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Outdoors

Mekong Delta Bike Ride

You ride flat, narrow lanes through coconut groves and orchards, over small canals on bridges barely wide enough for one person, and past family workshops, including some of the area's 300-plus coconut candy makers. From Ben Tre town you can ride past the market and river to the ferry for Cu Lao Long islet and its shaded, tree-lined paths.

For The Reps · Updated

bike ride scenery for Mekong Delta near Ben Tre
Photo: Envisat image of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam ESA210677 by European Space Agency, CC BY-SA 3.0 igo (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/igo/deed.en). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
Ben Tre, Vietnam

The route

Coconut-grove lanes around Ben Tre, self-guided from Ben Tre town or on a guided day tour.

Ben Tre town is about two hours by road from Ho Chi Minh City; buses take 1.5-2 hours, usually via My Tho. Most hotels in Ben Tre lend bicycles, and guided day tours include transfers from Ho Chi Minh City.

Before you go

  • Ask your hotel for a bicycle; most in Ben Tre lend them free to guests.
  • Go with a local guide if you want the small back lanes you would not find on your own.
  • Add a sampan ride through the narrow side canals lined with coconut palms.
  • Stop at a coconut candy workshop to see how the sweets are made from coconut milk and sugar.

What to bring

  • Helmet
  • Spare tube, tyre levers and a pump
  • Water and snacks
  • Front and rear lights
  • A layer for descents and stops

Getting ready for it

Time in the saddle matters more than speed.

If you have not ridden for a while, do two or three rides of an hour or two first so your legs and your seat are used to it.

Staying safe

  • The heat makes longer rides tiring, so start early and carry water.
  • Wear bright clothing and use lights wherever there is traffic.
  • Check your brakes and tyres before you leave.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against vietnam.travel, vietnam.travel, vietnam.travel, sandinmyshoe.com, mekongdeltatravel.com.vn and en.wikipedia.org. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.