What to Eat in Hau Giang: Top Dishes, Eco-Tours & Sustainable Culinary Adventures

Hau Giang, a vibrant heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta now integrated into Can Tho City, is a food lover’s paradise, renowned for its diverse, flavorful dishes and fresh tropical fruits. From the sizzling Cha Ca Thac Lac to the tangy Bun Goi Gia, Hau Giang’s cuisine reflects its lush wetlands and Khmer-Vietnamese heritage, drawing over 2 million visitors annually. Committed to sustainable tourism through Can Tho’s “Green Delta” initiative, Hau Giang offers eco-friendly food tours that support local farmers and vendors. Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, curates immersive culinary experiences to savor Hau Giang’s specialties responsibly. Start your gastronomic journey—book a tour via the links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Legend Travel Group is a leader in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering authentic experiences with a focus on cultural immersion and environmental preservation. Our Hau Giang food tours use eco-friendly transport—bicycles and electric boats—guided by local experts who share the stories behind dishes like Soi Mam. Supporting communities in Vi Thanh, Nga Bay, and Cai Tac Wards, we align with Can Tho’s green initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless culinary adventure. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and taste Hau Giang responsibly!

Following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, Hau Giang and Soc Trang provinces have merged into Can Tho City, with Can Tho as the administrative center. District-level units are now wards or communes, enhancing access to Hau Giang’s culinary hubs through sustainable infrastructure like cycling paths and a VND500 billion flood control project. This ensures easy exploration of food markets and eateries across Vi Thanh and beyond.

Hau Giang is accessible via Can Tho City, the Mekong Delta’s transport hub:

• By Air: Can Tho International Airport (VCA), 50 km from Vi Thanh, serves domestic flights and limited international routes (e.g., Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur). Round-trip costs:

  • Ho Chi Minh City: $70–$140 (1,750,000–3,500,000 VND).

  • Hanoi: $100–$180 (2,500,000–4,500,000 VND).

  • International (e.g., Bangkok): $250–$550.

  • Taxis or Grab to Vi Thanh: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

• By Bus: Can Tho’s central bus station offers routes to Vi Thanh (1–1.5 hours, $3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). From Ho Chi Minh City (5–6 hours, $8–$15 or 200,000–375,000 VND) or Hanoi (30–34 hours, $30–$50 or 750,000–1,250,000 VND), luxury sleeper buses provide comfort.

• By Train: Can Tho’s railway station (expected completion 2026) will connect to Ho Chi Minh City (6–7 hours, $15–$30 or 375,000–750,000 VND). Currently, buses or flights are more practical.

Getting Around Hau Giang:

• Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND), ideal for Vi Thanh’s markets.

• Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND), great for rural sites like Tam Vu.

• Electric Boats: $10–$20/trip (250,000–500,000 VND) for Nga Bay tours.

• Grab/Taxi: $3–$8/trip (75,000–200,000 VND) within 5–10 km.

Tip: Download the Grab app for transparent pricing; opt for bicycles or electric boats for eco-friendly travel, included in our Hau Giang Foodie Tour ($55–$75).

Hau Giang’s cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of Mekong Delta flavors, shaped by its fertile wetlands, abundant fisheries, and tropical orchards. Known for rustic dishes like Chao Long Cai Tac and exotic fruits like Phu Huu Pomelos, the region offers a farm-to-table experience that celebrates local ingredients. Street food stalls in Vi Thanh and Nga Bay markets serve affordable, authentic meals, while eco-friendly food tours highlight sustainable practices. With a tropical monsoon climate (dry season December–April, rainy season May–November), Hau Giang’s seasonal produce—mangoes in summer, pineapples year-round—enriches its culinary offerings, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Key Culinary Features:

• Signature Dishes: Fresh, bold flavors from fish, snails, and herbs.

• Fruits: Phu Huu Pomelos, Cau Duc Pineapples, Long Tri Tangerines.

• Dining Venues: Markets, street stalls, family-run eateries.

• Sustainability: Local sourcing and eco-tours support farmers.

Tip: Carry small VND notes (50,000–200,000) for market vendors; try dishes with chili salt for authentic flavor.

Hau Giang’s culinary scene is a feast for the senses. Below are the top 10 dishes and fruits you must try, with eco-tour options to experience them sustainably.

1. Chao Long Cai Tac (Cai Tac Porridge)

A soul-warming rice porridge with pork offal, served with bitter herbs, banana blossoms, bean sprouts, and chili for a complex, savory flavor.

• Where to Try: Cai Tac Ward food stalls or Vi Thanh Night Market.

• Cost: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Eco-Tour Option: Included in our Hau Giang Foodie Tour ($55–$75), with a cooking class to learn the recipe.

• Tip: Add extra lime for a zesty kick.

2. Cha Ca Thac Lac (Grilled Thac Lac Fish Rolls)

Minced Thac Lac fish marinated with chili and lemongrass, grilled into aromatic rolls, served with fish sauce and raw vegetables.

• Where to Try: Vi Thanh Night Market or Nga Bay canal-side eateries.

• Cost: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Eco-Tour Option: Featured in our Mekong River Adventure ($55–$75), with a boat tour to Nga Bay.

• Tip: Pair with Vietnamese coriander for enhanced flavor.

3. Bun Goi Gia (Tamarind Broth with Rice Noodle)

A tangy rice noodle soup with tamarind broth, red shrimp, banana blossoms, and chives, perfect for breakfast or lunch.

• Where to Try: Vi Thanh local restaurants or Cai Tac street vendors.

• Cost: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Eco-Tour Option: Included in our Hau Giang Foodie Tour ($55–$75), with market visits for ingredients.

• Tip: Dip in pure fish sauce for authenticity.

4. Phu Huu Pomelos (Nam Roi Grapefruit)

Large, sweet-tangy pomelos with yellowish skin, rich in Vitamin C, available year-round, best with chili salt.

• Where to Try: Phu Huu Ward orchards or Nga Bay Floating Market.

• Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per fruit.

• Eco-Tour Option: Featured in our Hau Giang Foodie Tour ($55–$75), with an orchard visit.

• Tip: Buy as souvenirs; they last 10–15 days.

5. Thac Lac Cuom/Nang Hai Fish

Clown knife fish with distinctive black circles, served grilled with chili-lemongrass or in tangy bitter gourd soup.

• Where to Try: Vi Thanh restaurants or Nga Bay market stalls.

• Cost: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Eco-Tour Option: Included in our Hau Giang Cultural Tour ($50–$70), with a cooking demo.

• Tip: Choose fresh fish for the best flavor.

6. Cau Duc Pineapples

Sweet, golden pineapples grown in alum-rich soils, available year-round, perfect fresh or juiced.

• Where to Try: Hoa Tien Ward orchards or Vi Thanh markets.

• Cost: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND) per fruit.

• Eco-Tour Option: Featured in our Hau Giang Foodie Tour ($55–$75), with a farm visit.

• Tip: Store for up to 15 days; try with pepper salt.

7. Oc Len Xao Dua (Stir-Fried Sea Snails with Coconut Milk)

Small mud creepers stir-fried in coconut milk with lemongrass and rau răm, offering a creamy, savory taste.

• Where to Try: Vi Thanh Night Market or Long My eateries.

• Cost: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Eco-Tour Option: Included in our Hau Giang Foodie Tour ($55–$75), with a market tour.

• Tip: Slurp the snails for the full experience; pair with beer.

8. Dot Choai (Stir-Fried Fern)

Crisp, earthy fern stir-fried with garlic or beef, a rustic staple of Hau Giang’s countryside cuisine.

• Where to Try: Vi Thanh restaurants or Cai Tac stalls.

• Cost: $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Eco-Tour Option: Featured in our Hau Giang Cultural Tour ($50–$70), with a farm-to-table experience.

• Tip: Enjoy as a side dish with rice.

9. Ngat Fish (Mudskipper Fish)

Elusive deep-water fish grilled in banana leaves or cooked in tamarind soup, served with chili salt and herbs.

• Where to Try: Nga Bay Floating Market or Vi Thanh eateries.

• Cost: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Eco-Tour Option: Included in our Mekong River Adventure ($55–$75), with a canal-side tasting.

• Tip: Opt for charcoal-grilled for maximum sweetness.

10. Soi Mam (Hot Pebble-Grilled Pork)

Marinated pork grilled on sizzling pebbles, rolled in rice paper with vegetables and sweet-sour sauce, known for its dramatic presentation.

• Where to Try: Vi Thanh restaurants or Long My eateries.

• Cost: $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).

• Eco-Tour Option: Featured in our Hau Giang Foodie Tour ($55–$75), with a cooking class.

• Tip: Eat immediately for the best sizzle and aroma.

• Book Tours Early: Reserve food tours via Legend Travel Group (sales@legendtravelgroup.com, WhatsApp +84825862222) 2–3 weeks in advance, especially for December–April or festivals like Ok Om Bok.

• Seasonal Dining:

  • Dry Season (December–April): Ideal for outdoor markets; try fresh fruits like Phu Huu Pomelos.

  • Rainy Season (May–November): Perfect for indoor cooking classes; enjoy abundant mangoes and rambutans.

• Sustainability: Support local vendors at Nga Bay; use reusable utensils to align with Can Tho’s green initiatives.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) for Vi Thanh and Nga Bay; save Vi Thanh Night Market as a landmark.

• Safety: Wash hands before eating street food; secure valuables at busy markets.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip vendors $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND); respect communal dining customs.

• Health: Stay hydrated with bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); apply mosquito repellent at evening markets.

Our sustainable tours highlight Hau Giang’s culinary treasures:

• Hau Giang Foodie Tour ($55–$75/person): Chao Long Cai Tac, Cha Ca Thac Lac, cooking class, Vi Thanh Night Market. Includes eco-transfers, meals, guide.

• Mekong River Adventure ($55–$75/person): Nga Bay Floating Market, Ngat Fish and Oc Len Xao Dua tasting via electric boat. Includes snacks, guide.

• Hau Giang Cultural Tour ($50–$70/person): Bun Goi Gia, Soi Mam, Khmer Pagoda, Ok Om Bok Festival. Includes bike rentals, lunch, guide.

• Mekong Delta Immersion ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): All signature dishes, homestays ($10–$25/night), orchards via mixed eco-transport. Includes meals, activities.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book now via links around this page!

Hau Giang’s culinary scene is a vibrant celebration of Mekong Delta flavors, from rustic Chao Long Cai Tac to exotic Soi Mam and sweet Phu Huu Pomelos. With eco-friendly food tours, sustainable markets, and a rich cultural heritage, Hau Giang offers an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Legend Travel Group’s Hau Giang Tours ensure you savor these dishes while supporting local communities and green initiatives. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Hau Giang Travel culinary journey today!
Ready to taste Hau Giang’s Mekong Delta delights? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into a world of flavors!

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.