Mekong Delta, Vietnam
My Tho (Tien Giang Province): The most common and closest Mekong Delta gateway for many tours from Ho Chi Minh City. My Tho is a short drive from Ben Tre (often combined with Ben Tre in day tours). Featured are the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda and boat trips on the My Tho River to various islands.
Can Tho (Can Tho City): A larger, more bustling city in the Mekong Delta, well-known for its Cai Rang Floating Market. Further from Ben Tre, it can be a long day trip, or ideally, an overnight trip to experience the floating market at its busiest in the early morning.
Compare structured and independent travel styles for your Ben Tre exploration.
Ease of travel. Includes transport, a knowledgeable guide, often meals, and pre-arranged activities. No planning needed.
Adaptability. Immersion possibilities. Often more budget-friendly. Authentic, spontaneous experiences possible. Set your own pace.
The Mekong Delta presents a vast natural landscape, and Ben Tre sits at its core, offering continuous natural exploration.
Located within Ben Tre province, this is a readily accessible quiet natural spot to observe diverse bird species. It features walking paths and boat tours.
The region's network of canals, coconut groves, and fruit orchards presents a continuous scenic landscape. Exploration by bicycle or small boat is a natural retreat.
Ben Tre is entirely rural and flat. No mountains or ocean beaches exist within the province. For coastal experiences, travel to other provinces like Tien Giang or Phu Quoc Island.
Ben Tre showcases many seasonal fruits, so what you taste depends on your visit's timing. Localized high water during the peak rainy season (often August-October) can be a temporary occurrence.
Make choices that support the local ecosystem.
Beyond Ben Tre, nearby locations share further cultural insights.
Many villages around Ben Tre City and in neighboring provinces are agricultural hubs specializing in specific crops or traditional crafts. No widely known pilgrimage sites for international tourists are directly accessible for a day trip from Ben Tre, outside of local pagodas.
Supporting traditional crafts by purchasing directly from local artisans safeguards their skills and livelihoods. Homestays meaningfully share local customs.
Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially children or those engaged in work. A polite gesture and smile often suffice.
Meals often receive service family-style. Share dishes and offer food to others, especially elders or your hosts. Tipping is not traditionally required but appreciated.
Do not discuss politics or the Vietnam War unless a local initiates the conversation. Listen more than you speak.
Do not point with your feet. Avoid touching someone's head. When sitting, avoid pointing the soles of your feet directly at people or altars.
Avoid overt public displays of affection. Respect privacy; avoid intrusive photography, especially of children or in homes.
For those with more time, the Mekong Delta and beyond present logical extensions to your Ben Tre visit.
Staying 1-2 nights in Can Tho to fully experience the Cai Rang Floating Market early in the morning, explore the city's charming riverside, visit a cacao farm, or explore other local attractions.
Consider traveling further south to Chau Doc (near the Cambodian border) for its floating village, Sam Mountain, and Tra Su Cajuput Forest. Or head to Ha Tien for coastal areas and a potential border crossing into Cambodia.
Combine delta exploration with Phu Quoc Island for beach relaxation. Or travel to Cambodia (Phnom Penh) via Chau Doc, or return to Ho Chi Minh City as a transport hub.
Local SIM cards are affordable. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes. For personal Wi-Fi, consider Solis Wi-Fi.
English proficiency is limited in rural Ben Tre. The Google Translate App (offline pack) is invaluable. For learning, check out Rosetta Stone.
ATMs are available in Ben Tre City. Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. Cash transactions are common, especially in local markets and small shops.
