Bến Tre – Sailing Through the Land of Coconuts

We arrived in Bến Tre as the morning mist hovered over winding rivers, and the scent of coconut filled the air. Known for its iconic coconut palms, the province offers a true taste of the Mekong’s soul — quiet, green, and deeply connected to the land and water. Our journey began with a boat ride through small canals lined with nipa palms. The sound of the paddle cutting through the water was calming, almost meditative. We visited a local family that makes traditional coconut candy by hand, watching as the syrup boiled and cooled into rich, golden sweetness. The craftsmanship, passed down for generations, was a reminder of how deeply rooted traditions still thrive here. In the afternoon, we cycled along village roads shaded by towering coconut trees. Friendly smiles greeted us at every turn. We stopped at fruit orchards to taste rambutan and mangosteen freshly picked from the trees — the flavors bursting with the vitality of the delta. Bến Tre’s history spoke through its people. At the Đồng Khởi Monument, we heard stories of the courageous women-led uprising that ignited local resistance during wartime. The pride in local voices, even decades later, showed how closely the past still breathes in Bến Tre’s heart. As dusk approached, we sat by the river, sipping fresh coconut water, the sky painted with soft orange and purple hues. It was in that moment — between the whisper of palm leaves and the gentle ripple of the water — that we felt completely at peace. Bến Tre is not just a place to visit; it's a place to feel. To slow down. To breathe. To remember the quiet joy of simplicity.

Mrs Nguyen

Author of this story.