Thai Nguyen is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery and diverse culinary delights in Northeast Vietnam. Discover the top 15 must-try specialties of Thai Nguyen with us!
1 Introduction to Thai Nguyen Tourism
Thai Nguyen is located 75km northeast of Hanoi and is home to a unique blend of cultures and ethnic groups such as the Tay, Nung, and Dao people. With its pristine mountain landscapes and lush nature, Thai Nguyen also boasts historic sites and monuments, serving as an important witness to Vietnam’s history during the French resistance as the headquarters of the Viet Bac Autonomous Region.
The weather in Thai Nguyen is typically divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April). The climate is generally mild and pleasant all year round, making it an ideal destination to enjoy the natural scenery and fresh air. The best time to visit is during spring and summer, especially in January, when you can partake in the unique spring festivals celebrated by the local ethnic groups.
To get to Thai Nguyen from Hanoi, you can drive or ride a motorbike, or opt for public transportation such as trains, buses, or sleeper buses.
If you’re traveling from Central or Southern Vietnam, it’s recommended to fly to Hanoi to save time and then continue your journey to Thai Nguyen by other means of transportation.
Introduction to Thai Nguyen Tourism
2 Top 15 Thai Nguyen Specialties to Try
Must-Try Thai Nguyen Specialties
Com Lam Dinh Hoa (Dinh Hoa Bamboo Rice)
Com Lam Dinh Hoa
Com Lam Dinh Hoa is a simple yet delightful dish of the Tay ethnic group. The rice is cooked in bamboo tubes over a fire, infusing it with a smoky aroma. It is typically served with sesame salt, creating a delicious and memorable flavor that can last for up to a week without spoiling.
Price: Around 100,000 – 150,000 VND/serving
Address: Cho Chu Town, Dinh Hoa District
Tom Cuon Thua Lam (Thua Lam Shrimp Rolls)
Tom Cuon Thua Lam
Tom Cuon Thua Lam, or shrimp rolls, is a traditional dish from Thua Lam Village, Tien Phong Commune. It is made with fresh river shrimp, eggs, and pork, wrapped in a crispy coating and deep-fried to perfection. This dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a must-try when visiting Thai Nguyen.
Price: Around 10,000 VND/roll
Address: Thua Lam Village, Tien Phong Commune, Pho Yen Town
Dau Phu Binh Long (Binh Long Tofu)
Dau Phu Binh Long
Binh Long Tofu is a well-known specialty of Binh Long Commune, made with fresh soy milk and a unique production process that results in a firm yet tender texture. It is best enjoyed hot, dipped in a tangy shrimp and lemon sauce.
Price: Around 20,000 VND/kg
Address: Available in various markets in Binh Long Commune, Vo Nhai District, Thai Nguyen
Bun Oc (Snail Noodle Soup)
Bun Oc
Bun Oc is a comforting dish, perfect for chilly weather. The broth is packed with flavor, enhanced by various ingredients, and has a distinctive aroma that captivates diners. The slight sourness and spiciness of the soup, combined with crispy fried shallots, create an irresistible experience.
Price: Around 20,000 – 30,000 VND/bowl
Address: Hoang Van Thu Street, Thai Nguyen City.
Long Nuong (Grilled Offal)
Long Nuong
Long Nuong is a grilled delicacy made from carefully cleaned and seasoned offal, skewered and cooked over charcoal. The aroma is mouthwatering, and the offal is best enjoyed with fresh herbs and a sweet and savory dipping sauce.
Price: Around 25,000 – 30,000 VND/serving
Address: Xuan Hoa, Phan Dinh Phung Street, Thai Nguyen City.
Nham (Thai Nguyen Nham)
Nham
Nham is a unique local specialty made from a variety of ingredients, including sesame, peanuts, star fruit leaves, and nhoi leaves. It is a simple yet addictive dish that is worth trying when in Thai Nguyen.
Price: Around 25,000 – 30,000 VND/serving
Address: Xuan Hoa, Phan Dinh Phung Street, Thai Nguyen.
Banh Trung Kien (Ant Egg Cake)
Banh Trung Kien
Banh Trung Kien is a unique delicacy of the Tay ethnic group in Dinh Hoa District, made from glutinous rice flour, black ant eggs, and star fruit leaves. It is a one-of-a-kind specialty that you should definitely try when visiting Thai Nguyen.
Price: Around 25,000 – 30,000 VND/serving
Address: ATK Dinh Hoa Historical Site, Thai Nguyen
Thai Nguyen Specialties to Buy as Gifts
Che Thai Nguyen (Thai Nguyen Tea)
Che Thai Nguyen
The saying, “Che Thai, gai Tuyen” (Thai Nguyen tea, Tuyen Quang girls) is well-known to those who have visited Thai Nguyen. The region is famous for its high-quality tea, grown in the fertile lands of Tan Cuong, known for its distinctive dark green color, fragrant aroma, and sweet aftertaste. It would be a miss not to bring back some tea as a souvenir from Thai Nguyen.
Price: Around 80,000 – 200,000 VND/kg depending on the variety
Address: Che Thai Nguyen is widely available throughout the province, or you can purchase it from online retailers.
Banh Chung Bo Dau (Bo Dau Square Sticky Rice Cake)
Banh Chung Bo Dau
Banh Chung Bo Dau is a specialty of Bo Dau Village in Co Lung Commune, made with renowned Dinh Hoa sticky rice and the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans. It is a delicious fusion of mountain flavors not found elsewhere.
Price: Around 55,000 – 60,000 VND/kg
Address: Available at Thai Nguyen’s periodic markets.
Banh Cooc Mo (Tày Ethnic Triangle Cake)
Banh Cooc Mo
Banh Cooc Mo is a traditional cake of the Tay ethnic group, shaped like a triangle and wrapped in banana or dong leaves. It has a pale green color, a fragrant aroma, and a chewy, nutty texture that is not overwhelming. It makes an excellent gift for friends and family back home.
Price: Around 20,000 VND/cake
Address: Available year-round at the periodic markets of the Tay ethnic group.
Mien Viet Cuong (Viet Cuong Vermicelli)
Mien Viet Cuong
Mien Viet Cuong is made from 100% dong riềng (a type of yam) and is free from artificial colors. It is known for its superior quality, resulting in chewy and flavorful vermicelli that does not break easily. It is a great choice for a souvenir from Thai Nguyen.
Price: Around 50,000 VND/500g
Address: Widely available in Thai Nguyen’s markets or online retailers.
Nem Chua Dai Tu (Dai Tu Fermented Pork)
Nem Chua Dai Tu
Nem Chua Dai Tu is a local delicacy with a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from other types of fermented pork. It is typically grilled over charcoal or roasted before consumption, and its aroma blends beautifully with the scent of star fruit leaves and banana leaves. You can find it at the Nui Van – Nui Vo Festival at the Luu Nhan Chu Temple in Dai Tu.
Price: Around 350,000 VND/10 pieces
Address: Available in various markets in Thai Nguyen or specialty shops.
Gao Bao Thai Dinh Hoa (Dinh Hoa Thai Sticky Rice)
Gao Bao Thai Dinh Hoa
Gao Bao Thai Dinh Hoa is at its best from October to December, when the rice is most nutritious, soft, sticky, and fragrant. The more you chew,
