Ben Tre Travel Guide

This is also the most suitable tourist destination for those who are looking for a peaceful place to rest after busy, bustling days in the city. Let’s explore this poetic and peaceful land with Origin Vietnam.

1. Where is Ben Tre?

Ben Tre is a province in the Mekong Delta, in southern Vietnam. It is about 85 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City and about 1,750 km south of the capital Hanoi. With its geographical location:

• The East borders the East Sea with a coastline of 65 km.
• The West and South borders Vinh Long and Tra Vinh provinces with the boundary being the Co Chien River.
• The North borders Tien Giang with the Tien River as the boundary.

2. How is Ben Tre unique?

Ben Tre has a dense river system, with many unique floating islands. When traveling here, you can visit famous floating islands such as Con Quy, Con Phu Da, Con Phung, Con Chim, … To experience the garden life, enjoy fresh fruits and participate in interesting activities such as rowing, fishing, …

In addition, this is also a land with a long history and culture, with many historical and cultural relics preserved such as Tuyen Linh Pagoda, Dong Khoi Guerrilla Village, Con Quy, … Or ancient houses and communal houses over 100 years old. Or traditional craft villages with hundreds of years of history such as: My Long rice paper village, Son Doc rice paper village, Phuoc Tuy weaving village, …

In addition, Ben Tre is the hometown of many famous poets and writers such as Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Phan Van Tri, Huynh Tuong Hung, … In particular, this place is also famous for its lyrical folk songs imbued with the nuances of the Mekong Delta river region. You will be attracted by famous folk songs such as: Don ca tai tu, lullabies, ho, ve, cai luong, …

Moreover, when traveling to Ben Tre, you will have the opportunity to enjoy many attractive and rustic specialties. Such as: mussel pancakes, crab porridge, sour snakehead fish soup, pepper grilled snails, …

3. When is the best time to visit Ben Tre?

Ben Tre belongs to the equatorial tropical monsoon climate. But because it is outside the influence of the polar monsoon, this place has a mild climate, warm sunshine all year round, an average temperature of about 26 degrees Celsius and little change. Therefore, you can travel to Ben Tre at any time of the year.

When traveling to Ben Tre, you will feel that there are two distinct seasons:

• Rainy season: lasts from May to November.
• Dry season: from December to April next year.

According to the travel experience of Ben Tre of tourists who have been here. The ideal time to travel to Ben Tre is from June to August. This is the harvest season of many fruits such as: mangosteen, durian, rambutan, guava, jackfruit, star apple, … It gives you the opportunity to enjoy the best flavors of the Mekong Delta.

If you want to experience the vibrant festival atmosphere and learn more about the unique culture here. You can come at the time when the locals celebrate traditional festivals such as: Traditional Revolutionary Festival on January 17th, Ky Yen Festival on March 18th and 19th of the lunar calendar, Cau Bong Festival on November 10th of the lunar calendar. The Nghinh Ong Festival is held in April and June of the lunar calendar,…

4. How to get to Ben Tre?

4.1 From Ho Chi Minh City

4.1.1 By bus

The first means of transport that you can use to get to Ben Tre is the bus. There are two forms of booking bus tickets that you can choose. That is to contact the bus company directly or contact Origin Vietnam.

You can refer to some famous bus companies, such as: Tuan Loi, Minh Quoc, Hong Phuong, Thao Chau, … If you depart from Saigon, the travel time is only about 2 hours. You should depart early in the morning to have breakfast and then start your journey to explore Ben Tre.

Note: Your 1-day tour to visit Ben Tre can end at 11:15 pm at the latest to catch the trip back to Saigon.

4.1.2 By motorbike

Motorbikes are the means of transport you can use to travel to Ben Tre. Especially, if you depart from neighboring provinces such as Saigon, Can Tho, Bac Lieu, … According to Ben Tre travel experience, you can travel by motorbike with two routes to get here. Those are:

• Route 1: From the center of Ho Chi Minh City, you just need to move to Binh Chanh. Then, at Binh Thuan overpass, you will enter National Highway 1 and continue for about 16km to Ben Luc Bridge. From here, you continue for about 14km, pass Tan An Bridge to reach Long Giang. After passing Tan An, you will reach Tien Giang and then go another 16km to My Tho. You just need to continue to reach National Highway 60 via Rach Mieu Bridge. Then, you go another 13km to reach Ben Tre.
• Route 2: You also start from Ho Chi Minh City to Binh Chanh. Then, you turn straight onto Ho Chi Minh City – Trung Luong Expressway. Continue straight onto the expressway for about 50km, then turn onto National Highway 1A. Go a little further and you will reach My Tho City – Tien Giang. From here, continue on Highway 60, cross Rach Mieu Bridge for another 13km and you will reach Ben Tre.

Note: Based on our Ben Tre travel experience, you should choose the second route which will be faster.

4.2 How to travel in Ben Tre

4.2.1 By taxi

Taxi is a popular form of transportation that you can find anywhere in Ben Tre. Some taxi companies operating in Ben Tre that you can refer to are:

• Mai Linh Taxi Ben Tre: 0275 387 87 87.
• Dong Khoi Taxi Ben Tre: 0275 381 88 88.
• Happy Taxi Ben Tre: 0275 377 7777.
• Phu Cuong Taxi Ben Tre: 0275 382 01 97.

Note: Traveling to tourist destinations in Ben Tre by taxi will be suitable if you are traveling with a family of young children and the elderly.

4.2.2 By renting a motorbike

If you are an explorer, you can rent a motorbike to visit tourist destinations in Ben Tre. Based on Origin Vietnam’s Ben Tre travel experience. You should rent a motorbike directly at your accommodation for convenience. If your hotel does not have one, you can rent one at motorbike rental establishments in Ben Tre. The rental price for 1 day will range from 100k – 150k depending on the type of vehicle you choose.

4.2.3 By boat and canoe

An extremely popular means of transportation in the Mekong Delta that you will encounter when traveling to Ben Tre is canoe and boat. If you want to visit places such as Phu Da islet, Cu Lao, … you will have to travel by boat. You should go on a tour if you want to experience traveling by boat to visit Ben Tre. Because, when going on a tour to Ben Tre, you will not need to worry about renting a boat or waiting for enough people to move. Thus, it will save you time and money.

5. Sightseeings in Ben Tre

5.1 Ecological islet system in Ben Tre

The first attraction that we want to introduce to you about Ben Tre tourism is the ecological islet system. A special experience that you should participate in when exploring the ecological islands in Ben Tre is to sit on a boat drifting on the river.

When traveling on the river, you will not only admire the cool natural beauty of the tall coconut trees on both sides of the river. But you will also enjoy the specialty coconut water of the Ben Tre people.

Surely the sweet taste of Ben Tre coconut water will forever remain in your mind. It is like a “testimony” for this river tourism journey. With the Ben Tre tour, you can choose to visit some of the following islands:

• Quy islet: Tay Thanh – Quoi Son Commune, Chau Thanh District, Ben Tre Province.
• Phu Da islet: Phu Da Hamlet, Vinh Binh Commune, Cho Lach Province, Ben Tre Province.
• Phung islet: Hamlet 10, Tan Thach Commune, Chau Thanh District, Ben Tre Province.
• Oc islet: Hung Phong Commune, Giong Trom District, Ben Tre Province.
• Bung Thanh Phu islet: National Highway 57, Thanh Hai Commune, Thanh Phu District, Ben Tre Province.
• Tien islet: Tien Long Commune, Chau Thanh District, Ben Tre Province.

5.2 Ecotourism areas in Ben Tre

The system of ecotourism areas in Ben Tre not only attracts tourists with the beautiful nature of the Mekong Delta. But this place also makes tourists fascinated with the fruit gardens full of delicious fruits. In addition, folk games such as: Fishing, tug of war, monkey bridge, … also create charm for ecotourism areas in Ben Tre. If you have the opportunity to come to Ben Tre, do not miss the unique ecotourism area here.

You can refer to the following 6 famous Ben Tre tourist areas:

• Lan Vuong tourist area: Provincial road 887, Hamlet 2, Phu Thuan Commune, Ben Tre City.
• Ba Ngoi Garden ecotourism area: Ba Ngoi, Phu Hiep Hamlet, Lach Market, Ben Tre.
• Lang Be tourist area: 81B/6B An Khanh, Chau Thanh District, Ben Tre Province.
• Green Village Eco-tourism Area: 111D Provincial Road 883, An Phu Thanh Hamlet, An Phu Commune, Chau Thanh District, Ben Tre Province.
• Phu An Khang Tourist Area: No. 319, Phu Loi Hamlet, Binh Phu Commune, Ben Tre City.
• Ham Luong Tourist Area: Ham Luong Hamlet, Tan Phu Commune, Chau Thanh District, Ben Tre Province.

5.3 Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary

• Address: Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary is located on the right bank of the Ba Lai River. It is located in the territory of 3 communes: My Hoa – Tan My – Tan Xuan, Ba Tri district, Ben Tre province.

Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary is known as the largest bird sanctuary in Ben Tre province with more than 120 rare bird species. Some of the bird species that you can encounter on your journey to visit Vam Ho destination in Ben Tre are: Storks, egrets, gray herons, white ibises, le le, etc.

Coming to the journey to explore Ben Tre, you will be free to roam and sightsee on a campus of 67 hectares. Interesting activities that you can experience. Such as: Rowing a boat to explore the West River, visiting the resistance base, walking on the bamboo bridge, etc. Especially, don’t forget to enjoy the specialty of Western pancakes and sour snakehead fish soup at the Vam Ho hut.

Note: You should visit the Vam Ho bird sanctuary from April to October. Because this is the time when birds begin to gather in Vam Ho to breed. Therefore, you will easily see a scene of birds flying all over the sky at Vam Ho.

5.4 Fruit gardens laden with fruit

Traveling to Ben Tre without enjoying the fruit here is a big mistake. Therefore, you should find fruit gardens laden with fruit on your Ben Tre tour. To enjoy the sweet fruits right in the garden when visiting. Don’t forget to check in a few photos with the fruit gardens in Ben Tre as souvenirs.

Some famous fruit gardens that you can refer to are:

• Cai Mon fruit garden: Vinh Thanh commune, Cho Lach district, Ben Tre province.
• Hue Tan Phu fruit garden: Tan Quy hamlet, Tan Phu commune, Chau Thanh district, Ben Tre province.
• Bao Thach garden: Tan Bac hamlet, Tan Phu commune, Chau Thanh district, Ben Tre province.
• Bay Thao Garden: 236/92 Vinh Nam Hamlet, Vinh Thanh Commune, Cho Lap, Ben Tre Province.

5.5 Flower Village in Cho Lach, Ben Tre

The flower village in Cho Lach is the next attractive tourist destination that you should not miss when traveling to Ben Tre. Not only is it an attractive destination, Cho Lach flower village is also famous for its unique title as the largest flower farm in the West. When you come to Cho Lach flower village, you will feel like you are lost in a brilliant flower paradise.

The tour itinerary to visit Cho Lach flower village in Ben Tre will help you admire the flowers. Such as: Roses, yellow apricots, marigolds, bougainvillea, dahlias, carnations, kumquat trees, weeping coconut flowers, … The poetic and brilliant beauty of Cho Lach flower village will definitely help you take a set of “million-like” photos. Bring your camera to freely “live virtual”.

5.6 Beaches in Ben Tre

On summer days, when you set foot on these beautiful beaches. You will be able to have fun and forget the scorching sunlight here. When coming to Ben Tre beach, you have the opportunity to dive freely in this cool water. After swimming, enjoying seafood right on the beach is also an interesting experience for you. Remember not to miss the beautiful sunset on Ben Tre beach.

You can arrange to experience the 4 clear blue beaches with long sand dunes below:

• Thua Duc beach.
• Con Bung beach.
• Thanh Phu beach.
• Thanh Hai beach.

5.7 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Temple

One of the attractive places that you should not miss during your trip to Ben Tre is the Nguyen Dinh Chieu Temple. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Temple was built on a 1.5ha plot of land in An Duc Commune, Ba Tri District. The Ben Tre people were the ones who built this temple to commemorate Nguyen Dinh Chieu’s contributions in 1972. During your journey to learn about the temple, you will visit 4 main areas, which are:

• Stele House.
• New Temple.
• Old Temple.
• Tomb Area.

In addition, every year on his birthday (July 1), Ben Tre province organizes a very grand Nguyen Dinh Chieu festival. Some of the attractive activities in the Nguyen Dinh Chieu festival that you can participate in. Such as: Free medicine, poetry reading, martial arts, photo exhibition, amateur music festival, … If you travel to Ben Tre on the occasion of July 1st. You should visit Nguyen Dinh Chieu temple to join in the bustling atmosphere of the festival here.

5.8 Huynh Phu ancient house

One of the most unique ancient houses in Ben Tre called Huynh Phu is a tourist destination that we want to introduce to you. In the 1890s, Huynh Phu ancient house was built on a campus of about 500m2. And it took 14 years to complete. The reason why Huynh Phu ancient house took so long to build. That is because all the details in the ancient house are meticulously carved by the hands of long-time artisans.

When visiting Huynh Phu ancient house, you will feel like you are lost in a luxurious “mansion”. The most prominent feature of Huynh Phu ancient house is the 48 round pillars made of rosewood and ironwood designed in the style of a rectangular house. In addition, if you pay closer attention, you will find sophisticated carvings on the entire front of the house. If you have the opportunity to travel to Ben Tre, do not miss the opportunity to visit this unique ancient house in the West.

5.9 Dong Khoi historical site

• Address: Dinh Thuy commune, Mo Cay district, Ben Tre province.

On your journey to explore Ben Tre, you should visit Dong Khoi historical site. Dong Khoi historical site was built on the foundation of the provincial governor’s palace with an area of ​​about 5,000m2. When visiting here, you will see with your own eyes the images and artifacts related to the heroic history of the people of Ben Tre.

These artifacts are arranged with the aim of vividly recreating the Dong Khoi movement of the army and people of Mo Cay district, Ben Tre province. In addition, the highlight of this Dong Khoi relic site is the red stone that was personally awarded by President Ho Chi Minh. The words “Heroic Dong Khoi, defeating the Americans and destroying the puppets” have since become the pride of the people of Ben Tre. If you have time, visit the Dong Khoi relic site to better understand the heroic history of the Vietnamese people.

5.10 Van Phuoc Pagoda

• Address: Binh Chien Hamlet, Binh Dai Town, Ben Tre.

Van Phuoc Pagoda is located in a rather rugged geographical location, surrounded by mangrove forests. However, the pagoda still attracts many pilgrims every year. With a majestic Tam Quan gate, two golden pillars on both sides in an 8-hectare campus along with a majestic and splendid main hall. The architecture of the pagoda is very harmonious, appearing with a solemn appearance.

This place is also home to many disabled Buddhists. If you have the opportunity to come to Ben Tre, take the time to make a pilgrimage to Van Phuoc Pagoda. And if possible, please contribute a little to the disabled community here.

5.11 Tuyen Linh Pagoda

• Address: Tan Quoi, Mo Cay Nam, Ben Tre.

Tuyen Linh Pagoda is the most suitable destination for those who love to explore Vietnamese history. When you come here, you will not only learn about Buddhism, but also learn more about history. Because this place was often bombed by the enemy during the war because it hid revolutionary cadres.

This is also the place where President Ho Chi Minh’s father – Nguyen Sinh Sac – stayed from 1927-1929 to open classes to teach and examine patients for the people here.

5.12 Roman Church

• Address: Hung Nhuong, Giong Trom, Ben Tre.

The Roman Church is also a place worth your time to visit and explore. The road to here is also very beautiful, a rustic and simple beauty. This place is also known for many anecdotes about the appearance of the Virgin Mary, and is famous for being very sacred and mysterious.

5.13 TTC Mekong Aqua Park Ben Tre

TTC Mekong Aqua Park – the most vibrant water park in Ben Tre. A place that promises to bring you moments of emotional explosion and unforgettable experiences. Entering TTC Mekong Aqua Park, you will feel like you are lost in another world, full of colors and laughter. The large water playground with a diverse game system, from wading pools for children to thrilling slides for adults.

In addition, there is also Tiny Zoo – the first petting zoo in Ben Tre, an ideal destination for those who love animals. Here, you have the opportunity to meet and interact with cute animals. Such as: Alpaca, Kangaroo, Pygmy Goats, Valais Black-nose Sheep, Zebra, Peacock. Or swallows, Malayan parrots, Mandarin ducks, guinea pigs, rabbits, sheep, … Take time for your children to explore the magical animal world at Tiny Zoo, so that they can gain more knowledge and interesting experiences.

5.14 Cho Lach

If you love garden tourism, you should definitely not miss Cho Lach. This place is famous for the Cai Mon fruit garden, covered with rows of green trees full of sweet fruit. When coming to Cai Mon, you will be able to enjoy the fruits that are still “blossoming” on the branches. This will definitely be a memorable experience.

5.15 Ham Luong River Tour

This is a fertile land with lush fruit gardens, vast green coconut gardens. When taking a boat on Ham Luong River to explore Ben Tre, you will sit on a boat drifting on the peaceful river, admiring the idyllic beauty of the river region. In addition, you can also admire the life of the kind people in the countryside of the river, which is also very interesting.

6. Specialties when traveling to Ben Tre

For a long time, Ben Tre has been famous for its products made from coconut. Such as: coconut oil, coconut jelly, coconut milk, coconut masks and especially coconut candy, a traditional delicacy known throughout the region. When traveling to Ben Tre, you must definitely enjoy the unique delicacies here, such as:

6.1 Coconut Rice

Known as the land of coconut, of course Ben Tre will have delicious – unique – strange dishes with coconut. Although it has a rustic and simple character, coconut rice requires a lot of time and effort to prepare. From the preparation stage to the finishing stage. You will always remember the unique flavor when enjoying this coconut rice dish.

6.2 Coconut Worms

Coconut worms are considered a unique specialty, bearing the unique characteristics of the countryside of Ben Tre. This dish is especially clean, delicious and fatty, but not everyone has the courage to eat it.

6.3 My Long Rice Paper

Another dish that bears the mark of Ben Tre coconut land for you to enjoy. My Long rice paper is a dried specialty of Ben Tre, anyone who comes here will buy it as a gift for family and friends. When baked, the cake has a beautiful golden color, especially if eaten with salad, it is delicious.

6.4 Banh Canh Bot Xat (A local kind of noodle)

Just hearing the name is enough to know what this dish looks like and how to make it, right? With a sweet broth, duck meat soaked in spices, and delicious rice noodles that you can eat forever without getting bored, it is truly a dish worth trying.

6.5 Sour Soup of Linh Fish and So Dua Flowers

With only 2 basic ingredients: linh fish and so dua flowers, sour canh of linh fish and so dua flowers has become a famous delicacy in Ben Tre. If you have the opportunity to visit the land of coconut, don’t miss it.

6.6 Coconut Rat

Coconut rats are one of the animals that destroy coconut trees. Coconut rat meat is delicious and fatty, the reason is because they suck the sweetness from coconuts. Dishes made from this species are diverse and extremely attractive: steamed, stir-fried, grilled, boiled, … There are all kinds of dishes for you to choose and enjoy.

6.7 Rice Snail Pancakes

For diners, pancakes are a very familiar dish. But rice snail pancakes are only available in Phu Da islet. Instead of making them with shrimp and meat, the locals use delicious snail meat to process with lemongrass and chili as the filling.

6.8 Braised Goby Fish in Coconut Water

Braised goby fish is already very delicious, coming to Ben Tre and eating braised goby fish in coconut water will make it even more delicious. Fresh goby fish with a strong river smell, combined with sweet coconut water, eaten with white rice or raw vegetables is truly wonderful.

6.9 Coconut Root Salad with Shrimp and Meat

Perhaps many people do not know what coconut root is. This is the root located deep in the trunk of a coconut tree. The crunchy coconut root combined with shrimp chips, shrimp and meat combine to create an unforgettable dish once tasted. When traveling to Ben Tre, do not miss this unique dish.

6.10 Smashed Banana

Another great dish for diners when traveling to Ben Tre. You can sit right on the sidewalk and enjoy the newly roasted green bananas. Add thick coconut milk to make the taste unforgettable.

7. Accommodation when traveling to Ben Tre

When traveling to this beautiful land, you can refer to some of the accommodations below. Because it is located in an area with many canals, the types of accommodation here are extremely diverse. From staying overnight in hotels in the city center to staying overnight on luxury yachts or homestays with rustic and peaceful natural scenery.

• Ben Tre Riverside Resort. Address: 708 Nguyen Van Tu, Ward 7, Ben Tre City, Ben Tre.
• Mekong Home. Address: Hamlet 9, Phuoc Long Commune, Giong Trom District, Ben Tre.
• Mango Home Riverside. Address: My Thanh, Giong Trom, Ben Tre.
• Dong Khoi Hotel. Address: 16 Hai Ba Trung, Ward 2, Ben Tre City, Ben Tre.
• Dai Phuc Hotel. Address: 1K Nguyen Thi Dinh, Phu Khuong, Ben Tre City, Ben Tre.
• Phuong Hoang Hotel. Address: 28 Hai Ba Trung, Ben Tre City, Ben Tre.
• Quoc Phuong Riverside Homestay. Address: Phu Tuc, Chau Thanh, Ben Tre.
• Cocoland Hometay. Address: Group 3, Phuoc Hoa Hamlet, Thanh Trieu, Chau Thanh, Ben Tre.
• 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.

8. Some important notes when traveling to Ben Tre

To make your trip to Ben Tre safe and enjoyable. You need to refer to some necessary notes below:

• You should choose a time to travel that is suitable for the weather conditions. Thus, your journey to explore Ben Tre will be the most convenient.
• Sunscreen is an indispensable item when you travel to Ben Tre.
• You should fully prepare your luggage for your Ben Tre trip. The luggage you should bring when traveling is: Clothes, shoes, hats, jackets, masks, personal items.
• Only bring enough cash to avoid dropping, getting wet, or being stolen.
• Don’t forget to bring your ID, especially your ID card and driver’s license.
• You should dress politely when visiting sacred places, pagodas, etc. At the same time, don’t forget to keep order and only take photos at permitted locations.
• With your journey to the Ben Tre river region, you should bring extra clothes to change after participating in water activities.
• Remember to negotiate the price of boat rides, specialties, etc. before buying to avoid paying high prices.
• Don’t forget to bring a spare charger to use when your phone runs out of battery.
• Return the areas you pass through to their original state. Do not cut down trees, litter, etc.
• You should arrange a Ben Tre tour schedule that suits your health to avoid fatigue after traveling.

With useful and updated information about Ben Tre travel experiences. That Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator, has just shared in the article above. Hopefully it will help your upcoming vacation in Vietnam. We will also accompany you on the Vietnam tour to explore this poetic Ben Tre coconut land with interesting experiences and you will keep unforgettable memories.