Ben Tre

Nestled along the banks of the Cuu Long River Delta in Southern Vietnam lies Ben Tre, known as the "Land of Coconuts." This beautiful province is renowned for its lush oases, winding canals, and vibrant culture, serving as a cultural cornerstone for the western regions of Vietnam. Ben Tre offers travelers a wonderful escape into its serene landscapes, promising many hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.

Green rice fields and coconut trees in Ben TreWith its compact size, Ben Tre makes for an ideal one- or two-day trip. Each day is filled with enchanting eco-tours, engaging traditional games, and an array of unique culinary delights. A tour through the mangrove forests and vibrant waterways adds to the allure. It’s clear that Ben Tre is a haven for anyone with a penchant for exploration.

Climate and the Best Time to Visit

Similar to other provinces in the Mekong Delta, Ben Tre enjoys a mild climate year-round, with average temperatures hovering around 27 degrees Celsius. The gentle trade winds from the East Sea help to temper the heat, creating a comfortable environment for visitors. There's little risk of severe weather, making it easy to plan a trip at almost any time. For those seeking a vibrant experience, visiting between June and August offers an opportunity to see lush plantations in full bloom, showcasing fruits such as mangosteen, longan, rambutan, and durian.

From September to December, the region experiences its water-rising season, making this the perfect time for paddle excursions through the waterways, allowing you to drift amidst the lush greenery.

Tourists on boats in Ben Tre

How to Get There

Ben Tre is located approximately 90 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, connected through Long An and Tien Giang provinces. For travelers coming from the north or abroad, flying or taking a train or long-distance bus to Ho Chi Minh City is the best option, from which you can easily reach Ben Tre.

By Car and Motorbike

The quickest way to get to Ben Tre is by car or motorbike, taking roughly two hours via the Trung Luong Highway. After crossing the Rach Mieu Bridge, it’s a short distance to the heart of Ben Tre. As you travel, you’ll marvel at the picturesque countryside views and tranquil riverside scenery.

Trung Luong highway

With its flat terrain and winding canals interspersed with rice paddies, biking can be a wonderfully efficient way to explore. For adventurous travelers, this is highly recommended.

By Bus

Public buses present another transportation option, departing from various stations in Ho Chi Minh City, such as the Westside station (395 Kinh Duong Vuong). Buses reach key destinations in Ben Tre including the Ben Tre and Binh Dai bus stations. Some of the bus companies include Kim Hoang, Hiep Thanh, and Dong Khoi, with ticket prices typically ranging from 70,000 to 120,000 VND. While this option offers comfort, it may lack the flexibility of other modes of transport.

Bus to Ben Tre - Photo: otavietnam.com

Transportation in Ben Tre

Modern ride-hailing apps such as Grab and GoViet are widely available throughout Ben Tre, making it simple to get around. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, renting a motorbike from a local agency can cost between 80,000 and 180,000 VND per day, depending on the bike model. Rental services typically include delivery, helmets, raincoats, and fuel. Companies like Amione, 365 Bike, and Bao Duyen are popular choices, as many hotels and homestays also offer bike rentals.

You can easily find Grab in Ben Tre

For those traveling with large groups or families, taxis and local buses are viable options. Although buses service most attractions every 15 minutes, their operating hours are limited from 5 AM to 6 PM. Taxis, although typically more expensive, are available at all hours.

Things to Do

Explore Ecotourism with Con Quy and Con Phung (Turtle and Phoenix Islands)

Part of a group of four mythical creature islands, the Turtle and Phoenix Islands are vibrant spots in the Ben Tre vicinity. Journeying along the river, both islands are easily accessed and offer stunning natural beauty.

Con Quy, known for its pristine landscapes and various fruit orchards, lies 23 km from Ben Tre city. Here, visitors can enjoy activities such as rowing, fishing, and conquering the local monkey bridges, or simply relaxing on hammocks beneath swaying palms while listening to traditional Southern melodies.

Conversely, Con Phung, also called Tan Vinh, is a stunning oasis on the Tien River where visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquil environment and unique architectural sites such as the Coconut Religion monuments. Traditional practices like coconut candy and rice paper making can also be experienced here. Phoenix Island is a highlight for many visitors.

Aerial view of the coconut farms in Con Phung Island

The Ben Tre region boasts many ecotourism experiences beyond just these islands, including Coconut Village, Lan Vuong, and Chin Song.

Visit River Delta Gardens and Plantations

Ben Tre is famed for its abundance of tropical fruits, especially in summer. Many of the local gardens and plantations offer ticketed entry (usually around 50,000 to 100,000 VND) for visitors to sample a variety of tropical delights. Apart from fruit tasting, guests can enjoy local games and specialties, and even purchase delicious, fresh tropical fruits.

Fruit and vegetable garden in Ben Tre

Some of the notable gardens include:

• Cai Mon - Cho Lach, the most prominent with year-round fruit availability.
• Bao Thach - Chau Thanh, Ben Tre.
• Que Ta (Our Homeland) - Tan Phu, Ben Tre.
• Hue - Chau Thanh, Ben Tre.

Pay Tribute to Historical and Religious Sites

Ben Tre's rich history and diverse religious landscape are reflective of its unique cultural heritage. Many historical and spiritual sites present a calmer experience than those found in other river delta regions. Key religious sites include Vien Giac, Vien Minh, and various temples, while historical sites like the Dong Khoi guerrilla site and Nguyen Dinh Chieu tomb attract history enthusiasts.

Nguyen Dinh Chieu tomb - Photo: thamhiemmekong.com

Traditional Markets and Folk Craft Villages

After exploring the natural scenery, visitors may wish to experience the vibrant atmosphere of traditional markets and craft villages, where they can engage with local customs and sample delicious foods.

Ben Tre Night Market

Ben Tre night market - Photo: immivietnamvisa

Located on the riverbank at the end of Hung Vuong Street, the night market operates from 7 PM to midnight, offering a myriad of local specialties, street food, and drinks.

Phuoc Long Craft Village

Photo: Saigonriders.com

This village is committed to making the most out of coconut resources, producing countless artisan goods such as bowls and baskets. Located in Giong Trom district, it is easily accessible from Ben Tre.

An Hiep Mattress-Making Village

Photo: dulichmuaheviet.com

To reach An Hiep, take National Road 60 and turn onto Province Road 884. This village is known for its mattress-making craftsmanship, a tradition that has been maintained for generations.

Phuoc Tuy Bamboo Knitting Village

Photo: guidefrancophoneauvietnam

With over a century of history, the Phuoc Tuy village produces a wide array of bamboo items used in everyday life as well as for souvenirs.

Go Beyond Ben Tre City

Taking a trip outside the city reveals the natural beauty of the surrounding regions. The clean, quiet roads provide a retreat into tranquility.

Cu Lao Bao

This green island, cut by the Ba Lai and Ham Luong Rivers, exudes a friendly charm. Attractions such as Chung Thuy Lake and the Nguyen Thi Dinh Historical Site are worth a visit.

Thua Duc Beach

Thua Duc beach - Photo: baodulich.net.vn

Unlike the crowded beaches in Danang and Nha Trang, Thua Duc Beach in Binh Dai District retains its pristine beauty, with tranquil waters, shifting palms, and affordable seafood dining options.

Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary

@dulichbentre

This expansive area in Ba Tri district is home to rare flora and fauna, including 84 bird species, primarily storks, often seen perched on the mangroves along the Ba Lai River.

Where to Stay

Accommodations in Ben Tre range from luxury stays to cozy homestays, catering to diverse preferences and budgets.

Resorts

For a relaxing getaway, consider Forever Green, Mango Home Riverside, or the Ben Tre Riverside Resort. Set among lush gardens and alongside the river, these resorts offer serene atmospheres and high-quality service, often including tours to local attractions.

Those preferring modern accommodations can find hotels like Diamond Stars, Vietnam Australia, and Hung Vuong that provide comfort, excellent dining options, and convenient locations.

Ben Tre Riverside resort

Homestays

For a more authentic experience, local homestays such as Jardin Du Mekong, Cocohut, and Duyen Que (Countryside Charm) provide a unique glimpse into the culture and environment of the region. These eco-friendly accommodations emphasize a connection to nature.

Jardin Du Mekong

Food to Enjoy

A local delicacy worth trying is Duong Dua (Coconut Larvae). Although it may initially seem unappetizing to some, Ben Tre residents have perfected the preparation of this dish through grilling, stirring, and steaming, resulting in a unique taste experience. The juicy, fatty essence comes from the coconut flesh that serves as its main ingredient.

Ben Tre is also known for its coconut-infused dishes such as coconut rice, coconut milk with stir-fried beef, and an array of coconut-based desserts, all reasonably priced. Visitors have found Ben Tre to be relatively transparent with food pricing, as recounts from previous travelers highlight a lack of scams.

Steamed Rice in Coconut