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As you approach Ben Tre, you're welcomed by an endless expanse of coconut groves stretching to the horizon. Known as the coconut kingdom of Vietnam, this lush landscape shapes the region’s identity and plays a vital role in local life, influencing everything from coconut-based products to tourism.
During our visit in July, we joined a boat tour to explore the tranquil waterways of Ben Tre, experiencing river life firsthand and learning how coconuts are deeply woven into the local culture.
In this guide, you’ll find out what to expect on a boat tour, how Ben Tre compares to My Tho, and learn about an exciting alternative—the fireflies tour.
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Ben Tre: The Heart of Vietnam’s Coconut Industry
Vietnam is one of the leading coconut exporters in the world, and Ben Tre is at the heart of this industry. With over 70,000 hectares dedicated to coconut cultivation, Ben Tre accounts for 88% of the Mekong Delta’s total coconut-growing area.
The province is renowned for its wide range of coconut products, including popular items such as coconut candy, milk and oil. You’ll also find more unique products like coconut jam, wine, makeup, sunscreen, and face masks.
Everything coconut is on offer here!
What to Expect on a Ben Tre Boat Tour
Most tours in Ben Tre follow a similar itinerary; here’s what you can expect:
You’ll board a spacious boat from the main dock on Au Co Street, where you’ll be greeted with a fresh coconut, a tropical fruit platter and Ben Tre’s specialty rice cakes dipped in coconut milk. While it depends on your tour, the most common types are banh bo (sponge cake) and banh beo ngot la dua, which is filled with mung beans and coconut, and tinted green by pandan leaves.
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As you cruise along the Ben Tre River you’ll see mangrove apples, known locally as ‘poor trees’. These fruits, with their very sour taste, were once vital for survival during wartime and stand as a testament to local resilience.
The mangrove trees produce red, white and pink flowers, which are used in salads. In the market, a kilo costs around 1 USD. Some also collect the pollen from the flowers and use it as a powder, believing it makes the skin softer.
Along the way, you’ll pass smaller boats pulling in fishing nets, river police and cargo boats transporting goods, everything from rice grains to coconuts.
You’ll venture into the tranquil backwaters where you'll visit a coconut factory that showcases a variety of coconut products and have the chance to buy some souvenirs. A quick demonstration of how they make their coconut candy is often part of the experience. While each factory has its own recipe, the coconut candies primarily consist of milk, sugar and malt, with variations like salted, chocolate, and coffee flavors.
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After a brief stop at the factory, you’ll then head deeper into the peaceful canals where the landscape is lush and serene. To navigate the narrower backwaters, you'll transfer to small rowing boats—a highlight of any Mekong boat tour.
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An optional stop usually includes a dinner on the boat or at one of the local restaurants by the river to taste some of Ben Tre’s best food specialties. Our personal favorites include deep-fried river fish with tamarind sauce and shrimp with coconut milk.
While it’s easy to book a boat tour with your accommodation, here are some Ben Tre tours you can book online.
My Tho vs Ben Tre Tour: Which One to Choose?
Due to its convenient location near Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho is a popular choice for day trips, offering a quick introduction to the Mekong Delta. However, it can get very touristy, and with only a few islands to explore, it often becomes crowded, which may not offer the best experience.
If you're pressed for time but still want to do a boat tour, My Tho can be a great choice—just be sure to book the right tour.
For more details, read our day-trip guide to My Tho to see if it suits your expectations.
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In comparison, Ben Tre attracts around one-third of the tourists and offers a more laid-back atmosphere, with rowing through quieter canals and stopping at traditional cottage industries. For the best experience, find a boat tour that focuses on lesser-visited areas, including Nhon Thanh and Cai Son.
While it’s possible to book a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Tre's relaxing charm is best enjoyed with an overnight stay.
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Best Time for a Boat Tour in Ben Tre
Visit from November to April for the best weather. This is also peak season, so expect some crowds, though it's not as busy as in My Tho.
In contrast, the summer months (May to July) see fewer tourists, but it’s the rainy season. Note that rain doesn’t occur every day and is usually limited to brief afternoon downpours. If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy lower rates, this is a good time to visit.
We visited in July, and the weather was great; the occasional afternoon rain didn't affect our plans at all.
Read: Best Time to Visit Vietnam
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Fireflies Tour: A Fun Alternative
After enjoying the serene boat tour through the lush backwaters, why not extend your adventure into the evening? For a unique experience, consider booking a fireflies tour with Ms. Hong at Ben Tre Private Tour. It's especially fun for families, and you can choose between a private tour or the option to join a small group–perfect for solo travelers.
The fireflies tour still includes rowing through smaller canals, visiting a coconut candy factory, and enjoying a meal at a local restaurant. Afterwards, you’ll head out with all the lights turned off to spot the fireflies which resemble flickering Christmas lights.
Fun Fact: Male fireflies light up in patterns to attract females. After mating, the female lays her eggs in the ground, where they hatch into larvae that live underground for up to two years before eventually emerging as adult fireflies.
Overall, we recommend this tour for families with kids or anyone looking for a fun alternative to the regular boat tours. It’s worth noting that fireflies are often difficult to spot when it's noisy, polluted, windy, or rainy.
Interested in booking a fireflies tour? Book with Ms. Hong at Ben Tre Private Tour’s Facebook or message +8493 807 2747.
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Meet Ms. Hong: Your Local Guide in Ben Tre
Born and raised in Ben Tre, Ms. Hong is the owner of Ben Tre Private Tours and an exceptional guide. Her company is deeply rooted in the community, providing livelihoods to local residents. Her boat driver once navigated cargo coconut boats but lost his job during COVID-19, and her rowers are local fishermen.
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Ms. Hong is passionate about helping more locals who have yet to recover from the pandemic by creating job opportunities while showcasing the natural beauty of her hometown. Every stop on her tour is carefully chosen to support the local community. She is committed to supporting the local way of life, ensuring that the tour is authentic rather than just a tourist attraction.
“Ben Tre is one of the few places where you won’t encounter tourists on the small canals. As a tour guide who has worked in other areas, I highly recommend Ben Tre for exploring coconut backwaters. The area we visit is relatively new to tourists, so even during peak season you’ll find it pleasantly uncrowded.” – Ms. Hong
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Whether you choose to join the regular boat tour or the fireflies tour, you're sure to enjoy a relaxing time sailing through the labyrinth of waterways in Ben Tre. Just remember to bring mosquito repellent, and you’re sure to have a good time!
Check out our guides to Tra Su Cajuput Forest or Tram Chim National Park if you’re interested in more boat tours combined with some bird-watching opportunities.
Have questions about visiting Ben Tre? Drop them in the comments below!
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