Ben Tre, known as Vietnam's 'coconut kingdom,' offers a quieter and less touristed version of the Mekong Delta experience found at My Tho, with narrow canal boat rides through dense coconut groves, visits to family-run coconut candy and handicraft workshops, and cycling routes through rural villages along raised canal-side paths. It is often combined with My Tho into one longer day trip, giving visitors both the broader river cruise experience and a closer look at rural delta village life.
| Distance | 85 km / 53 mi from central Ho Chi Minh City |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 2-2.5 hours by road each way |
| Getting there | Organized day tour or private car from District 1, often combined with My Tho |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Address | Ben Tre City, Ben Tre Province |
How to get there
- Full-day combo tour with My Tho, ~₫800,000-1,300,000 (~$31-50) per person
- Public bus to Ben Tre city plus locally arranged boat trip, lower cost but requires more independent planning
Suggested itinerary
- 7:00am depart District 1; 9:30am arrive Ben Tre; 10:00am-1:00pm canal boat and coconut workshop visits; 1:00pm lunch; 2:30pm optional cycling route; 3:30pm depart; 6:00pm return to District 1
Location
Ben Tre City, Ben Tre Province
10.2433, 106.3756 View on map
Highlights
- Narrow canal boat rides through coconut groves
- Family-run coconut candy workshops
- Rural cycling routes along canal paths
- Quieter, less touristed than nearby My Tho
Tips for visiting
- Combine with My Tho for a fuller Mekong Delta day
- Bring cash for handicraft and workshop purchases
- Wear comfortable clothing suited for cycling if that option is included
When to visit
Morning departure
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible; involves boat boarding and rural paths.
Frequently asked questions
How is Ben Tre different from My Tho?
Ben Tre offers a quieter, more rural coconut-country experience with cycling options, while My Tho's tours focus more on the main river cruise and floating market scenery.