HCMC – Ben Tre: Authentic Day Tour With Lunch and Cruise

Embarking on a journey through the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta, travelers can enjoy the authentic charm of Vietnam’s "Coconut Island." This comprehensive day tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre promises a captivating blend of scenic river cruises, tranquil canal explorations, and engaging cultural encounters. From the serene beauty of the Mekong River to the friendly hospitality of the local community, this experience offers a unique opportunity to discover the rich tapestry of life along the waterways. As the day unfolds, visitors will be treated to a delectable culinary showcase and an insider’s glimpse into the intricate process of coconut production.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Lunch Experiences In Ben Tre.

Key Points

• An 8-hour day tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre, Mekong Delta, focusing on untouched districts and local culture.
• Includes Mekong River cruise, rowing boat exploration, cycling through villages, and a 5-course lunch featuring fresh regional cuisine.
• Highlights visits to a coconut processing business, a former Vietcong soldier’s home, and interactions with local families.
• Emphasizes authentic experiences and avoids commercial tourism, making it suitable for individuals and groups seeking local immersion.
• Tour not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, or those with heart conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This authentic day tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre offers visitors a chance to experience the real essence of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region.

Priced from K₫3,727 per person, the 8-hour journey departs at 7:00 AM and includes transportation, a live English-speaking guide, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include cruising the Mekong River, exploring canals by rowing boat, visiting local farms, cycling through villages, and enjoying a 5-course lunch at a riverside restaurant.

The tour focuses on the untouched districts of Giong Trom and Huu Dinh, providing an immersive experience away from commercial tourism.

Itinerary Highlights

Cruising the Mekong River and exploring its canals by rowing boat kick off this authentic day tour.

Visitors will:

1. Cycle through local villages and vast rice fields, seeing the tranquil rural landscape.
2. Enjoy a 5-course lunch at a private riverside restaurant, savoring the fresh, flavorful cuisine.
3. Visit a former Vietcong soldier and learn about the traditional process of rice paper production, gaining insight into the region’s history and culture.

This tour offers an opportunity to discover the untouched Giong Trom and Huu Dinh districts of Ben Tre Province, known as "Coconut Island," far from the crowds of commercial tourism.

Experience Details

Exploring Ben Tre Province, known as "Coconut Island," is the focus of this authentic day tour. Visitors will walk to Ba Dung pier and enjoy a welcome drink and tropical fruits before learning about coconut processing at a family-owned business. Interacting with local families and enjoying fresh fruits and tea are also highlights. The tour emphasizes the untouched Giong Trom and Huu Dinh districts, away from commercial tourism.

Destination	Activity
Ba Dung Pier	Welcome Drink & Tropical Fruits
Coconut Processing Business	Learn About Local Production
Local Families	Interact & Enjoy Fresh Fruits/Tea

This immersive experience provides an insider’s look into the authentic culture and daily life of Ben Tre.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes transportation, a bicycle ride, and a sightseeing cruise, along with visits to a coconut processing business, a local farmer, and a former Vietcong soldier.

A set menu lunch, fresh fruits, and tea are also provided.

The tour excludes the following:

1. Tips for the guide and driver
2. Personal expenses
3. Drinks

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or other medical conditions.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water, as smoking isn’t allowed.

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Important Information

According to the important information provided, this tour isn’t suitable for certain individuals.

Pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, heart problems, and other medical conditions are advised against participating.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and bring a camera, sunscreen, and water.

Smoking isn’t allowed during the tour.

This authentic day tour is recommended for individuals and groups seeking a local experience away from commercial tourism in the Ben Tre region, known as the "Coconut Island."

Mekong River Cruise

Participants frequently board a traditional wooden boat to cruise the winding Mekong River and explore its captivating canals. This serene waterway journey provides an immersive glimpse into the local way of life.

Highlights of the cruise include:

1. Witnessing the bustling activity at Ba Dung pier, where villagers gather to buy and sell their wares.

2. Gliding silently through narrow, verdant canals, catching glimpses of traditional riverside homes and lush vegetation.

3. Disembarking to visit a coconut processing business, where the group learns about the versatile uses of this iconic regional crop.

This river cruise offers a tranquil and authentic encounter with the rhythms of the Mekong Delta.

Local Village Exploration

After the serene Mekong River cruise, the tour ventures deeper into the heart of Ben Tre’s rural landscapes.

Guests cycle through quaint villages, seeing the local way of life. They visit a family-owned coconut processing business, learning about this integral part of the region’s economy.

Interacting with friendly locals, guests sample fresh fruits and sip aromatic tea. The highlight is a stop at a former Vietcong soldier’s home, where they gain insights into the area’s history and witness the intricate production of rice paper.

Throughout the journey, the tour showcases the untouched beauty and authentic charm of Ben Tre, offering an immersive cultural experience away from the typical tourist trail.

Coconut Processing Demonstration

As the cycling tour through the verdant villages winds down, guests are led to a family-owned coconut processing business.

Here, they’ll witness the intricate process of transforming raw coconuts into a variety of products:

1. Guests observe skilled workers deftly removing the husks and extracting the meat from the shells.

2. They learn about the different stages of coconut oil extraction, from grating the flesh to pressing and filtering the oil.

3. Finally, visitors get a hands-on experience in creating traditional coconut candy, kneading the sweet mixture and shaping it into bite-sized treats.

This insightful demonstration provides a glimpse into the local economy and the importance of coconut in the region’s agricultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Preferences?

The tour operator may allow some customization to fit the traveler’s preferences, though the core itinerary and inclusions are set. Travelers can discuss any specific requests or needs with the tour operator to see if accommodations can be made.

What Is the Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum number of participants. It’s an open-participation experience that can accommodate individual travelers as well as small groups seeking an authentic local adventure in Ben Tre province.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. It is a set 8-hour experience, departing at 7:00 AM and returning from Ben Tre to Ho Chi Minh City. There’s no flexibility to lengthen the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can’t bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour includes a set menu lunch, fresh fruits, and tea. Outside food and beverages are not permitted during the tour experience.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Snorkeling or Swimming Gear?

No, participants don’t need to bring their own snorkeling or swimming gear for this tour. The itinerary doesn’t include activities that require specialized equipment. Guests can enjoy the Mekong River cruise and explore the local villages without the need for additional gear.

Recap

This authentic day tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre, the "Coconut Island," offers a unique opportunity to take in the serene beauty of the Mekong Delta. The itinerary includes a scenic river cruise, a tranquil canal exploration by rowing boat, and a cycling journey through picturesque villages, providing a comprehensive and memorable experience of the local culture and way of life.

You can check if your dates are available here: