To all our friends who are passionate about discoveries and adventures around the world!
We are Nadia and Jérôme Aymar. We decided to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary in a special way in Vietnam: a journey through the rice fields of the Mekong Delta, far from crowded beaches and luxury hotels. That’s how we chose to go with AUTOUR ASIA, Travel agency in Hanoi Vietnam. Thanks to their expertise, we put together a tailor-made itinerary to discover hidden gems over 5 days in Ben Tre and the surrounding areas: Can Tho, Tra Vinh, and Vinh Long. In short, this 5 day Ben Tre Can Tho Tra Vinh Vinh Long itinerary was a real mix of laughter, food, and breathtaking scenery. And here is our story!
During our 5 day Mekong Delta trip, we explored several picturesque and lesser-known destinations: Ben Tre, Can Tho, Tra Vinh, and Vinh Long. This immersive and relaxing journey allowed us to escape the chaos of urban life and dive into the authenticity of the Vietnamese countryside. Each day, we discovered stunning landscapes, a rich local culture, and warm hospitality that made our stay unforgettable. This 5-day itinerary offered us a unique experience full of local rituals, encounters with the people, exploration of lush nature, and insights into traditional crafts.
Traveling in Vietnam this time, choosing a 5 day Ben Tre Can Tho Tra Vinh Vinh Long itinerary meant choosing authenticity, far from tourist crowds like us. This 5 day Mekong Delta tour gave us an immersive experience, the chance to witness regional customs and rituals, while taking the time to admire the natural beauty of the Mekong region. Unlike the usual tourist destinations, these provinces offer a peaceful atmosphere where you can unwind and live at the local pace.
We especially appreciated the diversity of landscapes and activities: one day at the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho, another discovering Khmer culture in Tra Vinh, and a visit to the tropical islands and orchards of Vinh Long. Each stage of the journey helped us reconnect with nature and discover traditions that were new to us. This 5-day Ben Tre trip also allowed us to enjoy delicious local dishes, often prepared with fresh, locally-grown ingredients.
Day 1: Arrival in Ben Tre
Day 2: Can Tho – Visit Cai Rang floating market
Day 3: Tra Vinh – Immerse in the culture local
Day 4: Vinh Long – Explore tropical fruit orchards and picturesque islands
Day 5: Return to Ben Tre – Final boat trip
Our 5-day adventure started in Ben Tre, a city known for its idyllic scenery and coconut production. After arriving, we settled into the hotel and adjusted to the local atmosphere. In the afternoon, we took a boat ride on the Tien River. This excursion let us explore winding canals lined with palm trees and lush vegetation. We visited a coconut farm where we saw how coconut sugar and candies are made, and tasted these delicious local sweets.
What to do in Ben Tre? In the evening, we enjoyed a traditional seafood dinner. The dishes were flavorful and made from regional ingredients, letting us discover a simple yet rich cuisine. The day ended with a quiet walk around the town, admiring the soft lights reflecting on the canals.
On the second day of our 5 day Mekong Delta tour, we headed to Can Tho, a symbolic city of the region. In the morning, we visited the Cai Rang floating market—a living spectacle. Stalls were set up on boats, and vendors sold fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and rice. We were fascinated by the bustling energy of the market, filled with calls and exchanges between sellers and buyers. Each boat felt like its own little world, and it was amazing to see how seamlessly everything operated.
What to do in Can Tho? Continuing our 5 days in Ben Tre Can Tho Tra Vinh Vinh Long, in the afternoon we visited Ba Hien garden and the old colonial house—a stunning place that gave us insight into the region’s history. We also strolled through Ninh Kieu Park, a favorite spot for locals to relax in the evening. The day ended with dinner at a local restaurant where we enjoyed dishes like bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancakes) and Mekong fish.
On the third day of our 5 day Ben Tre trip, we reached Tra Vinh, a peaceful town home to a large Khmer community. We visited several Buddhist temples, including Ba Om Pond temple, famous for its unique architecture and serene natural surroundings. These visits helped us understand the beliefs and traditions of the Khmer people in this part of Vietnam.
Continuing our 5 day Mekong tour, in the afternoon we explored nearby villages where we met warm locals and learned about their way of life. We visited handicraft workshops where artisans made bamboo and wooden items and had a chance to chat with them about their craft. The Khmer culture, with its Buddhist influences and artisan traditions, was one of the highlights of our 5-day Ben Tre tour.
On the fourth day of 5 days in Ben Tre Can Tho Tra Vinh Vinh Long, we headed to Vinh Long, a province known for its tropical fruit orchards and picturesque islands. We took a boat to explore the islands, where the dense vegetation and rice fields were absolutely stunning. We visited a local orchard and tasted fresh fruits such as longan, rambutan, and durian. Every bite was delightful, and the freshness was remarkable.
What to do in Mekong delta? In the afternoon, we visited a local cooperative that produces fruit-based products like jams and coconut items. The visit gave us a better understanding of local farming techniques and allowed us to meet passionate producers.
For our final day, we returned to Ben Tre for one last peaceful boat trip. It was the perfect relaxing moment, gliding slowly along the Tien River canals. We visited a craft village where we learned how to weave bamboo mats—a centuries-old tradition. We also had the chance to buy handmade Ben Tre souvenirs like bamboo bags and carved wooden items.
Ending our 5-day Ben Tre trip, we enjoyed a farewell dinner by the river, where we tasted classic dishes from the Mekong Delta. We shared our memories and reflections from this unforgettable journey.
In short, this 5 day Mekong tour was a memorable experience, rich in discoveries and emotions. Each stop allowed us to immerse ourselves in beautiful landscapes, fascinating cultures, and living traditions. If you're planning a custom, authentic, and peaceful Vietnam trip off the beaten path, this 5 day Ben Tre and surrounding itinerary is the perfect choice. We leave with lasting memories, unforgettable encounters, and a deeper understanding of life in the Mekong Delta.
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