A-Z Guide to Self-Guided Day Trips in Ben Tre

Ben Tre is where shimmering rivers, lush fruit orchards, and the genuine smiles of the locals blend together.Day trip to Ben Tre offers an unforgettable waterway experience. Even with just 24 hours, this land can still make your heart flutter with the sweet taste of coconut candy, the poignant sounds of traditional music, and the tranquil atmosphere.

Why should you take a day trip to Ben Tre?

A day trip to Ben Tre is an ideal choice for those wanting a change of scenery from Ho Chi Minh City (85 km, 2 hours by car) or nearby provinces like Tien Giang and Can Tho. Despite the short time, Ben Tre still offers a rich experience thanks to its close attractions and the unique characteristics of the Mekong Delta.

• Close and easy to travel: From Ho Chi Minh City, motorbikes or buses (70,000 VND/ticket, Western Bus Station) can take you to Ben Tre quickly. Attractions like Minh Island, Cai Mon fruit garden, and Phung Island are all within a 5-20 km radius from Ben Tre City, making them easy to explore in a day.
• Diverse experiences: Ben Tre combines nature, culture, and cuisine. In one day, you can paddle a boat through coconut groves, pick sweet fruits, listen to traditional music, and enjoy crispy pancakes. Each activity is a piece of the soul of the Mekong Delta.
• Reasonable costs: A day in Ben Tre only costs about 400,000-700,000 VND/person (transportation, meals, sightseeing), suitable for a short trip. Specialties like coconut candy and fruit jams are inexpensive and easy to buy as gifts.
• Suitable for busy schedules: If you only have a weekend or a short holiday, a day trip to Ben Tre allows you to enjoy the waterway atmosphere without complicated preparations. The simplicity and warmth of Ben Tre make the trip relaxing and rejuvenating.

A short trip to Ben Tre leaves a deep impression with the green coconut shadows, the sound of waves, and the warmth of the locals, making anyone want to return.

Ben Tre leaves a deep impression with the green coconut shadows.

>>> See more: What Attractions Does Ben Tre Have?? Explore the Land of Coconut in the Mekong Delta.

Day trip itinerary for Ben Tre

The itinerary below is designed to maximize your exploration of Ben Tre in one day, combining nature, culture, and cuisine. The attractions are close together, suitable for a short trip.

Morning: Minh Island – Cai Mon Fruit Garden

6:00 – 7:30: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City (motorbike or bus from Western Bus Station, 70,000 VND/ticket). Arriving in Ben Tre City, rent a motorbike (100,000 VND/day, contact Tam Motorbike, 0935 789 123). Have breakfast at Co Ba Pancake Shop (56 Nguyen Thi Dinh, 30,000 VND/piece), enjoying crispy pancakes filled with shrimp, meat, and fresh vegetables, dipped in spicy fish sauce.

8:00 – 10:00: Travel 15 km to Minh Island (Chau Thanh District, boat ticket 150,000 VND/boat, 4-5 people). The boat glides through small canals, with coconut shadows reflected on the water, and the fresh air carries the scent of coconut leaves. Visit the coconut candy village, watch the handmade candy-making process, and taste the hot, fragrant candy (50,000 VND/box). Cycle through the village road (30,000 VND/bike), admiring the peaceful countryside.

10:30 – 12:00: Ride 20 km to Cai Mon Fruit Garden (Vinh Thanh Commune, Cho Lach District, ticket 50,000 VND/person). The rambutan, durian, and mangosteen trees laden with fruit create a cool green space. Pick ripe red rambutans and enjoy them right in the garden, with their sweet taste spreading. Listen to free traditional music under the shade of trees, and take photos with the fruit-laden trees.

12:00 – 13:00: Have lunch at Song Nuoc Restaurant (near Cai Mon, 120,000 VND/portion), enjoying grilled snakehead fish, sour soup with water lily flowers, and chicken salad with banana flower. The airy space overlooking the river provides a relaxing feeling.

Cai Mon Fruit Garden creates a cool green space.

>>> See more: Self-Guided Travel Experience in Ben Tre Detailed from A - Z

Afternoon: Phung Island – Tuyen Linh Pagoda

13:30 – 15:30: Travel 10 km to Phung Island (Tan Thach Commune, Chau Thanh District, boat ticket 100,000 VND/boat). The small boats glide through the coconut groves, with water shimmering under the sun, creating a picturesque scene. Visit the Dao Dua relic site (20,000 VND/person), and hear the fascinating story of Mr. Dao Dua. Enjoy honey tea (20,000 VND/cup) and experience making pancakes (50,000 VND/person) at the garden house.

16:00 – 17:00: Ride 15 km to Tuyen Linh Pagoda (Minh Duc Commune, Mo Cay Nam District, free entry). This ancient pagoda over 150 years old, with its moss-covered tiled roof and shaded courtyard, brings a sense of tranquility. Learn about the pagoda's history through stone tablets, light incense for peace, and take photos at the fragrant lotus pond.

Tuyen Linh Pagoda over 150 years old with a moss-covered tiled roof.

Evening: Rach Mieu Bridge – Ben Tre Night Market

17:30 – 18:30: Travel 10 km to Rach Mieu Bridge (connecting Ben Tre City with Tien Giang, free entry). The Tien River sparkles under the fiery red sunset, with lush green islets in the distance creating a romantic scene. Stop to take photos and breathe in the refreshing river breeze. Stop by a riverside cafe and sip iced milk coffee (20,000 VND/cup).

19:00 – 20:30: End the journey at Ben Tre Night Market (Hung Vuong Street, dishes from 20,000-50,000 VND). The bustling atmosphere, the smell of grilled snakehead fish and pancakes fills the air. Enjoy chicken salad with banana flower (80,000 VND/portion), noodle soup (30,000 VND/bowl), and buy coconut candy (50,000 VND/box) as gifts. Sit by the river, admire the night city, and feel the warmth spreading.

20:30: Return to Ho Chi Minh City or stay overnight at Ham Luong Hotel (600,000 VND/night) if you wish to stay.

Stop to take photos and breathe in the refreshing river breeze at Rach Mieu Bridge.

What should you keep in mind for a day trip to Ben Tre?

To make the most of your day trip to Ben Tre, you need to prepare well and keep the following points in mind to ensure a smooth and memorable journey.

• Plan early: Check the weather 3-5 days in advance via AccuWeather, prioritize going in May-August when fruits are ripe and there is less rain (25-32°C). Create a detailed itinerary, prioritizing nearby attractions like Phung Island and Tuyen Linh Pagoda to save time.
• Transportation: Renting a motorbike (100,000 VND/day) is the most flexible option for a day trip to Ben Tre. Check the fuel and tires before going, especially on the way to Cai Mon. If traveling in a group, a taxi (Mai Linh, 100,000 VND/trip within the city) is convenient. Bring Google Maps to avoid getting lost.
• Clothing: Wear a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals for comfort, and bring a hat and SPF50+ sunscreen when going to Minh Island and Cai Mon. When entering Tuyen Linh Pagoda, wear long-sleeved, respectful clothing. Prepare a light jacket as it can get a bit chilly in Ben Tre at night.
• Costs: Budget around 400,000-700,000 VND/person, including transportation (100,000 VND), meals (200,000-300,000 VND), and entrance fees (50,000-100,000 VND). Ask for prices before buying fruits in Cai Mon or coconut candy at the night market to avoid being overcharged.
• Safety: Be careful when riding boats in Phung Island and Minh Island, wear life jackets, and listen to instructions. Avoid going alone in quiet areas like the pier late at night. Keep the rescue number (115) and the nearest repair shop's number.
• Respect the culture: Ask for permission before taking photos at Tuyen Linh Pagoda or garden houses. Do not litter in Minh Island and Cai Mon to protect the environment.
• Bring necessary items: Bring drinking water, tissues, and a waterproof bag for your phone when riding boats. Ensure your camera or phone is fully charged to capture the beautiful scenes at Rach Mieu Bridge and the night market.

These tips will help make your trip to Ben Tre not only enjoyable but also meaningful, leaving a beautiful impression of the land of coconuts.

A day trip to Ben Tre is a short journey but enough to touch the beauty of the lush Minh Island, the bountiful Cai Mon fruit garden, the poetic Phung Island, and the serene Tuyen Linh Pagoda. From the echoes of traditional music to the sweet taste of coconut candy, Ben Tre makes the heart flutter.

To plan in detail and explore the tour to Ben Tre,, visit nvktravel.com – always ready to serve whether for personal, family, or group itineraries.