How To Get To Mekong Delta From Ho Chi Minh City Detailed Transport Guide

“How to get to Mekong Delta?” is a frequently asked question for travellers coming to the south of Vietnam. The good news is that the region is fairly close and easily reachable from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC, or Saigon). This guide features information about getting to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. To help you plan, we outline the main options for travelling from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta, including transport methods, approximate distances, and travel times (Information current as of April 2025).

Identify Your Specific Mekong Delta Destination

Step one in mapping out travel to the Mekong Delta is deciding on which destination within the area you want to visit. The Mekong Delta is not just one city or point; it is a large geographical area consisting of 13 provinces and municipalities in southern Vietnam.

As a result, the answer to “How to get to Mekong Delta?” isn’t simple; actual travel times from Ho Chi Minh City differ greatly depending on your final destination town or city within the Delta. Naturally, areas closer to HCMC are easier to reach with certain forms of transport.

Here are common estimates for travel by road from HCMC to Can Tho, My Tho, or Ben Tre, the three most frequently visited gateway cities for tourists, starting from central Ho Chi Minh City (Estimates current as of April 2025):

    • My Tho City (Tien Giang Province):
      • Distance: 70 km (43 miles) southwest of HCMC
      • Travel time estimation: 1.5 to 2 hours travelling by car or bus, mostly via the HCMC – Trung Luong expressway.
    • Ben Tre City (Ben Tre Province):
      • Distance: Around 85 kilometers (approx. 53 miles) southwest of HCMC
      • Estimated Journey Time: 2 to 2.5 hours by car or bus, via the expressway and across the Rach Mieu Bridge.
    • Can Tho City (Can Tho Province):
      • Distance: About 170 kilometers (about 105 miles) southwest of HCMC.
      • Travel time: About 3 to 3.5 hours by car or bus via the fully connected HCMC – Trung Luong – My Thuan – Can Tho expressways.

Things to Keep in Mind: Factors Affecting Travel Time

Important factors for your transfer time include traffic (especially in Ho Chi Minh City when entering and leaving), the type of transport you book (buses may have stops and delays), and existing road conditions. Travel times to these main Delta cities have been drastically improved with ongoing development and usage of expressways compared to using the national highways available in previous years. Knowing your primary target city allows you to get a more realistic travel time estimate.

Main Transport Options from HCMC to the Mekong Delta

There are a few ways that you can get to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. Transportation options to the Mekong Delta vary depending on your budget, your level of comfort, how much flexibility you need, as well as the time you have. How to get to Mekong Delta? Here are the main ways:

By Bus/Coach

The most common way to get to the Mekong Delta, utilized regularly by both locals and tourists, is the bus. An extensive, reliable, and cheap bus network makes this the go-to method for travel to and within the region.

    • Pros: Cheapest option; very frequent departures to major towns; many different companies in operation; various types of seating (regular seats, sleeper berths for longer journeys, such as to Can Tho, or even limousine vans on some routes).
    • Cons: You need to get to/from bus stations (in HCMC, the Mien Tay bus station is very far from the central tourist districts); buses operate on a fixed schedule; the bus might stop several times on the way; they can get packed.
    • Important Info: Buses depart from HCMC (Ben Xe Mien Tay). Destination bus stations include the Tien Giang station for My Tho, the Ben Tre station, and the Can Tho Central Bus Station. For your trip from the arrival station to your final destination, you’ll need local transport (taxi, xe ôm). Big reputable bus lines include FUTA Bus Lines (Phuong Trang), Mai Linh, Thinh Phat, Thao Chau, etc. (check their routes). Assuming expressways, travel time can take anywhere from ~1.5 to 4 hours depending on the destination. The fares are low (See current prices, typically 70,000-180,000+ VND). It is best to book tickets online (the easiest way is via apps/websites like FUTA’s or Vexere), or directly at the station counter.

By Private Car / Taxi Hire

For those asking how to get to Mekong Delta with the utmost ease, private transport – whether a pre-booked car transfer or a taxi from HCMC – offers maximum convenience and comfort.

    • Pros: Door-to-door service from your hotel; total flexibility on departure time and stops; private, comfortable vehicle. Ideal for families, small groups, or those with heavy baggage. It usually offers a somewhat quicker travel time than the bus.
    • Cons: By far the most expensive transportation option.
    • How to book: Your hotel or a travel agency can arrange it, as can dedicated car-rental services (most found via online search). Alternatively, you can negotiate with drivers using ride-hailing apps for longer trips (agree on a price beforehand). Specify the vehicle size needed. Check what is included in the price (driver, fuel, tolls, driver’s accommodation if multi-day). Get specific quotes.

By Motorbike (Self-Ridden)

For independent travelers wondering how to get to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), renting a motorbike to ride yourself presents a potential, albeit less common, option.

    • Pros: Provides the greatest freedom and flexibility in terms of route and making stops when desired. Low running costs (fuel). Ideal for exploring once you arrive at your destination.
    • Cons / Safety Warning: If you are not extremely experienced and confident riding in Vietnamese traffic, including on National Highway 1A (QL1A) which can be busy, this may not be for you. Safety gear (at minimum a quality helmet, protective clothing recommended) is a must. It is required to have a valid Vietnamese driving license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) that complies with Vietnamese standards. Keep the motorcycle (yours or rental) in good condition. Long distances can be tiring. Do note, motorbikes are not allowed on expressways, so slower and often mixed-traffic older highways must be used.
    • Route/Rental: Use map apps, set to motorcycle mode. There are several reputable motorbike rental shops in HCMC; read reviews and the fine print of contracts closely.
    • Note: This option is only for experienced, licensed, and prepared riders. Hiring a motorbike with a driver (xe ôm) for long distances is less common but potentially negotiable for shorter legs of the journey within the Delta.

Via Organized Tour

Choosing an organized tour package essentially means easing the transport arrangements.

    • Pros: Mekong Delta tours with transport included usually mean easy round-trip bus or van transport, often with collection from central HCMC hotels. Forget about dealing with bus stations and schedules.
    • Cons: You are at the mercy of the tour group’s fixed itinerary and timing. Less personal flexibility.
    • Options: Countless day trips (typically around My Tho/Ben Tre) and multi-day tours (more frequently extending to Can Tho or beyond) departing from HCMC take care of the transport part.

By Airplane To Can Tho

Flying presents another answer to how to get to mekong delta, but it’s mainly applicable if your final destination is near Can Tho Airport or if you’re entering the region from distant parts of Vietnam or internationally.

    • Arrival in the Mekong Delta: The primary airport serving the Mekong Delta is Can Tho International Airport (VCA), which is served by several commercial airlines.
    • From HCMC: There is little point in flying from HCMC to Can Tho, as the direct bus between these cities is more time and cost-efficient. To provide context, when accounting for travel time to the airport in HCMC (SGN), check-in, flight time, and transfer time from Can Tho airport (VCA), the entire trip often takes longer and costs more than the 3-3.5 hour bus ride.
    • From Elsewhere In Vietnam: A direct flight to Can Tho (VCA) from places such as Hanoi or Da Nang can be a good time-saver for those wanting to avoid overland transit from HCMC to the Delta.

What Is the Best Way to Travel to the Mekong Delta?

So after reviewing these possibilities, what is the best answer to how to get to mekong delta? The reality is there is no single ‘best’ way, as the ideal answer depends on the individual traveler. Which method is best for you depends on your priorities, your budget, your travel style, and the time you have available.

Here’s a rundown to help you decide based on what’s most important to you:

    • If BUDGET is Your Priority: Public bus/coach is undoubtedly the cheapest option.
    • If CONVENIENCE is Your Priority: An organized tour package (day trip or multi-day) provides the least hassle, as transport is included. Private car hire also offers high door-to-door convenience, but at a much higher cost.
    • If FLEXIBILITY and Independence Are Most Important: Renting a motorbike (only if you are a very experienced and licensed rider capable of navigating local traffic conditions) or hiring a private car with a driver will give you the most freedom.
    • If SPEED is what you need: Flying directly into Can Tho Airport (VCA) is fastest if skipping HCMC and coming from Northern/Central Vietnam or internationally. As mentioned previously, it is not efficient to fly from HCMC to Can Tho.
    • If COMFORT & SAFETY are Priorities: The vehicles used for organized tours (van/bus) and premium buses (especially sleeper/limousine types) usually offer high passenger comfort and perceived safety. Private car hire is also very comfortable. Riding a motorbike offers the least comfort on long distances and demands the most attention for safety.

To figure out how to get to Mekong Delta in a way that suits you best, first consider what factors are most important for your individual trip (e.g., saving money, ease of travel, flexibility, comfort). Then, compare these priorities with the features of the various transport types listed earlier to identify your most appropriate option.

Conclusion Planning Your Journey To The Mekong Delta

Figuring out how to get to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City is relatively easy, as there are several feasible transport methods. Gateway cities like My Tho, Ben Tre, and even Can Tho are relatively close, making the region accessible for visits of varying lengths.

Public buses offer the most regular and affordable service for independent travelers. Alternatively, if you wish to travel comfortably, flexibly, and in a more personal mode, you can hire a private car, although it comes at a higher price. Motorbikes provide the greatest amount of freedom for seasoned riders, whereas organized tours are the most convenient, worry-free option, particularly for day excursions. Flying straight into Can Tho works well for some itineraries.

Ultimately, determining how to get to mekong delta best for you comes down to balancing your budget, time frame, comfort level, and desired independence. Consider your personal needs and compare them with the options presented in this guide. Proper preparation for your chosen transport method will ensure a good start to exploring the fascinating Mekong Delta region.

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