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Ben Tre, a land where everywhere you see lush green coconut palms, and everywhere you encounter warm smiles. It's a place that allows you to live differently amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. Let's take a break in Ben Tre with the most comprehensive Ben Tre travel guide from VNTRIP.VN.
Ideal Time to Visit Ben Tre
Being a province in the Southwest of Vietnam, Ben Tre has a distinctive climate with year-round sunshine but not overly intense. Therefore, you can visit the land of coconuts at any time of the year, but to have the opportunity to enjoy delicious fruits like mangosteen, durian, and rambutan during the harvest season, it's recommended to visit during the summer months, especially in June, July, and August.
Getting to Ben Tre: Transportation Options
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel to Ben Tre in two ways:
Bus: At all bus stations in Ho Chi Minh City, there are buses running the route from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre, so you can easily get here by bus. Ticket prices range from 80,000 to 120,000 VND with a travel time of about 2 hours.
Motorbike: You can choose a motorbike as a means of transportation to comfortably enjoy the scenery. If traveling by motorbike, follow National Highway 1A to My Tho city, then ask for directions to reach Rach Mieu Bridge. After crossing the bridge, turn right, and you will be in the center of Ben Tre city. However, if you choose a motorbike for transportation, avoid peak hours, and ensure you have a helmet, face mask, and jacket.
Notable Places in Ben Tre
Con Quy Island
Con Quy Island is located in Tien Giang, belonging to Chau Thanh district. When mentioning Con Quy, people immediately think of the 'kingdom of fruits' with numerous orchards bearing delicious fruits. Moreover, there are abundant shrimp and fish resources. When visiting Con Quy, you will be fascinated exploring a famous traditional music genre of the Mekong Delta, which is the Don Ca Tai Tu.
Fruit orchards in Con Quy (Photo: ST)
Enjoying Don Ca Tai Tu music (Photo: ST)
Con Phung Tan Thanh
Con Phung, located in Tan Thanh commune, Chau Thanh district, is a place that blends the charm of both tradition and modernity. It boasts traditional craft villages alongside entertainment areas, hotels, and restaurants. Some exciting activities not to be missed in Con Phung include rowing boats in the canals, horse-cart tours of fruit orchards and traditional craft villages, and savoring honey-infused tea with a hint of longan fragrance while enjoying Don Ca Tai Tu music.
Rowing boats in the canals (Photo: ST)
Exploring villages by horse-cart (Photo: ST)
Additionally, the area offers various recreational activities for tourists such as jet skiing, crocodile fishing, and exploring and shopping at renowned handicraft stalls.
Cemetery of Mr. Nguyen Dinh Chieu
The cemetery of Mr. Nguyen Dinh Chieu, located in An Duc commune, Ba Tri district, is the resting place of a great poet, a patriot, and a healer of our people. On July 1st every year, the people of Ben Tre organize a traditional festival here to commemorate Mr. Nguyen Dinh Chieu, a proud son of the South.
Grave of Mr. Nguyen Dinh Chieu (Photo: ST)
Dong Khoi Guerilla Village
Dong Khoi Guerilla Village, located in Dinh Thuy commune, Mo Cay district, preserves numerous war relics. Visitors can explore the exhibition area displaying primitive weapons used by the people of Ben Tre in the past to resist the invading forces. To gain a deeper understanding of how the land and people of Ben Tre contributed significantly to the national revolution, Dong Khoi Guerilla Village is the place that provides the most profound insights.
Dong Khoi Guerilla Village (Photo: ST)
Flower Village in Cho Lach
During Tet and the arrival of spring, this flower village becomes lively and bustling with a large number of domestic and international tourists, as well as wholesalers who come to choose the most beautiful potted flowers and bonsai for Tet decoration or business. The ornamental plants in Cho Lach market vary in size. You can choose a small potted flower for inside or outside your home, place it on the balcony or terrace to add a touch of greenery indoors. Alternatively, you can opt for larger bonsai pots to place in front of your house or in the garden...
Carefully cultivated and trimmed potted plants (Photo: ST)
Cai Mon Fruit Garden
When you come to Ben Tre, one of the places known as the 'kingdom of fruits,' you cannot miss the lush orchards of Cai Mon. Here, you will enjoy the refreshing green space of fruit gardens and savor the freshest fruits still on the trees, handpicked and eaten right on the spot.
Famous fruit orchards in Ben Tre (Photo: ST)
Tuyen Linh Pagoda
Tuyen Linh Pagoda in Minh Duc commune, Mo Cay district, Ben Tre province. This is also the place where Mr. Pho bang Nguyen Sinh Sac, the biological father of Uncle Ho, stayed multiple times. During the two resistance wars, Tuyen Linh Pagoda served as a hiding place and nurtured revolutionary cadres, so it was bombed twice by the enemy to destroy the base of our revolutionary soldiers. Here, you will not only explore the knowledge and architecture of Buddhism but also learn about the remaining traces of the war.
Explore Tuyen Linh Pagoda (Photo: ST)
Which specialties of Ben Tre will make you 'melt'
Ben Tre Coconut Salad
No doubt, coconut is the most famous specialty of Ben Tre, and mentioning coconut immediately brings to mind this land. Renowned as the land of coconut, Ben Tre processes coconut into various dishes. Especially famous is the Ben Tre Coconut Salad. This dish, with its sweet and sour taste, is made from peeled shrimp, thinly sliced pork belly, shredded coconut, coriander, onions, and roasted peanuts.
Dish of Coconut Core Salad (Photo: ST)
Rice Paper Rolls with Shredded Pork Skin
Unlike other spring rolls, the ones from the Mekong Delta still contain vegetables and vermicelli but are uniquely wrapped with shredded pork skin—a blend of finely cut pigskin and a bit of pork belly. Enjoyed with various herbs, carrots, and finely chopped cucumber, this dish creates a distinct and delicious flavor without feeling heavy. Departing from the lush gardens of the Mekong Delta, these rice paper rolls are likely to be a dish you'll remember and want to savor again.
Dish of Rice Paper Rolls with Shredded Pork Skin (Photo: ST)
Savory Duck Noodle Soup with Hand-Cut Noodles
While duck noodle soup can be found in many places across the country, this particular dish stands out because the chef manually irons the dough. The duck meat, cut into small, delicious pieces, pairs perfectly with the soft and fragrant hand-cut noodles, creating an irresistibly rich experience. Moreover, what makes this dish memorable is the lively conversations with the hospitable restaurant owner, as this dish is best enjoyed in sidewalk eateries.
Dish of Duck Noodle Soup with Hand-Cut Noodles (Photo: ST)
Mushroom-Filled Vietnamese Crepe
Mushroom-Filled Vietnamese Crepe is also a well-known specialty in Ben Tre, as the locally sourced mushrooms are considered the best. The crepe shell is made from rice flour with turmeric and egg yolks. The filling must consist of mashed mung beans, finely minced duck meat, minimal bean sprouts, and jicama.
Specialty of Mushroom-Filled Vietnamese Crepe (Photo: ST)
Savoring a crispy and crunchy crepe in the mouth, with the sweetness of mushrooms, the savory taste of duck meat, all complemented by the sweet and sour dipping sauce made from garlic and chili, is truly an exquisite combination.
Smashed Banana
Another beloved dish from Ben Tre made with coconut is smashed banana. Locals in the Mekong Delta believe that coconut and banana are a harmonious duo in Vietnamese cuisine. Any dish with bananas becomes even more delicious and well-rounded when combined with coconut, so coconut essence is added to this dish.
Rustic Smashed Banana Dish (Photo: ST)
The selection of bananas is meticulous, opting for ripe bananas to ensure a perfect balance between tenderness and firmness, delivering a satisfying taste for everyone.
Rice Pancake with Snails
For people in the Southern region, rice pancake (bánh xèo) is a familiar and highly favored dish, but the name 'Rice Pancake with Rice Snails' may still sound unfamiliar to international travelers. In reality, this is a specialty of Phu Da Islet, Chợ Lách District.
Image of Rice Pancake with Rice Snails (Photo: ST)
Rice snails are a type of snail with opaque white meat, often sautéed with lemongrass and chili or used as a filling for rice pancakes. Unlike shrimp or meat fillings, rice snail filling won't make you quickly feel satiated; in fact, you'll be delighted by the crunchy texture of rice snails.
Bến Tre Coconut Worms
People in Bến Tre truly know how to make the most of their coconut specialties to create delicious dishes. Coconut worms, the somewhat unusual name of this dish, will surely pique your curiosity. The answer lies in the nutritious core of the coconut tree, which is used to feed and nurture these coconut worms. When these worms are raised to a good size, they become a versatile ingredient for various preparations, including frying, grilling, and even raw consumption. This unique dish has garnered praise from many food enthusiasts. So, if you're in Bến Tre, don't miss out on the coconut worms!
Specialty of Bến Tre Coconut Worms (Photo: ST)
Where to Stay in Bến Tre
Book your accommodation at VNTRIP.VN now to enjoy attractive price offers!
Bến Tre Riverside Resort
Location: Nguyễn Văn Tư, Ward 7, Ben Tre City
Rating: 4 stars
As a 4-star standard hotel, this will undoubtedly be the resort that provides you with the most complete travel experience. With a romantic riverside setting, modern amenities, and a fresh, attractive decor style, this resort is sure to captivate. Moreover, the resort features a tennis court and strong wifi coverage throughout the property. Ben Tre Riverside Resort is also a place highly praised by travelers for its satisfaction after each coconut land vacation.
Spacious, elegant, and modern bedrooms (Photo: ST)
Resort scenery from above (Photo: ST)
Forever Green Resort
Location: Phu Khuong Hamlet, Phu Tuc, Chau Thanh District, Ben Tre
Rating: 4 stars
This resort features an impressive architectural design with a system of 60 airy rooms fully equipped with amenities. What might delight you is the individually furnished bathroom with a soaking tub for relaxation after exploring.
Accommodation at Forever Green Resort (Photo: ST)
Allowing natural light to flood into areas like the lobby and corridors is a plus for travelers. Furthermore, Forever Green provides services such as beauty spa, massage, bar, restaurant, shuttle service, fishing, beer, promising to satisfy you the most.
Luxurious restaurant (Photo: ST)
Mango Home Riverside
Address: My Huan Hamlet, Giong Trom, Ben Tre
Rating: 3 stars
Not far from Con Phung, Mango Home Riverside is an ideal resort for all travelers. Guests who have stayed here praise the hotel for its friendly staff who go out of their way to assist, delicious and enticing drinks at the bar, ample parking space, and lush green gardens perfect for leisurely walks and breathing in the fresh air.
Cozy rooms close to nature (Photo: ST)
The swimming pool at Mango Home Riverside (Photo: ST)
Homestay Jardin Du Cuu Long
Address: Song Doc, Hoa Nghia, Cho Lach District
Rating: 2 stars
For those who want to explore the local life and culture in this area, Jardin Du Mekong Homestay is a great choice. With simple decor and houses surrounded by authentic Mekong Delta gardens, this place provides all the necessary amenities at a very reasonable price. From here, you can easily visit flower gardens, fruit orchards, and traditional craft villages.
Simple bedrooms reflecting the lifestyle of the Southwest residents (Photo: ST)
If you're already familiar with seaside cities or pristine mountainous areas, it's time to experience the charm of the Mekong Delta. VNTRIP.VN wishes you an unforgettable journey!
