Getting There & Away: Ben Tre

Air Travel

Major Airport & Airlines

Ben Tre does not have its own airport. The closest and most convenient major international airport serves as your main air gateway.

Airport Details

Closest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 85 km (53 miles) northeast of Ben Tre.
Airlines: SGN is a major hub, served by numerous international airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and others.
Direct Flights: Available from major hubs across Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

SGN provides comprehensive facilities for travelers. Transfer options from SGN to Ben Tre vary in cost and travel time.

Services & Options

Facilities: Currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, SIM card vendors.
Private Taxi/Car: Most convenient, 1.5-2 hours, 1,200,000 - 1,800,000 VND ($50-$75 USD). Pre-book or arrange on arrival.
Bus: Budget-friendly. Take local bus to Mien Tay Bus Station in HCMC, then direct long-distance bus to Ben Tre. Total 3-4 hours, 100,000 - 150,000 VND ($4-$6 USD).

Flight Price Periods

Flight prices increase during peak season (Dec-Feb), especially around Christmas, New Year, and Tet.

Booking Tip

Booking flights well in advance secures better fares, notably during busy travel periods.

Shoulder Season Benefits

Shoulder seasons (Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov) often feature more competitive prices and good weather conditions.

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Flights

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Car Rentals & SIM Cards

DiscoverCars.com: For comparing car rental prices globally.
Airalo: eSIMs for data connectivity abroad.
NordVPN: Consumer VPN service for online security.
ExpressVPN: Another VPN service for travelers.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Buses

Most common travel method. Companies like Phuong Trang (Futa Bus Lines) and Thinh Phat operate daily services from Ho Chi Minh City (Mien Tay Bus Station). Journey takes 1.5-2.5 hours, fares 80,000-120,000 VND ($3.20-$5 USD).

Self-Driving Considerations

Not recommended for inexperienced drivers. Requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) valid in Vietnam and a converted local Vietnamese license. Traffic is often chaotic. Hiring a car with a driver is safer and simpler.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main highways are well-maintained. Local roads can be narrow, unpaved, or muddy in rainy season. Traffic safety is a concern due to high motorbike volume and varied driving customs.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services & River Travel

Ben Tre's identity is deeply tied to its rivers. Local ferries operate across rivers within the province, mainly for local transport of people and vehicles.

River Transport Options

Small Sampans (Rowboats): Common for short, scenic rides through narrow canals, often as part of organized tours.
Larger Motorboats: Transport visitors between islands, to attractions like coconut candy workshops, and along main rivers.
Hiring: Hire boats privately for personalized tours or join organized group tours.

Departure Information

Plan your departure smoothly, whether by air or land, by following these guidelines.

Departure Info

Exit Fees/Taxes: Typically included in flight or bus fare; no separate charges upon departure.
Departure Timing: For international flights from SGN, arrive 2-3 hours prior. For bus departures from Ben Tre, arrive 15-30 minutes prior.
Airport/Station Facilities: Ben Tre Bus Station has basic facilities. SGN offers comprehensive services: restaurants, duty-free, lounges.

Border Crossings

This information is not directly relevant to Ben Tre. Ben Tre is an inland province within Vietnam.

Important Note

No direct land border crossings with Cambodia, Laos, or China near Ben Tre.
If entering Vietnam overland, factor in additional travel time to reach the Mekong Delta.
No train connections directly serve Ben Tre. The closest train station is in Ho Chi Minh City.

Land & Sea Connections

Ensure smooth transitions between different modes of transport in Ben Tre.

Seamless Travel

Connections to Land Transportation: Boat docks in Ben Tre City are usually close to taxi stands or motorbike taxi pick-up points.
Onward Travel: From Ben Tre Bus Station, regular services connect to other Mekong Delta cities like Can Tho and My Tho.
Immigration Procedures: Not applicable for tourist arrivals to Ben Tre; no international sea or river ports with immigration.

Road Safety Reminders

Driving in Vietnam can be challenging due to chaotic traffic and high motorbike volume.
Local roads can be narrow, unpaved, or muddy, especially in rural areas during the rainy season.
Maintain awareness when crossing streets or cycling due to varying adherence to traffic laws.

Honking is a warning, not necessarily an aggressive gesture.
Self-driving is not recommended for inexperienced drivers.
Hiring a car with a driver or using local transportation is safer.

Departure Checklist

Air Departure Steps

Before Your Flight

Arrive at SGN at least 2-3 hours before scheduled international departure.
Factor in 1.5-2.5 hours travel time from Ben Tre to SGN, depending on traffic.
Complete check-in procedures and baggage drop-off.

Bus Departure Steps

Departing from Ben Tre Bus Station is straightforward, but arriving a bit early is always a good practice.

Before Your Bus Ride

For long-distance bus departures from Ben Tre Bus Station, arrive at least 15-30 minutes before scheduled departure.
This allows time for check-in, finding your bus, and loading luggage without rushing.
The process is generally relaxed and efficient.

SGN Facilities

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) has restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, lounges, and currency exchange.

Ben Tre Bus Station

Ben Tre Bus Station offers basic facilities like small shops for snacks and drinks, and a waiting area.

No Exit Fees

You typically won't face separate exit fees or taxes when departing Vietnam; these are usually included in your ticket price.

Travel Efficiently

River Transportation

Ben Tre is an integral part of the Mekong Delta’s vast river network, with various options for water travel.

Water Travel Modes

Small, traditional sampans (rowboats) for short, scenic rides through narrow canals, often part of organized tours.
Larger motorboats transport visitors between islands, to attractions like coconut candy workshops, and along main rivers.
You can hire boats privately or join organized group tours that include boat segments.

Connections to Land Transport

Seamlessly transition from water to land with conveniently located transport hubs.

Easy Transfers

Boat docks in Ben Tre City and various tourist-focused islands are usually close to taxi stands or motorbike taxi pick-up points.
This allows for easy onward connection to your accommodation or other sites within the province.
Private transportation and tours can accommodate mobility needs.

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Pacsafe

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Seamless Connections

Plan your transitions between air, land, and water to maximize your Ben Tre experience.

Getting There & Away