Cho Lach

Chợ Lách is a rural district in western Bến Tre Province, covering 189 km² with a population of around 111,000 (2019). The district capital lies on Provincial Highway 57, about 45 km west of Bến Tre city and 20 km east of Vĩnh Long. Chợ Lách is renowned throughout Vietnam as a centre for ornamental plants, fruit tree seedlings, and horticulture — its name means "Lách Market", derived from the abundance of "lau lách" trees in the area. The district's fertile soil and intricate canal network make it a year-round source of exotic fruits and decorative plants.

The tropical monsoon climate brings heavy rains from May to October and a drier season from November to April. The best time for visiting the gardens is during the dry season.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, about 100 km away. From HCMC, take a bus to Bến Tre or Vĩnh Long, then transfer to a local bus heading to Chợ Lách.

By Train

By Car / Road

Chợ Lách is 45 km west of Bến Tre via Provincial Road 57, and 20 km east of Vĩnh Long. Regular buses connect Bến Tre, Vĩnh Long, and Chợ Lách. From Ho Chi Minh City, buses to Vĩnh Long stop near the district.

Motorbike is the most practical transport. Many visitors rent bicycles to explore the garden villages at a relaxed pace. Local buses and motorbike taxis are available.

• Ornamental Plant Villages — Chợ Lách is famous for its nurseries producing bonsai, ornamental plants, and fruit tree seedlings shipped across Vietnam.

• Fruit Orchards — Extensive orchards growing rambutan, durian, mangosteen, and longan.

• Traditional Stilt Houses — Rural architecture along the canals, particularly in the communes of Phú Phụng and Vĩnh Thành.

• Chợ Lách Market — A colourful market selling plants, seedlings, fresh fruit, and local snacks.

• Garden and Nursery Tours — Visit the famous plant nurseries and learn about horticulture techniques.

• Fruit Tasting — Sample fresh tropical fruits straight from the orchards.

• Canal Boat Trips — Navigate the narrow canals shaded by water palms and fruit trees.

• Photography — Capture the vibrant green landscapes and colourful flower nurseries.

Local specialties include fresh tropical fruits, coconut-based desserts, and Mekong Delta staples like hủ tiếu and bánh xèo. Riverside restaurants serve snakehead fish and freshwater shrimp.

Fresh coconut water, sugarcane juice, and Vietnamese coffee. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Guesthouses in Chợ Lách town, 150,000–250,000 VND.
• Mid-range: Garden homestays offering accommodation amidst orchards, 300,000–600,000 VND including meals.

Ornamental plants, bonsai trees, fruit tree seedlings, fresh tropical fruits, and coconut-based products. The plant nurseries are the main attraction for shoppers. Bargaining is common at the market.

• Vĩnh Long (20 km west) — Riverside city with floating markets and ancient pagodas.
• Bến Tre (45 km east) — Provincial capital and hub for Mekong Delta tours.
• Cái Bè (30 km northwest) — Famous for its floating market on the Tiền River.
• Mỹ Tho (50 km northeast) — Gateway to the Mekong Delta.