9 Best Tours In Ben Tre (With Reviews & Prices)

Ben Tre is one of the most charming spots in the Mekong Delta, known for its lush coconut groves, peaceful waterways, and authentic local life. What makes it stand out for tours is its variety—whether you want a half-day adventure on a sailboat and scooter or a full-day exploration of rural crafts and markets, there’s something for every traveler. We particularly enjoy tours that combine cultural insights with hands-on experiences, like visiting a candy-making village or paddling through narrow canals—these provide a truly immersive way to understand the region. If you’re seeking a less touristy, authentic experience, Ben Tre offers plenty, especially with options involving private boat rides and local interactions.

Some tours, like the Ben Tre: Scooter, Culture, Sailboat and Mekong Food, stand out because they avoid the usual crowded spots and instead take you through villages few travelers see. Others, such as the Private tour exploring rural life, focus on close-up encounters with local artisans and farmers. Whatever your style—whether a quick half-day or a leisurely multi-day trip—you’ll find options that blend scenic beauty, cultural stories, and delicious food. Below is a detailed look at some of the top tours to help you decide.

1. Ben Tre: Scooter, Culture, Sailboat and Mekong Food (Half Day)

This half-day tour offers a dynamic mix of experiences in just under five hours. Priced at $49 per person, it’s an excellent choice for travelers short on time but eager to see the real Mekong. The tour kicks off with a motorbike ride through quiet villages, giving you a glimpse of local life away from the busier tourist spots. The driver is experienced, ensuring a safe and scenic ride through lush landscapes. Next, you’ll cruise on a unique sailboat along a winding tributary, surrounding you with coconut palms and river wildlife.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on authentic, local activities—like visiting a candy-making village, exploring weaving workshops, and tasting delicious street food. The lunch features local specialties, offering a taste of Mekong flavors you won’t forget. The final highlight is relaxing on a serene sailboat, providing a peaceful contrast to the energetic scooter ride. With 87 reviews rating it a perfect 5.0/5, travelers love the combination of off-the-beaten-path villages and immersive experiences. This tour is perfect for those seeking a compact, authentic Mekong experience with plenty of cultural insights.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers short on time who want a lively, authentic taste of Ben Tre with plenty of local flavor.

2. Private tour: Explore the authentic rural life in Ben Tre

At number 2, this private tour offers a personalized deep dive into rural Mekong life over approximately four to five hours. For $46.67 per person, you’ll experience a boat trip on small rivers and a rowing boat through scissor canals, which allows close-up views of the lush, unspoiled landscape. The journey starts with a visit to the Ben Tre Old Brick Kiln, where you’ll watch workers craft bricks using traditional methods—a real window into local industry.

Next, you’ll explore a coconut processing workshop to see how coconuts are turned into products, then sample fresh coconut and listen to traditional folk music at the Ben Tre Nam Bo Coconut Candy Mill. The tour continues with a stop at a handloom weaving house, where you can try your hand at weaving mats using natural straw. Finally, you’ll enjoy a riverside lunch at a local restaurant, featuring fresh seafood and regional specialties.

This tour is highly rated for its intimate and genuine experience, appealing to travelers who love seeing local craftsmanship and natural scenery up close. The small-group format ensures personalized attention—perfect if you prefer a more relaxed pace and meaningful interactions with local artisans.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a slow-paced, authentic glimpse into Ben Tre’s traditional industries and rural lifestyle.

3. Full-Day Mekong Tour: HCM to My Tho & Ben Tre

For around $20, this full-day Mekong tour covers significant ground from Ho Chi Minh City with visits to My Tho and Ben Tre, two key Mekong Delta towns. It combines village visits, boat cruises, and cultural entertainment, making it a budget-friendly way to experience the region’s highlights. The tour includes a ride on a big boat that takes you to the largest pogoda, and traditional Vietnamese food features prominently for lunch.

You’ll get to experience the traditional hand-rowed boat rides that are iconic in the Mekong and see local crafts and markets. The focus is on scenic waterways, local cuisine, and cultural sights, offering a rundown suitable for first-timers. The reviews are strong with a 4.7/5 rating, praising the value and the variety of experiences. It’s a good fit for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing without the hefty price tag.

Bottom Line: Best for budget-conscious travelers wanting a broad overview of Mekong life, from markets to boat rides.

4. Ben Tre Prawn-Catching & Authentic Mekong Private Day Tour

This private tour at $150 per person offers an immersive day in Ben Tre, perfect for seafood lovers and curious explorers. It shines with prawn-catching on jungle waterways, where you can try your hand at catching fresh prawns—a hands-on activity that’s fun and different. The tour includes fruit picking, a visit to a chocolate factory, and a relaxing boat ride through jungle canals.

What makes this stand out is the combination of culinary experiences—you’ll enjoy onboard prawns, tropical fruits, and chocolates made on-site. The boat cruise through narrow, jungle-lined waterways offers a peaceful escape, and the tour’s focus on local food and crafts makes it ideal for those who want a culinary and nature-focused day. The reviews highlight the freshness of prawns and the authentic atmosphere. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a full sensory experience—from catching seafood to tasting chocolates.

Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies and nature lovers eager for a hands-on, culinary adventure in the Mekong.

5. Ben Tre- Mekong River private tour with Local experiences

At $54.51 per person, this private river tour offers a relaxed, less touristy experience focused on cruising, local interactions, and authentic scenery. It takes about five hours and includes a boat ride along the river, visits to local houses, and interactions with villagers. The tour guarantees a peaceful escape, away from crowded spots, with plenty of opportunities for photos and genuine conversations.

Highlights include visiting the Ben Tre Market via boat, seeing homemade rice-paper workshops, and exploring water coconut forests by sampan. The tour is ideal if you value privacy and local authenticity, and the option for hotel pickup adds convenience. This tour is perfect for those who want a slow, relaxing day centered on local culture and scenery.

Bottom Line: Well-suited for travelers seeking a quiet, intimate experience with authentic local life.

6. Mekong Delta 2 Days 1 Night – Shared Tour

For travelers wanting a deep dive into the Mekong Delta, this 2-day shared tour offers an overnight immersion for $101. It includes visits to local workshops, boat trips, and scenic villages. Highlights are an overnight stay in a traditional homestay, exploring local markets, and sampling tropical fruits and drinks. Plus, you’ll get to row a traditional boat and enjoy bicycle rides in the countryside.

Rated 3.7/5, it’s a good choice if you want to spend more time absorbing the slower pace of river life and engaging with local families. It’s ideal for those who want more comprehensive insight than a day trip can provide, with a balance of cultural activities and leisure.

Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers ready to spend a night, seeking a more immersive Mekong experience.

7. From Ho Chi Minh: 2-Day Mekong Delta & Cai Rang Market Tour

This 2-day tour explores the most vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market and nearby villages. It includes a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda, boat rides on the Tien River, and exploration of Thoi Son Island with honeybee farms and fruit gardens. The tour emphasizes local markets, cultural sights, and boat rides, perfect for those who want a comprehensive look at the Mekong.

While review ratings are not provided, the itinerary’s focus on floating markets and local craft makes it appealing for first-time visitors. It’s an excellent choice if you want a balanced mix of sightseeing, shopping, and cultural insight over two days.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting an authentic, in-depth Mekong tour with a focus on floating markets.

8. From HCM: Mekong Delta and Cai Rang Floating 3-Days tour

This 3-day, 2-night tour offers an extensive exploration, including 4 islands in My Tho, a dinner cruise in Can Tho, and visits to Cai Rang Floating Market. It covers a lot of ground—from sea temples to last stop at Ca Mau, Vietnam’s southernmost point. The tour highlights cultural experiences, local cuisine, and scenic boat rides.

Rated 4.1/5, it’s best suited for travelers with time and interest in a comprehensive Mekong adventure. It combines nature, culture, and cuisine across multiple locations, making it a great choice for those who want to see as much as possible.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a full-bodied, multi-day Mekong experience that covers many highlights.

9. From Ho Chi Minh City: Less tourist 2D tour Ben Tre-Can Tho

Finally, this less touristy 2-day tour emphasizes quiet waterways, local villages, and floating markets. For $334 per person, it offers a more intimate experience with cycling, boat rides, and chocolate making. It’s ideal for travelers who want to escape crowded tourist spots and focus on authentic interactions with locals.

Highlights include exploring Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve and visiting the Cai Rang floating market. The tour balances nature, culture, and cuisine for a well-rounded, private experience.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a more secluded, personalized Mekong Delta journey.

How to Choose the Best Tour in Ben Tre

When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and what experiences excite you most. If you’re after a quick, immersive taste of the region, the Ben Tre: Scooter, Culture, Sailboat and Mekong Food offers a lively half-day. For those seeking a deeper connection with local crafts and rural life, the private exploration is ideal. Want to spend more time discovering floating markets and scenic waterways? The 2-day Cai Rang tour or the full 3-day tour might be better bets.

If you prefer a quiet, personalized experience, look towards private or less touristy options like the Ben Tre river cruise. Budget travelers will find value in the full-day tour from HCM, while those with more time might enjoy the multi-day excursions.

Remember to book early, especially for popular dates, and pick a tour that matches your fitness level and interest in culture, food, or scenery.

Ben Tre offers a diverse array of tours that can suit nearly every traveler, from quick cultural bites to extensive multi-day explorations. Whether you’re after a half-day scooter adventure or an overnight boat cruise, the region’s authentic charm makes every experience memorable. We recommend choosing a tour that aligns with your interests—don’t miss out on the chance to see the Mekong from a local’s perspective. Start planning now and secure your spot early, as these experiences tend to fill up fast.