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Visit Ben Tre Craft And Ethnic Villages And The Surrounding Area

Nestled in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Ben Tre province is not limited to coconut trees and winding canals. It also harbors an unsuspected human richness: the craft and ethnic villages of Ben Tre. These local villages in Ben Tre, although often composed mainly of ethnic Vietnamese (Kinh), reveal a vibrant cultural diversity through handicrafts, Khmer communities, rural traditions, and harmony with nature. What to do in Ben Tre? A visit to the craft villages of Ben Tre is a unique opportunity to discover the authentic soul of southern Vietnam, far from the tourist crowds.

I. General overview of the ethnic groups present in Ben Tre, Vietnam

Traveling to Southern Vietnam, at first glance, Ben Tre seems less ethnically diverse than the mountainous provinces of Northern or Central Vietnam. However, a closer look reveals a true human mosaic. The Kinh (majority) coexist here with well-established Khmer communities, particularly in the rural areas of the northeast of the province. These craft and ethnic villages in Ben Tre reflect the richness of southern rural traditions, blending Vietnamese culture, Khmer influences, and a deep respect for the environment.

The local population lives to the rhythm of the agricultural seasons, water, and land. The local villages in Ben Tre are also the cradle of many traditional crafts: coconut-based crafts, rice paper making, flower cultivation… Each community perpetuates its customs through everyday gestures, religious festivals, or forms of artistic expression passed down from generation to generation.

Visiting the ethnic villages in Ben Tre is to immerse yourself in a way of life where every activity is linked to nature, where every encounter is imbued with simplicity and human warmth.

II. Visit to the craft and ethnic villages of Ben Tre and its surroundings

1. Phu Hung coconut village – A complete culture centered around the coconut

Among the craft and ethnic villages in Ben Tre, the village of Phu Hung holds an emblematic place. Located in the heart of Ben Tre city, this local village in Ben Tre reflects the full richness of a culture centered around a unique tree: the coconut tree. Here, this tree is not just a natural resource; it is a true way of life, a living identity.

Every part of the coconut is used with remarkable ingenuity: the wood is used to make furniture or sculptures, the shell becomes decorative objects, the flesh is turned into handmade candies, and the water into refreshing drinks. Visiting this local village in Ben Tre, travelers will have the opportunity to witness the traditional production of the famous coconut candies, to interact with passionate craftswomen, or even to participate in creative workshops. It’s an immersive and friendly experience, where you discover eco-friendly craftsmanship, far from industrial processes.

Discovering Phu Hung also answers the question of what to do in Ben Tre to combine cultural discovery, human exchanges, and environmental respect. This village represents one of the best examples of how a community can make the most of its natural resources while preserving its traditions.

2. Hoa Loi terracotta pottery village – A tradition shaped in clay

Among the craft and ethnic villages in Ben Tre, the village of Hoa Loi, located in the district of Mo Cay Bac, embodies a unique heritage: traditional terracotta pottery. This local village in Ben Tre stands out for its deep connection with the land of the Mekong, transformed with passion and skill into everyday and decorative items. For generations, the inhabitants of Hoa Loi have mastered a know-how transmitted orally, where each step – from molding to firing – is done by hand. The local clay, rich and malleable, is shaped into jars, flower pots, vases, or incense burners, often adorned with simple but expressive motifs. The firing is done in traditional kilns, fueled with natural materials such as coconut shells, giving the pottery its warm hue and characteristic strength.

This local village in Ben Tre appeals to visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and warm welcome. Coming here, you will have the chance not only to observe the artisans at work but also to get your hands dirty in participatory workshops. It’s an authentic way to discover what to do in Ben Tre beyond the classic routes: to live a creative moment, learn an ancestral craft, and leave with a souvenir shaped by your own hands.

The visit to Hoa Loi village offers an immersion into a sustainable local economy, where nature and tradition harmonize in each object. It’s a must-see stop for any traveler curious to better understand the cultural richness of the Mekong Delta.

3. My Long Rice Paper Craft Village – A renowned culinary expertise

Exploring southern Vietnam, in the heart of the rural district of Giong Trom, the local village in Ben Tre of My Long perpetuates an iconic culinary tradition of the Mekong Delta: the artisanal production of rice paper, known as banh trang. This craft, passed down from generation to generation, has made the region famous well beyond its borders.

In this craft and ethnic village in Ben Tre, each step of the process is done by hand, with patience and precision. The rice, carefully selected, is soaked and then ground into a smooth paste. This is then spread into thin layers on plates heated over a wood fire, before being naturally dried in the sun on woven bamboo mats. The entire production relies on ancestral techniques, respectful of the raw material and authentic taste. During your visit, you will be invited to observe the artists at work, often as a family, in a warm atmosphere. The children, playful and curious, often help by flipping the rice sheets with agility. It’s a rare moment of sharing, an immersion in the daily life of a local village in Ben Tre that lives to the rhythm of its traditions.

Some families offer demonstrations or workshops where visitors can try making rice paper. Thin, crispy, sometimes flavored with coconut or sesame, they pair perfectly with grilled meats, spring rolls, or fermented fish. A true culinary journey!

4. Cai Mon horticultural village – The floral art of the delta

Located in the west of the province, in the lush district of Cho Lach, the local village in Ben Tre of Cai Mon is recognized as one of the oldest and most prestigious horticultural centers in southern Vietnam. Renowned for the beauty of its flowers, artistic bonsais, and lush orchards, it embodies the perfect harmony between man and nature. For several generations, the families of Cai Mon have turned ornamental cultivation into a true art of living. As the Lunar New Year approaches, the village paths transform into open-air floral galleries, flooded with golden chrysanthemums, elegant orchids, fragrant miniature roses, and meticulously sculpted shrubs. The atmosphere is colorful, joyful, and full of excitement.

But Cai Mon is not just a postcard setting. This craft and ethnic village in Ben Tre is also a hub of agricultural innovation. Local horticulturists constantly develop new varieties, practice sophisticated grafting, and test modern techniques while respecting ancestral knowledge. This fusion of tradition and modernity results in exceptional floral production.

Visitors wondering what to do in Ben Tre will find in Cai Mon much more than a simple stroll: it’s an immersive and soothing experience. You can take part in gardening workshops, buy rare plants, discover the secrets of Vietnamese bonsais, or simply wander through the fragrant greenhouses.

5. An Thuy dried fish village – The art of preserving sea flavors

If you're wondering what to do in Ben Tre to explore the diversity of its artisanal crafts, don't miss An Thuy dried fish village, another gem among the craft and ethnic villages in Ben Tre. Located in a coastal area of Ba Tri district, this local village in Ben Tre specializes in the traditional preparation and drying of fish, shrimp, and squid, an essential activity for the local economy and the culinary identity of southern Vietnam.

From dawn, An Thuy families get to work: sorting the catch, filleting, salting, and spreading the fish on large bamboo mats under the Mekong sun. The hot and breezy climate of this coastal region allows for natural and rapid drying, ensuring products that are flavorful, aromatic, and long-lasting. This craft, though physical, is filled with rigor and passion – every gesture is precise, every step important. Visiting this local village in Ben Tre, travelers can observe the daily life of artisans, taste different varieties of dried fish – sometimes spiced or marinated – and even buy them as gourmet souvenirs. Some locals open their homes to share a simple but typical meal, featuring grilled fish and sticky rice.

An Thuy village is an excellent example of how the craft and ethnic villages in Ben Tre adapt to their environment while continuing to pass down living traditions. It’s also an authentic answer to what to do in Ben Tre off the beaten path: discover maritime know-how, taste unique flavors, and soak in a lifestyle shaped by the sea.

III. Tips for visiting the ethnic villages of Ben Tre

Visiting the craft and ethnic villages in Ben Tre is an immersive experience that relies as much on the beauty of the places as on the quality of human encounters. Here are some practical and ethical tips to follow. These recommendations will help you enjoy authentic moments while respecting local communities.

• Favor community-based tours: They guarantee a respectful approach and help support the local economy.

• Bring simple gifts: Small souvenirs, notebooks, pens… can be appreciated if you stay with locals.

• Respect religious traditions: Especially in Khmer villages, cover your shoulders and remove your shoes in temples.

• Taste the local cuisine: Don’t leave without trying grilled banh trang, coconut candies, or spicy Khmer soups.

• Leave early in the morning: To enjoy markets, farming activities, and avoid the heat, especially when visiting the ethnic villages in Ben Tre.

In conclusion, exploring the craft and ethnic villages in Ben Tre and its surroundings means traveling differently, to the rhythm of the rural traditions of the Mekong Delta. Whether you are attracted to handicrafts, spirituality, nature, or authentic encounters, these local villages in Ben Tre have so much to offer. Take the time to lose yourself in the peaceful alleys, to listen to the stories of the elders, and to taste local specialties. You will leave with much more than photos: a true human and cultural connection.

Don’t hesitate to contact AUTOUR ASIA, Travel agency in Hanoi Vietnam, to organize your Southern Vietnam tour and explore the craft and ethnic villages in Ben Tre in more depth.