Located in the heart of Southern Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, Ben Tre is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Known as the “Land of Coconuts,” this charming province is famous for its lush coconut groves, winding waterways, and authentic rural life. Unlike the more touristy areas of the Mekong Delta, Ben Tre provides a serene, off-the-beaten-path experience, perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in local culture while drifting through narrow canals lined with towering coconut palms. Ben Tre is definitely a great day trip to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City.
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Top Things to Do in Ben Tre
1. Cruise Along the Mekong on a Sampan
The highlight of any trip to Ben Tre is sailing through its narrow canals in a small hand-rowed sampan. These boats take you deep into the heart of the coconut forests, where the only sounds are the gentle paddling of water and the rustling of palm leaves.
2. Pedal Trough the Lush Countryside of Ben Tre
Did you think a boat was the only way to visit Ben Tre? Think again. While driving around with a car is difficult, cycling through the narrow paths among lush jungle and orchards is a fantastic way to get to know the local life. There are plenty of little lanes that are surprisingly well kept, so cycling is one of the best ways to explore the region. As a benefit, there’s also much fewer tourists doing this!
3. Explore the Orchards and Markets of Ben Tre
Ben Tre is one of Vietnam’s biggest food sources. The warm climate and fertile soil of the Mekong Delta makes it a very strategic spot to cultivate a wide range of fruits and vegetables. You can visit some of these orchards during your day trip to Ben Tre, and even try some of the delicious fruits! The biggest star in this regard is the coconut, although there are many other fruits to try, like durian, rambutan, mango, pomelo… They also cultivate a big array of flowers, making it a very scenic visit. One of the most popular orchards to visit in Ben Tre is Cai Mon Orchard Village.
3. Experience Local Life at a Floating Market
One of the most quintessential experiences in the Mekong Delta is to visit one of its floating markets. The most popular is the Cai Be Floating Market in My Tho, since it is considerably closer to Ho Chi Minh City, as well as very close from Ben Tre. That being said, the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho will give you a much more authentic experience. Pairing Cai Rang with Ben Tre allow you to visit on the same trip where the fruits and vegetables are grown and where they are sold!
Travel Tip: Cai Rang Floating Market starts very early and it is very far away from Ho Chi Minh City. Instead of a day trip, I suggest you fly to Can Tho, stay the night and visit the market early. After that, you can visit the Ben Tre region on your way back to HCMC!
4. Try Fresh Mekong Cuisine
No trip to the Mekong Delta is complete without tasting local dishes. Some must-try foods in Ben Tre include:
- Cá tai tượng chiên xù – Deep-fried elephant ear fish, often served in rice paper rolls.
- Bánh xèo miền Tây – Crispy Vietnamese pancakes with shrimp and herbs.
- Nước dừa tươi – Fresh coconut water straight from a Ben Tre coconut!
Many visits to Ben Tre include a visit to a coconut candy factory, producing candies made from the coconuts harvested in the area. While I personally find this not particularly interesting, it is a very popular attraction, so you may include it in your itinerary.
5. Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda
Vinh Trang Pagoda is the most important architectural visit in any trip to Ben Tre. This Buddhist temple is actually located in My Tho, but it is often included in many guided tours to Ben Tre from Ho Chi Minh City. It is a gorgeous building with a very unique architecture and a beautiful garden, so plan a stop here in your Ben Tre itinerary!
Best Time to Visit Ben Tre
The best time to visit Ben Tre is during the dry season (December to April) when the weather is pleasant, and the waterways are at their clearest.
Ho Chi Minh Day Trip: How to Get to Ben Tre from Ho Chi Minh City
- By Private Car: The most comfortable way to travel (~2 hours).
- By Bus: Take a bus from Mien Tay Bus Station to Ben Tre (~3 hours, ~$5 USD). While this is a very affordable option, you’ll still need a car to move around from Ben Tre City.
- By Guided Tour: Many Ho Chi Minh-based agencies offer day trips to Ben Tre, including boat rides, village visits, and food tastings. Also, you can find some great day trips that include a visit to one of the floating market in the area, as well as a boat ride in Ben Tre, making it the ultimate Mekong Delta experience.
Recommended Ben Tre Boat Tours
1. Ben Tre Coconut Kingdom Tour
- Small-group sampan ride through coconut groves
- Visit to a local coconut candy factory
- Lunch at a riverside restaurant
2. Full-Day Mekong Delta Tour (Ben Tre & My Tho)
- Guided tour and transportation, including the Vinh Trang Pagoda.
- Includes motorboat, sampan boat ride and cycling.
- Includes Vietnamese lunch, sweets and tea.
3. 2-Day Mekong Delta Tour (My Tho, Ben Tre & Can Tho)
- Includes all transportations, hotel and meals.
- Motorboat trip in the floating market and sampan boat ride in Ben Tre.
4. Private Ben Tre Countryside Tour
- Personalized experience with a private guide
- Explore off-the-beaten-path villages
Closing Statement: Why a Day Trip to Ben Tre is a Must-Visit in the Mekong Delta
If you’re looking for a peaceful, authentic Mekong Delta experience, Ben Tre is the place to go. With its lush coconut groves, quiet canals, and friendly locals, it offers a relaxing escape from city life while providing an intimate glimpse into Vietnamese river culture.
So, whether you’re sailing through coconut-fringed waterways, sampling fresh coconut candy, or cycling through tranquil villages, Ben Tre is sure to leave you enchanted.
Make sure you check out the main post of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City and the best day trips from HCMC, as well as our Perfect 3-week Vietnam itinerary.
If you’re in Vietnam, you’ll probably find these helpful:
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