Exploring Ben Tre: The incredible versatility.
Ben Tre is a province in the Mekong Delta known for its lush coconut groves, scenic waterways, and vibrant culture. Exploring Ben Tre offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and culinary delights.
Ben Tre has a subequatorial tropical monsoon climate, making it suitable for travel year-round. the best time to visit should be during the dry season when the weather is more predictable and favorable for exploring Ben Tre attractions. However, the province retains its natural charm and offers unique experiences in the rainy season, showcasing the vibrant beauty of the Mekong Delta in its rainy glory.
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Here are a range of must-visit attractions when visiting Ben Tre:
- Coconut Kingdom
In Ben Tre, immense coconut groves are concentrated in the western districts such as Chau Thanh, Cho Lach, Mo Cay, and Giong Trom. The province has more than 70,000 hectares of coconut land, yielding nearly 600 million fruits per year, leading the country. The coconut processing industry in Ben Tre has developed quite quickly with diverse products, consuming about 85% of the total amount of coconut harvested in the area. Returning to Ben Tre, coconut and coconut products are present throughout the villages.
Coconut trees not only bring economic benefits, increase income for Ben Tre people from coconuts and other materials, coconut tree trunks are also the main wood not only used to build houses, make beds, and make household goods & bridging because coconut wood is strong and not inferior to other woods. Coconut wood can be used for up to several decades. Today, coconut wood also creates hundreds of handicraft products and household goods sold to tourists and exports. Coconut leaf stalks… if in the past it was only to light a fire or to sweep the house with a bunch of brooms, today fresh coconut leaves are used to knit flower baskets, gift baskets; bamboo shoots braided knitting all kinds of lanterns for interior decoration… Coconut shells make activated carbon and are raw materials for making many kinds of handicrafts. Currently, coconut trees are exploited very thoroughly, contributing to increasing income, improving people’s lives, and creating jobs for workers in Ben Tre.
- Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary
Vam Ho is the only bird sanctuary in Ben Tre province and is also the closest one to Ho Chi Minh City.Depending on the seasons, different numbers of birds and storks migrate to the jungle. At peak time, the sanctuary is home to thousands of feathered creatures.
In addition, Vam Ho bird sanctuary is biologically diverse in terms of flora with date palms, mangrove apple trees, etc.Vam Ho is an ideal place for you to learn about and indulge in the Southwest untouched nature, which promises to be a satisfying experience.
- Dong Khoi Guerrilla Village
Dong Khoi guerrilla village is about 15 km from the center of Ben Tre. This was the place of the first uprising of the Dong Khoi movement in 1960 and then a stronghold for the Viet Cong guerrillas. This village now serves as a living museum where both locals and foreigners are educated about the Vietnam War.
Dong Khoi Guerrilla Village played a pivotal role in the anti-colonial struggle against the French and resistance against American forces. Like the famous Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Khoi Village had its own network of tunnels and hideouts for meetings, storing supplies, and as shelters.
- Cai Mon Orchard
Visiting Cai Mon orchards in any season around the year, tourists in Vietnam travel can enjoy the fun when freely discovering in the orchards and eating fresh fruits.
Cai Mon is located on the bank of the Tien River in Tien Thuy village, Vinh Thanh commune, Cho Lach District and Ben Tre Province. Cai Mon orchard is considered the cradle of fruit trees in South Vietnam; its small and narrow paths are covered with green trees bearing heavy sweety fruits. Tourists in Vietnam tourism coming there in any season can enjoy various fruits around the year.
Cai Mon farming village also provides millions of breeding-tree types such as durian, mangosteen, sweet mango, seedless longan, langsat and varieties of citrus. There are also many graft and multiplication artisans who create the diversity of bonsai shapes by the very spectacular figures of deer, stag, dragon, phoenix, etc. The products are widely sold in Thu Duc, Bien Hoa, and exported to many Asian countries.
To tourists who want to discover the village of South feaure, Cai Mon is an ideal place where they can see and enjoy the fresh fruits despite being in any reason of the year.
- Con Quy Island
Travel to Turtle Island you should not miss the tasting tropical fruits in the gardens, honey tea. Especially, you have chance to enjoy Don Ca Tai Tu – folk music of Southern people. Also, Don Ca Tai Tu is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. This type of traditional music has been existing here for years and surely, it is the most beautiful thing to experience in Mekong Delta.
Furthermore, travel to the island visitors have chance to visit coconut candy production factories and handicraft village from coconut for the most amazing experience. Also, you can have the beautiful gifts for your friends and relatives after visiting the island.
Recently, more and more international tourists come to visit Turtle Island. The reason for this is because of several amazing attractions and appealing activities in rural life. Sure enough, the island will bring you the atmosphere of the friendly and honest.
- Mekong Delta Exploration
The Mekong Delta is one of Vietnam’s most mysterious and fascinating destinations. And there’s no one way to see it. Cruise along mangrove-lined riverways to explore the winding canals and waterways, ride a bicycle through coconut groves, immersing yourself in the vibrant river life or jump headfirst into local life at a rustic homestay — whatever you do, prepare to make memories that last.
- Ben Tre Night Market
Located on Phan Ngoc Tong Street and Hung Vuong Street in Ben Tre City, Ben Tre night market was first held in 2012 in order to serve the need of shopping, entertaining and cultural exchanging of local and international tourists coming to the “Kingdom of coconut” Ben Tre.
More than that, lying along poetic Ben Tre River, the night market is an ideal place to sightsee the beauty of Ben Tre at night. You can enjoy a romantic attraction of Ben Tre featured by sparkling lights on the river and lovely bridges crossing the river.
Going for a walk along Ben Tre night market is an interesting experience if you have chance to travel this province in Mekong Delta region.
- Nguyen Dinh Chieu Mausoleum
Ben Tre is not only famous for its peaceful countryside scenery and traditional craft villages. The historical sites here also make many tourists curious and want to visit once. In particular, the Nguyen Dinh Chieu Mausoleum.
His famous works are the poetic narrative Luc Van Tien, Duong Tu – Ha Mau, Ngu tieu y thuat van dap, Van te Truong Dinh, … Indeed, his works not only had a profound influence and had a strong vitality in the hearts of the Vietnamese people at that time but also remained until now.
With his talent and will to rise, he became a shining symbol of patriotism. As well as the chivalry of the people of the South in particular and the Vietnamese people in general. With a sharp pen, his poems and prose denounced the crimes of the French invaders, criticized the kings and mandarins who sold out the country for glory. And praised the uprisings of the insurgents, keeping their patriotism and love for the people intact.
When traveling to this relic site, you will not only admire the unique architecture but also listen to touching stories about the career of the famous person Nguyen Dinh Chieu. But you also have the opportunity to enjoy the specialties of this beautiful land. Such as: Braised Goby fish in coconut water, braised duck, grilled eel with scallion oil, grilled snakehead fish. Or coconut rice, braised fish in clay pot, coconut worms, fish sauce with pork belly, My Long rice paper.
- Van Phuoc Pagoda
Van Phuoc Pagoda has a special architecture with unique spiritual works. Specifically, the pagoda’s location on the water gives it a cool, airy atmosphere, bringing a peaceful and tranquil space to visitors. The history of Van Phuoc Pagoda is also rich through many stages of development and renovation.
Although built recently, Van Phuoc Pagoda still retains the classic architecture of ancient Vietnamese Buddhist architecture. This place is designed with some similarities to ancient royal architecture. Some outstanding works at Van Phuoc Pagoda include Three-entrance Gate, Main Hall, Buddha’s Worship House, etc. All create a beautiful and impressive picture for visitors.
- Traditional Festivals
For the people of Ben Tre, the festival is an indispensable part of their material and spiritual life, in order to honor the local cultural values, remember the merits of the sages; at the same time, to meet the needs of the community’s cultural activities of the residents, making a significant contribution to the formation of the people’s personality, qualities, customs and habits through each generation. Some unique and unique festivals in Ben Tre during the year are as follows:
– Festival of revolutionary tradition was held annually at the Dong Khoi relic site on January 17
– Nghinh Ong Festival was held annually on June 15-16 of the lunar calendar with large scale and typical organization in Ben Tre
– Traditional Cultural Festival was held annually on July 1 as the Ben Tre cultural day to celebrate Nguyen Dinh Chieu’s birthday.
– Coconut Festival
– Ky Yen Festival
- What To Eat In Ben Tre
- Elephant Ear Fish
Elephant Ear Fish is a freshwater fish commonly found in the Mekong Delta. It is named for its large, flat shape resembling an elephant’s ear and is known for its firm, white flesh, which is both tender and flavorful.
It is typically deep-fried whole until it’s crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. Fresh herbs, lettuce, and other greens often accompany the dish. With this dish, a tangy dipping sauce, usually made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and garlic, is also required.
To enjoy the dish, you typically wrap a piece of the fish and some herbs in rice paper, creating a roll. Then, dip it in the sauce before eating. You will get a delightful mix of textures and flavors from this combination of crispy fish, fresh herbs, and tangy sauce.
11.2 Vietnamese Pancakes
Vietnamese pancakes (Banh xeo) are a popular and savory dish in Vietnamese cuisine, including in regions like Ben Tre. They are very unique in their ingredients and how they are cooked and served.
The batter is made from rice flour, water, and turmeric powder, giving these pancakes a distinctive yellow color at the end. Coconut milk is sometimes added to the batter, especially in Ben Tre. The fillings typically include a mix of pork, shrimp, diced green onion, and bean sprouts. In some variations, other ingredients, like chicken or different types of seafood, can also be used.
This dish is traditionally served with fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, lettuce, and pickled vegetables. A side of fish sauce-based dipping sauce, usually mixed with lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili, accompanies the dish.
To savor this treat, a piece of the pancake is typically placed on a lettuce leaf, garnished with herbs, rolled up, and then dipped in the sauce for a perfect blend of flavors.
11.3 Fried Banana
Fried bananas are a popular snack in Ben Tre, which also incorporates elements of coconut. The bananas used are a specific variety that is firmer and less sweet than the dessert bananas. These bananas are peeled and may be left whole, halved, or sliced, depending on the preference. They are then coated in a batter.
The batter can vary, but it often includes rice flour, wheat flour, and sometimes coconut milk for added richness and flavor. In Ben Tre, incorporating coconut into the batter is common due to, of course, the region’s abundance of coconuts. The bananas are deep-fried in oil until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Fresh Fruit
- Coconuts:Â The coconuts here are known for their sweet water and thick, aromatic flesh. Coconuts are used in many local dishes, drinks, and in non-food products.
- Durian:Â Ben Tre is also known for its durian, a fruit famous for its strong odor but loved for its rich and creamy texture. The durians here are considered high quality and are a favorite among durian enthusiasts.
- Rambutan:Â This fruit, with its hairy exterior and sweet, juicy flesh, is widely grown in Ben Tre. The rambutan season is a much-awaited time of the year for both locals and visitors.