This Coconut Candy Traditional Village comprehensive guide invites you to explore the heart of Ben Tre’s “Kingdom of Coconuts,” where the Coconut Candy Traditional Village serves as a cornerstone of the Mekong Delta’s living heritage. We will journey through the fascinating legacy of this artisanal craft—from its ingenious historical roots to the meticulous “tree-to-treat” process, essential travel logistics, curated one and two-day itineraries, and a transparent look at local pricing to help you plan your visit. At Mekong Smile, we bridge the gap between travelers and local wisdom, ensuring that your experience not only reveals the secrets of traditional candy making but also actively supports regenerative tourism and the resilient communities of Southern Vietnam.
Lastest update by Mr Jimmy at Mekong Smile | Official Ben Tre Travel Guide
Overview of Coconut Candy Traditional Village
A Glance at Coconut Candy Traditional Village
- Location: Ben Tre Province, primarily concentrated in Mo Cay and Chau Thanh Districts.
- Village Type: Artisanal Craft Village and Living Cultural Heritage site.
- Significance: The heart of Ben Tre’s identity as Vietnam’s “Kingdom of Coconuts.”
- Atmosphere: A sensory time capsule characterized by the rhythmic sound of coconut husking and the sweet aroma of bubbling copper pots.
- Scale: Thousands of locally-rooted, small-scale household businesses preserving multi-generational craftsmanship.
- Key Highlights: Traditional wood-fired cooking, manual candy shaping, and the intricate art of edible rice paper wrapping.
- Average Visit Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours (often part of a broader riverine itinerary).
Understanding Coconut Candy Traditional Village
The history of the coconut candy village is a story of local creativity and resilience. While the candy is synonymous with Ben Tre today, its journey began in Mỏ Cày district in the 1970s. It was pioneered by local artisans—most notably Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Ngọc—who sought to transform the province’s vast coconut resources into a sustainable craft. What started as a family recipe soon became a community movement, evolving from manual home-production to the established traditional villages we see today. This legacy represents more than just a sweet treat; it is a testament to how the people of the Mekong Delta have harmonized with their environment to preserve their cultural identity and build a thriving, locally-rooted economy.
Video: A Glimpse into a Coconut Candy Factory Ben Tre
To truly appreciate the dedication behind every piece of candy, watch our short film highlighting the rhythm and heart of this traditional craft:
Planning Your Visit: Logistics & Timing
Location & Geographic Pulse on Google Map
The primary traditional villages are located in Mo Cay and Chau Thanh districts of Ben Tre Province.
- Google Maps Coordination: Most visitors head toward Quoi Son or An Khanh communes for the most accessible traditional workshops.
- Distance: Approximately 85km from Ho Chi Minh City and about 60km from Can Tho.
How to Get There
- By Waterway (The Most Scenic Route):
- From My Tho: Board a motorboat at the 30/4 Pier. A 15-20 minute journey across the Tien River brings you to the islets (Phoenix, Dragon, Tortoise, or Unicorn) where many workshops are located.
- From Ben Tre City: Take a boat from Hung Vuong Pier. This route is less crowded and offers a deeper look at the Ham Luong River’s industrial coconut transport system.
- By Road (Direct Access):
- Private Car/Taxi: From Ho Chi Minh City, take the Trung Luong Expressway (CT01) and follow National Highway 60 (QL60) over the Rach Mieu Bridge.
- Public Bus: High-quality bus lines like Phuong Trang (Futa) or Thao Chau depart regularly from the Western Bus Station (Ben Xe Mien Tay) in HCMC, dropping you off in Ben Tre City center.
- The “Last Mile” Connection: Once you reach the mainland communes or islets, the best way to reach the small family workshops is by Bicycle or Xe Lôi (a local motorbike-drawn cart). These narrow paths are often inaccessible to cars, ensuring the tranquility of the village is preserved.
- The Mekong Smile Way: We offer curated, low-carbon footprint Mekong Delta Tour 1 Day. We prioritize walking and rowing boat transfers to minimize environmental impact while maximizing your connection with local artisans.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak Season: December to April (Dry Season). The weather is sunny, making boat trips and walking tours pleasant.
- Off-Peak: May to November (Rainy Season). While there are afternoon showers, the Delta is at its most lush and green during this time.
The Artisanal Process: From Tree to Treat
To understand the value of a single piece of coconut candy vietnam, one must witness the meticulous “tree to treat” process. This is where the local wisdom we strive to preserve truly shines.
- Selecting the “Perfect” Coconut: Artisans use Dua Kho (dried/mature coconuts). These have a thick, fatty meat and concentrated milk, providing the rich flavor that characterizes authentic Ben Tre candy.
- Extracting the Essence: Once the husks are removed, the coconut meat is grated and pressed to extract the fresh milk. At our partner workshops, you won’t find artificial flavorings; the sweetness comes from the fruit itself and high-quality malt syrup derived from glutinous rice.
- The Art of the “Slow Cook”: The mixture is poured into large pans and heated over a wood fire. An artisan must stir the mixture continuously for hours to ensure a smooth, chewy texture. Watching the liquid transform into a thick, golden caramel is a hypnotic experience.
- Shaping and The Edible Rice Paper Wrap: Once sliced, each piece is first wrapped in a thin, translucent layer of edible rice paper (banh trang) to keep it from melting, followed by a colorful outer paper shell.
Product & Service Pricing
To help you plan your budget for souvenirs and experiences, here is an estimated price list for common products and services at the village:
| Item / Service | Estimated Price (VND) | Estimated Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Coconut Candy (Box/Pack) | 35,000 - 60,000 VND | $1.50 - $2.50 |
| Specialty Candy (Durian/Cocoa/Peanut) | 45,000 - 75,000 VND | $2.00 - $3.00 |
| Coconut Shell Handicrafts (Small items) | 20,000 - 100,000 VND | $1.00 - $4.00 |
| Hand-woven Coconut Leaf Souvenirs | 10,000 - 50,000 VND | $0.50 - $2.00 |
| Workshop Hands-on Fee | Included in tour or Tip-based | Tip-based |
| Private Rowboat Hire (per boat) | 250,000 - 500,000 VND | $10.00 - $20.00 |
Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the specific workshop and season. For stable and transparent pricing, please refer to our Mekong 1-Day Tour to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with an all-inclusive package rate.
Suggested Itineraries
Free Itineraries
- The Artisan Path (Full Day): HCMC/Can Tho -> Ben Tre Canal Cruise -> Coconut Candy Workshop -> Traditional Music Performance (Don Ca Tai Tu) -> Organic Lunch at a local farm.
- The Cultural Bridge (2 Days): Combining the candy village with an overnight stay at a local homestay to experience “regeneration” first-hand.
Our Top-Tier Ben Tre Tours
Tour 1 Day: The Essential Mekong Discovery
- 08:00 – 10:00: Hotel pick-up and scenic drive from HCMC to Mỹ Tho.
- Mekong Cruise: Explore Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix Islands by motorboat.
- Bến Tre Crafts: Visit coconut candy workshops, honey farms, and enjoy traditional folk music.
- Village Adventure: Row a sampan through tranquil canals and ride a Xe Lôi through rural lanes.
- Riverside Lunch: Savour a 5-course Vietnamese set menu at a picturesque local restaurant.
- Leisure Time: Cycle through the village or relax in a lush tropical garden.
- Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda: Visit the region’s most iconic ancient temple before returning to HCMC.
Tour 2 Days: The Heart of the Delta
Day 1: HCMC – My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho
- Visit Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda and cruise to Unicorn Island for fresh honey tea.
- Experience “Đờn ca tài tử” music, tropical fruit tasting, and coconut candy making in Bến Tre.
- Row a sampan through water-coconut canals followed by a local lunch.
- Transfer to Can Tho for check-in and an evening exploring the city at your own pace.
Day 2: Cai Rang Floating Market – HCMC
- Early morning boat ride to witness the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market with breakfast on the water.
- Visit a traditional rice noodle workshop and taste “rice noodle pizza.”
- Explore tropical fruit gardens and walk across a traditional ‘monkey bridge.’
- Return to Ho Chi Minh City, concluding your immersive journey.
Commitment to Sustainable & Regenerative Tourism
In alignment with our ESG principles and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mekong Smile works closely with local artisans to ensure that your visit contributes positively to the “vibrant living heritage” of the region.
- Circular Economy: Partnering with zero-waste workshops that repurpose husks for fuel and shells for handicrafts, ensuring a sustainable production cycle.
- Local Empowerment: Supporting family-run businesses that employ local women and elders, preserving traditional wisdom through fair-trade practices.
- Eco-friendly Travel: Protecting “green lungs” by using low-impact transport like rowing sampans, bicycles, and Xe Lôi to minimize carbon footprints.
- Heritage Preservation: Bridging cultures by providing a sustainable market for traditional crafts, keeping the Mekong’s intangible heritage alive.
Nearby Attractions
Beyond coconut candy, the region offers rich cultural treasures. Visit My Tho’s Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda for its unique architectural fusion, or explore the four legendary islets—Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise, and Phoenix—each offering fruit orchards and traditional music. In Ben Tre, don’t miss the lush Cái Mơn Orchard Village, the historic Đồng Khởi Guerilla Village, or the stunning Vàm Hồ Bird Sanctuary. Together, these sites capture the timeless soul of the Mekong Delta’s “vibrant living heritage.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the coconut candy vegan?
Most traditional recipes use only coconut milk, malt, and sugar, making them vegan-friendly. However, some modern variations (like milk or durian flavors) may contain dairy or other non-vegan additives. We recommend asking the artisan or checking labels for “sữa” (milk) if you have dietary restrictions.
How long can I store the candy?
Freshly made traditional candy usually has a shelf life of 3 to 6 months. It is best stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration is required, as the sugar and malt act as natural preservatives.
Are there different flavors to choose from at The Coconut Candy Traditional Village?
Absolutely! While the original flavor is the most popular, you can find a wide variety including durian, peanut, cocoa, pandan, and even ginger. Each workshop often has its own signature blend.
Can I participate in the candy-making process at The Coconut Candy Traditional Village?
Yes! Most family-run workshops encouraged by Mekong Smile™ allow guests to try stirring the thick caramel or wrapping the candies in edible rice paper. It’s a great hands-on way to connect with the local heritage.
Do the Coconut Candy Traditional Village have fixed opening hours?
Most traditional workshops operate from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. However, the best time to see the full production process is in the morning when the fires are most active.
Is there an entrance fee for the Coconut Candy Traditional Village?
Generally, there is no formal entrance fee to visit the candy-making villages. However, purchasing a few boxes of candy or leaving a small tip for the artisans is a meaningful way to support the local community.
Can I bring the candy through airport security for international flights?
Yes, coconut candy is considered a processed food item and is generally allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. Just ensure it is properly sealed in its original packaging.
Is the Coconut Candy Traditional Village suitable for children?
It is one of the most kid-friendly experiences in the Delta. Children love watching the “magic” of turning liquid into candy and especially enjoy the taste-testing at the end!
