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The 3 Best City Tours in Ben Tre
Ben Tre is a favorite destination for travelers eager to experience the Mekong Delta's charm. Its villages, waterways, and coconut farms make it a perfect place for exploring by boat, bicycle, or on foot. We love how each tour offers a different perspective — some focus on quick visits with authentic food, others delve deeper into local life with multi-day experiences. If you're after a peaceful river cruise, a culinary adventure, or an immersive look into rural life, Ben Tre has options that won’t disappoint.
One of our top picks is the HCM City: Ben Tre Mekong Delta & My Tho Day Trip with Lunch for its balance of scenery, culture, and affordability. It offers a full day of exploring big islands, boat rides, and local cuisine — perfect for a first-time visitor looking for a taste of the Mekong's essence.
Quick Overview
Our list covers three highly-rated tours suited for different interests and schedules. The first, a cost-effective day trip with traditional boat rides and local food, is perfect for those with limited time. The second, a full-day experience emphasizing coconut crafts and river cruising, balances culture and scenery for a moderate price. The third, a two-day quieter tour, takes you beyond the crowd to see floating markets and cocoa farms. Each offers something unique, detailed below.
1. HCM City: Ben Tre Mekong Delta & My Tho Day Trip with Lunch
For about $20 per person, this 1-day tour ranks highly for its affordability and engaging itinerary. It includes a visit to the biggest pogoda (a traditional fruit orchard), boat rides across four large islands in My Tho, and a chance to taste authentic Vietnamese dishes. The highlight for many is the traditional hand-rowed boat rides that give you an intimate look at life along the Mekong River.
What makes this tour stand out is its variety of experiences packed into a single day. You’ll explore villages, learn about local crafts, and enjoy landscapes that change with every turn. The reviews are glowing, with one simply describing it as “vert cheap” but surprisingly rich in cultural encounters. The boat cruise is the centerpiece, offering a relaxing way to see the delta’s waterways.
This tour suits travelers on a budget who want an authentic Mekong experience without spending a full day or a lot of money. The quick pace means you’ll get a good sense of the region but might feel a bit rushed if you’re after deeper exploration.
Bottom Line: An excellent value for a half-day adventure that combines scenery, local food, and cultural sights in a single, budget-friendly trip.
2. From Ho Chi Minh City: Ben Tre – The Coconut Land with Lunch
At around $161, this full-day tour offers a more immersive experience of Ben Tre’s coconut farms and traditional villages. It provides a comprehensive look at local life, including a coconut workshop where you learn how coconuts are used in everyday products, and a scenic cruise along the Mekong River. The tour includes a delicious lunch featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine, making it a good value for those wanting more than just sightseeing.
The itinerary emphasizes cultural interactions and hands-on experiences, such as visiting a local village and seeing handicrafts. The cruise passes through peaceful waterways, providing a calming view of rural life. This trip is designed for travelers who want to slow down and really get to know Ben Tre beyond the typical tourist spots.
Reviews are excellent, with a perfect 5/5 rating, indicating strong satisfaction among travelers. One reviewer called it “the best way to see real local life,” which speaks to its authenticity. The tour is suited for those who appreciate cultural depth and are comfortable with a full day of activity.
Bottom Line: For a detailed, cultural experience that includes crafts, food, and scenic river cruising, this tour is hard to beat—and offers great value for the price.
$161 per person
3. From Ho Chi Minh City: Less tourist 2D tour Ben Tre-Can Tho
This 2-day journey is perfect if you’re after a less crowded, more authentic experience of the Mekong Delta region. For $334, you’ll explore the tranquil canals and lush landscapes of Ben Tre, then venture to Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho, one of Vietnam’s most lively and colorful markets. The tour also includes cycling through villages and visiting the Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve by boat.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on interaction with locals and the slower pace of rural life. You’ll learn about Cocoa trees and even how to make chocolate, adding a fun, hands-on element. The two-day format allows for a deeper dive into the region, with time to relax and savor the scenery without feeling rushed.
Travellers who love nature, local markets, and artisan crafts will find this tour rewarding. The reviews highlight the quiet, authentic feel, especially compared to more tourist-heavy trips. The only possible downside is the higher price, but for those seeking a comprehensive, relaxed experience, the extra cost delivers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting an in-depth, peaceful look at Mekong life with time to interact and explore beyond the typical day trip.
$334 per person
How to Choose
Deciding between these tours depends on your budget, time, and interests. If you’re on a tight schedule or budget, the day trip to My Tho offers a quick, affordable taste of the Mekong, including boat rides and food. If you want a more cultural experience with hands-on activities, the Coconut Land tour provides a full day of learning and scenic cruising. For a slow-paced, authentic journey with fewer travelers, the 2-day Ben Tre-Can Tho tour is perfect.
Consider your physical activity level—cycling, boat rides, and walking are common—so choose accordingly. Booking early is advisable, especially for the two-day tour, which is popular among travelers wanting a deeper dive into the Mekong.
Final Thoughts
Ben Tre offers a range of city tours that cater to different interests. Whether you’re looking for an affordable half-day experience, a comprehensive culture, or a slow-paced exploration, there’s a perfect match. For first-timers, the My Tho day trip provides a great introduction, while seasoned travelers might prefer the multi-day Ben Tre-Can Tho tour for its quiet authenticity.
Remember to book early, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. Whichever tour you choose, be prepared for a memorable journey into the heart of the Mekong Delta’s unique landscapes and local life.