Things To Do
in Bến Tre
Ben Tre is a tranquil province in the Mekong Delta known as the coconut capital of Vietnam, crisscrossed by winding canals and lush fruit orchards. Its slow-paced rural scenery and friendly riverine culture create an authentic delta experience away from busier tourist hubs. Visitors can explore coconut workshops, take scenic boat rides, and savor coconut-based sweets and fresh seafood along the riverfront.
With a welcoming small-town vibe and plenty of outdoor activities, Ben Tre invites relaxed exploration and photography of everyday delta life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to a local coconut processing workshop where you can observe the traditional methods of coconut candy production. Enjoy a fresh coconut juice while learning about the significance of coconuts in Bến Tre's economy and culture. As you stroll through the lush coconut groves, take in the sweet fragrance and the sounds of nature that surround you.
In the afternoon, hop on a boat for a leisurely ride along the winding rivers of the Mekong Delta. Stop at a small village to experience local life, visiting homes and tasting homemade treats like coconut cake and banana chips. Engage with the friendly locals, who are often eager to share stories about their daily routines and traditions.
As night falls, head to a riverside restaurant for a delicious dinner featuring local seafood and specialties. Enjoy the picturesque view of the sunset over the river while sipping on a refreshing drink. End your evening with a cultural performance showcasing traditional Vietnamese music and dance.
Set off early for a day of island hopping in the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta. Visit the vibrant floating market on the river, where you can sample local fruits and buy handmade goods from the boats. The hustle and bustle of the market offers a vivid insight into the daily lives of the locals.
After exploring the market, continue your adventure by visiting some of the nearby islands, such as An Binh and Quy Islet. Participate in activities like fishing or biking through scenic paths lined with tropical fruit trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the river, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature.
Return to Bến Tre in the evening, where you can take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront. Dine at a local eatery, sampling Bến Tre’s famous dishes like 'Cá Lóc Nướng' (grilled snakehead fish) and enjoying the friendly atmosphere. Wrap up your night by mingling with locals at a nearby café, sipping on aromatic Vietnamese coffee.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 🌮Street food snack | $1-3 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.5-2 |
| 🚗Short taxi or motorbike ride | $2-6 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful river and coconut grove scenery
- Relaxed pace and authentic delta experiences
- Rich street food and coconut-based sweets
- Limited nightlife and high-end options in rural areas
- Longer travel times to major hubs like Ho Chi Minh City
- Smaller English-speaking services in offbeat spots
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is this?
- "Bạn có thực đơn bằng tiếng Anh không?" - Do you have an English menu?
- "Tôi không ăn thịt" - I do not eat meat
- "Ở đây có nhà vệ sinh không?" - Where is the toilet?
Places to Visit in Bến Tre
Visit one of these nice places.
A long steel bridge over the Tien River; ideal for sunrise and sunset silhouettes, with sweeping river views.
Rows of coconut palms and fruit trees create tranquil, photogenic scenes of delta agriculture.
Calm canal vistas with traditional sampans and reflections of skies and trees.
Colorful workshop exteriors and busy production spaces offer vibrant, candid documentary shots.
Food in Bến Tre
Bến Tre Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Traditional coconut candy made with coconut milk and sugar; widely available in Cai Mon workshops and markets.
Must-Try!
Fish slow-cooked in caramel sauce with aromatic spices, commonly served with steamed rice.
A spicy, tangy hotpot using fermented fish sauce, seafood, and vegetables typical of the delta.
Rice paper rolls packed with shrimp, herbs, greens, and noodles; light and refreshing.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market near Cai Mon’s fruit belt where you can sample fresh produce, seafood, and local snacks.
Market in the Lách district offering produce stalls, prepared foods, and everyday delta goods.
Evening stalls along the Ben Tre riverfront offering coconut-based snacks, grilled fish, and fresh juices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly 'Xin chào' or 'Chào anh/chị' is common; a light handshake is typical in casual settings.
Show respect to elders, avoid loud behavior in public, and dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites.
Remove shoes when entering private homes or certain temples and pagodas.
Ask permission before photographing people or sacred sites; be mindful of local customs and privacy.
Safety
Tipping in Bến Tre
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% is typical for good service in nicer restaurants or for guided tours. In markets and street stalls, tips are optional.
Cash in Vietnamese dong is widely used; many tourist areas accept cards, but rural vendors prefer cash. ATMs are common in Ben Tre City for convenient withdrawals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Sunny days with low rainfall; ideal for boat trips, cycling, and outdoor photography. Light clothing, sunscreen, and hats are recommended.
Higher humidity and frequent showers; prepare rain gear and waterproof footwear. Lush greenery and blooming landscapes reward patient travelers.
Bến Tre at Night
Hiking in Bến Tre
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle hiking route through fruit orchards and coconut groves, offering scenic photo opportunities.
Short, easy trails along canal edges and village lanes with chance encounters with local farmers and fishermen.
Airports
How to reach Bến Tre by plane.
Closest major airport to Ben Tre; serves domestic and a few international routes; connected by road and river routes to Ben Tre.
Major hub in Ho Chi Minh City; numerous domestic and international connections; about a 2–3 hour drive to Ben Tre depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Ben Tre, forming the cultural and linguistic basis of daily life.
Minority communities present in some parts of the delta with distinct cultural influences.
Smaller communities including Hoa (Chinese-Vietnamese) and migrants contributing to local markets and commerce.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched throughout the region, especially among youth and in school settings.
A traditional water sport common on delta rivers and during local festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bến Tre.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in markets and vegetarian-friendly eateries; ask for tofu or mushroom dishes and request fish sauce to be omitted where relevant.