Discover Vung Tau’s iconic banh khot, crispy mini pancakes, in Ho Chi Minh City’s coastal ward! Explore top eateries, prices, and sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group.
Vung Tau, now a vibrant ward of Ho Chi Minh City following Vietnam’s administrative merger, lies 95 km southeast of District 1, drawing over 2 million visitors annually for its coastal charm and vibrant food scene. Banh khot, Vung Tau’s signature savory mini pancakes, are made with rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric, topped with shrimp, pork, or squid, and served with fresh herbs and nuoc mam (fish sauce) for $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per portion. The tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 22–28°C or 71.6–82.4°F; rainy season: May–October, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F) enhances outdoor dining along Vung Tau’s bustling streets.
Banh khot embodies Vung Tau’s sustainable culinary ethos, with eateries sourcing fresh seafood from local fisheries and vegetables from nearby farms, aligning with Ho Chi Minh City’s “Green Metropolis” initiative. These crispy delights, paired with eco-friendly practices like biodegradable packaging, make Vung Tau a foodie haven. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable culinary tours guide you to the best banh khot spots, ensuring an eco-conscious gastronomic adventure. Book via links on this page or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s administrative reform has merged Ba Ria - Vung Tau into Ho Chi Minh City, reclassifying Vung Tau as a ward. Use “Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” for seamless navigation with ward-based maps.
Legend Travel Group, a pioneer in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offers eco-friendly culinary tours in Vung Tau, ideal for food lovers craving authentic banh khot. Our low-impact transport, such as electric shuttles, and English-speaking guides showcase Vung Tau’s sustainable food culture, local sourcing, and green practices. Supporting coastal communities, we align with Ho Chi Minh City’s sustainability goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless experience. Book our eco-tours via links on this page for a responsible culinary journey!
Banh khot, a staple of Vung Tau’s culinary heritage since the 1990s, reflects the ward’s fishing and farming traditions. Cooked on cast-iron molds over open flames, these mini pancakes feature a crispy exterior and soft interior, filled with fresh seafood from Vung Tau’s 42-km coastline and organic herbs from local markets. Sustainable practices, like sourcing from responsible fisheries and using eco-friendly utensils, preserve the region’s biodiversity, supporting over 150 marine species. From street stalls to cozy eateries along Thuy Van and Tran Phu Streets, Vung Tau’s banh khot offers an unforgettable taste of coastal Vietnam, just 1.5 hours from District 1.
These eco-friendly culinary activities, costing $1–$10, deliver authentic flavors and cultural immersion:
Savor shrimp-topped banh khot at Banh Khot Goc Vu Sua, best at 7:00 AM, for $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND), with a vibrant herb platter.
Cost: $1.50–$3.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–2:00 PM (weekdays); 7:00 AM–8:00 PM (weekends).
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses local seafood; biodegradable plates.
Tip: Located at 14 Nguyen Truong To, Ward 2; arrive early to avoid crowds. Included in Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Foodie Tour ($50–$80).
Relish pork and squid banh khot at Co Ba Vung Tau, best at 6:00 PM, for $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND), with fresh greens.
Cost: $2–$3.
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Sources organic vegetables; minimal plastic use.
Tip: Located at 37 Ly Tu Trong, Ward 2; try the vegetarian option.
Join a cooking class, best at 9:00 AM, for $8–$10 (200,000–250,000 VND), using market-fresh ingredients to craft your own banh khot.
Cost: $8–$10.
Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–11:00 AM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Zero-waste cooking; local produce.
Tip: Book via local vendors; included in Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Culinary Adventure ($70–$100).
Taste street-style banh khot at Tran Phu Market, best at 6:00 AM, for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), supporting local vendors.
Cost: $1–$2.
Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses reusable baskets; local seafood.
Tip: Near Sao Mai Village; pair with pickled vegetables.
Enjoy banh khot with shrimp at Quan 368, best at 5:00 PM, for $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND), in a rustic setting.
Cost: $1.50–$2.50.
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Coal-fired stoves; locally sourced ingredients.
Tip: Located at 368 Tran Phu, Ward 5; try with grilled pork side.
Visit from November to April for dry, sunny weather (22–28°C or 71.6–82.4°F), ideal for outdoor dining at markets or street stalls. The rainy season (May–October) offers cozy indoor dining but requires rain gear. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see fewer crowds (5,000–15,000 daily visitors) than weekends (50,000–100,000), especially during Lunar New Year. Early mornings (5:00–8:00 AM) are best for market freshness, while evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) suit relaxed dining with cooler temperatures.
Vung Tau is 95 km from District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, reachable in 1.5–2 hours:
By Private Car: Drive 1.5 hours via Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway, $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 1.5 hours, $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND) one-way; $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.
By High-Speed Ferry: From Bach Dang Wharf, 1.5 hours, $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) round-trip. Book via GreenlinesDP.
By Private Motorcycle: Ride via Highway 51, 2 hours, $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) fuel; rental $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Public Bus: Futa or Hoa Mai buses from Mien Dong Station, 2 hours, $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND) round-trip.
By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from District 1, 1.5 hours, $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person for 15+ people, including guide.
From Tan Son Nhat Airport: Private car ($30–$45 or 750,000–1,125,000 VND, 2 hours); Xanh SM taxi ($25–$35 or 625,000–875,000 VND); or airport bus to District 1 ($0.80 or 20,000 VND, 30 min) + ferry ($10–$15).
Navigation Tip: Save “Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” in offline maps; head to Tran Phu or Thuy Van Street for banh khot eateries. Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Ferries or electric taxis reduce emissions; group buses lower per-person impact.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; confirm taxi/bus fares.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable culinary trip:
Clothing: Light layers, comfortable shoes for market walks; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Culinary Gear: Small backpack, reusable tote for market buys ($1–$2), notebook for recipes.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable cutlery; biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Cash for small vendors; allergy medication for seafood sensitivities.
Culinary and Market Fees
Banh Khot (Goc Vu Sua/Co Ba): $1.50–$3 (37,500–75,000 VND).
Banh Khot (Tran Phu Market): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Quan 368 Banh Khot: $1.50–$2.50 (37,500–62,500 VND).
Cooking Class: $8–$10 (200,000–250,000 VND).
Local Snacks (e.g., Banh Xeo): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Coffee): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Fish Sauce): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Guided Culinary Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from District 1)
Private Car: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND).
High-Speed Ferry: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).
Public Bus: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND).
Private Motorcycle: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) fuel; rental $5–$10/day.
Private Tour Bus: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person.
Airport to Vung Tau: $30–$45 (750,000–1,125,000 VND).
Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $7–$15 (bus, market banh khot, snacks).
Mid-range: $25–$50 (ferry, restaurant banh khot, guided tour).
Luxury: $60–$90 (taxi, cooking class, premium dining).
Tip: Budget for banh khot ($1–$10) and transport ($5–$60); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).
Timing: Visit markets at 5:00–8:00 AM for fresh ingredients; November–April for outdoor dining. Weekdays for fewer crowds (5,000–15,000 vs. 50,000–100,000 on weekends). Avoid Lunar New Year for quieter eateries.
Booking: Order banh khot on-site; reserve cooking classes or Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead. Book transport early for weekends.
Sustainability: Choose eateries with local sourcing; avoid plastic waste. Support vendors at Tran Phu Market ($1–$5).
Navigation: Save “Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City” in offline maps; ask locals at Thuy Van Street for banh khot spots. Avoid night rides on rural roads.
Safety: Check for seafood allergies; secure valuables at markets. Confirm taxi/bus fares.
Weather: Dry season for street dining; rainy season needs indoor options and rain gear ($2–$5). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào”; respect market etiquette. Avoid loud talking in eateries.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry hand sanitizer for market visits.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Vung Tau’s banh khot scene:
Vung Tau Foodie Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Private car to Goc Vu Sua, Tran Phu Market, and banh khot tasting, with lunch ($3–$7). Includes guide, transport.
Vung Tau Coastal Culinary Escape ($120–$180/person, 2 days): Banh khot, seafood markets, homestay ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, ferry.
Ho Chi Minh City & Coastal Food Journey ($280–$420/person, 3 days): Vung Tau banh khot, Mekong Delta markets, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Vung Tau Ward, a vibrant coastal destination in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Region, Ho Chi Minh City, captivates with its iconic banh khot, crispy mini pancakes topped with fresh seafood, served for $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) at eateries like Goc Vu Sua and Co Ba, drawing over 2 million visitors yearly, just 95 km from Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Ward. Sustainable sourcing from local fisheries and eco-friendly practices like biodegradable packaging preserve Vung Tau’s culinary and coastal heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Vung Tau Tours guide you to these top banh khot spots, ensuring a sustainable Vung Tau Travelexperience with culinary classes and visits to Tran Phu Market and Back Beach. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to savor Vung Tau’s iconic banh khot? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable culinary journey!
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:
Banh Khot Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
Favorite experiences booked by travelers