The Empress’s Dragon Islet on The Tien River is a must-see and one of the most ridiculous and culturally rich attractions in Vietnam. The purpose of the following paper is to guide you on a Boat Tour on The Tien River through the Empress’ Dragon Islet providing all the main attractions, activities, and tips that will make your experience unforgettable.

What to Prepare for Before the Boat Tour on The Tien River (Ben Tre)

While the boat tour and trip on The Mekong Delta, especially in Ben Tre, are of high interest and are extremely exciting, several steps should be taken to make the trip as comfortable and as wonderful as possible. First of all, it is reasonable to make a list of what you need to take on the trip. The packing list may include the following:

Packing Essentials for a Boat Tour in the Mekong Delta

Boat Tour on The Tien River

• Light and Practical Clothing:  in Ben Tre, it is hot all year round and especially humid during the rainy season. Clothes absorbing sweat will make the trip more comfortable. Also, long sleeves are better for protecting the skin against the sun.
• Sun Protection: hats, creams, and sunglasses are must-have accessories in tropicals.
• Waterproof Bags:  it is important for a boat tour to keep all electronic devices as far from the water as possible.

Recommended Items to Carry

• Mosquito Repellent: There are a lot of mosquitoes in the Mekong swamps.
• Basic First Aid Kit: With a band-aid and antiseptic wipes, and some other necessary personal medical supplies.
• Snacks and Water Bottles: Although water and snacks are usually parts of the Mekong boat-tour package, you may want to take some of your favorite snacks and a water bottle to refill from a big tank.
• Cash: Many local vendors do not accept cards, therefore, having enough cash for buying something and tipping is always a good idea.

Travel Tips to Ben Tre and Booking a Boat Tour on The Tien River

When planning for a Boat Tour on The Tien River, there are some preparations one needs to make so one does not get caught out. Enclosed herein is a list of what one should carry and others to avoid carrying:

Packing Essentials for a Boat Tour in the Mekong Delta

• Light clothes: This is the hot weather that calls for such clothes that let the body breathe. In addition, wearing long sleeves will also keep you away from the excessive sun and protect you all the same.
• Sun protection: Hats, sunscreen, as well as sunglasses, will also keep you from the intensity of the tropical sun.
• Waterproof bags: This may help you keep your electronic devices safe from water. Items to be Carried

Recommended Items to Carry

• Mosquito repellent: The Mekong Delta is full of these irritating creatures. Moreover, most tourists will most likely need it.
• First aid kitty supplies: The required content usually includes a set of band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and other small items. In addition, the traveler should carry their medication.
• Water bottles and snacks: It might be great to have something to eat. Also, during the tour there will surely come a moment when a person will feel extremely thirsty. Thus, water is essential.
• Money: While transferring money via card is very common in the city, many local vendors may not be able to accept it. Additionally, to leave a tip or to support a street musician, a person should have small money

How to Get to Ben Tre from Major Cities

Distance: around 85 km, Transportation: bus, by car, motorbike. The general time of the trip is 1.5-2 hours.

• By Car or Bus: The most convenient method. The well-known companies are Phuong Trang and Thao Kim Ngân. It is a reliable as well as convenient means for passengers.

• Phuong Trang: Comfort and reliable. The bus leaves the station at 08:00 and 16:00 from Ho Chi Minh City. 95,000 VND. Phone: 0283.83.86.852.

• Thao Kim Ngân: Perfect customer service with promising feedback. The bus at the station at 04:30 from Ho Chi Minh City. Ticket fare is around 110,000 VND. Phone: 0888.026.029.

By Motorbike: Good choice for risky visitors. It is better to go along QL50 or QL1A highways. The view of Ben Tre is stunning. Moreover, the scenery of the market along with other local places of interest can be uniquely explored.

Accommodation Options in Ben Tre

Ben Tre has a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and taste.

Mekong Hotel: central location

• Starting from 320,000 VND per night. 
• Address: 232 – 239/A1 Dai Lo Dong Khoi, Phu Tan Ward, Ben Tre City. 
• A generally quiet ambiance and the friendly attitude of the staff often let the guests relax.

Huynh Thao Hotel: beautiful design

Huynh Thao Hotel

• The minimum price for booking a room – 736,300.
• Address: 69C Dong Van Cong, Binh Phu, Ben Tre City. 
• There are clean rooms and nice service.

Viet Uc Hotel: a deluxe hotel, where one can enjoy a wonderful view of the river. 

• The price starts from 844,000 VND per day. 
• Address: 144 Hung Vuong, An Hoi, Ben Tre City. 
• It is famous for its spacious rooms and easy access to the night market.

Ben Tre Riverside Resort:

• The price begins from 974,000 VND. 
• The address is 708 Nguyen Van Tu, Ward 7, Ben Tre City. 
• The accommodation is suitable for a family as there is a lovely garden, a swimming pool and a play area for kids.

Mango Home Riverside: 

Mango Home Riverside:

• The minimum price for booking a room does not exceed 818,000 VND. 
• Address: Ap Nghia Huan, My Thanh, Giong Trom district. 
• As the name implies, the Main advantage of this facility is the unique nature of the territory and the local cuisine that can be enjoyed.

Overview of the Costs for the Entire Trip

For our part, we have prepared a budget plan to assist you in calculating the possible expenses for the Boat Tour on The Tien River. Generally, the total amount is approximately equal to $200.00, while the detailed calculations are as follows:

• As for the cost of transportation, it will equal 100,000 VND if you opt for bus tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre.
• Regarding the costs related to accommodation, they will vary from 300,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND if you consider the following expenditures.
• Tour packages and entrance fees. Usually, such expenses will range from 300,000 VND to 500,000 VND per person.
•  Daily expenses, including meals, snacks, and souvenirs. Not surprisingly, it may amount to 200,000 VND per day

The Four Sacred Islets (Dragon, Lan, Quy, Phung) on The Tien River

Dragon Islet (Tân Long Islet)

Dragon Islet

Dragon Islet, or Tân Long Islet, is a similarly vibrant place with a rich history. Located in Mỹ Tho, Tiền Giang Province, this Islet is famous for its lush orchards and fish farming. Historically it raised from the river due to siltation, finally becoming ingrained in the local landscape altogether.

Key Attractions:

• Fruit Orchards: Dragon Islet is best known for its orchards, where you can taste the freshest and often exotic types of fruit such as durian, rambutan, or mango. Orchards typically offer tours to visitors.
• Fish Farms: Numerous farms help supply fresh fish and seafood to the surrounding areas. Islets feed the Mekong Delta, after all. Often farms are places of interest for tourists, offering tours and explanations of the traditional methods of aquaculture.
• Local Workshops: Islets often contain workshops of local artisans, offering crafted souvenirs for sale.

Unicorn Islet (Thới Sơn Islet)

Unicorn Islet

Unicorn Islet, or Thới Sơn Islet, is the largest of the Four Sacred Islet. It is near Mỹ Tho City which is known for its intricate canal system and lush fruit gardens. Thới Sơn Islet fascinates tourists with a tranquil and charming landscape.

Key Attractions:

• Canal Tours: One of the highlights of Unicorn Islet is its network of canals. Visitors can join boat trips through canals with two banks which are covered with nipa palms. The scenery is so beautiful with a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Moreover, there is also shade by coconut palms along the water, creating such cool and enjoyable trips.
• Local Music Performances: Unicorn Islet is also well-known for its traditional music performances, especially the Đờn Ca Tài Tử. This musical genre has been listed by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in the world. This is a cultural program that tourists should not miss.
• Fruit Gardens: This islet, like the Dragon Islet, has many fruit gardens. Tourists can walk around the garden to see and enjoy many exotic kinds of tropical fruit.

Tortoise Islet (Cát Islet)

Tortoise Islet

Tortoise Islet,  the smallest of the Four Sacred Islands, is well-known for the islands’ peaceful and iconic honey bee farms. It is situated in Châu Thành District, Bến Tre Province, with its quiet environment and beautiful green nature to be a good getaway for the holiday.

Key Attractions:

• Honey Bee Farms: Bees are the specialty of Tortoise island, as a result, its coast has honey bee farms. Here you can visit the bee farms, learn how honey is made, and enjoy the taste of many kinds of delicious and naturally flavored honey. The island’s honey is of excellent quality and people know it for its natural flavors.
• Relaxation Spots: The island’s quiet, traditional views are major cultural attractions for people who love to relax while walking into the site.

Phoenix Islet (Tân Vinh Islet)

Phoenix Islet

Phoenix Islet, also called Cồn Tân Vinh, is a place full of history and culture. It is located in Tân Thạch, Châu Thành District, Bến Tre Province. This Islet became famous for the Coconut Religion, a local belief created by Nguyễn Thành Nam in the 20th century. There are the following sites available to check:

Key Attractions:

• Dao Dua Relics: on the Islet, there are different Coconut Religion relics, such as Nam Quốc Phật Pagoda and other shrines and cult items. These places can shed more light on the esoteric history.
• Craft Workshops: Phoenix Islet is also known for the presence of craft workshops. There, tourists can see how artisans work and buy some souvenirs made of coconut wood or other local materials.
• Local Foods: This islet has a variety of local foods, and some of them, like sweets made of coconut, might be less typical and exotic.

Activities on the Boat Tour on The Tien River

The typical Boat Tour on The Tien River is associated with several activities that can allow visitors to explore both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Mekong Delta. The current paper provides an overview of the identified activities, which often include the following:

Overview of Typical Boat Tour Activities

• Scenic Boat Rides and Sightseeing: Participants can enjoy a view of the Tien River and other picturesque locations, including the Rạch Miễu Bridge and the riverbanks. These boat rides are usually considered a perfect way to relax and observe the natural beauty of the region.
• Experiencing Local Music: Performed live on the Islet, this type of Southern Vietnamese music is especially engaging for tourists, who have an opportunity to learn some interesting facts about the cultural value of the music while listening to the records.
• Traditional Food Tasting and Cooking Demonstrations: those who are interested in culinary art, can choose to attend a cooking class to learn how to cook the traditional Vietnamese dishes. These demonstrations often include tasting, which allows participants to explore some local cuisine.

Specific Activities on Each Islet

• Dragon and Unicorn Islet: Visitors may enjoy fruit-tasting sessions and garden tours that allow them to taste fresh fruits and appreciate what is special and cultivable on the island.
• Tortoise Islet: One of the main activities due in this islet is visiting honey bee farms and also trying the various honey-related products. The island is also just ideal for walks and relaxation from any tiresome day.
• Phoenix Islet: A tour of the island to see the remains of Coconut Religion and also a workshop to learn how to construct is an interesting activity for most of the visitors.

Souvenirs and Local Specialties to Buy During the Boat Tour on The Tien River

I think it is also not awry to mention that no trip to the Four Sacred Islet is complete without purchasing some local specialties. Here are the options with some recommendations:

Popular Local Products to Bring Home

• Coconut Candy: Being also known for its production on a commercial scale in Bến Tre, otherwise named Coconut Land, the candy is available in many flavors, such as durian, pandan, or cacao, and can be a reminder of both sweet and inexpensive of the unusual journey.
• Honey: Tortoise islet boasts some good examples of this product. The visitors may buy pure one or royal jelly, which can be helpful when trying to stay ahead of the curve, and pollen.
• Handicrafts: I was told that the islet was also known for the use of coconut wood, producing handicrafts, such as bowls, spoons, forks, or some other lovely stuff of the kind. I think it might be a brilliant souvenir.
• Specialty Fruits: Fresh fruits such as durian, rambutan, and mangosteen are for purchase. Not only are they delicious, but they also serve as a healthy present to bring home.

Souvenirs made of coconut

Where to Buy and What to Look For

• Recommendations for Authentic Products: For fresher and more properly priced fruits, you may look at local markets and farm shops at the Islet. Tourist shops may offer similar products but the ones at the market and farm shops are more often more authentic.
• Tips on Bargaining: Polite bargaining is usual in local markets. Always bargain respectfully with vendors.

Conclusion

Experience the Four Sacred Islets on The Tien River with a boat Tour, there is undoubtedly no way better to visit its places. The unique views surrounding them all, from the verdant, fruit-laden orchards, at Dragon Islet to the fathomless depths of history at the Phoenix Islet. Make sure you are prepared, have booked early, and are ready to go paddle various rowing boats, see the local buildings, and mow the grass on Bunny Islet. It will be a memorable adventure. Don’t forget to regularly follow our Fanpage for more interesting information about traveling Mekong to and to book Mekong Tours at the best prices.