Ben Tre: Mekong Scooter, Sailboat & Food Day Tour

Summary

Ben Tre day trip mixing scooters, river breeze and home-cooked food

You’ll ride scooters through village lanes with a local guide, taste home-cooked Mekong dishes over lunch with a family, drift down quiet rivers by sailboat, and relax into hammock time before sampling Ben Tre’s street food scene—all with pickup included. Expect moments that stick with you long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what the Mekong Delta actually smells like? I didn’t either, until we zipped through Ben Tre’s backroads on a scooter—coconut trees everywhere, this earthy-sweet scent that clings to your shirt. Our guide, Minh, grinned every time I pointed at something random (a duck parade, a woman selling sticky rice from her doorway). The wind felt warm but not heavy. We stopped at a local house—bare feet on cool tiles—and tried to chat with the owner. She laughed when I tried her name; I’m sure I got it wrong.

The motorbike part was honestly my favorite—zigzagging between canals and palms, waving at kids who shouted “hello!” like it was their job. Lunch came just as my stomach started rumbling: fresh fish, something green and crunchy (Minh called it “rau muống”—I still can’t pronounce it), and coconut juice with kumquat that tasted like summer. After eating way too much, we all collapsed into hammocks strung up in the shade. It’s funny how quickly you forget city noise out here.

Sailing on the river after lunch was quieter than I expected—just the sound of water slapping against the boat and someone singing far off on shore. The afternoon light made everything look soft and kind of golden. We passed little villages where people waved or just watched us drift by. There was this moment when a fisherman lifted his net right as we floated past; Minh said he does that every morning. Not for tourists—just for his family.

Back in Ben Tre city later, we hopped off for street snacks (I tried something fried—I never did catch the name) and watched scooters weaving through narrow lanes as dusk settled in. By then my hair smelled like river air and fried dough. Pickup and drop-off were easy—I barely had to think about logistics all day, which is maybe why it felt so relaxed. If you want a day trip from Ben Tre that doesn’t feel staged or rushed…well, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ben Tre Mekong Delta

• Pick up in Ben Tre around 9-10am
• Ride motorbike through rural villages
• Visit traditional Mekong house
• Drive through lush countryside
• Enjoy authentic Mekong lunch and rest
• Sailboat trip on quiet Mekong river
• Ride tuktuk through Ben Tre city streets
• Drink local refreshments and observe life
• Return to pick-up spot to conclude

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Ben Tre day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in Ben Tre.

What kind of food is served during the tour?

The tour includes 4-5 authentic Mekong dishes prepared by a local chef plus coconut juice with kumquat.

Do I need to know how to drive a scooter?

No—you ride as a passenger with an experienced driver or can choose tuktuk instead.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide leads the tour.

How long does the full-day tour last?

The tour starts around 9-10am and lasts most of the day.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

The menu focuses on local dishes; specific dietary needs should be requested in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

Does the tour include any boat rides?

Yes—a unique sailboat cruise along a branch of the Mekong River is included.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off in Ben Tre, all entry fees and taxes covered, motorbike or tuktuk rides with experienced drivers (plus helmets), an English-speaking local guide throughout, a sailboat cruise on a quiet branch of the Mekong River, refreshing coconut juice with kumquat, and an abundant lunch featuring several authentic Mekong dishes before returning to your starting point in the evening.