Are you looking for a unique and authentic destination in Vietnam? Do you want to explore the rich and diverse culture of the Mekong Delta region? Do you love coconuts and everything related to them? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Ben Tre is the perfect place for you!
Ben Tre is a province in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, famous for its coconut production and culture. Ben Tre is home to thousands of coconut trees, coconut groves, coconut factories, and coconut products. Ben Tre is also blessed with beautiful rivers, islets, orchards, and historical sites. Ben Tre offers a variety of attractions and activities for travelers who want to experience the rural and natural charm of Vietnam.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Ben Tre tourism, covering topics such as how to get there, when to visit, what to see and do, where to stay, what to eat, and what to buy. Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer stay, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Ben Tre.
How to Get to Ben Tre
Ben Tre is located about 85 km south of Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city and the main gateway to Vietnam. There are several ways to reach Ben Tre from Ho Chi Minh City, depending on your budget, time, and preference.
Taxi:
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Ben Tre is by taxi. You can book a taxi from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre online or through your hotel. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs around 1.5 million VND (65 USD). However, this option is also the most expensive and may not be suitable for solo travelers or budget travelers.
Bus:
The cheapest and most popular way to get to Ben Tre is by bus. You can take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre at the Mien Tay Bus Station, which is located about 10 km from the city center. The bus ride takes about 3 hours and costs around 100,000 VND (4 USD). The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, and run frequently throughout the day. However, this option may not be very flexible or convenient, as you may have to wait for the bus or transfer to another bus or boat to reach your destination in Ben Tre.
Boat:
The most scenic and adventurous way to get to Ben Tre is by boat. You can take a boat from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre along the Mekong River, which is the longest and most important river in Southeast Asia. The boat trip takes about 4 hours and costs around 300,000 VND (13 USD). The boats are spacious and offer stunning views of the river and the countryside. You can also enjoy some snacks and drinks on board. However, this option may not be very reliable or frequent, as the boat schedule depends on the weather and the water level.
If you are coming from other locations in the Mekong Delta region, such as Can Tho or Vinh Long, you can also take a bus or a boat to Ben Tre. The travel time and cost may vary depending on the distance and the route.
When to Visit Ben Tre
Ben Tre has a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season lasts from May to November, and the dry season lasts from December to April. The average temperature in Ben Tre is around 27°C, and the humidity is high throughout the year.
The best time to visit Ben Tre is from December to April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and pleasant. This is also the peak season for tourism, as many travelers come to Ben Tre to enjoy the coconut festival, the Tet festival, and the boat racing festival. These festivals are colorful and lively, and showcase the culture and traditions of Ben Tre and the Mekong Delta region. However, this is also the most crowded and expensive time to visit Ben Tre, so you may have to book your accommodation and transportation in advance.
If you want to avoid the crowds and the high prices, you can also visit Ben Tre from May to November, when the weather is rainy, cloudy, and cooler. This is the low season for tourism, as many travelers avoid Ben Tre due to the frequent showers and floods. However, this is also a good time to visit Ben Tre if you want to see the green and lush coconut groves, the fruit orchards, and the rice fields. You can also enjoy some discounts and deals on your accommodation and transportation.
What to See and Do in Ben Tre
Ben Tre has a lot to offer for travelers who want to see and do something different and authentic in Vietnam. Ben Tre is famous for its coconut culture, which is reflected in its attractions and activities. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Ben Tre:
Coconut Museum:
The coconut museum is a must-see for anyone who loves coconuts and wants to learn more about them. The coconut museum is located in the coconut handicraft village, which is a community of artisans who make various products from coconut materials, such as baskets, mats, hats, and bags. The coconut museum displays the history, culture, and production of coconuts in Ben Tre and the Mekong Delta region. You can also see the tools and machines used to process coconuts, and watch the artisans demonstrate their skills and techniques. The coconut museum is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and the entrance fee is 50,000 VND (2 USD).
Coconut Candy Factory:
The coconut candy factory is another must-see for anyone who loves coconuts and sweets. The coconut candy factory is located in the coconut candy village, which is a community of producers who make delicious and famous coconut candies, which are soft, chewy, and wrapped in rice paper. The coconut candy factory shows you how the coconut candies are made from fresh coconut milk, sugar, and malt. You can also taste and buy some of the coconut candies, which come in different flavors, such as plain, durian, peanut, and chocolate. The coconut candy factory is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and the entrance fee is free.
Orchard Garden:
The orchard garden is a must-see for anyone who loves fruits and nature. The orchard garden is located on an islet in the middle of the Ham Luong River, which is one of the branches of the Mekong River. The orchard garden is a paradise of tropical fruits, such as mangoes, bananas, pineapples, papayas, and dragon fruits. You can walk around the orchard garden, admire the fruit trees and flowers, and pick and taste some of the fruits. You can also enjoy some local dishes and drinks, such as coconut rice, coconut milk, and coconut wine. The orchard garden is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and the entrance fee is 100,000 VND (4 USD).
River Cruise:
The river cruise is a must-do for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and charm of the Mekong Delta region. The river cruise takes you along the Ham Luong River and its tributaries, which are surrounded by coconut groves, rice fields, and villages. You can enjoy the scenic views of the river and the countryside, and observe the daily life and activities of the local people, such as fishing, farming, and trading. You can also stop at some of the attractions along the way, such as the coconut museum, the coconut candy factory, and the orchard garden. The river cruise is available from 8 am to 5 pm, and the price varies depending on the duration and the type of boat. You can choose from a motorboat, a rowboat, or a sampan, which is a traditional wooden boat.
Where to Stay in Ben Tre
Ben Tre has a range of accommodation options for travelers who want to stay overnight or longer. Ben Tre has some hotels, resorts, and homestays, which cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay in Ben Tre:
Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ben Tre: Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ben Tre is a luxury resort that offers a relaxing and comfortable stay in Ben Tre. Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ben Tre is located on the banks of the Ham Luong River, and has a stunning view of the river and the coconut groves. Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ben Tre has 149 rooms and suites, which are spacious, elegant, and well-equipped. Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ben Tre also has a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ben Tre is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the coconut paradise of Ben Tre in style and comfort. The price for a night at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ben Tre starts from 2 million VND (86 USD).
Ben Tre Riverside Resort: Ben Tre Riverside Resort is a mid-range resort that offers a cozy and convenient stay in Ben Tre. Ben Tre Riverside Resort is located on the banks of the Ben Tre River, and has a beautiful view of the river and the city. Ben Tre Riverside Resort has 81 rooms and bungalows, which are modern, cozy, and well-equipped. Ben Tre Riverside Resort also has a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar. Ben Tre Riverside Resort is ideal for travelers who want to explore the coconut culture and the city of Ben Tre. The price for a night at Ben Tre Riverside Resort starts from 1 million VND (43 USD).
Ben Tre Farm Stay: Ben Tre Farm Stay is a budget-friendly homestay that offers a authentic and memorable stay in Ben Tre. Ben Tre Farm Stay is located in a coconut farm, and has a rustic and natural atmosphere. Ben Tre Farm Stay has 10 rooms and cottages, which are simple, clean, and well-equipped. Ben Tre Farm Stay also has a garden, a pond, a restaurant, and a bar. Ben Tre Farm Stay is ideal for travelers who want to experience the rural and authentic life of Ben Tre. The price for a night at Ben Tre Farm Stay starts from 300,000 VND (13 USD).
What to Eat in Ben Tre
Ben Tre has a delicious and diverse cuisine, which is influenced by its coconut culture and its location in the Mekong Delta region. Ben Tre has some of the best and freshest coconut dishes and specialties in Vietnam, which are sure to satisfy your taste buds and your stomach. Here are some of the best things to eat in Ben Tre:
Coconut Cake: Coconut cake is a traditional and popular dessert in Ben Tre, which is made from grated coconut, rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk. Coconut cake is soft, moist, and sweet, and has a distinctive coconut flavor and aroma. Coconut cake is usually served with coconut cream or coconut syrup, and can be eaten as a snack or a dessert. You can find coconut cake in most of the bakeries and street stalls in Ben Tre, and the price is around 10,000 VND (0.4 USD) per piece.
Coconut Jelly: Coconut jelly is another traditional and popular dessert in Ben Tre, which is made from coconut water, coconut milk, sugar, and agar-agar. Coconut jelly is smooth, cool, and refreshing, and has a subtle coconut taste and texture. Coconut jelly is usually served in a coconut shell, and can be eaten as a snack or a dessert. You can find coconut jelly in most of the restaurants and cafes in Ben Tre, and the price is around 20,000 VND (0.9 USD) per serving.
Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is a staple and essential ingredient in Ben Tre cuisine, which is made from fresh coconut flesh and water. Coconut milk is rich, creamy, and nutritious, and has a mild coconut flavor and aroma. Coconut milk is used to cook, bake, or drink, and can be found in many dishes and drinks in Ben Tre, such as coconut rice, coconut curry, coconut coffee, and coconut smoothie. You can find coconut milk in most of the markets and shops in Ben Tre, and the price is around 15,000 VND (0.6 USD) per liter.
Coconut Snails: Coconut snails are a delicacy and a specialty in Ben Tre, which are snails that live in the coconut trees and feed on the coconut leaves. Coconut snails are small, crunchy, and savory, and have a slight coconut taste and smell. Coconut snails are usually cooked with coconut milk, lemongrass, chili, and garlic, and can be eaten as a main dish or a side dish. You can find coconut snails in some of the restaurants and street stalls in Ben Tre, and the price is around 50,000 VND (2 USD) per plate.
What to Buy in Ben Tre
Ben Tre has a lot of souvenirs and products to buy for yourself or your loved ones, which are made from coconut materials or inspired by coconut culture. Ben Tre has some of the best and most unique coconut products in Vietnam, which are beautiful, useful, and affordable. Here are some of the best things to buy in Ben Tre:
Coconut Handicrafts:
Coconut handicrafts are one of the most popular and famous products in Ben Tre, which are made from coconut shells, husks, fibers, and leaves. Coconut handicrafts include items such as baskets, mats, hats, bags, bowls, spoons, and lamps. Coconut handicrafts are attractive, durable, and eco-friendly, and can be used for decoration or daily use. You can find coconut handicrafts in the coconut handicraft village, the Ben Tre market, and the souvenir shops, and the price varies depending on the size and quality of the item.
Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is one of the most useful and versatile products in Ben Tre, which is made from cold-pressed coconut flesh. Coconut oil is healthy, natural, and beneficial, and can be used for cooking, baking, or beauty. Coconut oil has a high content of medium-chain fatty acids, which can boost your metabolism, lower your cholesterol, and improve your skin and hair. You can find coconut oil in the coconut oil factory, the Ben Tre market, and the souvenir shops, and the price is around 100,000 VND (4 USD) per bottle.
Coconut Candy:
Coconut candy is one of the most delicious and famous products in Ben Tre, which is made from coconut milk, sugar, and malt. Coconut candy is soft, chewy, and sweet, and has a distinctive coconut flavor and aroma. Coconut candy comes in different flavors, such as plain, durian, peanut, and chocolate. Coconut candy is wrapped in rice paper, which is edible and dissolves in your mouth. You can find coconut candy in the coconut candy factory, the Ben Tre market, and the souvenir shops, and the price is around 50,000 VND (2 USD) per pack.
Coconut Wine:
Coconut wine is one of the most unique and special products in Ben Tre, which is made from fermented coconut water and yeast. Coconut wine is clear, strong, and smooth, and has a subtle coconut taste and smell. Coconut wine is usually served in a coconut shell, and can be drunk as a beverage or a medicine. Coconut wine has a high alcohol content, which can warm your body, stimulate your blood circulation, and cure some diseases. You can find coconut wine in the coconut wine factory, the Ben Tre market, and the souvenir shops, and the price is around 100,000 VND (4 USD) per liter.
Ben Tre is a wonderful and amazing destination in Vietnam, which offers a unique and authentic experience of the coconut paradise and the Mekong Delta region. Ben Tre has a lot of attractions and activities, accommodation and food options, and souvenirs and products, which cater to different tastes and budgets. Ben Tre is a place that you will never forget, and that you will want to visit again and again.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Ben Tre and enjoy its coconut paradise. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading, and happy travels!