Ben Tre, a serene province in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, offers a tranquil escape into authentic rural life, renowned as the "Land of Coconuts." Visitors are drawn to its extensive coconut groves, winding waterways, and lush fruit orchards, experiencing local culture through boat trips, traditional craft villages, and fresh regional cuisine.
Opportunities for social interaction in Ben Tre primarily involve engaging with local communities rather than designated tourist social hubs. Travelers can immerse themselves in daily life through homestays with local families, partake in cooking classes, and explore bustling local markets where they can interact with vendors and sample street food. Boat tours along the Mekong River also provide chances to visit islands and floating markets, fostering interaction with residents.
Top 5 Things to do in Ben Tre
Activities in Ben Tre focus on exploring the lush waterways, engaging with local craft traditions, enjoying the fresh produce of fruit orchards, and experiencing daily rural life.
1. Mekong Canal Boat Trip
Navigate the intricate network of canals and rivers that define Ben Tre's landscape. A boat trip offers a close-up view of local life along the water, passing by traditional houses and vibrant green coconut groves. It provides a peaceful way to observe the rhythm of the Mekong Delta. Some tours include visits to local islands and fruit orchards.
Cost: To experience a boat trip, one can rent a small boat directly from the waterfront for approximately 100,000 to 300,000 VND (about $4 - $12 USD). Many full-day tours from Ho Chi Minh City or within Ben Tre include boat trips, with prices ranging from $35 to $59 USD per person, often bundled with other activities like a coconut candy workshop and lunch.
Transport: Boat trips typically depart from the main town waterfront or are part of organized tours that provide transport from central Ben Tre or pick-up from Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Coconut Candy Workshop Visit
Discover the process of making traditional Vietnamese coconut candy, a signature product of Ben Tre. Visitors can observe skilled artisans transforming fresh coconut milk into sweet treats using traditional methods, often involving open-flame hearths. This hands-on experience typically includes tasting various types of candy and offers insight into a significant local industry.
Cost: Often included as part of organized Mekong Delta tours. Standalone workshops might have a fee, but specific recent pricing for just the workshop is not widely published, as it's frequently a complimentary stop on tours.
Transport: These workshops are generally located a short distance from Ben Tre city center, accessible via the boat tours or by bicycle/motorbike.
3. Cycling through Rural Villages and Orchards
Ben Tre's flat terrain and scenic, winding rural roads make it ideal for cycling. This activity allows for a direct immersion into the tranquil countryside, offering opportunities to see rice fields, interact with local farmers, and visit fruit orchards. Many homestays and hotels offer bicycles for guests to use freely.
Cost: Many homestays provide free bicycle rentals. Guided cycling tours, often combined with boat trips and meals, can cost around $85 to $196 USD per person for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
Transport: Bicycles are often available at accommodations. For longer distances or organized tours, transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre is typically by bus ($3-$9 USD) or taxi/private car ($45-$134 USD).
4. Explore Ben Tre Local Market
The Ben Tre Market is a bustling hub where locals engage in daily commerce. It is a vibrant place to find tropical fruits, an array of coconut products, fresh produce, and local street food. Visiting the market provides an authentic glimpse into the local way of life and offers opportunities to sample regional delicacies and purchase souvenirs.
Cost: Entry to the market is free. Costs are for purchases made. Street food and local products are generally affordable.
Transport: The market is located in the city center, easily accessible by walking or a short taxi/motorbike ride from most accommodations in Ben Tre.
5. Homestay Experience
For a deeper cultural immersion, consider staying at a local homestay. This allows visitors to experience daily life within the community, often including shared meals, cooking classes, and insights into local farming practices. Many homestays are located amidst nature, offering a peaceful retreat.
Cost: Homestay prices vary, generally ranging from $24 to $100 USD per night, depending on the amenities and type of experience offered.
Transport: Many homestays are situated outside the immediate city center in more rural settings. They may offer shuttle services or can be reached via taxi or motorbike.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
