Ben Tre
Things to see and do
Top Experiences in Ben Tre
Sampan Boat Ride Through Hidden Arroyos
Glide along narrow, shaded canals in a traditional wooden sampan, surrounded by mangrove forests and coconut palms. Visit Thom floating markets and experience daily river life.
Explore the Coconut Craft Villages
Visit small family-run coconut workshops to witness how every part of the coconut is transformed into products like: Coconut candy, Coconut oil and milk, Mats, ropes, and kitchen utensils, Sample fresh coconut-based treats like coconut cakes, wine, and jam.
Fruit Orchard Tours & Farm Visits
Taste tropical fruits straight from the trees, including mangoes, rambutans, pomelos, and longans.
Visit local fruit farms to learn about organic farming techniques.
Biking & Motorbike Adventures
Cycle or ride a motorbike through charming villages, green fields, and coconut groves.
Stop at traditional handicraft workshops and local markets along the way.
Eco-Tourism & Island Hopping
Con Tien, Con Oc, Con Phung, Con Quy – Beautiful islands showcasing local crafts, floating fish farms, and bird sanctuaries.
Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary – A biodiversity hotspot with thousands of birds and a submerged mangrove forest.
Experience Don Ca Tai Tu Folk Music
Attend a traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music performance, recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage.
Good to Know
When to visit?
Best Time to Visit Ben Tre
+ December to March – The best weather: dry, cool, and sunny.
+ May to November – Rainy season with short tropical showers but still enjoyable.
+ June to August – Peak tropical fruit season, perfect for orchard tours.
+Mid-March to April – Hottest period; some travelers may find it uncomfortable.
Access
+ By Car – 2 hours (85 km) from Ho Chi Minh City, 3 hours (130 km) from Can Tho.
+ By Plane – No direct flights; travelers must fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport) or Can Tho Airport, then continue by car.
+ By Motorbike – Adventurous travelers can ride 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, passing through scenic countryside roads.
Where to eat and taste
+ Must-Try Local Specialties
"Đuông dừa" (Coconut Worms) – A unique local delicacy, either eaten fresh with spicy fish sauce or fried with butter.
"Bánh xèo ốc gạo" (Snail Pancake) – A crispy rice pancake filled with river snails, pork, and bean sprouts.
"Ốc len xào dừa" (Snails Cooked in Coconut Sauce) – Freshwater snails cooked in a rich coconut milk sauce with lemongrass and chili.
Coconut Alcohol – A strong coconut-infused rice wine served in bamboo cups.
Continuing your journey
+ My Tho – Just 20 km away, famous for boat tours and temples.
+ Tra Vinh – The Khmer cultural capital of Vietnam, 60 km south.
+ Vung Liem – Coconut forests and traditional Mekong villages, 55 km away.
+ Vinh Long – 60 km from Ben T