Bến Tre, Vietnam

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Bến Tre, Vietnam

Region: Bến Tre

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Geographic Coordinates: 10.233300, 106.383000

Climate: Tropical climate with two distinct seasons: rainy season from May to November, and dry season from December to April.

Population: 124449

Language: Vietnamese

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Bến Tre is a province located in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. It is roughly 85 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City and covers an area of 2, 360 square kilometers. The province has a population of over 1.5 million people, With more than half residing in rural areas. The land of coconuts, Bến Tre’s economy heavily relies on coconut cultivation for local products such as candy, Oil, And handicrafts that are sold both domestically and internationally. The province’s landscape boasts many rivers and canals that serve as important transportation routes for both people and goods.

Visitors can take boat tours along these waterways to explore Bến Tre’s picturesque scenery while learning about local life along the riverbanks. One notable attraction in Bến Tre is Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary – a natural reserve spanning over 7, 300 hectares that provides habitat for various bird species such as storks, Herons, Egrets, And kingfishers. Visitors can observe these beautiful birds up close while taking a boat ride through the sanctuary. Another popular destination in Bến Tre is Con Phung Island – an idyllic retreat located just off the coast from My Tho city.

The island boasts lush greenery, White sandy beaches lined with palm trees and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling. For history enthusiasts looking to learn more about Vietnam’s past during times of war against foreign invaders; there are several historical sites worth visiting such as Vinh Hung Ancient Tower or Dong Khoi Communal House where you can see relics from different periods throughout history including Cham culture artifacts dating back over 1 thousand years ago!

Bến Tre offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty combined with cultural heritage making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure or relaxation amidst stunning scenery and rich history. Its coconut plantations, Waterways, Bird sanctuary, And historical sites are just some of the many attractions that make this province a must-visit destination in Vietnam.

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1. Vàm Hồ Bird Sanctuary: This popular bird-watching spot boasts over 84 species of birds.
2. Cai Mon Fruit Village: A must-visit destination for fruit enthusiasts, Cai Mon is known for its vast orchards.
3. Vinh Trang Pagoda: Dating back to the 19th century, this famous Buddhist temple is renowned for its beautiful architecture and tranquil surroundings.
4. Dong Khoi Museum: Showcasing the history, culture, and traditions of Bến Tre province, this museum is a fascinating visit.
5. Coconut Candy Factory: Witness how coconut candy is made in this factory located in the coconut capital of Vietnam – Bến Tre.
6. Phu Nhuan Bridge: Offering stunning views of the Mekong Delta, this bridge connects Bến Tre to neighboring provinces.
7. My Thanh An Island: This peaceful island located in the middle of a river boasts lush greenery and an abundance of wildlife.
8. Tuyen Linh Pagoda: Featuring intricate carvings and stunning architecture, this beautiful temple is another must-see attraction.
9. Con Phung Island (Coconut Island): Home to mangroves, coconut trees, as well as various species of birds and fish; Con Phung Island is a unique ecosystem worth exploring!
10. Ba Tri Hot Springs Resort & Spa: Relax in natural hot springs while enjoying scenic views at this resort located near Ba Tri town in Bến Tre province!

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1. The major industries and businesses in Bến Tre, Vietnam are:
• Agriculture
• Aquaculture
• Tourism
2. The province is known for its coconut trees and produces a significant amount of coconut products such as:
• Coconut oil
• Candy
• Milk
• Handicrafts
3. Aquaculture is also a significant industry in the province with shrimp farming being the most popular.
4. In recent years, Bến Tre has been developing its tourism industry with attractions such as:
• Fruit orchards
• Historical sites like Vĩnh Tràng Temple and Đồng Khởi guerrilla warfare base
5. Additionally, small-scale manufacturing of textiles and garments also takes place in Bến Tre.

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1. The Battle of Bến Tre in 1968 was a significant event during the Vietnam War, where fierce fighting took place between American troops and North Vietnamese forces.
2. Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, an acclaimed poet and revolutionary, was born in Bến Tre in 1822.
3. Trương Định played a crucial role as a military commander leading the resistance against French colonial rule in southern Vietnam during the late 19th century.
4. The Coconut Revolution of 1945 saw local farmers demanding fair prices for their coconut crops and rising up against French colonial authorities.
5. In 1930, Ho Chi Minh established the first communist party cell in southern Vietnam’s Bến Tre province.
6. The Mekong Delta region has been a significant center for rice cultivation and export throughout much of Vietnam’s history.
7. Khmer culture has influenced traditional music and dance forms in Bến Tre due to its proximity to Cambodia.
8. Climate change is posing a threat to the agriculture and fishing industries of the region as rising sea levels could inundate large parts of the delta over time.

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1. Dong Khoi Museum is a museum that showcases the history and culture of Bến Tre province. It displays artifacts and exhibits related to the area’s agricultural, industrial, and cultural heritage.
2. Cai Mon Orchard Garden is a beautiful orchard garden that produces various fruits such as durian, rambutan, mangoes, and longans.
3. Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Mekong Delta region that houses over 200 species of birds.
4. Vinh Trang Pagoda is an ancient Buddhist temple built-in 1849 with Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer architectural styles.
5. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Tomb is the final resting place of famous poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu who was known for his patriotic poems during the French colonial period.
6. Ben Tre Coconut Candy Factory is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can witness how coconut candy gets made using traditional methods.
7. My Thanh An Village is a peaceful village located on an island in the middle of a river where visitors can experience local life by visiting farms or participating in traditional activities like weaving mats or making rice paper.
8. Bao Dai Palace II – Phu Huu Historical Monument Area was once used as King Bao Dai’s residence when he visited Ben Tre province during his reign from 1926-1945.
9. Rach Mieu Bridge is Vietnam’s longest cable-stayed bridge spanning across Tien River connecting Ben Tre Province with other provinces in Mekong Delta Region.

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1. Coconut Festival: This festival is held annually in April to celebrate the importance of coconut trees and their products in Bến Tre. It features various activities such as coconut cooking competitions, traditional music and dance performances, and a parade of decorated coconut trees.
2. Ong Pagoda Festival: This festival takes place at the Ong Pagoda in Bến Tre province during the first lunar month of each year (usually February). It is a religious event where locals come to worship and make offerings to the deity.
3. Ba Tri Buffalo Fighting Festival: This festival is held annually in Ba Tri district, Bến Tre province, during the seventh lunar month (usually August). It involves buffalo fighting contests between farmers from different villages.
4. Nghinh Ông Festival: This festival is celebrated every year on 16th July at Dua Beach in Thanh Phu district, Bến Tre province. The event honors fishermen and their ancestors with offerings made to sea gods for good weather and a bountiful catch.
5. Cai Mon Fruit Tree Village Festival: Held annually on 15th January according to lunar calendar or early February according to solar calendar at Cai Mon village, Cho Lach district, this festival celebrates fruits grown by local farmers with fruit displays, traditional games and food stalls selling local specialties.
6. Tien Giang – Ben Tre Boat Racing Festival : The annual boat racing competition takes place along Tien River which flows through both provinces of Tien Giang & Ben Tre on 14th-15th day of August according to lunar calendar or early September according to solar calendar with exciting races attracting large crowds cheering from riverbanks.
7. Long An – Ben Tre Cross-River Swimming Competition : Taking place on 10th day of August according to lunar calendar or late August/early September according solar calendar every year at Ham Luong River crossing two provinces Long An & Ben Tre, the competition is a test of endurance and swimming skills for participants.
8. Tet Nguyen Tieu: This festival falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month (usually in February) and is celebrated by Vietnamese Chinese communities to mark the end of Lunar New Year festivities with offerings made to ancestors, dragon dance performances and lantern displays.
9. Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrated on 15th day of August according to lunar calendar or early October according solar calendar every year, this festival features lion dances, mooncake making competitions and children carrying colorful lanterns parading through streets.
10. Christmas Day: Although not an official holiday in Vietnam, Christmas Day is celebrated by many Christians in Bến Tre with mass services at churches followed by family gatherings and feasting together.

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• Cá Lóc Nướng Trui (Grilled Snakehead Fish): A specialty dish of Bến Tre that is served at many restaurants in the area.
• Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Pancake): A crispy pancake made with rice flour and filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs.
• Hủ Tiếu Mì Gõn (Noodle Soup): A noodle soup made with pork broth and topped with shrimp, sliced pork, and vegetables.
• Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice): A popular Vietnamese dish made with broken rice grains served alongside grilled pork chops or other meats.
• Nhà Hàng Khách Sạn Mekong: This restaurant offers a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes including seafood hotpot and grilled fish.
• Quán Ốc Thanh Vân: This street food stall serves a range of fresh seafood such as snails cooked in lemongrass sauce or steamed clams dipped in garlic butter sauce.
• Nhà Hàng Thiên Thanh: This restaurant specializes in seafood dishes such as crab stir-fry or steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves.
• Quán Cây Dừa: Located on an island near Bến Tre city center, this restaurant serves delicious coconut-based dishes like coconut curry chicken or fried coconut shrimp.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Dong Khoi Park: A large park with a lake, walking paths, and playgrounds.
2. Ben Tre Water Park: A water park with slides, pools, and other attractions.
3. My Thanh Ecotourism Area: An eco-tourism area with boat tours, fishing activities and bird watching.
4. Coconut Island: A small island that can be reached by boat where visitors can enjoy coconut-based products like candy or juice.
5. Phu Le Communal House: A historical site where visitors can learn about the culture of the region through traditional music performances, crafts demonstrations or festivals.
6. Vinh Trang Pagoda: A Buddhist temple that features beautiful architecture and gardens for visitors to explore.
7. Cai Mon Fruit Garden: An orchard where visitors can pick their own fruit like pomelo or rambutan while enjoying the scenery of the countryside.
8. Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery: A Buddhist monastery located on top of Ba Tri Hill offering panoramic views of Ben Tre province’s landscape.
9. Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary: A protected area for various species of birds including storks herons and egrets.
10. Cho Lach Flower Village: A village known for its colorful flower gardens, nurseries where visitors can buy flowers & plants.

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