Visit Ben Tre: The Coconut Kingdom of Vietnam

Arriving in Ben Tre, you'll notice the shift from the jam-packed main highway to a more tranquil setting, with its narrow streets and low buildings. This sense of serenity deepens the later it gets at night, when most shops are closed and traffic has dwindled.

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But beyond the city center, cross the Ben Tre Bridge and the atmosphere grows even quieter, with only the rustling palms and occasional barking dogs.

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How to Spend your Days in Ben Tre

If time allows, we recommend spending a few days in Ben Tre rather than simply taking a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. Spend your days lounging in a hammock or cycling along its peaceful coconut roads.

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If you’re seeking other activities, here are more things to do in Ben Tre that we’ve enjoyed and believe are worth your time.

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Take a Coconut Boat Tour

Ben Tre’s main draw is its coconut-lined waterways and the best way to explore them is by boat. Cruise along the Ben Tre River, explore the local cottage industry, and observe the local life as you row along the backwaters. This is a must-do in the area.

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Find out more on how to experience the best of Ben Tre’s boat tours here.

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Explore Ben Tre Market

There’s no better way to get to know a place than by wandering through its local market.

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Located in the city center, Ben Tre Market sits by the river, offering various snack options and highlighting local specialties, including a variety of coconut-based treats.

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Additionally, a lively night market begins around 6pm along Hung Vuong Street, selling everything from cheap clothing to souvenirs.

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Vietnam is full of interesting markets and one of its most colorful markets is located in Vi Thanh in the Mekong Delta. Read our guide on how to visit Chom Hom Squatting Market here!

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Visit Anh Hoi Temple

Nearby, you can visit Dinh An Hoi along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street and admire its simple yet colorful facade. Built in the 19th century, this temple honors three deities and commemorates national heroes, including Ho Chi Minh and the Hung Kings.

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Southwest of Ben Tre, the Hung Kings Temple in Can Tho is a newly built architectural wonder that serves as a place of worship for the 18 Hung Kings and showcases impressive bronze artifacts.

Admire Ben Tre Cathedral

Two other historical buildings are located along the riverside, just west of the market. Begin at Ben Tre Cathedral, built in 1889, and stroll around its expansive grounds, where coconut trees line the pathway to the church.

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Discover Provincial Museum

A few meters from the cathedral lies the Provincial Museum with its vibrant French colonial architecture standing amidst lush trees. Spread over two floors, the museum houses interesting collections of photos and artifacts from the French occupation and the American war.

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The museum is free to visit and is open daily from 7:30 to 11am and 1:30 to 5pm. It’s often so quiet you might find yourself alone, just as we did, needing to turn on the lights on the second floor.

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Explore Ben Tre on a Bike

If you're anything like us and enjoy discovering the area on two wheels, then Ben Tre is a great place to drive around the countryside. Explore the winding alleys, where you might hit a dead end or unexpectedly come across picturesque streets lined with coconut trees.

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Tip: If you drive around in the early mornings, watch out for dogs!

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During our recent visit, we stopped at a street-side shop for some water, where the owner was grilling ribs out front. A simple exchange of smiles led to us savoring some of the most tender ribs we’ve ever tasted. It's amazing how far a smile can go.

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Venture Beyond Ben Tre

For day trips from Ben Tre, consider heading north to My Tho, just 20 kilometers away, home to the Vinh Trang Pagoda. While around 50 kilometers to the south lies Tra Vinh, a small city rich in Khmer history, which boasts some of the most beautiful Khmer pagodas in the Mekong Delta.

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The Mekong Delta region was once part of the ancient Khmer Empire, which ruled Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Today, traces of this influence remain in the form of intricate and colorful Khmer temples. Read more about the most beautiful temples in An Giang province that we’ve visited!

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Where to Stay in Ben Tre

Ben Tre offers a wide range of options, from basic accommodations to more comfortable stays. Note that the city center, though conveniently located near most restaurants and shops, isn’t the best place to spend overnight.

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If you know how to drive a motorbike, consider staying at a homestay slightly outside the city center preferably in the villages of Nhon Thanh, Son Phu or Phuoc Long. Find all accommodations in Ben Tre here.

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Here are our recommended places to stay in Ben Tre:

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Budget

Ba Danh Homestay

Mid-Range

Mekong Home

Getting to Ben Tre

Located around 75km south of Ho Chi Minh City, getting to Ben Tre is straightforward with numerous buses departing daily from Ben Xe Mien Tay bus station.

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You can buy your ticket at the bus station, with prices starting at 60,000vnd ($5), or book your tickets online in advance with Futa Bus. From Ben Tre bus station, Futa Bus offers a free shuttle to the city center that drops you off in front of An Hoi Temple.

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‍Traveling with a group? For convenience, consider this affordable private car transfer from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre.

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Best Places to Eat in Ben Tre

The city center is lined with numerous restaurants offering a wide range of options, from classic noodle shops to street food stalls and snack vendors. Here are our top recommendations for places to eat in Ben Tre:

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CoCo Seafood: Famous among locals for fresh and reasonably priced seafood paired with local beers on tap. Don't miss the spicy grilled barbecue and steamed clams with lemongrass.

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Koi Sushi: Japanese restaurant serving fresh sashimi and a good variety of sushi and maki rolls with available combo sets.

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Hu Tieu Pate: One of Ben Tre’s most famous restaurants specializing in hu tieu (rice noodle soup) with pork meat.

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You’ll also find a variety of dining options in front of Cai Coi Park. During the summer months, the park hosts a weekend night market featuring food stalls and entertainment, including a lively drag bingo game.

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Local Food Specialty

Some must-try food specialties in Ben Tre include deep-fried river fish with tamarind sauce, river prawns with coconut milk, elephant ear fish, and snail salad with banana flower. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can taste some of the locals’ unique dishes including frog hotpot and fried coconut worms.

Ben Tre, with its hidden charms, is captivating and deserves more than a day trip. Its beauty lies in simple pleasures—relaxing at a cozy homestay or savoring fresh coconuts—and is enriched by the people you meet, from welcoming hosts to tour guides.

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The essence of Ben Tre lies in these moments, and those who embrace them are undeniably fortunate to have experienced this charming city.

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From the coconut paradise, you can head next to Vinh Long for a bit more relaxation or to Can Tho City, the vibrant heart of the Mekong Delta, where exciting entertainment and renowned floating markets await.