Getting Your Bearings
Ben Tre Ward sits along the banks of the Hàm Luông River in Vĩnh Long Province, and the settled area stretches out along the river rather than clustering into a compact grid. That shape matters for planning: the town is linear, so the best way to get around is a bicycle or a motorbike. Expect to cover a bit of ground between the riverfront, the markets, and the roads leading out of town.
Rail, Metro and Tram
There is no rail, metro, or tram network serving Ben Tre. Visitors should plan on road and river transport instead.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Ben Tre's provincial bus station sits outside the town centre, so if you arrive by long-distance bus you will not be dropped in the middle of things and will need a short onward ride. Local bus connections exist as well: Bus 8 links the ferry pier to Ben Tre, and it appears to run frequently. Fares are paid in cash on board.
From Ho Chi Minh City, buses to Ben Tre depart from the Cholon (District 5) and Mien Tay bus stations, running through the day from early morning until evening at regular intervals. Direct minibuses also operate between Ho Chi Minh City and Ben Tre with door-to-door service, which can save you the transfer at the bus station.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Moto taxis are the handiest way to cover short hops, including the final leg from the outer bus station into the town centre. A common approach on arrival is to get off at the roundabout past the two big bridges, near the Mat Kinh Dien Bien Phu optic shop, and take a motorbike taxi from there into the centre. Agree on the fare before you set off, and carry small notes.
Walking
Walking works for exploring a single area, such as the riverfront parks along Hung Vuong Street, but the town's elongated layout makes it impractical as your only means of transport. Use a bicycle, motorbike, or moto taxi for anything beyond a short stroll.
Arriving by Boat
A ferry connects Vinh Long Province to the northwestern part of the island. From the ferry pier you can pick up Bus 8 into Ben Tre, or hire a motorbike taxi or taxi for the remaining distance. Note that the bus terminates at the outer bus station rather than the centre, so plan a short connecting ride.
Key Landmarks for Navigating
The ward is crossed by National Route 60 and defined by its bridges: the Mỹ Hóa Bridge over the Bến Tre River, the Hàm Luông Bridge over the Hàm Luông River, and the old and new Cái Cấm Bridges over the Cái Cấm River. The Mỹ Hóa Roundabout, at the intersection of Nguyễn Văn Tư and Đồng Văn Cống streets, is a useful reference point when giving directions. The former Hàm Luông Ferry Terminal is no longer in operation, so do not plan on using it.
Practical Tips
- Bring cash in small denominations for bus fares and moto taxis.
- If you arrive by long-distance bus, expect to be dropped at the outer station and budget for a moto taxi into town.
- Use the roundabout near the two big bridges as a convenient drop-off and pickup point.
- Bicycles and motorbikes suit the town's riverside layout far better than walking alone.