Ben Tre is a small province in Southern Vietnam with an abundance of coconut trees and the Mekong Delta's biodiversity. A serene and laid-back province, it is perfect for tourists who want to escape the busy city life and take in the rural setting. The local economy centers around agriculture, with coconut candy and coconut oil as popular souvenirs. Take a bike ride through the fields of rice paddies, or hop on a sampan boat to explore small canals. Visitors to Ben Tre will get a glimpse of the peaceful and traditional Vietnamese way of life.
The easiest way to reach Ben Tre is to fly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and then take a bus or private car for around two and a half hours to the province. Alternatively, tourists can take a bus directly from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre.
The best time to visit Ben Tre is between November and April when the weather is cool and dry. Avoid the rainy season from May to October.
Ben Tre has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C. The rainy season is from May to October, with the dry season from November to April. The wettest months are August and September.
Budget travelers can find guesthouses for as low as $10 per night. Mid-range hotels and resorts range from $20 to $60 per night, while luxury hotels can go as high as $200 per night.
A bowl of pho or other Vietnamese dishes in Ben Tre costs around $2 to $3 in local restaurants. Tourists can expect to pay around $10 for a good dinner in mid-range restaurants.
Ben Tre is considered a safe destination for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any place, tourists should remain cautious and aware of their surroundings.
Ben Tre province has a population of around 1.5 million people, with the majority being Vietnamese and a smaller population of ethnic Khmer. The main religion is Buddhism, with a small number of Christians and Muslims. Vietnamese is the main language spoken, with some Khmer and Chinese speakers as well.
Some popular activities for tourists in Ben Tre include biking through rice fields, taking a sampan boat ride, visiting local coconut candy factories, and attending the fruit festival held in Cho Lach district every year.