Ben Tre is the coconut country of the Mekong Delta. Made up of three large islands between branches of the Mekong, it is a green world of coconut groves, fruit orchards, narrow canals and small roads, just two hours from Saigon. For travellers, it is the easiest place to experience the slow rhythm of delta life, and one of the best places in Vietnam to explore by bicycle.
This Ben Tre travel guide covers how to get there, what to do, what to eat, the best time to visit and how to enjoy Ben Tre beyond the busiest tourist stops.
Getting to Ben Tre
Ben Tre is about 85 kilometres south-west of Saigon, roughly two hours by car. The road crosses the Rach Mieu bridge over the Tien River from My Tho, and the landscape changes quickly from city to countryside. Most visitors come on a day trip from Saigon, but staying a night lets you see the islands at their quietest.
Things to do in Ben Tre
Cycling through coconut groves
The best way to see Ben Tre is by bike. Narrow concrete lanes wind under coconut palms, past fruit gardens, small temples and family homes, and cross canals on little bridges. The land is flat and the riding easy, with plenty of stops for photos and conversations. Read our guide to cycling in the Mekong Delta.
Sampan rides through water coconut canals
Small wooden sampans, rowed by local villagers, glide through narrow channels lined with water coconut palms, whose fronds arch overhead like a tunnel. It is calm, shady and one of the most iconic experiences of the delta.
Coconut workshops
Ben Tre families use every part of the coconut. Visit workshops making coconut candy, coconut oil, coir mats and rope, and handicrafts from the shells. The candy, cooked in large pans and cut into chewy squares, is a favourite souvenir.
Fruit orchards and Cho Lach
Orchards grow rambutan, longan, pomelo, mango and durian, and you can taste whatever is in season straight from the trees. In the Cho Lach area, families also grow ornamental plants and bonsai, and the gardens are colourful before Tet.
River islands
Boats cross the wide river to small islands such as Con Phung, once home to a religious community founded by the so-called Coconut Monk, and to quiet islands with farms and family workshops.
Our tip
Avoid the busiest island stops near My Tho, where large groups listen to the same short song and taste the same honey tea. Instead, ask for the back roads of Ben Tre’s islands, where you can cycle for an hour without seeing another tourist.
What to eat
- Coconut everything: fresh coconut water, coconut candy and dishes cooked in coconut milk.
- Elephant ear fish: a crispy fried river fish, wrapped in rice paper with herbs.
- Banh xeo: crispy pancakes with shrimp and pork, often with coconut milk in the batter.
- Tropical fruit: straight from the orchards in season.
- Coconut worms: a local delicacy for the adventurous, eaten raw or grilled.
When to visit
Ben Tre is pleasant all year. The dry season, from December to April, brings sunny days and dry roads for cycling. The rainy season, from May to November, usually means short afternoon showers, green landscapes and the peak of the fruit season from May to August. Start early in the morning to enjoy cooler weather and softer light.
Day trip or overnight?
A day trip from Saigon gives a good taste of Ben Tre, especially with cycling and a sampan ride. Staying overnight in a riverside lodge or homestay lets you explore further at a slower pace, watch the sunset over the river and continue to Vinh Long, Can Tho and the floating markets. See all our options on the Mekong Delta page.
Our Ben Tre tours
Our Mekong Delta Cycling Day Tour explores Ben Tre’s back roads, coconut workshops and water coconut canals in one day from Saigon. For longer journeys, Ben Tre is the first stop on our five-day cycling trip to Chau Doc and our eight-day Deep South tour.
A suggested day in Ben Tre
- 8:00: leave Saigon and drive south over the Rach Mieu bridge.
- 10:00: boat across the river to a quiet island; visit a brick kiln or coconut workshop.
- 10:30: bike fitting and an easy ride through coconut groves and villages.
- 12:30: lunch in a country garden: elephant ear fish, spring rolls and fresh fruit.
- 14:00: sampan ride through water coconut canals, then a visit to a mat weaving family.
- 16:00: drive back to Saigon, arriving around 17:30.
Where to stay
If you stay overnight, choose a riverside lodge or a homestay on one of the islands rather than a hotel in Ben Tre town. Evenings on the islands are peaceful, with fireflies, the sound of boats and dinner cooked by your hosts. Many lodges lend bicycles, so you can ride the lanes at sunrise before the day visitors arrive.
Responsible tips
- Buy coconut candy and handicrafts directly from family workshops.
- Bring a refillable water bottle; coconuts make a perfect natural drink.
- Ask before photographing people at work.
- Stay on the paths through orchards, which are people’s livelihood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ben Tre from Saigon?
About 85 kilometres, or roughly two hours by road.
Is Ben Tre worth visiting?
Yes. It is the closest place to Saigon to experience peaceful Mekong countryside, with coconut groves, canals and excellent cycling.
What is Ben Tre famous for?
Coconuts: coconut groves, coconut candy, coconut workshops and water coconut canals.
Can I cycle in Ben Tre?
Yes. The flat, quiet lanes between coconut groves and orchards make Ben Tre one of the best places to cycle in Vietnam.
Plan Your Trip With Us
Cycle the coconut lanes of Ben Tre with a local guide, on a day trip from Saigon or a longer journey through the delta.
