Bến Tre () is the capital city of Bến Tre Province, in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam. Located southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the city covers an area of 65.75 km2 (25.39 sq mi) and has a population of 124,499 at the 2019 census. Bến Tre is connected to the surrounding provinces by the Rạch Miễu Bridge. History The French occupied Bến Tre in 1867. The Viet Minh defeated the French at Dien Bien Phu and gained independence under the guidance of Ho Chi Minh and his generals. During the Tet Offensive in 1968, it was nearly destroyed by bombing. Geography Bến Tre is located on Bảo Island, with the districts of Châu Thành, Giồng Trôm and Ba Tri. The city is oriented in a triangular layout and is bordered by the following: North and east by Châu Thành district. South by Giồng Trôm district. West by Hàm Luông River, separating the city from Mỏ Cày Bắc district. Administration The city of Bến Tre has 8 wards: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, An Hội, Phú Khương and Phú Tân, and 6 communes: Bình Phú, Mỹ Thạnh An, Nhơn Thạnh, Phú Hưng, Phú Nhuận and Sơn Đông. Schools Bến Tre High School for the Gifted Nguyen Dinh Chieu High School Notable people Chân Không - Buddhist nun who worked closely with Zen master Thích Nhất Hạnh for more than fifty years Nguyễn Phương Khánh - Miss Earth 2018 winner Gallery References External links Ben Tre - The third Coconut Festival 2012 Bến Tre Hôm Nay Official website of Ben Tre province (English ver.) Michael D. Miller. Saving Ben Tre: American veteran's account of Bến Tre during the Tet Offensive Populated places in Bến Tre province Provincial capitals in Vietnam Districts of Bến Tre province Cities in Vietnam