When people think of Ben Tre, they often picture endless coconut groves, winding waterways, and the gentle, unhurried rhythm of orchard life. Yet, in the south eastern corner of the province, where river mouths meet the East Sea, the district of Thanh Phu emerges like an undiscovered gem raw, rustic and deeply infused with the breath of Vietnam’s southern coastline.
Unlike the bustling atmosphere of Phu Quoc or the crowded beaches of Vung Tau, Thanh Phu offers a serene and peaceful escape. Here, you can truly hear the whisper of the waves, the murmur of the wind, and feel the slow, authentic pace of life in a land where rivers and sea gently embrace.
Thanh Phu District lies in the south east of Ben Tre Province, bordering the East Sea, with a coastline stretching for around 25 kilometres. It neighbours Ba Tri District, Mo Cay Nam District, and faces Tra Vinh Province across the Co Chien River estuary.
A network of canals, mangrove forests, coastal mudflats and vast fields create a distinctive natural landscape. Not only is Thanh Phu a key area for aquaculture and fishing, it also holds great potential for eco tourism, community based tourism and sustainable seaside travel.
As tourism here is still in its early stages and has not yet been heavily commercialised, Thanh Phu is the perfect destination for travellers who enjoy exploration, nature and authentic rural experiences.
Although Thanh Phu Beach does not boast long stretches of fine white sand like those in central Vietnam, it possesses a unique charm with its sandymud shore, rows of sea almond and mangrove trees, and an untouched, tranquil coastline.
Early morning and sunset are the most beautiful times to visit. You can stroll along the shore, breathe in the salty sea breeze, watch local fishermen at work and experience the true, unfiltered essence of Thanh Phu
For photography lovers, this place also offers a stunning natural backdrop for minimalist, emotional and authentic travel photos.
Con Bung is one of the most remarkable destinations in the district. This vast mangrove ecosystem is home to a wide range of aquatic species, waterbirds and coastal wildlife.
You can take a small boat through the lush mangrove and nipa palm forests, listen to the sounds of nature, observe wildlife, and capture truly impressive images.
Con Bung is also ideal for a variety of hands on activities such as:
This area represents the kind of sustainable eco tourism that Thanh Phu is striving to preserve and develop.
Thạnh Phú is not only rich in natural beauty, but also steeped in history. It is home to a historical site of the Ho Chi Minh Sea Route, where the legendary “ghost ships” once landed, transporting weapons and supplies to the southern battlefield during wartime.
This destination is deeply meaningful for those interested in revolutionary history and offers an enriching blend of travel and education.
The atmosphere is both peaceful and sacred a place to pause, reflect, and connect with the heroic past of the Vietnamese people.
While in Thanh Phu, make sure to visit some of the district’s traditional craft villages, including:
Here, you can witness first hand the careful, skilled process behind these simple yet refined products, and take home meaningful handmade souvenirs that embody the spirit of Ben Tre.
Local cuisine in Thanh Phu is a wonderful blend of fresh seafood and traditional countryside dishes.
Some must-try specialities include:
One fascinating experience is buying seafood directly from fishermen at very reasonable prices and having it prepared on the spot. The result is food that is incredibly fresh, delicious and authentically local.
If you enjoy immersive travel, Thanh Phu will not disappoint:
These simple experiences offer a sense of peace, healing and deep appreciation for the beauty of everyday rural life.
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel by car or motorbike following this route:
National Highway 1A → My Tho → Ben Tre City → Thanh Phu
The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
While large hotels are still limited, suitable options include:
With its coastline, mangrove forests and unique cultural identity, Thanh Phu is gradually emerging as a promising eco tourism and community based tourism destination in the Mekong Delta.
In the near future, it is expected to become an ideal location for:
There are no luxury resorts, no five star hotels, and no flashy entertainment complexes here. Yet, Thanh Phu wins the hearts of travellers through its honesty, simplicity and untouched beauty.
It is a place where you can escape the chaos of modern life, listen to the ocean breeze, walk beneath coconut-lined village paths, and feel the warmth and kindness of the people of the Mekong Delta.
If you are looking for a destination that is peaceful, authentic, deeply experiential and rich in local character make sure Thanh Phu District, Ben Tre, is on your travel list at least once in your lifetime.
