Ben Tre Travel Guide

Ben Tre, often called the "Coconut Kingdom" of Vietnam, is a peaceful and picturesque province in the Mekong Delta, famous for its lush coconut groves, winding rivers, floating markets, and traditional handicrafts. Located just 85 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Tre is an ideal destination for a day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway, offering authentic Mekong culture, delicious food, and scenic boat rides.

1. Best Time to Visit Ben Tre

Ben Tre has a warm, tropical climate all year round, making it a great destination anytime.

• Dry Season (December – April): Best for sightseeing, boat tours, and exploring the countryside.
• Rainy Season (May – November): Lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but expect occasional showers.

The best time to visit is June to August, during the fruit season, when durian, rambutan, and longan are at their peak!

2. How to Get to Ben Tre

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC): ~85 km (~2 hours by road)

By Bus:

• Buses from Mien Tay Bus Station (HCMC) to Ben Tre City
• Popular companies: Futa Bus (Phuong Trang), Thinh Phat, Kumho Samco
• Ticket Price: 80,000 – 120,000 VND ($3–$5)
• Duration: ~2 hours

By Private Car or Motorbike:

• Best option for flexibility and scenic countryside routes.
• Motorbike rental in HCMC: ~150,000 – 200,000 VND/day.

By Boat (Mekong Delta Tour):

• Many Mekong River tours from Ho Chi Minh City include Ben Tre + Tien Giang day trips.

3. Getting Around Ben Tre

• Boat Tours – Best way to explore islands, coconut factories, and floating markets.
• Motorbike Rental – Ideal for countryside adventures (~100,000 – 150,000 VND/day).
• Taxi/Grab – Available in Ben Tre City but limited in rural areas.
• Bicycle Rental – Great for cycling through coconut plantations (~50,000 VND/day).

4. Top Attractions in Ben Tre

River & Nature Attractions

• Cồn Phụng (Phoenix Island) – One of the most famous Mekong Delta islands, offering boat rides, coconut candy workshops, and traditional music performances.
• Cồn Quy (Turtle Island) – A peaceful ecotourism site with fruit gardens, fish farms, and local homestays.
• Ba Tri Bird Sanctuary – A paradise for birdwatchers, home to over 100 bird species.
• Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary – A beautiful wetland reserve, perfect for boat tours and wildlife photography.

Cultural & Historical Sites

• Cai Mon Orchard Village – One of Vietnam’s largest fruit-growing areas, famous for tropical fruit farms and bonsai gardens.
• Nguyen Dinh Chieu Temple – A historic site dedicated to Nguyen Dinh Chieu, a famous Vietnamese poet and scholar.
• Ben Tre Museum – Learn about Ben Tre’s history, culture, and role in the Vietnam War.

Coconut & Local Experiences

• Coconut Candy Factories – See how Ben Tre’s famous coconut candy is made, and try fresh samples!
• Rice Paper & Handicraft Villages – Visit local workshops where traditional Mekong crafts are made.

5. Best Foods to Try in Ben Tre

Ben Tre is famous for freshwater seafood, tropical fruits, and coconut-based dishes.

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Cơm dừa (Coconut Rice) – Fragrant rice cooked in a fresh coconut, served with seafood.
• Bánh xèo hến (Mekong Pancake with Clams) – A crispy pancake filled with tiny river clams and herbs.
• Cháo cua đồng (Field Crab Porridge) – A hearty rice porridge with freshwater crab meat.
• Bánh canh bột xắt (Hand-Cut Noodle Soup) – A unique handmade noodle soup with pork and coconut broth.
• Đuông dừa (Coconut Worms) – A local delicacy for adventurous eaters, often fried or eaten raw!
• Chè dừa nước (Coconut Palm Sweet Soup) – A refreshing dessert made from coconut milk and palm fruit.

Best Places to Eat

• Nhà Hàng Song Nu (Ben Tre City) – Great riverside restaurant with local specialties.
• Quán Ốc Ba Hường – Famous for Mekong seafood dishes.

• Chợ Bến Tre (Ben Tre Market) – The best place for street food and tropical fruits.

6. Where to Stay in Ben Tre

Luxury Resorts ($50 – $100/night)

• Forever Green Resort – A peaceful riverside eco-resort with bungalows.
• Mekong Riverside Boutique Resort – Stunning bungalows surrounded by coconut trees.

Mid-Range Hotels ($20 – $50/night)

• Ben Tre Riverside Resort – A modern resort with river views and a swimming pool.
• Jardin du Mekong Homestay – A cozy and authentic Mekong homestay.

Budget Stays ($5 – $20/night)

• Coconut Homestays on Phoenix Island – Stay with locals for an authentic experience.

7. Suggested 2-Day Ben Tre Itinerary

Day 1: River Adventures & Coconut Culture

• Morning: Boat Tour to Phoenix Island (Coconut Candy Factory & Traditional Music)
• Afternoon: Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda & Explore Ben Tre Market
• Evening: Dinner at a riverside restaurant & relax at your homestay

Day 2: Floating Markets & Countryside Exploration

• Early Morning: Bike Ride Through Coconut Plantations & Visit Cai Mon Fruit Orchards
• Late Morning: Explore Ba Tri Bird Sanctuary & Enjoy a Local Lunch
• Afternoon: Relax at a Mekong Homestay or Take a Boat Tour Through the Canals
• Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

8. Travel Tips for Ben Tre

• Wear light clothes & bring a hat – It gets hot, especially on boat tours.
• Bring cash – Many rural shops don’t accept credit cards.
• Try coconut-based dishes – Ben Tre is famous for its coconut cuisine!
• Book boat tours with reputable operators – To avoid scams, ask your hotel or a trusted agency.
• Visit floating markets early (5-7 AM) – That’s when they’re most active.

Ben Tre is one of the best places to experience the authentic Mekong Delta lifestyle. With coconut groves, river tours, floating markets, and delicious local food, it’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.