Where is Ben Tre?
Ben Tre is located about 85 kilometers south of Ho Chi Minh City, making it one of the most accessible gateways to the Mekong Delta. The journey takes around two hours by car or bus, crossing bridges that span mighty rivers before you reach the province’s green, watery heart.
Often called the “land of coconuts” (xứ dừa in Vietnamese), Ben Tre is crisscrossed by a labyrinth of rivers, canals, and arroyos, all of which stem from the Mekong’s nine legendary branches. This rich network of waterways gives the province its unique identity—life here revolves around the river, from transportation and fishing to farming and daily routines.
Geographically, Ben Tre sits right in the middle of the delta, bordered by Tien Giang Province to the north, Vinh Long and Tra Vinh to the west and south, and the South China Sea to the east. Its position makes it both a hub for agriculture and a perfect place for visitors to experience the charm of rural Vietnam without venturing too far from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
What makes Ben Tre stand out is not just its location but also its landscape and atmosphere. As you arrive, you’ll notice endless rows of coconut palms lining the canals, shady fruit orchards, small ferries gliding across muddy waters, and simple stilt houses nestled among the greenery. Compared to more touristy parts of the Mekong Delta, Ben Tre feels peaceful and authentic, offering a slower pace of life that travelers often find refreshing after the chaos of the city.
For many visitors, Ben Tre is the perfect first introduction to the Mekong Delta:
- It’s close enough for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
- It has all the quintessential Delta experiences—boat rides, orchards, coconut candy workshops, and local homestays.
- Yet it remains less crowded than destinations like My Tho or Can Tho, giving it a more genuine, community-driven charm.
In short, Ben Tre is where the Mekong’s water and coconut palms meet, creating a lush landscape that feels worlds away from modern urban Vietnam, even though it’s just a short drive from Saigon.
Why is Ben Tre Called the Coconut Kingdom?
Ben Tre is often nicknamed the “Coconut Kingdom of Vietnam”, and for good reason. With over 70,000 hectares of coconut plantations, accounting for more than one-third of its total land area, Ben Tre produces the largest share of coconuts in the entire country. No matter which road, canal, or village path you take, you’ll see endless rows of tall, swaying palms forming a green canopy over the landscape.
🌴 More than just agriculture
For the people of Ben Tre, coconuts are not just a crop—they are a way of life. Locals say that “every part of the coconut is useful”, and this philosophy is deeply woven into their culture.
- Food & Drink: Coconut water is the Delta’s natural refreshment, while the white flesh is used in both savory dishes and sweets. One of the province’s most famous specialties is kẹo dừa (coconut candy), often made by hand in small workshops that travelers can visit. Coconut milk enriches curries, sticky rice, and desserts, while fermented coconut juice is even turned into a local wine.
- Crafts & Daily Use: The husks and shells are transformed into handicrafts such as bowls, chopsticks, jewelry, and decorative items sold in local markets. Even the fibrous coir is used for making ropes, mats, and brushes.
- Economy & Exports: Ben Tre’s coconuts are not only consumed locally but also exported worldwide as raw coconuts, coconut oil, and processed products. This industry provides livelihoods for tens of thousands of families, reinforcing the coconut’s status as the economic backbone of the province.
🌿 A cultural and symbolic identity
Beyond the economy, coconuts carry cultural and spiritual value. Coconut palms are often planted near homes as symbols of resilience, abundance, and connection to the land. In traditional ceremonies and festivals, coconut products—such as coconut rice cakes—play an important role.
During the Vietnam War, Ben Tre was a stronghold of resistance fighters, who often relied on coconuts for food, shelter materials, and even improvised tools, further tying the plant to the province’s historical identity.
🌸 A traveler’s perspective
For visitors, the coconut groves of Ben Tre offer one of the most quintessential Mekong Delta landscapes. Gliding along narrow canals in a small sampan, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a “forest” of palms arching over the waterways, creating a peaceful, green tunnel. This setting is why many travelers say Ben Tre feels more authentic and serene than other parts of the delta.
Experiences such as:
- Watching how coconut candy is made in family-run workshops.
- Tasting fresh coconut water straight from the shell.
- Exploring shady canals lined with endless palms.
- Bringing home small coconut handicrafts as souvenirs.
…all help explain why Ben Tre proudly calls itself the Coconut Kingdom.
How to Get to Ben Tre
Ben Tre is one of the easiest Mekong Delta provinces to reach from Ho Chi Minh City, making it a popular destination for both day trips and longer stays. The journey covers about 85 kilometers and takes roughly 2–2.5 hours, depending on traffic and your mode of transport.
🚗 By Private Car or Taxi
The most comfortable and flexible option is to hire a private car with driver or book a ride through apps like Grab.
- Travel time: 2–2.5 hours.
- Best for: Families, small groups, or travelers who want to combine Ben Tre with other delta highlights such as My Tho, Cai Be, or Can Tho.
- Advantages: Door-to-door service, air-conditioning, and the ability to stop for sightseeing along the way (such as the Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho).
🚌 By Bus
This is the most affordable and popular way for locals and backpackers.
- Departure point: Mien Tay (Western) Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Travel time: Around 2–2.5 hours.
- Fares: From 80,000–120,000 VND (~$3–5).
- Operators: Phuong Trang (Futa Bus), Thinh Phat, and Minh Tam are well-rated companies.
- Arrival: Buses stop at Ben Tre bus station, a short taxi or xe ôm (motorbike taxi) ride from the city center.
👉 Tip: Book your ticket online in advance during weekends or holidays, as buses can sell out quickly.
🛵 By Motorbike
For adventurous travelers, riding a motorbike is a scenic and fun way to reach Ben Tre.
- Route: From Ho Chi Minh City, head southwest via National Highway 1A or the Trung Luong Expressway, then cross the Rach Mieu Bridge—the iconic gateway into Ben Tre.
- Travel time: Around 2.5–3 hours.
- Highlights: Flat, easy-to-navigate roads with plenty of roadside cafés, fruit stalls, and rice paddies along the way.
- Note: Make sure you’re comfortable with Vietnamese traffic, and bring rain gear if traveling during the wet season.
🚐 Guided Tours & Day Trips
If you prefer a hassle-free option, many travel agencies in Ho Chi Minh City offer day tours or multi-day packages to Ben Tre.
- Inclusions: Transport, English-speaking guide, boat trip through coconut canals, lunch at a local home, and visits to handicraft workshops.
- Best for: First-time visitors who want a structured experience without worrying about logistics.
Best Time to Visit Ben Tre
Ben Tre enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, with warm temperatures year-round averaging between 25–30°C. While you can visit at any time, each season brings its own unique flavor and activities:
- 🌊 Floating Season (September – December):
This is when the Mekong River and its tributaries are at their fullest. The canals swell with water, and the lush greenery creates postcard-perfect scenery. Farmers use small boats to harvest crops, and visitors can enjoy cruises through flooded orchards. It’s also one of the most photogenic times of the year.
- 🌧️ Rainy Season (May – October):
Expect short but intense showers, usually in the afternoon. Far from spoiling the trip, the rains refresh the air, cool down the heat, and leave the countryside sparkling green. If you love dramatic skies and vibrant landscapes, this season offers wonderful photography opportunities. Just remember to pack a raincoat or umbrella.
- ☀️ Dry Season (January – April):
The sunniest and driest time of year. This is also peak coconut harvest season, when you’ll see locals transporting fresh coconuts along the rivers. It’s the ideal time for outdoor activities like cycling, sampan rides, and homestays, though midday heat can be strong.
- 🍉 Fruit Season (June – August):
A must for food lovers. Orchards burst with tropical delights like rambutan, durian, mangosteen, longan, and mango. Many farms allow visitors to pick fruit directly from the trees, making it a deliciously interactive experience.
- 🎉 Festival Season (Dates vary by lunar calendar):
Ben Tre’s cultural traditions shine brightest during its annual festivals. Two of the most popular are:
- Phu Le Communal House Festival: Celebrating local deities with rituals, music, and folk games.
- Nghinh Ong Whale Worship Festival: A unique coastal ceremony honoring the whale god, considered the protector of fishermen.
👉 Travel Tip: If you want the best mix of good weather, cultural immersion, and fresh fruit, plan your trip for March–August.
Best Things to Do in Ben Tre
Ben Tre is often described as the most authentic province in the Mekong Delta, thanks to its maze of waterways, coconut groves, and friendly local communities. Here are the highlights you shouldn’t miss:
🌴 Explore the Coconut Plantations of Giong Trom
Known as the coconut capital within the Coconut Kingdom, Giong Trom District is where endless rows of coconut palms stretch across the horizon.
- Meet farmers who’ve grown coconuts for generations.
- Learn how coconuts are harvested, peeled, and processed into candy, oil, and household items.
- Join an evening of đờn ca tài tử (UNESCO-recognized Southern folk music) performed by locals.
- Stay overnight at a homestay: sleep in a wooden riverside house, join your host in cooking meals, and wake up to the sound of boats passing along the canals.
🍊 Visit Tropical Fruit Orchards
During fruit season, local orchards invite visitors to taste as much fruit as they like for a small entrance fee (around 50,000 VND / $2). Some orchards specialize in durian or mangosteen, while others offer a buffet of seasonal fruits. It’s a sweet way to support local farmers while enjoying fresh Mekong flavors.
🚴 Cycle Through Peaceful Villages
The flat terrain and shaded country lanes make Ben Tre a cyclist’s paradise. Rent a bicycle and ride through coconut groves, bamboo-lined paths, and villages where children will greet you with cheerful “Hello!”
- Oc Islet: A quiet river island perfect for cycling. Along the way, you’ll encounter small bridges, fruit gardens, and traditional brick kilns.
🛶 Take a Sampan Ride on the Canals
No trip to Ben Tre is complete without drifting along the narrow, coconut-fringed waterways in a wooden sampan. Skilled local women row these boats using traditional oars, guiding you through shaded canals. Along the way, you can:
- Visit family-run workshops producing coconut candy, rice paper, and charcoal.
- Stop at small tea houses where you’ll be offered honey tea with lime and crispy banana chips.
🏺 Discover Local Handicrafts
Ben Tre is famous for its coconut-based handicrafts. Workshops transform every part of the tree into something useful or beautiful:
- Shells into jewelry and spoons.
- Husks into ropes and mats.
- Trunks into furniture and household décor.
Buying directly from artisans supports local livelihoods and makes for meaningful souvenirs.
🐦 Visit Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss this 40-hectare wetland forest in Ba Tri District.
- Home to 84 bird species, including storks, herons, egrets, and migratory flocks.
- Explore by walking on bamboo bridges or taking a boat through mangrove forests.
- Best visited at dawn or dusk, when thousands of birds return to nest in the treetops, creating a magical, noisy spectacle.
Where to Stay in Ben Tre
Accommodation in Ben Tre ranges from rustic homestays that let you live like a local, to eco-lodges tucked away in tropical gardens, to modern riverside resorts with full amenities. No matter your budget, you’ll find a place that suits both your style and the kind of experience you’re looking for.
🏡 Mekong Home – A peaceful eco-lodge surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for travelers seeking relaxation and immersion in nature. Wooden bungalows, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving delicious local dishes make it a favorite for couples and families.
🌿 Jardin du Mekong Homestay – A charming, budget-friendly homestay where you’ll be welcomed like family. The owners often cook with guests, offering a hands-on introduction to Mekong cuisine. With its cozy garden setting and friendly atmosphere, it’s perfect for backpackers and those who enjoy authentic connections.
🏨 Ben Tre Riverside Resort – Located along the Hau River, this comfortable mid-range hotel provides modern amenities such as a swimming pool, bicycle rentals, and a riverside restaurant. It’s a convenient choice if you want the comforts of a hotel while still being close to the local charm of Ben Tre.
🌴 Coco Farmstay – Rustic, simple, and surrounded by coconut groves, this farmstay is perfect if you want to explore nearby craft villages and enjoy slow-paced countryside life. Staying here often includes activities like cycling, fishing, and sampling fresh tropical fruits right from the orchard.
✨ Tip: Most homestays in Ben Tre also arrange guided boat tours, cycling trips, and cooking classes, making it easy to combine your stay with authentic local experiences.
Final Thoughts
Ben Tre may not dazzle with dramatic mountains or flashy attractions, but its beauty lies in simplicity. Here, time slows down: you sip coconut tea under palm trees, paddle through quiet canals, and share stories with locals.
For travelers seeking authenticity, connection, and a gentle pause in the Mekong Delta, Ben Tre truly lives up to its name as the Coconut Kingdom. 🌴
