Ben Tre Mekong Village Experience
Light refreshments (fruits, tea, water)
Local English-speaking guide
Lunch at Mango Home Restaurant
Mango Cruise boat & row sampan
Transportation
Entrance Fees
Bike Tour
Boat Tour
Classical Sightseeing Tour
From Price per person
price based on 2 persons travelling or
per person for join-in tours.
$186
Excursion Highlights
- Experience the serene beauty of Ben Tre's coconut gardens and tranquil waterways.
- Engage with local artisans and discover traditional crafts, including rice wine distillation and rice paper making.
- Savor a delightful 5-course Mekong-style lunch at the charming Mango Home Restaurant.
- Enjoy a flavorful 5-course Mekong-style lunch in the countryside
Full Day - Private Ben Tre Island from Ho Chi Minh City
Departing from Ho Chi Minh City at 8:00 AM, your journey begins as you head south towards the picturesque Ben Tre province. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide, who will accompany you on a leisurely walk through a quaint village to reach your day cruiser. Here, you will embark on a scenic 30-minute boat ride along one of the Mekong River's serene tributaries.
Your first destination is Bao Island, where you will visit a lush coconut garden and enjoy the refreshing taste of fresh coconut water. Continuing your adventure, you will cruise onward to a coconut processing site, providing insight into the local economy, before embarking on a 4-kilometer bicycle ride through the charming Huu Dinh village. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit a traditional brick factory, where skilled artisans still employ centuries-old techniques to create their products.
The journey continues as you glide through a maze of narrow canals on a sampan, immersing yourself in the tranquil surroundings. You will disembark at the home of Mrs. Huong, a local woman who makes her living through fishing and shrimp trapping. Here, you can indulge in seasonal fruits and honey tea in her lovely garden, experiencing the warmth of local hospitality. Following this, hop on a xe loi, a traditional vehicle, to traverse the coconut palms and village lanes, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Afterward, return to the boat for a delightful cruise to the Mango Home Restaurant, where you will be treated to a sumptuous 5-course Mekong-style lunch, showcasing the region's culinary delights. Once you have savored your meal, you may choose to either walk or cycle 500 meters through the serene countryside. Your next stop will be at Mr. Ba Tai’s home, where you will learn about the intricate art of rice wine distillation, an essential part of local culture.
Finally, visit Mr. Sau Tuong, a former Vietcong soldier and an expert rice paper maker. Here, you will have the chance to hear his personal stories and taste the crispy rice paper crafted by his wife, adding a personal touch to your experience. As your enriching day comes to a close around 15:30, you will take a leisurely walk back to the main road, where your car awaits to transport you back to Ho Chi Minh City, filled with memories of this unique journey.
Destination Information
Ben Tre
Ben Tre is a province defined by its intricate network of waterways that weave through a landscape dominated by lush coconut groves and fertile agricultural fields. The area’s low-lying terrain is shaped by the Mekong River’s distributaries, creating a patchwork of canals and small islands where daily life unfolds along the water’s edge. This environment supports a distinctive rural economy centered on coconut cultivation, which influences both local industry and cuisine. Traditional handicrafts, often crafted from coconut shells and other natural materials, reflect the community’s connection to its natural surroundings and artisanal heritage. Scattered throughout Ben Tre are historical sites that offer insight into the region’s past, blending with the rhythms of contemporary village life. The province’s atmosphere is marked by a quiet, measured pace, where the interplay of water, agriculture, and craftsmanship creates a setting that is both productive and serene. Visitors encounter a landscape where natural features and human activity coexist closely, providing a tangible sense of place rooted in the Mekong Delta’s unique environment.Travel Notes
- The recommended age range for this tour is suitable for participants aged 12 and above, ensuring a more engaging experience with the activities involved.
- Participants should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity, including a 4-kilometer bicycle ride and a 500-meter walk or cycle through the countryside.
- During the boat rides, guests may experience varying water levels and currents; safety vests are typically provided for the boat and sampan rides.
- As this tour includes visits to local homes and businesses, it is advisable to respect local customs and etiquette, especially when interacting with residents.
- Be mindful of the seasonal availability of certain fruits and honey, as these may vary depending on the time of year.
- Guests should wear comfortable footwear suitable for cycling and walking on uneven terrain, particularly in the village and coconut garden areas.
- Traffic conditions can vary significantly when traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre; plan for potential delays, especially during peak hours.
- Ensure to have cash on hand for any small purchases or tips, as some local vendors may not accept credit cards.
Included Services
- Private transportation from/to Ho Chi Minh City
- Local English-speaking guide
- Mango Cruise boat & row sampan
- Bicycle and xe loi (tri-motor cycle) rentals
- All entrance fees and sightseeing as per itinerary
- Lunch at Mango Home Restaurant
- Light refreshments (fruits, tea, water)
Excluded Services
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Drinks not mentioned
- Surcharge for public holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year)
