{"id":5955,"date":"2021-03-16T09:42:23","date_gmt":"2021-03-16T01:42:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=5955"},"modified":"2021-03-17T19:09:17","modified_gmt":"2021-03-17T11:09:17","slug":"my-tho-ben-tre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/my-tho-ben-tre\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Things To Do In M\u1ef9 Tho and B\u1ebfn Tre In The Mekong Delta For Culture Buffs & Foodie Travellers"},"content":{"rendered":"

M\u1ef9 Tho and B\u1ebfn Tre’s places of interest<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

Awash with greenery, islands, and with houses floating on its rivers, the Mekong Delta region is home to breathtaking landscapes and remarkable culture. To fully see and admire the lifestyles in various parts of the Mekong Delta, one usually needs 3 to 4 days.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, those who have only one day to spend can choose to visit the quaint towns of M\u1ef9 Tho <\/strong>and B\u1ebfn Tre<\/strong><\/span>, which are right next to each other.\u00a0<\/span>Here\u2019s what you can do in M\u1ef9 Tho and B\u1ebfn Tre for a scenic Mekong Delta weekend trip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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M\u1ef9 Tho and B\u1ebfn Tre<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"\"
\nM\u1ef9 Tho city as seen from the Tien River<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

M\u1ef9 Tho<\/strong> is a city located in Ti\u1ec1n Giang Province, surrounded by the vast Ti\u1ec1n and H\u1eadu rivers, M\u1ef9 Tho is famed for its endless canals banked with towering coconut trees and fruit gardens, a common sight in the Mekong Delta, especially in popular imagination.<\/p>\n

\"ben
\nImage credit: @itstaduuh<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The capital city of B\u1ebfn Tre Province, the picturesque B\u1ebfn Tre<\/span>\u00a0is adjacent to M\u1ef9 Tho and nicknamed \u201cthe land of coconuts\u201d because of its great numbers of coconut trees.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As they are only 13KM from each other, they make an easy day trip from Saigon for those looking to escape from the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How to get to M\u1ef9 Tho from Saigon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The travel time from Saigon to M\u1ef9 Tho City is only 2 hours. You can take a bus, which usually has 20-28 passengers, or a van, which can hold 7 to 10 passengers, depending on your preference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Van<\/strong><\/h4>\n

You can take a limousine van from Saigon to M\u1ef9 Tho with Nam \u00c1 Ch\u00e2u Tourist Agency<\/a> departing from 203 Pham Ngu Lao in Saigon’s District 1. The van will drop you off at its M\u1ef9 Tho office on 30\/4 Street.<\/span><\/p>\n

A one-way ride ticket is at VND150,000 (~USD6.48)<\/strong> per person.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bus<\/strong><\/h4>\n

You can take a Samco bus which has plenty of pick-up points across Saigon’s District 5 for your convenience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can wait for the bus at locations such as 108-124 T\u1ea3n \u0110\u00e0, Parkson H\u00f9ng V\u01b0\u01a1ng, Ch\u1ee3 R\u1eaby Hospital, Garden Mall, and Ph\u00fa L\u00e2m Roundabout.<\/span><\/p>\n

The bus will drop you off at its M\u1ef9 Tho office at 249 Nguy\u1ec5n Th\u1ecb Th\u1eadp in M\u1ef9 Tho Province.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For more information on pick-up and drop-off points, check out Samco\u2019s <\/span>detailed itinerary<\/span><\/a>. A one-way ride ticket with Samco starts from VND65,000 (~USD2.81)<\/strong> per person.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How to reach Mekong Delta\u2019s most iconic islands from downtown M\u1ef9 Tho<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"30\/4
\n30\/4 Boat Quay<\/em><\/p>\n

Next, you\u2019ll need to take a boat to the most famous islands of the Mekong Delta Region – Long (Dragon) Islands, L\u00e2n (Unicorn) Islands, Quy (Turtle) Islands, and Ph\u1ee5ng (Phoenix) Islands. From the van or bus drop-off points, take a cab for a 5-minute ride or walk to the <\/span>30\/4 Boat Quay.<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nVisitors take these boats to the surrounding islands<\/em><\/p>\n

Note: Most of the passengers traveling from the quay have bought tickets to book the whole boat. If you\u2019re not with any organized tour, you might want to negotiate the price of your ticket with the captain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The more passengers are on a boat, the lower the ticket price per person. In case you\u2019re the only one traveling on a boat, you will have to pay a higher price for your boat ride.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Tien River<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"\"
\nThe Ti\u1ec1n River<\/em><\/p>\n

The boat will take you on a ride around the Ti\u1ec1n River, the largest river of Ti\u1ec1n Giang Province.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From your seat, you\u2019ll catch sight of <\/span>R\u1ea1ch Mi\u1ec5u bridge<\/b>, a 8,331-long cable-stayed bridge that connects Ti\u1ec1n Giang Province with B\u1ebfn Tre Province.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Rach
\nImage credit: B\u00f9i Th\u1ee5y \u0110\u00e0o Nguy\u00ean\/Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also catch a glimpse of the most famous islands of the Mekong Delta Region – Long (Dragon) Islands, L\u00e2n (Unicorn) Islands, Quy (Turtle) Islands, and Ph\u1ee5ng (Phoenix) Islands, all awash with towering trees and gorgeous flowers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Aside from the city of M\u1ef9 Tho on the banks of the river, you\u2019ll also find numerous floating fish farms.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sip on honey tea and munch on dried bananas on Th\u1edbi S\u01a1n Island<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"\"
\nTh\u1edbi S\u01a1n Island<\/em><\/p>\n

Of all the 4 islands, Lan Islands, also known as <\/span>Th\u1edbi S\u01a1n Islands<\/b>, is the most visited one because of its larger size and plenty of fun activities for visitors to engage in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Upon reaching Th\u1edbi S\u01a1n Island, you\u2019ll walk into a rustic and quaint A-frame roofed house built from bamboo, a charming architectural structure commonly found only in the Mekong Delta region.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Sit down and recharge your batteries over some sweet and crunchy dried bananas and sweet and sour honey tea, which are the region\u2019s specialties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

You can buy some bottled honey tea to bring home for future use or as gifts for your family and friends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Take a stroll around the Th\u1edbi S\u01a1n village market<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Mekong<\/p>\n

After recharging with tasty snacks, exit the house and walk further into the village on scenic roads lined with trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mekong
\nVisitors at a local market on the island<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Here you\u2019ll chance upon plenty of souvenir shops selling crafts and cone hats made of bamboo straws as well as <\/span>\u00e1o b\u00e0 ba <\/span><\/em>and <\/span>kh\u0103n r\u1eb1n<\/span><\/em>, the iconic garments of the ladies of the Mekong Delta Region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"village
\nPlenty of \u00e1o b\u00e0 ba for kids and adults on sale at the village market on the island<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

While <\/span>\u00e1o d\u00e0i <\/span><\/em>is the staple of Vietnamese fashion for both formal and casual occasions, <\/span>\u00e1o b\u00e0 ba <\/b><\/em>has long been a popular casual garment among the residents of the Southern countryside, especially in the Mekong Delta region.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"MekongA woman clad in \u00e1o b\u00e0 ba<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

This is a long-sleeved shirt made of silk with a scooped neck, often paired with silk pants for a loose and comfortable feel suitable for casual occasions. This traditional garment is often worn by both men and women in the region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mekong
\nImage credit: Tourism Can Tho<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Kh\u0103n r\u1eb1n<\/span><\/em>, <\/span><\/i>or checkered scarves that are usually in black and white, is also a traditional accessory derived from the Khmer krama and donned by the residents of the Mekong Delta Region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though <\/span>kh\u0103n r\u1eb1n<\/span><\/em> is a popular fashion accessory among the residents of Mekong Delta Region, it’s little known that the scarf itself is also a weapon used in Vietnam\u2019s traditional martial arts, such as Takhado.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"khan
\nImage adapted from: Nhip Song Que Huong<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Soft and long, <\/span>kh\u0103n r\u1eb1n<\/span><\/em> can be used for both short and long-range combat using techniques such as hooking and tying opponents\u2019 limbs to send them tumbling to the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Watch live performances of \u0110\u1eddn Ca T\u00e0i T\u1eed<\/em>, traditional music from <\/strong>southern Vietnam <\/strong>in Th\u1edbi S\u01a1n Village<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Don
\nA \u0110\u1eddn Ca T\u00e0i T\u1eed band in 1911<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span><\/em>Wikipedia<\/span><\/em>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/a>\u0110\u1eddn Ca T\u00e0i T\u1eed<\/span><\/em> is a famous traditional music genre in southern parts of Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Founded towards the end of the 19th century, \u0110\u1eddn Ca T\u00e0i T\u1eed <\/em>boasts a combination of Hue chamber music and folk music, using instruments such as steel guitars, violins, plucked zithers, and bowed string instruments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"don<\/p>\n

At Th\u1edbi S\u01a1n island, you\u2019ll get a chance to watch live performances by local <\/span>\u0110\u1eddn Ca T\u00e0i T\u1eed<\/em> <\/span>musicians.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"don<\/p>\n

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Cruise along the canals on longtail boats in Th\u1edbi S\u01a1n<\/strong> <\/span>Island
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Mekong<\/p>\n

For an authentic Mekong Delta experience, a 20-minute longtail boat tour around the islands is essential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mekong
\n
\nWith a dense maze of canals that stretch across 1,200 hectares, Th\u1edbi S\u01a1n is the largest island in M\u1ef9 Tho.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mekong<\/p>\n

During your cruise on the longtail boats rowed by local residents, you\u2019ll catch sight of verdant fruit gardens and luxuriant trees such as star apple trees, orange trees, and coconut trees lining the banks of the canals.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mekong<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also find numerous quaint wooden houses alongside the canals where people sell snacks as well as home-cooked fish sauce.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Visit the manufacturing hub of coconut products at H\u01b0\u01a1ng D\u1eeba Candy Factory<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Lo<\/span><\/p>\n

The cruise will take you back to the dock where you\u2019ll get back on the big boats that brought you here from downtown M\u1ef9 Tho, and which will now take you for a 20-minute ride to B\u1ebfn Tre Province just across the river.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"coconut
\nCoconut processing machine<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Known as the hometown of giant coconut trees, B\u1ebfn Tre is also Vietnam\u2019s largest manufacturing hub of all manner of products made from coconuts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mekong
\nCoconut candies<\/em><\/p>\n

The boat will take you to H\u01b0\u01a1ng D\u1eeba Candy Factory <\/strong><\/span>(L\u00f2 K\u1eb9o H\u01b0\u01a1ng D\u1eeba),<\/b>\u00a0where you\u2019ll observe the process of coconuts being crushed, made into coconut candies, and served on site to visitors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"coconutCoconut candies are among the Mekong Delta region\u2019s specialties<\/em><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also find a variety of coconut oils and locally brewed wine.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mekong<\/p>\n

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Visit the relics of the Coconut Religion (\u0110\u1ea1o D\u1eeba<\/em>) in B\u1ebfn Tre<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Coconut
\nImage credit: Wikipedia<\/a><\/em>
\n<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Founded in 1963 by Vietnamese scholar <\/span>Nguy\u1ec5n Th\u00e0nh Nam (1909-1990)<\/b>, the Coconut Religion is a unique belief system, with its cradle situated on the Ph\u1ee5ng islet of the Mekong River in B\u1ebfn Tre.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nThe marble memorial plate of Nguy\u1ec5n Th\u00e0nh Nam, the founder of the Coconut Religion<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>B\u00f9i Th\u1ee5y \u0110\u00e0o Nguy\u00ean\/Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/span><\/em>
\n
\nAside from combining the main principles of Buddhism and Christianity, the religion promotes drinking coconut milk and eating only coconuts.\u00a0<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

The cult had also permitted its monks to marry 9 wives each, which raised eyebrows among the administration of the former South Vietnam in the day, and led to numerous clashes between its worshippers and authorities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Nguyen
\nThe deceased Coconut Religion founder Nguy\u1ec5n Th\u00e0nh Nam<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>VTC<\/a><\/span><\/em>
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\nAt its peak, the religion garnered around 4,000 followers.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Leader
\nThe Coconut Religion worshippers in the past<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span>Cong An Nhan Dan<\/a><\/span><\/em>
\n
\nAfter the death of its founder Nguy\u1ec5n Th\u00e0nh Nam, the number of followers was significantly reduced.\u00a0<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nThe Dragon Court<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/span><\/em>Wikipedia<\/span><\/em>
\n<\/span><\/a>
\nYou can still visit the Phung islet estate of the Coconut Religion, which includes spacious courts decorated with dragons and a Peace Tower.\u00a0<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Coconut
\nImage credit: B\u00f9i Th\u1ee5y \u0110\u00e0o Nguy\u00ean\/Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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Visit V\u0129nh Tr\u00e0ng Pagoda in M\u1ef9 Tho<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Vinh<\/p>\n

Located in M\u1ef9 H\u00f2a Village, M\u1ef9 Tho City, Ti\u1ec1n Giang Province, V\u0129nh Tr\u00e0ng Pagoda<\/b> is among the must-visit tourist attractions in the Mekong Delta Region.<\/p>\n

Built in 1849 during the Indochinese era, V\u0129nh Tr\u00e0ng Pagoda is a unique work of architecture featuring French, Roman, Thai, Champa, and Cambodian design elements, using yellow as its main color.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Vinh<\/p>\n

The gate of the pagoda is itself a masterpiece of art, made from broken porcelain and engraved with motifs showing Buddhist myths.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Featuring exquisitely carved work with curved sloping roofs on both sides, the design of the main hall is reminiscent of Angkor Wat\u2019s architecture in Cambodia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Vinh<\/p>\n

The exteriors and interiors of the pagoda, on the other hand, feature Corinthian-style columns, an iconic feature of Roman classical architecture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Vinh<\/p>\n

The pagoda is also a treasure trove of artifacts, playing host to 60 Buddha statues made of wood, cobble, and concrete, most of which were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th century.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Vinh<\/p>\n

One of the most checked-in spots in the pagoda is a statue featuring the reclining Shakyamuni Buddha, a 7-tier tower, and a 20M-tall and 250-ton Maitreya statue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Vinh<\/p>\n

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Dine at the open-air, country-style Vi\u1ec7t Nh\u1eadt Ecological Restaurant by T\u00e2n Th\u1ea1ch Canal<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\"Viet<\/p>\n

Decked out with spacious pavilions built from wood and bamboo straw, <\/span>Vi\u1ec7t Nh\u1eadt Ecological Restaurant<\/span><\/a> is the spot for an authentic Mekong Delta-style dining experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The restaurant is filled with fruit trees, flowers, ponds, as well as areas for team-building activities.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Viet<\/p>\n

From the restaurant, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the peaceful river lined with coconut trees and charming boats sailing back and forth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Things to do in M\u1ef9 Tho and B\u1ebfn Tre<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Filled with lush greenery and traditional architecture<\/a>, a trip to the Mekong Delta will offer great insights into the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Within one to two days, you can experience a universe of excitement with breathtaking boat tours, eye-opening Vietnamese traditional art shows, and delicious specialties.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also check out:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n