Discover Traditional Villages in Ben Tre: Coconut Candy & Girdle Cake Craft Tours, Prices & Experiences in Vinh Long

Ben Tre ward, nestled in Vinh Long province, is the heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta “Coconut Kingdom,” where traditional villages weave a rich tapestry of culture, craftsmanship, and cuisine. Renowned for its 74,000 hectares of coconut groves, Ben Tre is home to vibrant craft villages like Chau Thanh’s coconut candy workshops and My Long’s girdle cake makers, per legendtravelgroup.com. These villages, rooted in centuries-old traditions, offer immersive experiences where visitors can witness artisans at work, craft their own coconut candy, and savor local delicacies. Just 85 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Tre’s villages are a must-visit for those seeking authentic eco-tourism and cultural exploration. Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, curates guided tours that blend these craft experiences with Ben Tre’s waterways and culinary treasures. Ready to dive into Vinh Long’s artisanal heritage? Book your tour via the links on this page and embark on a Mekong Delta adventure!

Ben Tre’s traditional villages are living museums of Mekong Delta culture, showcasing the ingenuity of local artisans who transform coconut and rice into iconic products. Chau Thanh’s coconut candy village, one of Vietnam’s oldest, produces Kẹo Dừa—a sweet treat since the 1930s—exported to Singapore and beyond, per legendtravelgroup.com. My Long’s girdle cake village in Giong Trom crafts Bánh Tráng (rice paper), known for its coconut-infused flavors, per legendtravelgroup.com. These villages offer hands-on experiences, from candy-making to rice paper grilling, set against lush coconut groves and canals, per legendtravelgroup.com. The warm hospitality, vibrant festivals like the Ben Tre Coconut Festival (biennial, July), and affordable activities make Ben Tre a cultural gem, per vietnam.vn. Legend Travel Group’s tours ensure an authentic journey, combining village visits with Ben Tre’s natural and culinary highlights.

Why Ben Tre’s Villages Stand Out:

• Coconut Craft Legacy: Witness the art of Kẹo Dừa production, a cultural icon, per legendtravelgroup.com.

• Artisanal Rice Paper: Explore My Long’s unique Bánh Tráng varieties, per legendtravelgroup.com.

• Hands-On Experiences: Participate in crafting candy or rice paper, per legendtravelgroup.com.

• Eco-Tourism Charm: Blend village tours with canal cruises and orchard visits, per legendtravelgroup.com.

Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Mekong Delta experiences with English-speaking guides, sustainable partnerships with local artisans, and seamless logistics. Our Ben Tre village tours inspire action, combining craft workshops with culinary tastings, boat rides, and cultural immersion. Reserve your spot now and let us guide you through Vinh Long’s artisanal and cultural treasures!

Ben Tre’s traditional villages are steeped in the region’s coconut-centric heritage, with over 200,000 households cultivating coconuts across 74,000 hectares, per legendtravelgroup.com. Chau Thanh’s coconut candy village, near Rach Mieu Bridge, is a hub of Kẹo Dừa production, where artisans use Siamese coconuts, malt, and sugar to craft candies in flavors like durian and pandan, per legendtravelgroup.com. My Long girdle cake village, 7 km from Ben Tre city along Road 885, produces Bánh Tráng—thin, crispy rice paper with coconut milk, grilled over charcoal for a fragrant, porous texture, per vietnamtourism.vn. These villages, thriving since the early 20th century, blend tradition with innovation, offering diverse products like cocoa-infused candy and milk-enhanced rice paper, per legendtravelgroup.com. Set amidst canals and orchards, they provide a window into Ben Tre’s rural life in Vinh Long province, per vlegendtravelgroup.com.

Ben Tre’s villages are accessible year-round, but key times enhance the experience:

• Dry Season (December–April): Mild weather (25–35°C) is ideal for village tours and outdoor workshops, per legendtravelgroup.com.

• Rainy Season (May–October): Lush greenery and coconut harvests; morning visits (8:00–11:00 AM) avoid showers, per legendtravelgroup.com.

• Ben Tre Coconut Festival (July, biennial): Showcases candy-making and crafts, per vietnam.vn.

• Tet (Lunar New Year, January–February): Villages bustle with festive candy and rice paper production, per legendtravelgroup.com.

Tip: Book tours 1–2 weeks ahead for July’s festival or Tet to secure spots, as crowds peak, per tripadvisor.com.

Ben Tre’s craft villages are 7–15 km from Ben Tre city center and 85 km from Ho Chi Minh City:

From Ben Tre City

• Chau Thanh Coconut Candy Village: Follow National Highway 60 to An Khanh ward, Chau Thanh (12–15 km).

• My Long Girdle Cake Village: Take Provincial Road 885 to My Thanh commune, Giong Trom (7 km).

• Motorbike: 15–30 min, rental $8–$10/day (200,000–250,000 VND) + fuel $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Taxi/Ride-Hailing: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), 15–20 min.

• Local Bus: Buses to Chau Thanh or Giong Trom ($1–$1.60, 25,000–40,000 VND), 20–30 min, then xe ôm ($1–$1.60), per legendtravelgroup.com.

From Ho Chi Minh City

• Route: Highway 1A to My Tho, cross Rach Mieu Bridge, follow Highway 60 to Ben Tre, then local roads to villages, per ilegendtravelgroup.com.

• Bus: 1.5–2h from Mien Tay Bus Station ($3–$5, 75,000–125,000 VND), then taxi ($3–$5), per legendtravelgroup.com.

• Private Car: 2–2.5h, $40–$60 (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND).

• Boat: High-speed ferries to Ben Tre piers, 2h, $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND), then taxi ($3–$5), per legendtravelgroup.com.

Tip: Use Google Maps for navigation; Legend Travel Group’s tours include round-trip transfers for a seamless journey.

Ben Tre’s craft villages offer immersive cultural and culinary experiences. Below are the top activities with current prices (1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND), focusing on Chau Thanh and My Long:

1. Craft Coconut Candy in Chau Thanh
   Participate in Kẹo Dừa production, from grating coconuts to molding candies, at workshops like Thanh Long or Ngoc Huong, per legendtravelgroup.com.

   • Price: Free entry; workshops $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND)/person; candy $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND)/300g.

   • Location: An Khanh ward, Chau Thanh (12–15 km from Ben Tre city).

   • Duration: 30–60 minutes.

   • Highlights: “Hands-on and sweet” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).

   • Tip: Try pandan or durian flavors; buy as souvenirs, per legendtravelgroup.com.

2. Make Girdle Cake in My Long Village
   Learn to craft Bánh Tráng with coconut milk, grilling rice paper over charcoal, per legendtravelgroup.com.

   • Price: Free entry; workshops $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND)/person; rice paper $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND)/pack.

   • Location: My Thanh commune, Giong Trom (7 km via Road 885).

   • Duration: 30–45 minutes.

   • Highlights: “Fragrant, crispy results” (legendtravelgroup.com).

   • Tip: Try coconut milk fat cake; book workshops for groups, per legendtravelgroup.com.

3. Explore Coconut Handicraft Workshops
   Witness artisans creating bowls, baskets, and mats from coconut shells and fibers in Chau Thanh, per legendtravelgroup.com.

   • Price: Free entry; crafts $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND); workshops $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).

   • Location: An Khanh ward, Chau Thanh.

   • Duration: 30–60 minutes.

   • Highlights: “Eco-friendly artistry” (legendtravelgroup.com).

   • Tip: Buy coconut shell souvenirs; morning visits avoid heat, per legendtravelgroup.com.

4. Savor Local Cuisine Near Villages
   Enjoy dishes like Cơm Dừa ($1.20–$3.20), Bì Cuốn ($0.80–$1.20), or Bánh Xèo Ốc Gạo ($1.20–$2) at nearby eateries, per legendtravelgroup.com.

   • Price: Meals $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND)/person; drinks $0.40–$0.80 (10,000–20,000 VND).

   • Location: Chau Thanh or Giong Trom homestays and restaurants.

   • Duration: 30–60 minutes.

   • Highlights: “Rustic, coconut-infused flavors” (legendtravelgroup.com).

   • Tip: Pair with honey tea; dine canal-side for ambiance, per legendtravelgroup.com.

5. Experience Đờn Ca Tài Tử Music
   Listen to UNESCO-recognized đờn ca tài tử folk music at village homestays or during tours, per vietnamtourism.vn.

   • Price: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND)/performance, often included in tours.

   • Location: Chau Thanh or Giong Trom homestays.

   • Duration: 15–30 minutes.

   • Highlights: “Soulful cultural immersion” (legendtravelgroup.com).

   • Tip: Evening performances (6:00–8:00 PM) enhance the vibe; tip artists $0.40–$0.80, per vietnam.vn.

Our guided tours offer a seamless way to explore Ben Tre’s craft villages, blending artisanal experiences with cultural and culinary highlights. All include transportation, English-speaking guides, and entrance fees:

• Half-Day Coconut Candy Village Tour ($35–$50 per person)
  Visit Chau Thanh’s coconut candy workshops ($2–$5), craft Kẹo Dừa ($1–$3/300g), and enjoy đờn ca tài tử music ($1–$3). Includes coconut water ($0.40–$0.80) and a short canal cruise ($5–$10).

• Full-Day Ben Tre Craft & Culture Adventure ($70–$100 per person)
  Explore Chau Thanh and My Long villages, participate in Bánh Tráng workshops ($2–$4), and visit Thanh Long Coconut Candy Factory ($1.20–$2.40/300g). Includes a boat ride ($5–$10) and Cơm Dừa lunch ($1.20–$3.20).

• Private Village & Mekong Tour ($90–$130 per person, minimum 2 people)
  Customize with coconut handicraft workshops ($3–$5), a cooking class ($10–$15), and a firefly night cruise ($20–$30). Includes Bì Cuốn ($0.80–$1.20) and Kẹo Dừa gift ($1–$3).

• Combo Coconut Festival Tour ($60–$80 per person, July)
  Experience the Ben Tre Coconut Festival (free entry, snacks $0.40–$2), visit Chau Thanh village, and taste Chuối Đập ($0.40–$0.80) at Phu Cho Market. Includes a canal cruise ($5–$10).

• Multi-Day Mekong Delta Craft Odyssey ($180–$300 per person, 2–3 days)
  Combine Chau Thanh, My Long, Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary ($0.80–$1.20), and Con Quy Island ($5–$10 boat), with a homestay at Mekong Rustic ($15–$30/night). Includes meals and activities.

Prices include guides, transfers, activities, and meals/snacks. Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND. Group discounts for 10+ travelers. Book now for seasonal promotions!

• Plan Timing: Visit December–April for mild weather or July for the Coconut Festival; book tours 1–2 weeks ahead for festivals, per vietnam.vn.

• Pack Smart: Wear light clothing, closed shoes for workshops, and raincoats for May–October. Bring a reusable bag for souvenirs, per legendtravelgroup.com.

• Budget Wisely: Workshops cost $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND); candy/rice paper $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND); meals $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND); tours $35–$300 (875,000–7,500,000 VND).

• Respect Artisans: Follow workshop rules; ask permission before photographing, per legendtravelgroup.com.

• Bring Cash: Small VND notes (5,000–20,000) for vendors; few accept cards, per legendtravelgroup.com.

• Stay Safe: Keep valuables secure; use crossbody bags. Boat rides require life vests, provided by operators, per legendtravelgroup.com.

• Join a Guided Tour: Legend Travel Group’s tours ensure vetted vendors, safe transport, and cultural insights, addressing crowd concerns noted on Tripadvisor.

Ready to explore Ben Tre’s artisanal heritage? Legend Travel Group makes it effortless:

• Browse Tours: Explore our craft-focused options on this page (right or below).

• Customize Your Trip: Contact us for private tours, festival itineraries, or culinary add-ons.

• Book Seamlessly: Secure your spot with a small deposit and enjoy free cancellations up to 24 hours before departure.

• Live the Mekong Dream: Our guides deliver an authentic, unforgettable experience in Vinh Long.

Book Now and let Legend Travel Group craft your perfect Ben Tre village adventure!

Ben Tre Region, Vinh Long Province, a Mekong Delta treasure 85 km from Ho Chi Minh City, captivates with its traditional villages, celebrating the region’s coconut and craft heritage and drawing thousands yearly. From crafting Kẹo Dừa (coconut candy, $0.50–$1, 12,500–25,000 VND) in Chau Thanh District’s workshops to grilling Bánh Tráng (rice paper, $0.20–$0.50, 5,000–12,500 VND) in My Long Village, Giong Trom District, these villages offer immersive experiences blending artistry, culture, and cuisine. Legend Travel Group’s Ben Tre Tours provide a seamless, sustainable Ben Tre Travelexperience, combining eco-friendly practices like low-impact canal cruises with culinary delights such as Cơm Dừa(coconut rice, $1–$2, 25,000–50,000 VND), cultural performances of đờn ca tài tử music, and visits to Con Phung Island and Ben Tre Market. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to visit Ben Tre’s traditional villages? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in the Mekong Delta’s cultural heart!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Ben Tre Traditional Villages Information: saigoneer.com, lilystravelagency.com, vietnamdiscovery.com, visavietnam.net.vn, cofresh.vn, tnktravel.com, vemekong.com, vietnamtourism.org.vn, vietnamtrips.com, dacsanday.net