Mekong Delta Ben Tre: Boat, Bike & Local Lunch Day Trip

Summary

Ben Tre’s river life, coconut groves and slow village rhythms

You’ll taste strong local coffee in Ben Tre, drift through shaded coconut canals by boat, watch mat-weaving up close, and share lunch in a real family home—all with friendly guides who make you feel part of daily Mekong Delta life for a day.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped off the van in Ben Tre when our guide, Hien, waved us over to a tiny roadside stall. She ordered something I couldn’t pronounce—cà phê sữa đá—and handed me a glass dripping with condensation. The first sip was all sweet ice and bitter coffee, and Hien grinned at my face. “You’ll get used to it,” she said. Maybe she was right. The air already smelled different here—earthy, green, with that hint of river mud you only notice when you stop talking.

The boat ride along the Mekong felt slower than time itself. We passed a brick factory where men worked bare-chested beside stacked red bricks, their laughter echoing across the water. At the coconut farm, an old woman showed us how she split coconuts with one practiced swing—I tried (badly), and everyone laughed, including her. There was this moment when we watched her weave sleeping mats by hand; her fingers moved so fast I couldn’t follow. I liked that nobody rushed us or tried to sell anything—just stories and smiles.

I didn’t expect the rowing boat part to be so peaceful. The canal was so narrow our oars brushed the banks; overhead, palm leaves made shifting patterns of light on the water. For a second it went totally quiet except for birds and someone’s radio drifting from a house nearby. After that we hopped on bikes—mine squeaked—and pedaled through little lanes where kids shouted hello (“Xin chào!”) until they dissolved into giggles. Lunch was at a family home: rice paper rolls, fish in clay pot, something with lemongrass I still dream about.

On the way back to Saigon I kept thinking about those small moments—the way Hien called out greetings to everyone we passed, or how even strangers waved from their doorways like we were neighbors just passing through.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mekong Delta Ben Tre cultural tour

• Pickup from District 1 and 4 hotels
• Travel to Ben Tre with breakfast stop
• Boat trip to brick factory visit
• Visit coconut farm and learn production
• Experience sleeping mat making with locals
• Rowing boat ride through coconut canals
• Bicycle ride through villages and landscapes
• Lunch at a local home with traditional dishes
• Return to Saigon and hotel drop-off

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Mekong Delta day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from District 1 and District 4 hotels in Saigon.

How long does it take to reach Ben Tre from Saigon?

The drive takes about 2 hours each way depending on traffic.

What activities are included on the Ben Tre tour?

You’ll take boat rides, visit a brick factory and coconut farm, try mat weaving, cycle through villages, and have lunch at a local home.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available for lunch?

Yes, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available if requested in advance.

Is cycling required? What if I can’t ride a bike?

Cycling is part of the tour but is gentle; check with your guide if you need alternatives.

How big is the group size for this tour?

The group size is small—maximum 10 people per tour.

Are entrance fees or drinks included?

All entry fees plus fruit and coconut juice are included in the price.

What time do we return to Saigon after the tour?

You’ll arrive back at your hotel around 6:00 PM.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Saigon districts, all boat rides and entry fees along the way, two bottles of water per guest plus fruit and fresh coconut juice during stops. You’ll cycle through villages (bikes provided) before enjoying a five-course Southern Vietnamese lunch at a local family home—vegan or gluten-free if needed—before returning by air-conditioned vehicle in the evening.