1. Where is Cho Lach?
Cho Lach is located on Minh Islet and is a district of Ben Tre province. It is about 40 km west of Ben Tre city center and about 120 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City.
2. How is Cho Lach unique?
Cho Lach is an eco-tourism route chosen by many people on their journey to explore the coconut land of Ben Tre. Experience walking under the lush foliage, enjoying the fresh air. It will help you relieve stress and dispel all the pressures of life.
Thanks to the dense canal system and the mild climate all year round, Cho Lach District has become one of the places with the largest fruit production in the Mekong river delta.
When coming to Cho Lach, you will be immersed in the charming river space, enjoying many famous garden fruits. Such as: Cai Mon durian, green-skinned grapefruit, four-season mango, rambutan, mangosteen, … Cho Lach District is also a popular garden tourism destination in Ben Tre. The Cho Lach Ben Tre garden tourism route not only helps develop the local economy, but also brings a stable source of income to the people.
When participating in Cho Lach garden tourism, you will have the opportunity to pick and enjoy ripe fruit right in the garden. Moreover, you can also buy fruit in the garden as gifts at extremely preferential prices. Discovering Cho Lach orchards promises to bring you interesting and unique experiences when you come to this land of sweet fruits and trees.
3. When is the best time to visit Cho Lach?
With a temperate climate all year round, you can travel to Cho Lach at any time. However, according to the Ben Tre travel experience of tourists who have been here. The ideal time to travel to Cho Lach is in the summer, from May to August every year. During this time, you will enjoy countless fruits such as guava, rambutan, durian, longan, … when they begin to enter the harvest season.
Especially on the occasion of the Doan Ngo Festival (the 5th day of the 5th lunar month) every year. This place will hold the Tree – Delicious Fruit Festival with many special programs. Such as: delicious fruit contest, competition of agricultural products, bonsai competition, display of models made of trees-flowers-fruits. Or flower and ornamental plant fair, culinary exchange, organizing attractive Cho Lach Ben Tre tours, … They attract tens of thousands of visitors to visit, enjoy and shop.
4. How to get to Cho Lach from Ben Tre city?
The distance from Ben Tre city center to Cho Lach district is about 40 km. Along with that, the traffic infrastructure here is relatively developed and convenient for traveling. Therefore, you can easily get to Cho Lach district by means such as: motorbike, private car, passenger car, bus or taxi.
4.1 By personal vehicle (motorbike, private car):
For those who love to explore and admire the beauty of nature. A personal vehicle is the ideal choice. Because, you will be proactive in your tour schedule. Moreover, you can stop anywhere to admire the natural beauty along both sides of the road.
Starting from the center of Ben Tre city, you follow Dong Khoi Avenue about 4 km to the Northwest, then you will see a roundabout at the intersection with National Highway QL60 (or Vo Nguyen Giap Street). From here, you turn left onto QL60 and travel on this road about 11 km to the Southwest, then you will see an intersection with Provincial Road DT 882.
You turn right onto DT882 and continue about 10 km to the Southwest, then you will see a three-way intersection with National Highway QL57. From here, you turn right onto QL57 and just follow this road about 20 km to the Northwest to reach the center of Cho Lach district. You can find the way via google map here.
4.2 By public transport (coach, bus):
4.2.1 By coach:
You just need to go to Ben Tre city bus station to catch a coach to the center of Cho Lach district. There are many coach companies operating this route, the travel schedule is similar to traveling by personal vehicle. With a distance of about 40 km, the travel time by bus will take about 1 hour.
4.2.2 By bus:
If you have a lot of free time and want to save money when traveling. The bus will be the optimal means of transport. You can take bus route number 08, from Ben Tre city to Dinh Khao northern wharf.
- Time: 5:00 am – 5:30 pm.
- Frequency: 15 minutes/trip.
Specific route: Ben Tre bus station – National Highway 60 – Ham Luong Bridge – Provincial Road 882 – Cay Tram Intersection – National Highway 57 – Cho Lach Town – Dinh Khao North Wharf. When you arrive at the drop-off point in Cho Lach Town, get off the bus and take a taxi or motorbike service to continue to your destination.
5. Sightseeings in Cho Lach
5.1 Ba Ngoi Ecological Garden Tourist Area
Ba Ngoi Ecological Garden Tourist Area is located about 49 km from Ben Tre city center and approximately 120 km from Ho Chi Minh city. Surrounded by the poetic Co Chien River, Ba Ngoi Garden is an ideal destination for visitors to relax both body and soul after daily pressures and fatigue.
This tourist area has rows of shady green trees, paths along and fruit gardens such as durian, rambutan, … ripe fruit. You will enjoy the fresh and poetic natural space, and enjoy delicious fruits.
Unlike other tourist areas, Ba Ngoi Ecological Garden Tourist Area does not focus on Western folk games. Instead, it focuses on sightseeing and enjoying cuisine. This gives you time to explore tourist attractions, visit ripe fruit gardens and enjoy the countryside atmosphere.
5.2 Kim Long Pagoda
Kim Long Pagoda is located about 116km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Kim Long Pagoda was established more than 50 years ago. Before that, this pagoda was built by a local in the form of a home-based practice and was also called the Wish Pagoda. Because according to the sacredness passed down by word of mouth, anyone who comes here with a sincere heart to Buddha will “have their wishes granted”. Therefore, this place is a sacred pagoda. It attracts visitors from all over to visit and pray for peace, fortune and luck.
Although Kim Long Pagoda does not have a massive architecture or unique design like other large pagodas in the South. But it is considered a beautiful pagoda in Ben Tre that visitors should visit. In particular, if you are interested in spirituality and beliefs, this is a suitable place to experience and worship.
5.3 Cai Mon Parish Church
Cai Mon Church, located in Vinh Thanh Commune, Ben Tre. This is a famous spiritual site with the longest lifespan in the South. It has been associated with local people for more than 300 years, equivalent to the age of the ancient Bach Mai tree at Phu Tu communal house. In addition to its important role in spiritual life, Cai Mon Church also attracts a large number of tourists and believers from all over to visit and worship every year.
Although it does not have a massive architecture, Cai Mon Church possesses a special harmony. It is an impressive combination of block architecture and a cool natural environment, reflecting the vitality of the “fruit capital” of Ben Tre.
5.4 Nguyen Gia Ecological Farmstay
Nguyen Gia Farmstay is an attractive garden eco-tourism destination in Ben Tre province. When coming to Nguyen Gia Farmstay, you will relax in the cool green natural space. And participate in interesting folk games and enjoy a variety of delicious tropical fruits.
The most impressive thing at Nguyen Gia Farmstay is the large space and is decorated in the traditional Southern countryside style. With canal banks, fish ponds and rows of green coconut trees along both sides of the path. Nguyen Gia Farmstay campus is divided into many different areas. It includes: fruit gardens, homestays for accommodation, areas for organizing folk games and restaurants, … To meet the entertainment and relaxation needs of everyone.
In particular, Nguyen Gia Farmstay also has a rich list of Southwestern cuisine menus. Including dishes such as: rice snail pancakes, chicken salad porridge, clay pot porridge, fried elephant ear fish, … The dishes are not only elaborately prepared by Nguyen Gia Farmstay chefs but also beautifully presented. It creates a perfect coconut culinary experience for diners.
5.5 Cai Mon Fruit Garden
Cai Mon Fruit Garden located in Vinh Thanh commune is the most famous Cho Lach Ben Tre garden tourist destination. When coming to Cai Mon fruit paradise, you can enjoy countless types of fresh, juicy fruits. The special thing about Cai Mon fruit garden is that each area will grow a different type of tree. The purpose is to make it convenient for everyone to visit and for the gardeners to easily harvest.
In the area outside Cai Mon fruit garden, you will encounter familiar trees such as tangerines, mangoes, grapefruits, and oranges. Deep inside are long-term fruit trees such as durian, mangosteen, star apples, etc. This is a destination that attracts a large number of tourists on the Cho Lach garden tour, especially in the summer.
5.6 Cai Nhum Parish Church
Cai Nhum Church was originally called the Cathedral. The name “Cai Nhum” comes from being near a canal with many Nhum trees. Therefore, people call the parish here Cai Nhum parish.
Cai Nhum Church has a special architecture, with details and motifs in the Roman style. It brings a nostalgic and solemn feeling. Inside the church, you can admire holy paintings and other exquisite works of art. Cai Nhum Church is also a place where local believers and tourists come to attend religious ceremonies and pray.
When coming to Cai Nhum Church, you will be able to admire and explore the artistic beauty of Roman architecture. As well as feel the special spiritual and historical atmosphere of this place.
5.7 Ba Ngoi Rambutan Garden
Ba Ngoi Rambutan Garden located in Phu Hiep Hamlet is a famous tourist destination in Cho Lach Ben Tre garden. It was invested and exploited in 2006 with an area of over 10,000 m2. This place is loved by many tourists thanks to its cool green space and is located very close to Phu Da Islet, the only place in Ben Tre where rice snails live.
Not only rambutan, Ba Ngoi garden also grows other fruits such as mango, star fruit, guava, durian, … All of which are produced naturally, without using pesticides, so you can enjoy them in the garden with peace of mind. In addition to exploring Cho Lach garden, you can also participate in interesting outdoor activities. Such as: raking rice snails, enjoying mussel pancakes, rice snail spring rolls, …
5.8 Bay Thao Durian Garden
Bay Thao Durian Garden is located in Vinh Thanh commune. This is also a tourist destination in Cho Lach garden that you should not miss. The most famous in Bay Thao garden is the delicious durian with thick segments, yellow flesh, and small seeds. They are left to ripen naturally by the gardener, without being soaked in chemicals or preservatives.
When coming to Bay Thao garden, you will have the opportunity to learn about the process of growing trees and how to harvest durian when ripe. However, you will not be able to pick durian directly in the garden, because the characteristics of this fruit will fall off when ripe. If you want to enjoy durian, you can contact the garden owner to buy it at an extremely preferential price. The durian here is left to ripen naturally, so you can rest assured about the quality of the product and the price you pay.
5.9 Cai Mon flower village
Not only has the advantage of fruit, Cho Lach garden is also famous as a large ornamental flower supplier in the Southwest region of Vietnam. It is second only to Sa Dec flower village. Cai Mon Flower Village is the common name for the communes: Vinh Thanh, Long Thoi, Phu Son in Cho Lach district. With a scale of about 40 hectares, this is the place to grow flowers specializing in serving the Lunar New Year in the Southwest region.
Normally, each commune will specialize in growing different types of flowers. For example: Phuoc My Trung commune is an area specializing in growing marigolds. Long Thoi commune has chrysanthemums, and bougainvillea is concentrated in Phu Son. Usually, after the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, flowers will begin to bud. If you intend to visit and buy flowers for Tet, you can take advantage of this time.
In particular, the highlight of Cai Mon Flower Village is the old brick kiln K26 located next to the Ham Luong River in Phu Son commune. The old brick kiln resembles two Cham towers standing out among the rows of raspberry chrysanthemums and Dutch chrysanthemums blooming brightly yellow. This is an ideal place for tourists to take photos and visit the coconut land of Ben Tre every Tet holiday.
5.10 Nam Cong Bonsai Garden
Nam Cong Bonsai Garden is famous for its unique bonsai trees. This is a place you must visit during your trip to Cho Lach garden.
Artisan Nam Cong is a pioneer in creating many unique bonsai models of Cai Mon Bonsai Village. Currently, at Nam Cong Bonsai Garden, there are hundreds of different bonsai works, the most famous of which is the collection of 12 zodiac flowers. In addition, he has created many other works such as rest huts, long houses and various types of flower vases, gourds, pyramids, etc. that are extremely impressive. Therefore, bonsai community honored the artist Nam Cong as the “King of Bonsai”.
With many years of experience in the field of bonsai creation. The works of artisan Nam Cong are extremely popular in domestic and foreign tourist areas and resorts. The bonsai creations of Nam Cong are famous to domestic and international friends through major festivals. Such as: Da Lat Flower Festival, SEAGAME 22, 1000th Anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi, … In particular, Nam Cong bonsai is also honored to be present in the green space of Gardens by the Bay. And Marina Bay Sands parks of the beautiful island nation of Singapore.
6. Enjoying cuisine when traveling to Cho Lach
When traveling to Cho Lach, you can not only enjoy the flavors of diverse fruits or sip a cup of sweet honey tea. But you can hardly ignore the rustic delicacies of this land, such as: mussel pancakes, mussel spring rolls, steamed rice snails with ginger leaves, free-range chicken porridge, fried elephant ear fish, sour soup with cotton fish, …
7. Accommodation when traveling to Cho Lach
Because Cho Lach is a small district, there are not many accommodations here. And the main type of accommodation is homestay in eco-tourism areas. You can refer to some of the accommodations below. Or you can also return to Ben Tre city to relax and stay overnight after experiencing a series of interesting activities here.
- Charming Countryside Homestay. Address: 208D Hamlet 4, Nhon Thanh, Ben Tre City, Ben Tre.
- Ben Tre Garden Farmstay. Address: Group 10, Phuoc Xuan Hamlet, Chau Thanh, Ben Tre.
- Diamond Stars Ben Tre Hotel. Address: 140 Hung Vuong, Ward 3, Ben Tre, Ben Tre Province.
- Innerzen Riverside homestay Ben Tre. Address: 369C, Ward 2B, Nhon Thanh Commune, Ben Tre, Ben Tre Province.
- Jardindu MeKong Homestay. Address: Song Doc River, Hoa Nghia Commune, Cho Lach District, Ben Tre.
- Homestay at Viet Nhat Eco-tourism Area. Address: Tan Phu Hamlet, Tan Thach Commune, Chau Thanh District, Ben Tre Province.
- Nam Hien homestay. Address: No. 558/10 Binh An A Hamlet, Cho Lach Town, Cho Lach District, Ben Tre.
- Ben Tre Riverside Resort. Address: 708 Nguyen Van Tu, Ward 7, Ben Tre City, Ben Tre.
With updated and useful information about Ben Tre tourism. That Origin Vietnam – the leading tour operator in Vietnam, has just shared in the above article. Hopefully, it will help you in your upcoming vacation in Vietnam. We will accompany you on the southern tour Vietnam to explore this beautiful place.
When traveling to Cho Lach, you will enjoy the cool green space, away from the dust, noise and hustle and bustle of the city. It will help you relieve the pressure and fatigue of everyday life. This place promises to be an ideal destination not to be missed on your trip to Ben Tre.
