Ben Luc

Bến Lức is a district and town in Long An Province, Vietnam, located in the Mekong Delta region along the Vàm Cỏ Tây River. It lies between Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 35 km northeast) and Tan An (about 20 km southwest), making it a key transit point along National Highway 1A and a growing industrial and residential area within greater Ho Chi Minh City's commuter belt. The town is known for its busy market, river trade, and expanding industrial zones.

The area has been settled for centuries along the Vàm Cỏ Tây River, a vital waterway for commerce between Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Bến Lức's name translates to "Wharf of the Areca Palm" in Vietnamese, reflecting its history as a landing point. In recent decades the district has experienced rapid industrialisation with the establishment of several industrial parks. The climate is tropical monsoon with a rainy season from May to November.

By Plane

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the nearest airport, about 40 km northeast. A taxi to Bến Lức takes about 45 minutes and costs 350,000–500,000 VND.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Saigon Railway Station in Ho Chi Minh City. From there, take a bus or taxi to Bến Lức.

By Car / Road

National Highway 1A passes directly through Bến Lức, providing a direct connection to Ho Chi Minh City (35 km, 45 minutes) and Tan An (20 km, 25 minutes). Frequent buses on the Ho Chi Minh City–Cần Thơ and Ho Chi Minh City–Mỹ Tho routes stop in Bến Lức. Local buses from Tan An take about 30 minutes and cost 15,000–25,000 VND.

The town centre is compact and walkable. For trips to industrial zones or communes, xe ôm and Grab are readily available. Local buses connect Bến Lức to surrounding communes and the neighbouring districts of Đức Hòa, Cần Giuộc, and Tân Trụ.

• Bến Lức Market (Chợ Bến Lức) — A large riverside market selling fresh produce, seafood, and local goods. Active from early morning.

• Vàm Cỏ Tây River — The wide river that defines the town's waterfront. Best viewed from the bridge on National Highway 1A.

• Bến Lức Bridge — A notable modern bridge carrying National Highway 1A over the Vàm Cỏ Tây, offering panoramic river views.

• Coconut orchards — The fertile land around Bến Lức supports extensive coconut farming, visible from the roads leading out of town.

• Market tour — Explore Bến Lức Market early in the morning for the best selection of Mekong Delta produce and river fish.

• River watching — The Vàm Cỏ Tây waterfront offers a tranquil spot for watching river traffic, including cargo boats and fishing vessels.

• Cycling through the countryside — The flat terrain around Bến Lức is ideal for cycling past coconut groves, rice paddies, and orchards.

• Day trip to Tan An — The provincial capital is only 20 minutes away and offers museums, pagodas, and dining.

Bến Lức's food reflects its location on a major river trade route, with an emphasis on fresh river fish and local produce.

• Quán Cơm Tấm Bến Lức — Known for cơm tấm (broken rice) with grilled pork chops and a fried egg. Budget-friendly, 20,000–40,000 VND.
• Bún Bò Huế — A small eatery near the market serving Central Vietnam-style spicy beef noodle soup. Budget.
• Nhà Hàng Vàm Cỏ — A mid-range riverside restaurant specialising in grilled fish and seafood. 80,000–200,000 VND.
• Cơm Niêu Bến Lức — Clay-pot rice with a choice of toppings, from braised fish to caramelised pork. Budget to mid-range.

Ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) from roadside cafés along Highway 1A is the drink of choice. Fresh young coconut water is widely available from street vendors.

• Budget: Nhà Nghị Thanh Thảo — Basic clean rooms near the market, 200,000–300,000 VND/night. Nhà Nghỉ Hải Vân — Simple accommodation with fan rooms, 150,000–250,000 VND/night.
• Mid-range: Khách Sạn Bến Lức — A comfortable hotel on National Highway 1A with air conditioning and private bathrooms, 350,000–500,000 VND/night.
• Upscale: Limited upscale accommodation available in Bến Lức; most luxury options are in Tan An or Ho Chi Minh City.

• Bến Lức Market — The main place to shop for local produce: fruits (rambutan, mangosteen, durian in season), river fish, and Vietnamese coffee beans.
• Coconut products — Bến Lức is in a coconut-growing area; locally made coconut candies and oil are good souvenirs.
• Rice paper — Several local producers make bánh tráng (rice paper), a Mekong Delta staple.

• Tan An (20 km southwest, 25 minutes) — Long An's capital with city amenities, museums, and the Vàm Cỏ Tây riverfront.
• Ho Chi Minh City (35 km northeast, 45 minutes) — Vietnam's biggest city with world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment.
• Cần Giuộc (15 km south, 20 minutes) — A neighbouring district known for its extensive market gardens and orchards.
• Đức Hòa (25 km northwest, 30 minutes) — An industrial and agricultural district with notable Khmer pagodas.
• Mỹ Tho (50 km southwest, 1 hour) — Capital of Tiền Giang Province and gateway to Mekong Delta floating markets.