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Ben Tre Province is located in the Mekong Delta, and like other provinces in the region, it is blessed with fertile land, pleasant weather, and serene landscapes. Visitors come to the province seeking an authentic rural experience, and Con Phung delivers just that.
Con Phung looking from above. Photo: Vietnamtourism
At Con Phung, there are countless experiences and fun activities typical of the river region, such as rowing, enjoying don ca tai tu music, and most exciting of all making the province’s specialty coconut candy by hand. Join Asia King Travel to explore this charming destination through the article below!
Con Phung was originally a small islet in the 1930s, covering about 28 hectares. But thanks to the rich alluvial deposits each year, it has now expanded to over 50 hectares.
In the past, it was known as Tan Vinh Islet. The name "Con Phung" (Phoenix Islet) came into use when Nguyen Thanh Nam built a temple and established the Coconut Religion. During the temple’s construction, workers discovered an ancient bowl with a phoenix design, leading to the islet being called Con Phung.
The islet is floating in My Tho River, a smaller flow of Tien River, north of Ben Tre Province. Additionally, to further explain the name, Con Phung is one of four islets along this river section named after the “Four Sacred Creatures”, which symbolize peace and prosperity: Long (Dragon), Lan (Qilin), Quy (Turtle), and Phung (Phoenix).
Con Rong represents “Dragon”, Con Thoi Son represents “Qilin”, Con Bien Quy represents “Turtle”, and Con Phung represents “Phoenix”. Con Quy and Con Phung belong to Ben Tre Province, while Con Long and Con Lan are part of Tien Giang Province.
The welcome gate of the tourist area has a giant coconut and two funny fortune cat statues. Photo: Soha Group
Con Phung is 12 kilometers from Ben Tre city center and 80 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. The drive from Ho Chi Minh City takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can also take a boat for a more unique experience, but the journey will be longer.
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From Ho Chi Minh City, head straight to National Highway 1A to Ben Tre Province. When crossing Rach Mieu Bridge, you’ll see Con Phung beneath it. Continue a bit further to An Khanh intersection, then make a U-turn, you’ll find a ferry terminal that takes visitors to the islet near the riverbank. Alternatively, you can go to the boat dock in My Tho City and rent a boat directly to Con Phung without needing to cross the bridge.
Rach Mieu Bridge passes over Thoi Son Islet and Con Phung. Photo: Chinhphu
The Mekong Delta has a mild climate year-round, so you can visit at any time. Mid-year months are when fruit trees bear fruit, giving you the chance to enjoy fresh tropical fruits. Toward the end of the year, the weather is drier, ensuring a smooth trip without weather disruptions.
Ben Tre is nicknamed the "Coconut Land" as it has the largest coconut plantations in Vietnam. Coconuts have become an essential part of local life. One man even founded the Coconut Religion, encouraging people to eat and drink coconuts. Today, remnants of this religious movement can still be found on the islet.
The site covers an area of 1,500 square meters and preserves many cultural and religious values of the local people. Despite being built over 50 years ago, it has retained its original charm.
The courtyard with nine dragon pillars of the Coconut Religion. Photo: Tham hiem Mekong
One of its most unique structures is the area with nine towering pillars, each intricately carved with majestic dragons. As they venture further inside, they step into a "coconut maze," leading to the final destination: the Coconut Museum, a museum entirely made from coconut tree trunks!
Of course! "Coconut Land" wouldn’t be complete without coconut-based products. You'll get to visit a coconut candy workshop, witnessing the entire process, from making fresh coconut milk to shaping and packaging the candies. Plus, you can enjoy freshly made, delicious coconut candy right on the spot. There's also a souvenir corner featuring coconuts carved into fun and unique shapes.
Visitors enjoy making coconut candy by hand. Photo: Thanh Nien
Many families here still make a living by beekeeping for honey. It’s easy to visit a local household engaged in this craft, where most bees collect nectar from longan flowers, giving the honey a deliciously rich and fragrant taste. Pairing fresh fruit with honey creates a sweet and unforgettable flavor.
The scenery at Con Phung is peaceful and picturesque. What could be better than exploring it by boat on the river or cycling along village roads shaded by coconut trees? While biking, you'll enjoy the tranquility and admire rice fields stretching into the distance. If you choose to take a sampan ride, you'll glide along the cool river, flanked by lush coconut palms and delicate white flowers.
Foreign visitors enjoy local cuisine. Photo: Thanh Nien
During your visit, locals may invite you to sit down and enjoy Don ca tai tu traditional folk music performance. The delicate melodies of folk songs, accompanied by traditional instruments create a unique musical atmosphere, enriching your journey through Ben Tre.
There is a crocodile fishing zone in the tourist area on the islet. You’ll be guided through the traditional local method of crocodile fishing, from preparing the net and setting the bait to waiting and reeling them in. Dozens of crocodiles eagerly wait for the food you will serve, catching them is not taking candy from a baby.
A fun way to feed the crocodiles. Photo: Mekong Travel
This small islet in the middle of Tien River is Ben Tre’s top tourist attraction. Beyond its peaceful countryside scenery, Con Phung offers activities and experiences that will make you fall even more in love with the Mekong Delta. Contact Asia King Travel to make the most of your time here!
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