1. Boat Trip
Ben Tre is an excellent spot for a boat trip in the Mekong Delta. You can arrange boat rides through your hotel or along the waterfront. Boat operators often approach tourists by the river. You can either rent a boat on your own or join a guided tour, which costs around 100,000 to 300,000 VND.
During the boat journey, you'll explore local villages, fruit orchards, and islands. The locals skillfully use the rivers for gathering and distributing coconuts. Guided tours usually include visits to islands with orchards and coconut candy factories. If you rent a smaller boat, you can navigate narrower canals and experience the area's lush beauty up close.
2. Cycling
Ben Tre is a fantastic spot for cycling enthusiasts. Its flat and expansive terrain, adorned with sprawling rice fields, offers an idyllic setting to pedal through. Starting from Ben Tre town, a simple river crossing, and an eastern route will lead you on an increasingly rewarding journey. The roads are pleasantly maintained and surprisingly uncrowded. Although a motorbike becomes a necessity for extended travels, the immediate surroundings are tailor-made for cycling exploration. You'll find that most accommodations in the city offer convenient options for renting scooters or bicycles, enabling you to embark on your two-wheeled adventure with ease.
3. Phoenix Island
Step onto the shores of Phoenix Island, a hidden gem also known as Con Phung. This piece of paradise is 28 hectares and is a canvas of natural wonder. Imagine yourself surrounded by swaying coconut trees and lively fruit gardens, a harmonious blend of vibrant colors and soothing greens. The island's charm lies in its capacity to give vacationers the impression that they are in a tropical paradise.
Each step brings a sensory experience to life. Coconut trees stand tall like loyal guardians, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind. The gardens are a living canvas, painted with the colors of ripe fruits and blooming flowers.
For the seekers of tranquility or the explorers at heart, Phoenix Island is a sanctuary. Step out from the daily routine and reconnect with nature's rhythm is what it is. Here, time is marked by the sun's gentle descent into the horizon and the rustle of leaves in the breeze.
In the embrace of Con Phung, modern worries fade, replaced by the symphony of nature's melodies. As the sun dips below the horizon and paints the sky with hues of orange and pink, you'll find yourself lost in a dreamlike trance – a traveler in a tropical fairy tale, captivated by the allure of Phoenix Island.
4. Vam Ho bird sanctuary
Nestled about 30 km to the southeast of Ben Tre, the Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary emerges as a natural sanctuary.
A one-of-a-kind adventure in untouched nature!
This sanctuary is a realm of discovery, a tapestry created by nature's hand. This spot has many uncommon birds and animals, giving vacationers a chance to experience a different world from the city. The garden is peaceful, with the sounds of birds and leaves, away from the busy daily life.
The Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary isn't just a peaceful spot to chill out, it's also a chance to take in the natural splendor. As you set foot within its borders, time seems to slow down, and worries fade away. The colorful feathers of the birds and the mysterious sounds of animals come together to make memories that stay with you for a long time after you've been there.
So, whether you're an ardent nature lover or someone seeking a respite from the mundane, the Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary beckons. An easy drive from Ben Tre leads you to this world of rare sightings and whispered secrets, where every step and every glance reveals a piece of the unspoiled beauty that our planet holds.
5. Oc Island
Nestled in the embrace of the sea, Oc Island has earned its reputation for its sprawling coconut gardens and bountiful grapefruit orchards. As you walk slowly on the island, you'll see different landscapes that seem to change as you move. During the trip, you will encounter a rich picture of green coconut groves and lively grapefruit orchards filled with juicy fruit.
To reach this island paradise, a boat voyage from Ben Tre is the gateway to your adventure. raveling on local boats gives you a chance to sail and discover the amazing things on Oc Island.
When you're on the island, you'll notice the delightful smell of coconuts and the enchanting aroma of grapefruits. Wander through the shaded paths of the coconut gardens, where the rustling leaves sing a soothing melody, and the dappled sunlight creates a serene ambiance. As you venture deeper, the grapefruit orchards greet you with a burst of vibrant colors, each tree heavy with the promise of sweet and tangy treasures.
Oc Island holds a promise of discovery, a respite from the routine of city life. While you're discovering, keep in mind that this adventure starts with a basic boat trip, a move away from the busy city life, guiding you to an island that refreshes your senses and revives your spirit.
6. Cai Mon fruit garden
- Address : Cho Lach district, Ben Tre
- Entrance ticket price : 120.000 - 180.000 VND
Nestled along the banks of the Tien River, the Cai Mon fruit garden is a hidden gem that the locals cherish. It's home to many of South Vietnam's fruit trees, offering a place where you can fully enjoy your senses. Here, you can taste an array of fresh fruit right from the trees, offering a sensory journey that's unlike any other.
As you step into the Cai Mon fruit garden, the symphony of nature immediately surrounds you. The calm Tien River borders the garden, making the peaceful atmosphere even better. The garden is like a natural painting, where the vibrant leaves of different fruit trees create a lively scene against the blue sky.
Walking around the garden feels like starting a hunt for your senses. The air smells sweet with the fruit getting ripe, and the trees move gently in the wind as if they're inviting you to come and enjoy their fruits up close. you can enjoy a variety of flavors, from delicious mangoes to juicy jackfruits, and experience the taste of South Vietnam's fruits.
As you step on the ground, feel the earth under your feet. Listen to the leaves rustling and the birds singing – all these things come together to make an experience that immerses you in nature's rhythm.
Going to the Cai Mon fruit garden is more than a regular trip; it's like entering a world filled with flavors, smells, and sounds. It's a moment to enjoy your senses and to relish the simple joys that nature brings.
7. Ben Tre night market
A cultural attraction, the night market in Ben Tre is where people connect and have fun. Not only caters to shopping cravings, but it also showcases the essence of Ben Tre. Tourists have quickly taken a liking to this new attraction, adding to the appeal of their trips to Ben Tre with its captivating nighttime atmosphere.
As the sun sets, the night market illuminates with bright lights decorating each side of the river, connected by the elegant Ben Tre bridge – a blend of modern and scenic architecture. This peaceful encounter brings an extra sense of calm to your time in Ben Tre.
Welcomed warmly by the market's sellers, visitors have the chance to pick out special souvenirs for their dear ones or create their own mementos, honoring their voyage through Ben Tre's land of coconuts. Alternatively, you can also enjoy buying freshly harvested fruits directly from local farmers, either to enjoy on the spot or take them along to your accommodation. Upon reaching the market's end, visitors can rejuvenate at the food and beverage section, nestled by the gently flowing Ben Tre River, offering a contrast to the lively ambiance.
8. Ben Tre museum
Ben Tre values its cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, which reflects its history and culture. This shows the ongoing spirit of its people through time. Make sure you don't miss the opportunity to visit this place when you arrive at Ben Tre
The museum is a place to show images and traditional revolutionary items that tell the story of how the people of Ben Tre fought two resistance wars. Its various rooms and corridors proudly present a collection exceeding 3,000 artifacts, images, and documents. This exhibit provides a comprehensive look into Ben Tre's history, from the early 20th century to the end of the anti-war resistance era.
This museum is a point of pride for Ben Tre, as only a few provinces have such a detailed and systematic gallery. Presently, it safeguards more than 14,000 artifacts, some valued in the tens or hundreds of millions of dong, yet considered priceless due to their historical significance. For over thirty years, the museum has curated collections that include pieces showcasing the community's respect for Uncle Ho and significant figures of the province. It has collected many different things from different places, like ceramics from Vietnam, China, and Thailand, crafts made with cedar wood, bronze objects, tools for farming, and even coins.
Ben Tre Museum is also helpful for the research of history, education, and cultural understanding. Ben Tre Museum welcomes everyone to explore its intriguing past.
9. Vien Minh Pagoda
Around 3000 m2, Vien Minh Pagoda is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site adored by locals and nearby communities. This guide will take you on a journey to Vien Minh Pagoda in Ben Tre – a small, historic temple that offers a glimpse into the past.
Initially, Vien Minh Pagoda was established as a shrine dedicated to Quan Cong. Subsequently, it underwent restoration and transformation into a temple. In 1951, the pagoda underwent expansion while retaining its original architecture, a legacy that remains today. During this period, the temple was under the guidance of Monk Vinh Thien. In 1961, the responsibility for the pagoda was handed over to three disciples: Thien Tin, Huyen Vi, and Thanh Tu.
In 1975, Venerable Thien Tin passed on the pagoda's stewardship to his follower, Venerable Thich Thien Phuoc. Presently, the revered Venerable Thich Hue Tri leads Vien Minh Pagoda. The pagoda still embodies architectural elements from the 20th century, preserving an air of antiquity and delicate simplicity. It belongs to the Northern sect of Buddhism.
Positioned along a straightforward route in Ben Tre city, the pagoda is conveniently accessible for visitors to explore.
10. Con Quy
Turtle Island (Con Quy) is unique because it has wild nature and beautiful fruit gardens that grow all year round. It's a refreshing and pretty place to visit. If you're going to Ben Tre, you should visit Con Quy. It's a nice place with clean air, beautiful river and garden views, and lively folk songs.
Around 65 hectares, Con Quy, also referred to as Sand Dunes, stands as one of the “four dunes” along the Tien River. There are three islets in Western tourism that exhibit elongated shapes, while the Quy islet has a circular form, reminiscent of the renowned Tu Linh dunes. Quy and Phung are located in Ben Tre, while Long and Lan islands lie in Tien Giang.
Con Quy's appeal lies in its unspoiled beauty and pristine landscapes. Gazing upon it from a distance feels like beholding a floating haven midstream. Nestled on Con Quy is a Protestant church—a place of prayer.
Local life here is closely intertwined with coconut-based crafts and candy production. You can learn how to make coconut products, make coconut candy, and keep these treats as a memorable experience.
As midday arrives, beneath trees, You find solace in swaying hammocks. Furthermore, picnics and camping unfold with diverse engaging undertakings. The evening offers canoe rides along sinuous canals, bordered by verdant coconut trees, where nightfall brings a mesmerizing spectacle of fireflies.
11. Dong Khoi Guerilla Village
The Dong Khoi guerrilla village received national recognition as a revolutionary historical site on January 7, 1993, declared by the Ministry of Culture and Information. Annually, Ben Tre province marks January 17 as a historical traditional festival, commemorating the Dong Khoi movement.
You can learn about Vietnamese history and the unwavering spirit of Ben Tre's army and people at Dong Khoi guerrilla village.
The village is important because it was where the first rebellion happened during the 1960 Dong Khoi movement. Amid Vietnam's turmoil due to war, multiple movements arose. Among them, the Dong Khoi movement in Ben Tre stands as a testament to the heroic history of the local populace. In essence, Ben Tre is the birthplace of the Dong Khoi movement.
Dong Khoi was led by Viet Minh members who remained in South Vietnam. They rallied people to make a stand against invaders for freedom, mainly in the rural South and mountainous areas. Starting in late 1959 and reaching its zenith in 1960, the movement swiftly spread across the South, dismantling the Vietnamese government's grassroots structure at that time. The Ben Tre Dong Khoi movement is important in history because it started many other uprisings and the Southern Revolution.
12. Van Phuoc Pagoda
Van Phuoc Pagoda is a majestic jewel in Ben Tre province. It is located in Binh Chien hamlet of Binh Dai district, which will leave an amazing experience in the hearts of visitors with its grand architecture adorned in vibrant hues. After a spiritual journey that included prayers for tranquility and a tour of the pagoda's sacred areas, the orchid garden offers a moment of rest.
To say thank you to those who braved the hot sun and heavy rain to protect it, the pagoda invites you to eat a healthy vegetarian meal. This culinary offering is made from the bounty of local devotion and shows the hospitality of the Mekong Delta region. There are many mushrooms, fresh vegetables, tofu, and coconut water, which is refreshing. These dishes have a harmony of flavors and textures that shows how caring hands made them.
When visiting this spiritual place, it is a good idea to have a vegetarian meal at the pagoda. In the embrace of Van Phuoc Pagoda's ambiance and culinary generosity, worries dissipate, and a sense of unity with the surroundings emerges—a testament to the enduring power of both spirituality and human kindness.
In conclusion, Ben Tre is a land where nature's bounty is mixed with a rich cultural heritage, from the unique flavor of many local dishes to the atmosphere that's both refreshing and invigorating in this region. The 12 best things in this guide are just the beginning – there's so much more to explore in this amazing city. Whether you're an adventurer, culture enthusiast, or looking for unique experiences, Ben Tre guarantees an unforgettable journey. Get ready to dive into this charming city and be enchanted by its beauty, warmth, and hospitality. Ben Tre is ready to welcome you with open arms for moments of discovery and wonder!
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