No trip to the Mekong Delta, especially Ben Tre province, is complete without visiting a traditional coconut candy workshop (kẹo dừa). Ben Tre is famously known as the "Kingdom of Coconuts," and this sweet, chewy candy is its most iconic local product. Visiting a workshop offers a fascinating glimpse into the surprisingly manual process of transforming humble coconuts into delicious treats, utilizing skills passed down through generations.

Witness the entire process unfold before your eyes, often starting with locals skillfully husking and grating the fresh coconut flesh. See the coconut milk and flesh being cooked down with malt syrup in large woks over fires until thick and caramelised. Observe workers then cooling the mixture, rolling it out, and expertly cutting and wrapping the individual candies by hand with remarkable speed and precision. The air is usually filled with the sweet, tempting aroma of cooking coconut.

Visiting a coconut candy workshop is not just informative but also delicious, as you'll almost always get to sample fresh, often still warm, candy at various stages. You can also purchase freshly made candy and other locally produced coconut products (like coconut oil, soaps, or handicrafts) directly from the source – making great souvenirs. These workshops are common stops on boat tours within Ben Tre and nearby provinces, providing a sweet and memorable insight into the heart of local Delta industry and culture.