Ben Tre, the authentic soul of the Mekong delta
Only a few hours away from the excitement of Ho Chi Minh City, the scenery changes completely. The buildings disappear, the horns turn off, and give way to a serene world, shaped by water, palm trees and long time. Welcome to the province of Ben Tre, one of the most authentic and preserved regions of southern Vietnam.
Here, the Mekong is not visited: it is lived. The province of Ben Tre embodies a rural, deep and emotional Vietnam, where every encounter makes sense and each moment naturally slows down the pace of the journey. Vietnamese coconut capital, Ben Tre is a generous land, shaped by the arroyos, lush orchards and a population of remarkable benevolence.
At Senteurs du Vietnam, we particularly like to take our travelers to Ben Tre, because this province offers exactly what lovers of off-the-beaten-path travel are looking for: real immersion in the local life of the Mekong, simple but unforgettable experiences, and respectful rural tourism Vietnam, far from mass tourism.
Where is the province of Ben Tre in Vietnam
The province of Ben Tre is located in southern Vietnam, in the heart of the Mekong Delta, one of the most fertile and fascinating regions of the country. It is shaped by the arms of the Mekong River, which here divide into a multitude of rivers and arroyos, creating a harmonious landscape, verdant and deeply alive.
Ben Tre is located about 85 kilometers south of Ho Chi Minh City, making it an ideal stop to quickly leave the urban bustle and enter a serene rural universe. This proximity allows for a smooth integration into a route from the south of the country.
Water is omnipresent: it nourishes the rice fields, irrigates the orchards, structures movements and rhythms of daily life. It is this intimate relationship between man and the river that gives the province of Ben Tre its deeply authentic character.
Why Ben Tre is one of the most authentic provinces of the Mekong Delta
The province of Ben Tre is seduced by what it has really remained: a rural, lively and humane territory. Where some areas of the Mekong have been standardized, visiting Ben Tre still allows you to discover an authentic Mekong delta, faithful to its traditions.
A preserved Mekong delta off the beaten path
In Ben Tre, no big resorts or crowds rushing. Villages stretch along canals, coconut trees dominate the landscape and scenes of daily life offer a sincere immersion. Rural tourism in Vietnam is discreet, natural and perfectly integrated into local life.
A deep immersion in local life
What makes Ben Tre so special are the encounters. The inhabitants take the time to exchange, to share a meal, to tell their daily life. The traveler becomes a guest, not just an observer.
At Senteurs du Vietnam, we prioritize:
- the walks accompanied by locals,
- family meals,
- the nights in homestay,
- the discovery of traditional crafts.
So many remarkable experiences that give full meaning to an authentic journey in Vietnam.
The coconut groves of Ben Tre: symbol and wealth of the province
Impossible to mention the province of Ben Tre without talking about its coconut groves, true emblems of the region. Here, the coconut tree is omnipresent and constitutes an essential resource for the inhabitants.
Nicknamed the Vietnamese coconut capital, the province lives to the rhythm of this ancestral culture. Each part of the tree is used: food, crafts, construction, fuel. This circular economy perfectly illustrates the harmony between man and nature.
Discovering the coconut groves of Ben Tre means understanding local identity and supporting a model of sustainable development, deeply rooted in tradition.
What to do in Ben Tre: unmissable experiences
The province of Ben Tre is discovered slowly, along the water and through encounters.
- Sailing on the arroyos of the Mekong: a serene experience, in the heart of nature and local life.
- Explore the countryside by bycicle or on foot: peaceful villages, rice fields, orchards and spontaneous exchanges.
- Sharing a meal with the inhabitant: emotional, convivial and deeply human moment.
These simple but authentic experiences are at the heart of Ben Tre tourism and transform the stay into an unforgettable memory.
Ben Tre and responsible tourism in Vietnam
The province of Ben Tre is naturally oriented towards responsible tourism in Vietnam. Agriculture, crafts and community solidarity are central to this.
Local and homestays accommodations allow:
- a direct positive impact on the local economy,
- a deep immersion in Vietnamese culture,
- a journey respectful of the environment and the inhabitants.
We design our stays in Ben Tre with small groups, a slow pace and committed local partners, to sustainably preserve the authentic Mekong Delta.
When to go to Ben Tre: climate and best period
The province of Ben Tre enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round.
- From December to April (dry season): ideal time for outdoor activities and travel.
- From May to November (rainy season): lush vegetation, vibrant Mekong, lower tourist attendance.
Whatever the season, visiting Ben Tre remains a rich experience, provided you adapt the pace and activities.
Integrate Ben Tre into a tailor-made tour in Vietnam
Thanks to its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, the province of Ben Tre fits perfectly into a route from the south of the country.
We recommend:
- 1 night for a first immersion,
- 2 to 3 nights for a deep and balanced discovery.
This stage allows you to fully experience the authentic Mekong Delta, before continuing to other regions of Vietnam.
Ben Tre, the essence of the authentic Mekong
Discreet, verdant and deeply human, the province of Ben Tre embodies a true Vietnam, far from clichés. Coconut groves, peaceful canals and sincere encounters make Ben Tre an indispensable destination for an authentic trip to Vietnam.
Do you want to discover the province of Ben Tre differently, far from standardized itineraries?
Contact Senteurs du Vietnam to create a custom tour in Ben Tre, designed by our local experts.
