, drawing 300+ visitors.

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

  • Lunar New Year (January/February): Multicultural markets with Nam Moi specials.

• Timing Tip: Early mornings (4:00–6:00 AM) for foraging; evenings (5:00–9:00 PM) for 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 foraging 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

• Nam Moi Dishes: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Night Market Snacks/Souvenirs: $1–$8 (25,000–200,000 VND).

• Foraging Tours: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

• Cooking Workshops: $12–$20 (300,000–500,000 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 foraging tours for early mornings (4:00–6:00 AM) in May–June; evenings (5:00–9:00 PM) for markets. Schedule workshops 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 sustainable foraging. 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 foraging.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; ask foragers about Nam Moi traditions for a cultural connection.

Savor Nam Moi with our eco-friendly tours:

• Vinh Long Foodie Tour ($75–$110/person, 1 day): Enjoy Nam Moi 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 Nam Moi on a foraging tour, 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 Nam Moi 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.

Nam Moi, a seasonal mushroom with a rare, chicken-like flavor, captivates foodies in Vinh Long Province, transforming simple dishes into Mekong Delta masterpieces, located 135 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Foraged from the region’s forests during the rainy season (May–October), this earthy delicacy, priced at $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND) per portion, is featured in stir-fries or soups at Vinh Long Market or homestays in An Binh Islet. Legend Travel Group’s Vinh Long Tours guide you to savor Nam Moi, ensuring a sustainable Vinh Long Travel experience with eco-friendly practices like supporting local foragers and community-led tours, 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 Nam Moi in Vinh Long? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into the Mekong Delta’s unique food scene!

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:

• Nam Moi Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group