Welcome to Ben Tre, a verdant sanctuary nestled in the heart of the Mekong Delta, often celebrated as Vietnam’s “Kingdom of Coconuts.” Unlike its more commercialized neighbors, Ben Tre offers a rare glimpse into the authentic rhythms of river life. This comprehensive Ben Tre Travel Guide is your passport to uncovering the province’s best-kept secrets—from navigating winding canals on a traditional sampan and tasting fresh coconut candy at local workshops. Whether you are planning a quick day trip from Ho Chi Minh City or an immersive multi-day adventure, we provide all the essential information on transportation, accommodation, top attractions, and local tips to ensure your journey is as seamless as it is unforgettable.
Ben Tre at a Glance
Quick Facts
- Location: Mekong Delta, Southern Vietnam (approximately 85 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City).
- Population: Approximately 1.3 million residents.
- Distance from major cities:
- Ho Chi Minh City: 85 km (2 – 2.5 hours by road).
- Can Tho: 120 km (approx. 3 hours by road).
- Language: Vietnamese (Basic English spoken in homestays and tourist areas).
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) – approximately 25,000 VND = 1 USD.
- Time zone: Indochina Time (ICT, UTC+7).
- Best known for: The “Kingdom of Coconuts,” intricate canal networks, coconut candy (Kẹo Dừa), and authentic eco-tourism.
A Glimpse into Ben Tre’s Heritage
Known affectionately by locals as the “Kingdom of Coconuts” (Xứ Dừa), Ben Tre offers a slower, more authentic slice of delta life compared to its busier neighbors like My Tho or Can Tho. Geographically unique, it is an island province formed by the rich alluvial deposits of the Mekong River’s four branches. This isolation has helped preserve its rustic charm, making it a sanctuary of green waterways and traditional craftsmanship.
Why should you visit Ben Tre?
An Authentic Escape Unlike its neighbor My Tho, which often serves as a quick stopover for mass tourism, Ben Tre remains refreshingly uncommercialized. Here, the smiles are genuine, and the pace of life is dictated by the tides of the Mekong rather than tour bus schedules.
The Green Oasis As soon as you cross the Rach Mieu Bridge, the landscape transforms into a sea of green. Ben Tre is crisscrossed by an intricate network of rivers and small canals, all shaded by the province’s signature water coconut palms (Dừa Nước).
A Hub of Living Culture Ben Tre is not just about scenery; it is a hardworking province famous for its ingenuity. Locals use every single part of the coconut tree. You can witness this firsthand at family-run workshops: the milk becomes sweet candy, the fiber is woven into mats, the shells are carved into bowls, and the wood builds their homes.
Best Time to Visit by Ben Tre Weather
Ben Tre has a tropical monsoon climate, warm year-round with an average temperature of 26°C – 28°C.
Dry Season (December to April): The Explorer’s Choice
- The Vibe: Sunny skies and low humidity create the most comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration.
- Highlights: River currents are calmer and the water clearer, offering the perfect setting for sampan boat tours. Village paths remain firm and dry, allowing for effortless cycling deep into the countryside.
- Pro Tip: This is peak season for international travelers; booking accommodations in advance is highly recommended.
Summer (June to August): The Fruit Lover’s Dream
- The Vibe: Days are warm, often punctuated by short, refreshing afternoon showers that nourish the delta.
- Highlights: This is the vibrant fruit harvest season. Orchards bow under the weight of ripe rambutan, mangosteen, and the illustrious durian. Many gardens offer “all-you-can-eat” experiences right off the tree.
- Festivals: The Tet Doan Ngo (Lunar May 5th) is celebrated with grand fruit feasts and traditional customs.
Festival Season
- Ben Tre Coconut Festival: A periodic celebration honoring the region’s lifeblood. The town transforms with colorful parades, intricate coconut art installations, and bustling trade fairs.
- Nghinh Ong Festival (Whale Worship): Held in coastal districts like Ba Tri around the 6th lunar month, featuring spiritual boat processions praying for calm seas.
For a hassle-free experience, Mekong Smile offers comprehensive Ben Tre tours year-round, providing flexible itineraries suitable for visitors at any time.
Getting to and Around Ben Tre
Ben Tre lies just 85km (53 miles) southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, making it an accessible escape.
Getting There (From Ho Chi Minh City)
By Bus (Recommended)
- Departure: Mien Tay Bus Station (Bến Xe Miền Tây) in District 6.
- Top Picks:
- Thinh Phat: Specializes in “Limousine” vans. They offer a convenient shuttle service that drops you directly at your hotel in Ben Tre.
- Futa Bus Lines (Phuong Trang): Reliable large sleeping buses with frequent departures.
- Cost: 80,000 – 160,000 VND ($3 – $7 USD).
- Duration: Approx. 2 to 2.5 hours via the CT01 Highway.
By Motorbike (For the Adventurous)
- Route: Take Highway QL1A to Trung Luong Roundabout, turn onto QL60, cross the majestic Rach Mieu Bridge, and Welcome to Ben Tre.
- Note: The view from the bridge is spectacular, but be mindful of strong crosswinds.
Getting Around
- Bicycle: The definitive way to explore. Most homestays provide bikes for free. The flat, narrow paths winding through coconut groves are pure magic.
- Motorbike Rental: Available at most hotels (120,000 – 150,000 VND/day).
- Motor Cart (Xe Lôi): A unique delta experience—a carriage pulled by a motorbike. Perfect for small groups (2-4 people) moving between local attractions.
- Sampan: Essential for navigating the small canals.
Ben Tre Key Attractions
Coconut Candy Traditional Village & Small Canals
- Location: Mo Cay Town & Chau Thanh District
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Experience: No trip to Ben Tre is complete without visiting the birthplace of Keo Dua. Navigate through small canals to reach family-run workshops. Here, you can watch the entire process: husking dry coconuts, grating the meat, pressing fresh milk, and stirring the mixture in giant woks over wood fires until it caramelizes.
Vietnam Coconut Kingdom in Ben Tre
- Location: Ben Tre City & surrounding coconut groves
Experience: “Vietnam Coconut Kingdom” isn’t just a name; it’s the atmosphere of the entire province. For a deep dive, visit the Ben Tre Coconut Museum (Bảo tàng Dừa) to see artifacts made entirely from coconut trees, or simply explore the vast plantations in Giong Trom, where the coconut canopy stretches as far as the eye can see, creating a unique “green architecture” landscape.
Ben Tre Pottery & Brick Kiln Factory
- Location: Along the Chet Say River, Hung Thanh Commune
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Experience: Witness the mesmerizing scenery of century-old brick kilns rising like massive beehives along the riverbank. These traditional factories use rice husks to fire bricks and ceramics. The red dust, the smoke, and the sheer scale of the kilns offer a rugged, photogenic contrast to the green nature of the delta.
Ben Tre Sampan Ride in Small Canals
- Location: An Khanh, Tan Thach, or Quoi Son communes
Experience: This is the signature activity of the delta. Leave the motorboat behind and step onto a small wooden sampan rowed by a local standing at the stern. Glide silently through narrow, winding creeks shaded by dense water coconut palms (Dừa nước).
Ben Tre Kayaking and Canalling
- Location: Ben Tre Riverside areas & homestays (e.g., Nhon Thanh)
Experience: For active travelers, swapping a sampan for a kayak allows you to control your own journey. Paddle at your own pace through the labyrinth of canals, getting up close to the mangrove roots and spotting kingfishers darting across the water. It’s an eco-friendly way to explore the “Amazon of Vietnam.”
Ben Tre Cycling Tour
- Location: Village paths in Nhon Thanh, Phu Nhuan, or Giong Trom
Experience: Ben Tre is a cyclist’s haven due to its flat terrain and extensive network of narrow concrete paths (đường đan). Cycle under the shade of fruit trees, cross tiny bridges that cars can’t access, and wave to children playing in front yards. It’s the best way to see the authentic, hidden side of village life.
Ben Tre Night Market
- Location: Hung Vuong Street, Ward 5, Ben Tre City (along the river)
- Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Experience: As the sun sets, head to the riverside for a vibrant evening. The night market offers a mix of clothing, souvenirs, and most importantly, street food. Try local snacks, fresh fruits, and enjoy the cool river breeze while watching the lights reflect off the Ben Tre River.
Son Doc Puff Rice Paper Village
- Location: Hung Nhuong Commune, Giong Trom District
Experience: Visit the village famous for Bánh phồng Sơn Đốc. Watch artisans mix sticky rice with rich coconut milk, steam it, pound it rhythmically with pestles, and dry it under the sun. When grilled, these rice papers puff up into huge, crispy, fragrant crackers—a perfect souvenir.
Dong Khoi Guerrilla Village
- Location: Dinh Thuy Commune, Mo Cay Nam District
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Experience: A historic site marking the birthplace of the “Dong Khoi” (Uprising) movement in 1960. The complex features a museum displaying primitive weapons and artifacts used by the revolutionary army. It’s a place to learn about the resilience and strategic ingenuity of the Ben Tre people during the war.
Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary
- Location: Tan Xuan Commune, Ba Tri District (approx. 30km from city)
- Hours: Best visited late afternoon (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
- Entry: Free
Experience: A nature lover’s paradise. Trek through this submerged forest of date palms and mangroves where the air fills with the sounds of thousands of wild storks and herons. The magic happens at sunset, when the sky turns orange and huge flocks of white birds return to their nests.
Cai Mon Orchard & Flower Village
- Location: Vinh Thanh Commune, Cho Lach District
Experience: Known as the “Kingdom of Bonsai and Fruit,” this area supplies millions of flowers for Tet (Lunar New Year) across Vietnam. Walk through endless nurseries of ornamental plants, durian orchards, and mangosteen gardens. It is especially colorful and bustling in the months leading up to the Lunar New Year.
Thoi Son Island (Unicorn Islet)
- Location: Tien River (technically Tien Giang province, but part of the standard 4-island tour from Ben Tre)
Experience: The largest of the four sacred islets. It is a major tourism hub featuring bee farms (try honey tea), python holding experiences, and traditional folk music performances (Đờn Ca Tài Tử). It serves as a lively contrast to the quieter, more rustic vibe of Ben Tre’s mainland.
Phuoc Long Craft Village
- Location: Phuoc Long Commune, Giong Trom District
Experience: A traditional village renowned for its coconut basket weaving (đan giỏ cọng dừa). Using the stiff midribs of coconut leaves, skilled artisans weave intricate, sturdy baskets and handicrafts. It’s a fascinating look at how locals turn simple agricultural by-products into functional art.
An Hiep Mattress-making Village
- Location: An Hiep Commune, Chau Thanh District
Experience: Discover the traditional craft of weaving sedge mats (dệt chiếu). Though modern mattresses are common, the colorful, hand-woven mats of An Hiep are still prized. You can watch the synchronized movements of weavers on traditional looms and see fields of sedge drying in the sun.
What to Eat in Ben Tre
Coconut Rice (Cơm Dừa)
This is a labor of love. High-quality rice is steamed inside a fresh coconut shell using the coconut’s own water instead of plain water. The oil from the copra seeps into the rice, making it fragrant, sweet, and slightly fatty. It is traditionally served hot with stewed shrimp or caramelized pork (thịt kho tàu).
Fried Elephant Ear Fish (Cá Tai Tượng Chiên Xù)
The “King” of Mekong dishes. The whole fish is deep-fried upright until its scales stand on end, golden and incredibly crispy.
- How to eat: Break off a piece of fish with chopsticks, place it on rice paper, add pineapple, cucumber, star fruit, and fresh herbs (mint, basil). Roll it up and dip it in sweet and sour tamarind fish sauce (mắm me).
Flattened Banana (Chuối Đập)
A beloved street snack best found near Truc Giang Lake in the late afternoon. Small, ripe bananas are grilled over charcoal until golden, then flattened with a wooden mallet. They are served hot, drenched in a rich, creamy sauce made from coconut milk and chopped scallions, creating a perfect sweet-salty balance.
Hand-Cut Noodle Soup with Duck (Bánh Canh Bột Xắt Thịt Vịt)
A rustic comfort food. Unlike machine-made noodles, these rice noodles are hand-cut (xắt), resulting in a thick, chewy texture. The broth is thickened with rice flour and cooked with tender duck meat. It is always served with a special ginger fish sauce to warm the stomach.
Rice Snail Pancake (Bánh Xèo Ốc Gạo)
While Banh Xeo is famous nationwide, Ben Tre’s version in Cho Lach district uses river rice snails (ốc gạo) instead of just pork and shrimp. The snails are sweet and crunchy, nestled inside a crispy turmeric-infused rice batter alongside bean sprouts and jicama.
Son Doc Puffed Sticky Rice (Bánh Phồng Sơn Đốc)
A famous local specialty from Giong Trom. Artisans mix glutinous rice with rich coconut milk and sugar, pound the dough rhythmically, and sun-dry it. When grilled over charcoal, the rice paper puffs up into a huge, crispy, and fragrant cracker. It makes for an excellent souvenir.
Coconut Worms (Đuông Dừa)
For the brave culinary adventurer! These plump, white larvae thrive inside the trunk of coconut trees, feeding on the most nutritious part.
- Pizza style: Deep-fried with butter.
- Warrior style: Eaten live, swimming in a bowl of spicy fish sauce. They are said to taste like pure, creamy butter.
Macapuno Coconut (Dừa Sáp)
A rare variety of coconut with thick, soft, wax-like flesh and very little water. It is usually blended with ice, sugar, and condensed milk to make a rich, smoothie-like dessert that is incredibly indulgent.
Where to Stay in Ben Tre
Ben Tre offers a range of accommodations, but the real magic lies in its riverside eco-lodges and homestays.
Luxury & Comfort (City Center & Riverside)
- Ben Tre Riverside Resort – The most premium 4-star option overlooking Ham Luong River | 1,200,000 – 2,500,000 VND ($48-100)
- Diamond Stars Hotel – Modern high-rise hotel located right in the city center near the market | 1,000,000 – 2,000,000 VND ($40-80)
Eco-Lodges (Nature & Atmosphere)
- Mango Home Riverside – Lush tropical garden setting with a swimming pool in Giong Trom | 800,000 – 1,500,000 VND ($32-60)
- Coco Lodge – Intimate thatched-roof bungalows perched directly on the water | 600,000 – 1,000,000 VND ($24-40)
- Ben Tre Farm Stay – Hidden gem deep in the countryside with bamboo huts | 400,000 – 800,000 VND ($16-32)
Authentic Homestays (Live with Locals)
- Hong Thai Homestay – Friendly hosts in Quoi Son famous for family dinners | 300,000 – 600,000 VND ($12-24)
- Jardins du Mékong (Mekong Gardens) – Beautiful traditional wooden architecture and antique furniture | 1,000,000 – 1,800,000 VND ($40-72)
- Duyen Que Homestay – Budget-friendly family spot with warm Southern hospitality | 250,000 – 500,000 VND ($10-20)
Suggested Ben Tre Itinerary
1-Day Ben Tre Itinerary & Budget
Estimated Budget: 800,000 – 1,200,000 VND ($32 – $48 USD) per person.
- 07:30 AM: Depart HCMC via limousine bus (Thinh Phat). ~180k VND.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive in Ben Tre. Transfer to the boat pier.
- 10:30 AM: Private Boat Tour: Cruise the Ben Tre River, explore a brick kiln, taste warm coconut candy at a workshop, and enjoy a serene rowing sampan ride through palm creeks. ~300k-500k VND (shareable).
- 12:30 PM: Lunch: Dine at a riverside garden restaurant. Must-try: Elephant Ear Fish. ~200k VND.
- 02:00 PM: Village Cycling: Rent a bicycle (often included in tours) or hire a Xe Loi. Pedal to a local fruit orchard for honey tea and traditional folk music (Don Ca Tai Tu).
- 03:30 PM: Stop by a local market to buy My Long Rice Paper or Coconut Oil as souvenirs.
- 04:30 PM: Board the bus back to HCMC.
- 07:00 PM: Arrive in HCMC, refreshed and recharged.
Our best Ben Tre Tour
- Ben Tre Tour: Dive deep into the heart of the “Coconut Kingdom” with this specialized tour focusing on local crafts, authentic boat rides, and hidden village paths.
- Mekong Delta 2 Day Tour: Extend your adventure with an overnight stay, allowing you to experience the floating markets at dawn and the peaceful evening atmosphere of the delta.
- Mekong Delta Tour 1 Day: The perfect snapshot for time-pressed travelers, covering the essential highlights of river life, orchards, and local workshops in a single day.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Insect Protection: You are in a tropical delta. A good DEET-based repellent is essential, especially for evenings in open-air homestays.
- Cash is King: While resorts accept cards, boat owners, small eateries, and street vendors deal strictly in cash.
- Tipping: While not mandatory, small tips (20k – 50k VND) for sampan rowers and guides are highly appreciated as their livelihoods depend on tourism.
- Cultural Respect: When visiting family homes or temples, please dress modestly (covering shoulders) and remove your shoes before entering living areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ben Tre Travel Guide
Is Ben Tre worth visiting if I’ve already been to My Tho?
Absolutely. My Tho is a commercial hub. Ben Tre, just across the bridge, feels significantly more rural, greener, and relaxed. If you seek a resort vibe, head to Can Tho. If you crave a “rustic village” atmosphere, Ben Tre is the place.
Can I do a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre?
Yes. The journey takes only 2 – 2.5 hours each way, leaving you a solid 5-6 hours to explore the canals and culture.
What are the best souvenirs at Ben Tre?
Coconut candy (Kẹo Dừa), pure coconut oil (excellent for hair/skin), coconut shell handicrafts, and My Long Rice Paper.
Is it safe for solo travelers to Ben Tre?
Yes, it is very safe. The locals are incredibly hospitable. The main challenge may be the language barrier in remote areas, so having Google Translate handy is recommended.
