Venture off the beaten path to
uncover the tranquil beauty of Ben Tre, the 'Island of Coconuts,' located in
the heart of the Mekong Delta. This immersive experience offers a unique
opportunity to engage with friendly locals, explore charming waterways, and
visit authentic cottage industries, all while savoring the region’s traditional
cuisine and rich cultural heritage.
At 08:00, depart from Ho Chi Minh
City and enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Ben Tre. Upon arrival, step into the
heart of rural life and begin your exploration.
Your adventure begins with a
leisurely walk through a quaint village, where you’ll observe traditional homes
and beautifully kept gardens. From there, board a boat and cruise along the
narrow canals of Ben Tre, heading toward a lush coconut garden. Here, you’ll
have the opportunity to pluck fresh coconuts from the trees and enjoy a
refreshing drink while soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
Continue your boat ride to a coconut
processing workshop where you’ll learn how the entire coconut is utilized in a
variety of traditional crafts. Next, hop on a bicycle for a ride through the
village, passing emerald rice fields and thriving vegetable gardens. Pause to
admire the serene beauty of the Delta before returning to the boat for a short
cruise across the river.
Hop on a traditional sampan and
paddle through the narrow waterways, exploring the heart of Ben Tre’s tranquil
landscape. Along the way, enjoy tasting fresh tropical fruits and sipping honey
tea in a local garden.
Next, board a xe loi (a local
motorized cart) and bounce along quiet back roads, offering a unique view of
rural life. Afterward, savor a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local
restaurant, sampling regional specialties.
Following lunch, enjoy a leisurely
walk through lush gardens and visit local homes where you’ll learn how
villagers make crispy rice paper, a beloved delicacy, or discover the
traditional methods of rice wine production.
Finally, relax on the return drive to Ho Chi
Minh City, arriving in the mid-afternoon, filled with memories of the Mekong
Delta’s natural beauty and warm hospitality.