Homeland of the coconut tree

      Around 85 kilometers from HCMC, the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre attracts tourists with its naturally retained waterway scenery with tropical orchards and green islets.
Tourists visiting this area, which is the home of the coconut tree, could tour islets such as Phung in the middle of Tien river, Oc (snail) in Hung Phong Commune, Giong Trom District and Tien in Tien Long Commune, Chau Thanh District to explore the coconut product making craft villages or enjoy the don ca tai tu (amateur music of southern Vietnam) and the local fruits.
In January, visitors will see the area’s first coconut festival in celebration of the 49th anniversary of the Ben Tre General Uprising (January 17, 1960), and the history and culture of the province, according to the Vietnam News Agency.
The event, taking place January 13 to 19, will feature a fair, an exhibition and contest on traditional crafts made from coconuts, Vietnam’s records meeting program, a food fest, folk games and sporting activities. The event will be a networking opportunity for companies in the industry.
Tran Duy Phuong, deputy director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Ben Tre, said that the festival promises to impress visitors and promote the socio-economic achievements of Ben Tre, which is famous for coconut trees and related commodities, in an effort to improve the lives of local coconut farmers and develop stability in the industry.
The coconut festival will also feature the world’s biggest coconut-palm table and the world’s biggest piece of coconut candy which is 200 kilograms.
About VND3 billion, 70% from the provincial budget and various enterprises, will be spent for this festival which honors the creativity, talent and effort of craftsmen and coconut farmers in Ben Tre.