Where to Eat in Tra Vinh: Vinh Long’s Culinary Hotspots in the Mekong Delta

A Culinary Melting Pot in the Mekong Delta

Tra Vinh, now a vibrant ward of Vinh Long Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform on July 1, 2025, is a Mekong Delta gem renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and diverse culinary scene. With a blend of Kinh, Khmer (30% of 1 million residents), and Hoa influences, Tra Vinh offers a mouthwatering array of dishes, from Banh Canh Ben Co to Nuoc Mam Ruoi, attracting 10,000 food-loving visitors annually. Dining experiences range from $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND), set against the backdrop of the 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), which enhances visits with vibrant markets and lush surroundings.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly foodie tours in Tra Vinh, combining culinary delights with cultural exploration using eco-transport and local guides. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your culinary adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” for navigation. Tra Vinh remains a key culinary and cultural hub within Vinh Long, ideal for international travelers seeking authentic Mekong Delta flavors.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Tra Vinh foodie tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides sharing culinary and cultural insights, and partnerships with local vendors to support sustainable practices. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for an immersive, responsible experience aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Tra Vinh’s dining scene ranges from bustling market stalls to cozy restaurants, offering a taste of local and regional specialties. Here are the top spots to savor Tra Vinh’s culinary treasures, all accessible in or near the city center:

1. Quan Banh Canh Ben Co Nguyet Hoa

• Location: Ben Co Hamlet, Nguyet Hoa Village, 7 km from Tra Vinh city center.

• Description: The birthplace of Banh Canh Ben Co (thick noodle soup), this family-run eatery serves a hearty dish with chewy rice noodles, pork toppings, and a sweet-savory broth. The rustic setting offers an authentic local experience.

• Must-Try Dishes: Banh Canh Ben Co ($1.50–$3 or 37,500–75,000 VND); macapuno coconut ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

• Hours: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses reusable cutlery; bring a reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND) to reduce waste.

• Tip: Add lime and chili for extra zest; pair with a visit to nearby orchards. Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).

• Transport: Bicycle ($2–$5/day or 50,000–125,000 VND) or taxi ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND).

2. Quan An 79

• Location: 79 Le Loi Street, Tra Vinh city center.

• Description: A popular restaurant offering a clean, air-conditioned setting and a variety of Tra Vinh specialties, including Chao Am (fish congee) and Banh Tet Tra Cuon. Ideal for travelers seeking comfort and quality.

• Must-Try Dishes: Chao Am ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND); Nuoc Mam Ruoi-dressed salad ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

• Hours: 7:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Supports local sustainable ingredients; bring reusable utensils to minimize waste.

• Tip: Try Chao Am with extra ginger; close to Ong Pagoda for post-meal exploration. Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).

• Transport: Walk (5 minutes from city center) or cyclo ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

3. Tra Vinh Night Market

• Location: Ward 2, Tra Vinh city center, near Le Loi Street.

• Description: A vibrant evening market where stalls serve Tra Vinh specialties like Vinh Kim Dry Shrimp and Banh Xeo (crispy pancakes). Perfect for a lively, budget-friendly foodie experience.

• Must-Try Dishes: Banh Xeo with Nuoc Mam Ruoi ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Makapuno Coconut dessert ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND).

• Hours: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM daily.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with minimal plastic; use a reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for purchases.

• Tip: Pair dishes with Xuan Thanh Wine ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND per cup). Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).

• Transport: Walk (10 minutes from city center) or cyclo ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND).

4. Huynh Ky Restaurant

• Location: 25 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, 1 km from Tra Vinh city center.

• Description: A mid-range restaurant offering a refined menu of Mekong Delta dishes, including com tam (broken rice) with Vinh Kim Dry Shrimp and curry rice. Ideal for families or groups.

• Must-Try Dishes: Curry rice ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND); com tam with dry shrimp ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND).

• Hours: 8:00 AM–10:00 PM daily.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Uses locally sourced ingredients; bring reusable utensils to reduce waste.

• Tip: Pair with Vietnamese iced coffee ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND). Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).

• Transport: Bicycle ($2–$5/day or 50,000–125,000 VND) or taxi ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND).

5. Duyen Hai Coastal Eateries

• Location: Duyen Hai Commune, 20 km southeast of Tra Vinh city center.

• Description: A collection of coastal stalls and small restaurants near Ba Dong Beach, specializing in seafood dishes enhanced with Nuoc Mam Ruoi and fresh catches like crab and shrimp.

• Must-Try Dishes: Stir-fried crab with tamarind sauce ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND); fish noodle soup with Nuoc Mam Ruoi ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND).

• Hours: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Support vendors using sustainable seafood; join beach cleanups to preserve the coast.

• Tip: Visit at sunset for a scenic meal; pair with a trip to Ba Dong Beach. Included in Legend Travel Group’s Coastal Tour ($70–$100).

• Transport: Taxi ($7–$10 or 175,000–250,000 VND) or Xanh SM electric taxi ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND).

Enhance your culinary adventure with nearby cultural and natural sites:

• Ang Pagoda: A 10th-century Khmer masterpiece, 5 km from the city center. Entry: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). Visit after dining at Quan An 79.

• Ba Om Pond: A lotus-filled oasis, 5 km southwest. Free entry; electric boat rides ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND). Pair with a meal at Duyen Hai.

• Chua Co (Stork Pagoda): A serene temple with resident storks, 3 km from the center. Free entry. Explore after a night market visit.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or cyclos ($1–$3/hour or 25,000–75,000 VND) to reach these sites; join cleanups to support conservation.

• November–April (Dry Season, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F): Ideal for market visits and outdoor dining, with moderate crowds (50–150 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 (30–100 daily visitors); bring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND). Last-minute bookings often available.

• Festival Seasons: Lunar New Year (January/February) and Ok Om Bok (October/November) feature festive dishes, drawing 200+ visitors. Book 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Timing Tip: Mornings (6:00–10:00 AM) for fresh market meals; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for vibrant night market dining.

Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province, is 125 km from Ho Chi Minh City, 45 km from Vinh Long Ward, and 80 km from Can Tho:

• From Ho Chi Minh City (2.5–3.5 hours): Bus ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) + taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND); private car ($60–$80 or 1,500,000–2,000,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($90–$120 or 2,250,000–3,000,000 VND, eco-friendly).

• From Hanoi (4.5–5 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($65–$130 or 1,625,000–3,250,000 VND) + taxi ($50–$60 or 1,250,000–1,500,000 VND).

• From Vinh Long Ward (45–60 minutes): Taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); motorbike rental ($7–$12/day or 175,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Tra Vinh Ward, 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 eateries (1–2 km radius).

• Cyclo: $1–$3/hour (25,000–75,000 VND), eco-friendly, perfect for short trips to restaurants.

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND), sustainable, great for Nguyet Hoa or Duyen Hai.

• Taxi/Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), best for longer trips to Duyen Hai.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize cyclos or bicycles; book through Legend Travel Group for eco-transport.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes near Tra Vinh Market.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable experience:

• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable attire, sturdy sandals, hat; waterproof poncho ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season.

• Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), reusable utensils to reduce waste.

• 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).

Dining Costs

• Local Dishes (e.g., Banh Canh Ben Co, Chao Am): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Seafood Dishes (e.g., crab, shrimp): $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND).

• Drinks (e.g., iced coffee, coconut water): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

Activity Costs

• Pagoda/Museum Entry: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Boat Tours (Ba Om Pond): $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Guided Foodie Tour: $20–$35 (500,000–875,000 VND).

• Homestay: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Local)

• Cyclo: $1–$3/hour (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Taxi/Xanh SM: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $5–$15 (walking, street food, homestay).

• Mid-range: $20–$35 (cyclo, guided tour, local dining).

• Luxury: $50–$80 (taxi, premium dining, homestay).

• Timing: Visit morning markets (6:00–10:00 AM) for fresh dishes; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for vibrant night market dining. November–April for dry weather; weekdays for fewer crowds (30–100 vs. 50–150 on weekends).

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s foodie tours 24–48 hours ahead; book homestays 1–2 weeks ahead for festivals (January/February, October/November).

• Sustainability: Choose eateries with reusable cutlery; join market or beach cleanups. Use eco-transport like bicycles or Xanh SM taxis.

• Navigation: Save “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps; key eateries are in the city center or 7–20 km away.

• Safety: Secure valuables; confirm prices before ordering. Avoid heavy rain for outdoor dining.

• Cultural Respect: Greet vendors with “xin chào”; ask about dish preparation for a cultural exchange.

Explore Tra Vinh’s culinary scene with our eco-friendly tours:

• Tra Vinh Foodie Tour ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Savor Banh Canh Ben Co, Nuoc Mam Ruoi, and more at Tra Vinh Market and eateries. Includes guide, cyclo transport, meals.

• Tra Vinh Cultural & Culinary Adventure ($140–$190/person, 2 days): Enjoy local dishes, Ba Om Pond cruise, homestay. Includes meals, guide, bicycle transport.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($340–$480/person, 4 days): Discover Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, Can Tho, with culinary stops and eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via this guide.

Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province, a culinary paradise in the Mekong Delta, captivates food lovers with a diverse array of flavors, from Banh Canh Ben Co’s hearty noodle soup to Chao Am’s savory porridge, reflecting its rich Khmer-Vietnamese heritage, located 130 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Vibrant markets like Cho Lon and cozy restaurants in Ward 2 showcase dishes enhanced by local ingredients and sustainable sourcing. Legend Travel Group’s Tra Vinh Tours offer eco-friendly foodie tours, ensuring a sustainable Tra Vinh Travel experience that pairs authentic dining with visits to cultural sites like Ang Pagoda, supporting local communities. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly culinary adventure today!
Ready to dine in Tra Vinh Province? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into an unforgettable Mekong Delta 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:

• Tra Vinh Culinary Information: vietnamtravel.com, vietnamoriginal-travel.com, asiatravellinks.com, scootersaigontour.com, vemekong.com, tnktravel.com