Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Ben Tre

Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Ben Tre: Journey to the Coconut Land of the Mekong Delta

For those who have the chance to travel in southern Vietnam, no one would miss visitingBen Tre Provincewhich is famous for its coconut products and the unique charm of Mekong River life. Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre is convenient and quite easy. But for mr.hotsia, I want to share my detailed and immersive experience on this route.

Departing from Ho Chi Minh South Bus Station

I started at Ho Chi Minh's South Bus Station, a hub for buses traveling to many provinces in the Mekong Delta. There are various types of vehicles here, from regular buses to air-conditioned vans with comfortable seats. I chose to use Mai Linh company, also known as "Mai Linh," which has large bright green vans. This company is known for good and honest service. No worries about price scams or poor service because I heard from locals that this company is trustworthy.

Onboard atmosphere and scenery along the way

On the approximately 85-kilometer journey from Ho Chi Minh to Ben Tre, my van had cool air conditioning and spacious seats, comfortable enough for a short nap. When the van entered Tien Giang Province, I saw green coconut gardens on both sides and locals living simply as farmers.

The highlight of the trip is the large suspension bridge crossing from My Tho city into Ben Tre Province. This bridge is not only a connection route but also a beautiful viewpoint, especially in the evening when the sun is setting. I took out my camera to capture the golden sky reflecting on the wide Mekong River, a memorable atmosphere rarely found in big cities.

Arriving in Ben Tre: The starting point to explore the coconut land

Mai Linh's van goes directly into Ben Tre city center, no need to get off at the bus station which is quite far from downtown. The parking is near the city’s central lake, making it easy for me to walk and explore the market and riverside. The market is lively and full of fresh coconut garden products. I tried the famous coconut candy as a souvenir.Ben Tre Coconut CandyRich and sweet flavor, perfect for gifting friends.

Recommended onward travel and nearby tours

Many people I met chose tours from Ho Chi Minh City that include packages to Ben Tre and then on to Can Tho, a city famous for its floating markets such asCan Tho Floating MarketThese tours usually offer a full experience of Mekong River life without the hassle of arranging transportation yourself.

But if you prefer to travel independently like me, taking the bus from Ben Tre to My Tho is a good option. The bus passes the suspension bridge seen on the way here again. During this time, I chatted with locals on the bus. Most Vietnamese are friendly and enjoy talking with foreign tourists, a great chance to practice Vietnamese language.

Moments not to miss in Ben Tre

After arriving in the city, I recommend taking an evening walk on the bridge over the Mekong River to watchthe sunset on the Mekong River in Ben TreThe golden atmosphere reflecting on the water is unforgettable. Then try the dry noodle dish at a great local shop near the bridge that I discovered. It was so delicious I had to share.

At night, I strolled around the central lake where there is a local food market and a friendly atmosphere, similar to Nong Jong Kham in Mae Hong Son. There are many local restaurants offering dishes like grilled eel, a local specialty, paired with affordable Vietnamese wine bought from Co.opmart. Anyone who enjoys local vibes and home-style flavors will definitely love it.Night stroll in Ben Treis an activity not to be missed.

Summary of experience and advice from mr.hotsia

For me, mr.hotsia, the trip from Ho Chi Minh to Ben Tre allowed me to truly experience the lifestyle of Vietnamese people in the Mekong Delta. Riding Mai Linh’s comfortable and well-serviced van made the journey not too tiring, and the view of the suspension bridge crossing the Mekong River was so beautiful I wished time would stop.

Ben Tre is not only an ancient city famous for coconuts and coconut candy but also a city full of stories and perspectives of riverside life that are completely different from big cities in Vietnam. If you enjoy lifestyle and nature tourism, I recommend you visit Ben Tre at least once.This coconut citywill not disappoint you.

And if you want to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the Mekong River and local life together, don’t forget to prepare your camera for beautiful shots at the suspension bridge and riverside market, as well as try local Vietnamese dishes like grilled button squid or Vietnamese chicken biryani that I tried and recommended on my YouTube channel (watch the Vietnamese Grilled Button Squid videohere) to complete your travel memories.