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8 Best Things To Do In Ben Tre With Kids And Family

Located in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Ben Tre is nicknamed the "Vietnam's coconut capital" in Vietnam. Today, for administrative purposes, Ben Tre province has been merged with Vinh Long and Tra Vinh, forming a larger entity under the name Vinh Long Province. However, this does not diminish Ben Tre’s unique charm. The province continues to attract visitors with its peaceful atmosphere, lush landscapes, and traditional crafts. For a trip to Ben Tre with kids, it is an ideal destination where parents and children can share moments of discovery and wonder. Between boat trips, interactive workshops and cultural encounters, Ben Tre offers a fun, educational and immersive experience, perfect for creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

I. What is the best time to visit Ben Tre (Vinh Long)?

Located in the southwest of Vietnam, Ben Tre enjoys a sunny and pleasant climate throughout the year. Travelers can visit in any season, but the best time to visit Ben Tre (Vinh Long) is the summer months, from June to August. It is at this time that nature reveals all its beauty with green and colorful landscapes. Visitors also have the opportunity to taste freshly picked tropical fruits such as mangosteen, durian or rambutan, making the experience even more authentic and gourmet.

II. 8 Things to See and Do in Ben Tre with Kids

1. Visit the coconut gardens by boat at Phụng Islet

What to do in Ben Tre with kids ? A visit to Phụng Islet, in the heart of Ben Tre (Vinh Long) province, is a must-see stop on sightseeing in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. Travelers board small boats to explore peaceful canals lined with lush coconut palms. Along the way, you can admire the generous natural scenery and glimpse the authentic life of the river’s inhabitants. This immersive experience invites you to slow down and soak up the serene and exotic atmosphere of South Vietnam.

Phụng Islet also charms visitors with its cultural and spiritual heritage. The site is home to the remains of the Đạo Dừa movement, with its particular architectures such as the Sân cột chín rồng or the Cửu Trùng Đài tower. These monuments, steeped in local beliefs, reflect an original part of the region's religious and social history, offering visitors an enriching perspective on the cultural diversity of the Mekong.

Fun activities complete the experience. It is possible to participate in traditional games such as crossing narrow bridges, pedaling on the water or fishing in the canals. These activities appeal to adults and children alike, while reflecting the community spirit of the delta's villages. For a family trip to Ben Tre, these experiences offer unique moments of sharing and allow children to discover the local culture in an interactive and fun way.

2. Discover an artisanal coconut candy factory

Ben Tre is famous for its coconut candies, and visiting a craft factory is a fun experience for young and old. Villages specializing in candy making are mainly in Mỏ Cày Nam, Mỏ Cày Bắc, Châu Thành and in the city center, with the most famous located in Phường 7, Ben Tre city. Children can discover all the steps, from the extraction of coconut milk to the packaging of sweets, and some workshops even let them try making the sweets themselves, which makes the visit more interactive and fun.

For those who wish to combine discovery and nature, ecological tours allow you to visit the coconut orchards while experimenting with the art of making sweets. Of course, tasting the warm, freshly made sweets is always the children’s favorite part. This educational and gourmet activity is ideal for understanding the importance of coconut in the local culture. What to do in Ben Tre ? Visiting these artisan villages is a perfect answer, offering a mix of traditional craftsmanship and fun for the whole family.

3. Discover the rural villages by horse-drawn carriage

A horse-drawn carriage ride through the rural villages is one of the best things to do in Ben Tre with kids. The ride offers views of tropical gardens, rice paddies, and traditional houses, all under the refreshing shade of the trees. Children enjoy learning about the local rhythm of life, animals and picturesque landscapes, while parents can enjoy the tranquility and authenticity of the Mekong Delta countryside.

The islet of Phụng is a must-see during a family trip to Ben Tre. This miniature village in the delta offers a total immersion in local life. Here, families can discover how locals make coconut sugar, grow fruits, and preserve their culinary traditions. A break under the palm leaf houses to enjoy honey tea and tropical fruits completes this fun and educational experience suitable for children.

4. Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class

What to do in Ben Tre with family ? There's nothing like a cooking class to arouse children's curiosity! In Ben Tre, several local farms and families offer cooking classes where you learn how to prepare typical Vietnamese dishes such as bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancake). Younger children can help mix batter, top pancakes, or roll egg rolls. A great option is to join one of these workshops at Ben Tre Riverside Resort, which provides a friendly and safe environment for families. It's a fun way to discover the local gastronomy while sharing a convivial moment with your family. At the end, everyone can taste their own creations, a real treat after such an enriching and interactive activity.

5. Visit the Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary

Located on the legendary banks of the Ba Lai River, Hai Van Farm and Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary are famous tourist attractions in Ben Tre, offering pristine natural scenery, flocks of storks in the sky, and encounters with friendly locals. Children can feed the animals, pick tropical fruits and learn about the principles of sustainable agriculture.

Visitors to Vam Ho can observe more than 100 species of birds, including the rarest ones such as the grey heron, cormorant and white heron, especially between October and April, which is the ideal time to admire nesting. The Vam Ho mangrove is also home to many species of wildlife, offering families a fascinating immersion in a rich and diverse ecosystem. These activities are suitable for all ages, making them an ideal outing to travel to Ben Tre with children.

6. Enjoy a day at Ba Dong Beach

Ba Dong Beach, located in Tra Vinh (now administratively part of Vinh Long Province after the recent merger), is an ideal family destination. With its shallow sand and gentle waves, it guarantees safe swimming for children, while offering clear water and an unspoiled environment. A family trip to Ben Tre can also be relaxing, combining beach time with cultural immersion, especially if you join the Khmer Chol Chnam Thmay festival in April.

7. Visit My Long Rice Paper Craft Village

For those wondering what to do in Ben Tre with kids, a visit to the My Long Rice Paper Craft Village is a must. Located 15 km from Ben Tre city centre, this village offers a unique cultural and culinary experience. Visitors can watch the traditional process, from preparing the rice-and-coconut-milk dough to drying and baking the sheets. Some workshops even allow you to participate in the making of pastry sheets, which is particularly fun for children. After the visit, families can taste the freshly made rice papers or take some home as a souvenir. The village combines perfectly with a bike ride through the rural roads lined with coconut palms, offering an authentic insight into local life and a convivial moment for the whole family.

8. Attend a performance of traditional Don Ca Tai Tu music

To conclude a day at Ben Tre, attending a performance by Don Ca Tai Tu is a must-do cultural experience for families. This musical art of South Vietnam, recognized by UNESCO, fascinates young and old alike thanks to its traditional instruments and its friendly atmosphere. At Cồn Phụng, a leafy islet on the Tiền River, outdoor performances are offered daily between 6pm and 8pm, often accompanied by fruit tastings and honey tea. In Cồn Quy, a river paradise 23 km from the centre, melodies resonate amid coconut and mango orchards. Interactive shows usually start around 7 p.m, particularly on weekends. These venues create a welcoming atmosphere where children can interact with the artists and truly appreciate this piece of Vietnam’s intangible heritage.

In summary, Ben Tre is an ideal destination for families thanks to its natural landscapes, lively culture and many child-friendly activities. A trip to Ben Tre with the family not only allows you to relax, but also to learn and share precious moments. To organize your stay in the best possible way, trust Autour Asia - travel agency in Vietnam, which offers tailor-made tours to explore the Mekong Delta with children. So, pack your bags and let yourself be seduced by this pearl of the Mekong Delta for unforgettable memories with your loved ones.