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When mentioning Ben Tre, people often think of its beautiful, peaceful countryside with lush green coconut groves. Beyond its natural charm, this region of Vinh Long Province also has a fascinating history and culture waiting to be unveiled. In this article, Asia King Travel will provide you with more useful information about this beautiful land of coconuts.
When mentioning Ben Tre, people often think of the beautiful and peaceful countryside with lush green coconut groves
Ben Tre Province was originally part of Hoang Tran Palace, established in 1803. The following year, it was renamed Vinh Tran Palace. In 1808, this palace was reorganized as Vinh Thanh Town, and Ben Tre became land belonging to Tan An District in Vinh Thanh Town.
In 1823, Tan An District was divided into two districts, Tan An and Bao An, both placed under Hoang An Prefecture. In 1832, King Minh Mang abolished the town system to establish provinces. Vinh Thanh Town was split into An Giang and Vinh Long. At that time, Vinh Long Province consisted of three prefectures: Hoang An, Dinh Vien, and Lac Hoa, which later became three separate provinces.
Tourists take a boat to explore Con Quy
In 1876, the French divided Cochinchina into four large administrative regions, each further divided into sub-regions. Ben Tre was then a district under the Vinh Long administrative region.
According to the decree dated December 20, 1899, issued by the Governor-General of Indochina, all districts were renamed as provinces, and Ben Tre District officially became Ben Tre Province. During the Vietnam War, the province was renamed Kien Hoa Province and comprised nine districts. The provincial capital was called Truc Giang. In 1975, Ben Tre Province regained its old name and was reorganized into districts.
Con Phung is likened to a green oasis floating on the Tien River
During the Vietnam War, Ben Tre was considered the homeland of the Dong Khoi movement, which marked the peak of the armed struggle of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam against the Ngo Dinh Diem regime, most fierce in 1960.
In 2025, as part of the administrative reform initiated by the Vietnamese government, Ben Tre, along with Tra Vinh, was merged into Vinh Long to create a new Vinh Long Province.
The best time to visit Ben Tre is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. In contrast to the wet season, the weather is comparatively milder and less humid during this time.
Fresh air and hospitable locals in Ben Tre
The wet season runs from May to November. This period is characterized by higher humidity, frequent rainfall, and occasional tropical storms. Temperatures remain warm, ranging from approximately 25°C to 34°C.
Rainfall is more frequent and intense during these months, with the peak of the rainy season typically occurring between June and September. The region’s waterways and landscapes become more vibrant, and the wet season plays an essential role in the Mekong Delta’s agricultural cycle.
Nghinh Ong Festival is a traditional festival of coastal fishermen and seafarers
If you want to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and explore folk culture, visit Ben Tre during traditional celebrations such as the Revolutionary Traditional Festival, Ky Yen Festival, Cau Bong Festival, Nguyen Dinh Chieu Festival, or Nghinh Ong Festival.
Read more: Mekong Delta Tour 3 days: Mekong Delta Eco Excursion
From Ho Chi Minh City, there are 2 routes to reach Ben Tre.
Route 1: From the center of Ho Chi Minh City, head towards Binh Chanh. At the Binh Thuan overpass, enter National Highway 1 and continue about 16 kilometers to Ben Luc Bridge. From there, drive another 14 kilometers and cross Tan An Bridge to reach Long Giang. After passing Tan An, you will enter Tien Giang Province. Continue for about 16 kilometers to My Tho, then follow National Highway 60 across Rach Mieu Bridge. From the bridge, it is another 13 kilometers to Ben Tre.
Beautiful scenery at Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary
Route 2: Start from Ho Chi Minh City and head to Binh Chanh. Then, take the Ho Chi Minh City-Trung Luong Expressway. After roughly 50 kilometers, turn onto National Highway 1A to reach My Tho. Another 13 kilometers from there by following National Highway 60 and crossing the Rach Mieu Bridge and you will arrive in Ben Tre.
Ben Tre is a suitable tourist destination for those who want to relax and heal
When mentioning Ben Tre, people immediately think of its vast coconut forests. Coconut trees have been associated with the locals for more than a century, as this species grows and thrives well in the soil conditions and brackish water sources of the region.
Ben Tre is known as the “Land of Coconuts” because it is the largest coconut-growing area in the country. According to the Ben Tre Coconut Association, the province currently has more than 77,000 hectares of coconut trees, accounting for 40% of Vietnam’s total coconut area, with an annual output of about 600 million fruits.
When mentioning Ben Tre, people immediately think of the vast coconut forests
For the people of Ben Tre, coconut trees have countless uses. Coconuts offer delicious juice, the meat can be used to make plenty of dishes, the trunks are used to build houses, and the leaves can be used for roofing or to weave baskets and flower pots.
In addition to cycling beneath the coconut canopies, exploring nearby villages, and learning about the locals' way of life, visitors to Ben Tre can also visit the Coconut Floating Market on the Thom River. The Coconut Floating Market in Ben Tre is directly related to the production and processing of coconuts, in contrast to other floating markets that primarily concentrate on trading.
Ben Tre is known as the Coconut Land because it is the largest coconut-growing area in the country
Ben Tre, the “Land of Coconuts,” offers visitors a perfect blend of culture, scenery, and authentic Mekong Delta life. A trip here isn’t complete without exploring the province’s famous coconut candy workshops, where travelers can watch locals craft sweet treats and handicrafts from coconuts.
Cruising along the shaded canals by boat or sampan lets you experience the tranquil river landscapes and daily life on the water. For those who prefer to stay on land, cycling through coconut groves, fruit orchards, and rustic villages provides a close-up look at the peaceful countryside and a chance to taste tropical fruits straight from the garden.
Ben Tre coconut candy has a natural sweetness that suits many people’s tastes. In addition, the delicate coconut aroma makes each piece a special treat. Ben Tre coconut candy is not only considered a delicious specialty but also a thoughtful gift. With its diverse shapes, attractive packaging, and high quality, it is often chosen as a present for family, friends, and partners during holidays, anniversaries, and important events.
Coconut candy is a specialty candy originating from Ben Tre province
In all three regions, North, Central and South, you can enjoy pancakes. However, if you want to try rice snail pancakes, you need to travel to Ben Tre. The ingredient that makes this dish unique is the rice snail, and its season runs from April to July on the lunar calendar.
The simple and rustic dish Rice Snail Pancake will impress you
May is the time when the rice snails are at their fattest and most flavorful. To enjoy this specialty, roll a piece of pancake with fresh vegetables and dip it into a cup of fish sauce mixed with lemon, garlic and chili.
Ben Tre is one of the most naturally endowed and fertile lands in the Southwest region. With its pleasant climate, delicious food, and friendly people, this destination continues to attract a growing number of domestic and international tourists. Get in touch with Asia King Travel to plan your trip to this fascinating land of coconuts.
Read more: South Vietnam tours
Explore the Mekong Delta's beauty on a relaxing Ben Tre Tour 2 days: Excursion t...
