Ben Tre - Coconut metropolis
The little, non-touristy city of Ben Tre impresses with its lush, tropical flora and narrow, shady canals. In this province, which consists of three major Mekong islands, you can find many coconut trees. Ben Tre is well known for Keo Dua - coconut candy, many of the local women here are working in small candy factories producing the sweets. Fish, rice and fruit are the main products which are available on the local market.
In Ben Tre, you can also visit the local Buddhist center, the Vien Minh Pagoda or take a walk to the less developed area around the city. The numerous small and shady canals in the area are perfect for an exploration by sampan. There is also a small idyllic lake in Ben Tre which is surrounded by some cafés.
Near the city you can find the remains of the Temple of the coconut monk who founded a new religion (Thurs Tinh Cu Si) by mixing Christianity and Taoism and who built many strange looking religious buildings.
In the Vam Ho bird sanctuary (My Hoa), which is easily accessible by boat, you can watch thousands of storks, as well as herons, bats and occasionally even snakes.
