Ben Tre, Vietnam: The Kingdom of Coconut Palms In The Mekong Delta

Surely there is still much to discover in this laid-back world of the Mekong Delta. Explore the best time to visit, the history, and the hidden treasures of Ben Tre, Vietnam, with our detailed guide!

Written by Tieu Bao (Local Expert) Updated on 06-07-2024

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Table of contents

1. Where Is Ben Tre Located?
2. Why Is It Called the Kingdom of Coconut Palms?
3. How To Get There?
4. When Are The Best Times To Visit?
5. What To See And Do In Ben Tre?
6. Where To Stay In Ben Tre?

1. Where Is Ben Tre Located?

Ben Tre is located in the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, about 85 km (a 2-hour drive) from Ho Chi Minh City, getting there is very easy. Throughout the province, you can observe an alternation between fields and gardens, although vast forests are lacking. Ben Tre is surrounded by many rivers and canals that have been dug, creating a peaceful environment characteristic of the Mekong Delta.

2. Why Is It Called the Kingdom of Coconut Palms?

Ben Tre is known as "the kingdom of coconut palms in Vietnam" because more than a third of its area is covered by coconut trees. These trees are so iconic that they symbolize Ben Tre itself. With numerous arroyos in the Mekong Delta lined with lush vegetation, Ben Tre is undoubtedly an ideal destination to immerse oneself in nature.

3. How To Get There?

If you are departing from the North or foreign countries, choose Ho Chi Minh City as the first stop. To get to Ben Tre from Ho Chi Minh City, the road is the most convenient.

3.1. By motorcycle

If you love exploring, a motorcycle is a must. Start on National Highway 1 or the Trung Luong Expressway. Once you reach the Rach Mieu Bridge, continue for another 13 km to Ben Tre. No need to worry about the ride; the roads are flat. You'll pass several intertwined canals and rivers, making the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre scenic and enjoyable.

3.2. By private car or bus

There are several options to reach Ben Tre. You can take a bus from the WestSide Railway Station in Ho Chi Minh City to the Binh Dai Bus Terminal in Ben Tre, which is comfortable and notably cheaper than using cars or taxis. Alternatively, hiring a private car with a driver is one of the best choices for flexibility and a serene travel experience.

4. When Are The Best Times To Visit?

Floating Season (September–December): The right time to visit Ben Tre and the Mekong Delta region While here, you can also opt for a sampan ride on the canals to wander amidst endless greenery and plantations.
Wet Season (May–October): Despite the name, traveling to Ben Tre during this time is not ideal as flash rains are a frequent occurrence and may interrupt your journey.
Dry Season (January–April): During this time, it is sunny and hot. It's also a time for harvest, with the locals partaking in seasonal fruit picking.
Fruit Season (June–August): These months are perfect for tasting a variety of delicious tropical fruits such as rambutan, durian, mangosteen, guava, jackfruit, milk apple, mango, pear, orange, and plum. There's so much to try!
Local Festivals: Don't miss the festival season in Vietnam, which showcases the rich culture and traditions. Ben Tre is no exception, with important local festivals like the Phu Le Communal House Festival and the Nghinh Ong Festival in March and November of the lunar calendar.

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5. What To See And Do In Ben Tre?

5.1 Visit the land of coconut palms in Giong Trom

Ben Tre is regarded as a "kingdom of coconut" in Vietnam, with 72,000 hectares of palm trees. Giong Trom district alone had up to over 17,000 hectares at one point, according to an estimate from authorities. As you cruise around, you will also meet the local people of small neighboring communes who sing warm folk music. Locals often welcome friendly visitors.

However, the key highlight of reassessing this experience is staying overnight with residents, and as a result, you can truly get to know life by the river.

5.2. Visit tropical fruit orchards

Mekong Delta is famous for its huge fruit orchards. The best time to come here, during June-August. It is now that you get to eat plenty of tropical fruits. You pay about 50,000 VND (~2 USD) for a ticket through the gates to buy yourself unlimited fruit depending on your desire.

Some fruit orchards in Ben Tre for you to check out:

Hue Fruit Orchard: Tan Phu Commune, Chau Thanh District.
Ba Ngoi Fruit Orchard: Vinh Binh commune, Cho Lach District
Vinh Thanh Commune: Chau Thanh DistrictCai Mon Fruit Orchard
5.3. Take a bike ride around the villages

Glide through shaded paths amidst the coconut groves of Oc Island, a renowned spot along the Ham Luong River in Giong Trom District. Located centrally and adjacent to Quang Nam, home to Hoi An, Kon Tum Province is a verdant land rich with fruit orchards, coconut palms, and the simple daily life of its southern residents. Explore the local way of life as you witness daily crafts, bustling markets, and even visit a small coconut shelling factory.

5.4. Sampan rides along the canals

When in the Mekong Delta, do not forget to take a sampan ride along the canals. Located along the East Sea, Ben Tre has a thick jungle of interlacing canals. Once you come to Ben Tre, forget the cool breeze and get ready for pretty boat rides on a maze of arroyos shadowed by coconut trees. Also, you will have the chance to tour the processing of coconuts and make assorted products of coconuts (pagri-foods, handicrafts, and activated charcoal).

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5.5. Discover local crafts

Ben Tre's local handicrafts are rich and diverse, mainly thanks to the abundance of coconut resources. The locals create a variety of famous products from coconuts, including coconut oil and the renowned coconut candies from the Mekong Delta. Visitors to Ben Tre can watch the fascinating process of making these coconut candies firsthand in the artisan villages.

Beyond candies, the coconut shells are crafted into kitchen utensils like bowls and salad bowls, and decorative items such as lamps, vases, and photo frames.

Almost every part of the coconut palm is valuable. The roots have medicinal uses, the leaves and shells are handy for household needs, coconut water is great for cooling or cooking, and coconut fiber is used in ornamental plants.

**Coconut leaf wedding gate in Ben Tre**

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5.6 Explore the Birds of Vam Ho sanctuary

The Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary was established in 1986 as a stop on the migratory route of 84 different species of birds divided into 35 classes. Most of its 40-hectare area is covered by mangrove forests.

The dense vegetation creates a favorable environment for birds by providing food and also creating a safe natural shelter for breeding. A sampan ride that will take you deep into the mangrove forest will be the best way to discover the biodiversity of the sanctuary and enjoy the wonderful tranquility. There are also several bamboo paths and bridges through the forest that you can explore on your own on foot.

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6. Where To Stay In Ben Tre?

6.1. Mekong Home
Address: 232-239/A1—Dong Khoi Street, Phu Tan District, Ben Tre

A perfect spot in the countryside if you are willing to spend a day away from the crowds and seek peace. This will allow you to relax fully, away from the daily hustle and bustle. Enjoy the beauty of nature, take in fresh air, and feel the peace that lies on these enchanted lands.

6.2. Mekong Garden Homestay
Address: Hoa Nghia Commune, Cho Lach District, Ben Tre

Mekong Garden Homestay offers a delightful and inexpensive place to stay for its value. Its basic design, coupled with its open-to-nature setup, gives the villa a rural feel, which oozes rich experiences throughout your stay. Get lost in a beautiful, green garden complete with a warm and welcoming ambiance perfect for relaxation or exploring the treasures of the area.

6.3. Ben Tre Riverside Resort
Address: 708 Nguyen Van Tu Street, Ward 7, Ben Tre
A bit outside the middle of the province, it's a great tourist retreat. In addition to serving as accommodations of preference, the hotel provides a host of facilities, including pools and bike and car rentals, as well as gyms. Use these to unwind, get around, and try to be active while on your break.

6.4. Coco Farmstay
Address: Thanh Tan Commune, Mo Cay Bac District, Ben Tre

If you want to visit traditional Mekong coconut villages, it will be easier to move between the villages by staying at Coco Farmstay. This accommodation is located in the district of Mo Cay, where there are many local handicraft villages.

We hope this article has given you enough information to travel to the land of Ben Tre's coconut palms. Follow us for more travel experiences in places in Vietnam!

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