The Legend of Ba Lai

In the heart of Bến Tre, where three peaceful islets converge, the Ba Lai River emerges as a green legend of the Southern land. Stretching 55 kilometers from Châu Thành to the Bình Đại estuary, the river flows gently, carrying layers of alluvium, stories, and the cultural imprints of orchard dwellers. This is where Lord Nguyễn once sought refuge, surviving on wild forest fruits; where the river serves as a gateway leading visitors into pristine nature—one of the rare remaining primary forests in the Mekong Delta. Towering centuries-old Gừa trees stand alongside a rich mangrove ecosystem dominated by mangrove trees with intricate root systems rising above the water, acting as natural barriers against waves, erosion, and land loss. This ecosystem provides shelter for countless species of birds, fish, and shrimp, forming a vast green lung of the region. Despite natural changes that have reduced bird populations, the forest’s untouched and tranquil beauty still makes visitors feel as though they have stepped into a living legend of the Southern land.

8am: The tour guide welcomes guests at Ben Tre Riverside Resortand departs for Hải Vân Farm Amid the tranquil organic farm setting, guests are greeted with sake tea and sugar-free banana candy.

Guests will experience the following activities:

GREEN COCONUT TOUR EXPERIENCE

• Explore a collection of 10 coconut varieties at the farm.
• Enjoy fresh coconuts, coconut shoots, coconut hearts; sip lotus tea and taste sugar-free banana candy. Experience coconut-made musical instruments.
• Learn about the role and value of coconut trees.
• Visit Vàm Hồ Coconut Market and shop directly at the garden.

DISCOVER THE ENCHANTING BEAUTY OF VÀM HỒ BIRD SANCTUARY

• Admire the mysterious beauty of Vàm Hồ forest.
• Learn about medicinal plants and their uses.
• Listen to bird calls and identify species with the guide.
• Visit the Vàm Hồ Revolutionary Base.
• Receive environmental protection messages from the guide.
• Check in at the three-hundred-year-old Gừa trees, officially recognized as Vietnamese Heritage Trees.

Lunch: Guests enjoy traditional Vàm Hồ cuisine with authentic local flavors.

1:30pm: EXPERIENCE MEKONG RIVER LIFE

• Listen to historical stories and enjoy the “Lord Nguyễn’s Royal Rice Meal.”
• Enjoy fresh nipa palm fruit onboard.
• Learn about traditional fishing at the Ba Lai estuary.
• Visit the Ba Lai Dam;
• Explore the largest straw market in Bến Tre.
• Take photos along the poetic Ba Lai River.

2:30pm: VÀM HỒ COUNTRYSIDE MARKET EXPERIENCE

• Visit and shop for local agricultural products and sugar-free banana candy.
• Experience the 5,000 VND countryside market.

Check in with scenic natural landscapes at the farm.

3pm: End of the program. Guests return to Ben Tre Riverside Resort.

TOUR RATES:
Group 4-6 pax: VND840,000/guest
Group ≥7 pax: VND680,000/guest

Child rate:

• Chid ≤ 4t: free
• Child 5-7y: 85% ticket
• Child ≥8y: 100% ticket