Looking to plan the trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta? Luckily, it is a colorful region which is also quite easy to reach from HCMC (Saigon), so it is a total favorite trip. Updated: April 2025: The complete guide on traveling from ho chi minh to mekong delta. To help plan your trip effectively, we cover popular transport options, general distances and estimated travel times to key gateway cities.
Estimated Distance And Travel Times
It is certainly important to know roughly the Ho Chi Minh to Mekong Delta distance as well as travel time for better preparations. Keep in mind the Mekong Delta is a giant area so precise numbers will vary quite a bit depending on what river town you are hitting. This has impacts on the duration of your HCMC to Mekong Delta trip.
A general guide to transport times by road from central Ho Chi Minh City to can tho/my tho/ben tre (the top three gateway cities for visitors) (April 2025 Estimates):
- To My Tho City (in Tien Giang Province):
- Approximate Distance: 70km | 43miles
- Duration: About 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus, mainly via HCMC – Trung Luong expressway.
- From Ben Tre City (Ben Tre Province):
- Distance: 85 km (53 miles)* *approximate
- Approximate Duration: Normally 2 to 2.5 hours with time spent on the expressway and crossing Rach Mieu Bridge.
- To Can Tho City (Can Tho Province):
- Distance: About 170 kilometers (about 105 miles).
- Duration: About 3 to 3.5 hours by automobile or bus, on the continuous freeways (HCMC- Trung Luong- My Thuan- Can Tho)
Factors Influencing Travel Time:
- Traffic: Road traffic, especially when entering or leaving HCMC during peak periods, can have a big effect on actual travel time.
- Transport Mode: Buses may have brief layovers; cars might travel marginally quicker on highways.
- Road & Expressway Conditions: Major routes badly need expressways: step by step, roads get upgraded to expressways like the recent completed HCMC – Trung Luong – My Thuan – Can Tho. These dramatically reduce travel times relative to making use of older national highways exclusively. Roads closer to final destinations may vary in quality.
These estimates are helpful for planning, but remember to leave buffer time as travel times on the Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta route can be subject to traffic conditions.
Popular Transport Options from HCMC to the Mekong Delta
There are several options when it comes to transport Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta. Which is the best way for you to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta depends a lot on your budget, how comfortable you’d like to be, how flexible you want to be with your travel plans, and how much time you have available to enjoy your trip. Below you can see the differences between each method of travelling from saigon to mekong delta.
By Bus Coach The Most Common Choice
Taking the public bus (xe khách) is the most common and typically the most economical way for both locals and tourists to travel the Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta route.
- Departure Point (HCMC): Nearly all the buses leave from Mien Tay Bus Station (Western Bus Station). The big station is in the Binh Tan District and you need a taxi or Grab (30 to 60+ mins) to the central districts, such as District 1.
- City Arrival Points (Delta): Bus from the delta will drop off at main provincial bus stations in cities (eg. My Tho (Tien Giang stn), Ben Tre, Can Tho, Vinh Long, etc.) which are usually slightly outside the direct city center, necessitating a short onward taxi or xe ôm ride to hotels or other specific locations.
- Bus Companies: There are a handful of major, reputable companies operating regular services. FUTA Bus Lines (Phương Trang) is a leading player with a modern fleet and easy online booking. Another big company is Mai Linh. There are also the operators Thinh Phat and Thao Chau which are common on certain routes (Ben Tre, for example). Visit some online platforms such as Vexere to check the schedules of other companies.
- Vehicle types: Short distance buses (eg. to My Tho) tend to be comfortable air conditioned seater buses, whilst sleeper buses are offered on the longer routes (eg. to Can Tho) which allows you to lie down. A few companies also provide limousine van services with fewer, larger seats for a roomier ride, albeit at a cost.
- Travel Time: HCMC to My Tho/Ben Tre — 1.5–2.5 hours (as above). HCMC → Can Tho: about ~ 3-3.5 hours, thanks to expressways.
- Fares (ETR Apr 2025): Expect My Tho/Ben Tre 70k-120k VND, Can Tho 130k-180k+ VND. Prices are subject to change when booking.
- Frequency & Booking: Departs are very frequent (especially during the day). To be more convenient, book online (through company apps/websites such as FUTA) or through third parties (such as Vexere) so that the car and the seats are secured in advance, especially during weekends/holidays. Tickets can be purchased at the station counter as well.
By Private Car Hire
The most comfortable and convenient way to travel is to book a private car Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta with a driver.
- Pros: Door-to-door service between your HCMC hotel and your Delta destination. Total freedom of departure time and possible stops. Comfortable and private. Fits families, groups and those with lots of baggage. Usually a little faster than the bus.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than any other option.
- Booking: Through your hotel, reputable travel agencies in HCMC, proper car rental companies (tap Google), or if you can speak some Vietnamese, you may try to negotiate prices with ride-hailing app drivers for longer journeys (make sure to clarify pricing up-front). If you need a 4/7-seater. Make sure you agree on the specific itinerary and what the price includes (fuel, tolls, driver’s wait time/meals if multi day).
- Reference cost: From several million VND for one-way transfer or day trip hire. Get specific quotes.
This route places convenience and comfort first when heading to the Mekong Delta.
By Motorbike
Experienced riders may find that driving the Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta route by motorbike offers more freedom.
- Pros: As much freedom as you want on the route and stops. Lower cost than car hire. Can take smaller roads once you arrive
- Cons / Safety note: A Veteran Experience Needed, Especially if You are Riding Hiways Like QL1A with Plenty of Truck/ Bus Traffic. Make sure to wear safety gear ( at least a good helmet). Obtain a valid Vietnamese driving license or suitable International Driving Permit. Check out the condition of your rental bike very well. Riding long (especially Can Tho or further) can wear us out. Motorbikes are not allowed to use the expressways. Use map apps that include a motorcycle mode to plot your route.
- Rental: There are so many rental shops in HCMC. Pick a good one, inspect the bike carefully, understand the terms of the rental and the insurance situation.
If you are a highly confident, licenced and experienced motorbike rider and know local road conditions, then you could think about this option.
Via Organized Tour
Another way transport is organized is by joining a tour package.
- Pros: No-fuss transport typically thrown in (bus/van, with central HCMC pick-up usually included). You don’t have to show yourself around a bus station or figure where the buses go. The operator manages the logistics.
- Cons: You are on a set tour timeline and itinerary. Travel is typically done as a group.
- Options: Either day trips (usually to My Tho/Ben Tre) or multi-day tours (usually to include Can Tho) will take care of the transport side of your Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta journey.
This combines transport with sightseeing activities to make it easy.
Advice On Choosing The Right Transport
Deciding how to travel Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta really boils down to balancing important considerations against your personal travel style or preferences. When weighing the main choices, keep these things in mind:
- Budget:
- Bus/Coach: By far the most cost-effective method for point-to-point travel.
- Motorbike: Fuel costs are low, but adds rental costs if you don’t have your own.
- Organized Tour: Priced all over the place (from budget group to private), transport plus activities bundled. May be good value for day trips.
- Private Car/Hire: By far the most expensive option.
- Convenience:
- Organized Tour: This is often the most convenient way to travel Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta, as the operator handles pick-up (often central HCMC), drop-off, and transport logistics, providing significant ease.
- Car (Private): Most convenient, providing door-to-door service and on-demand time flexibility.
- Bus/Coach: Need to travel to/from the bus stations at both ends & locally arrange transport when arriving at the Delta town.
- Motorbike: Need to navigate by yourself and also manage the bike (park it, lock it, etc.).
- Flexibility:
- Motorbike / Private Car: Provide the most flexibility to where you want to go, when you want to go and where to stop along the way.
- Bus/Coach: Follows predetermined itineraries and routes for operations.
- Organized Tour: More of a set route, no contingencies allowed.
- Travel Time:
- Private Car / Motorbike: Could be marginally faster than the road journey itself (Signature exception: excludes the effect of trips that a car or a motorbike have to make while travelling or to avoid traffic).
- Bus/Coach: Dependent on expressways, pretty efficient (prob ~1.5-3.5hours again; dependent on the Delta destination)
- Tour: Travel time varies based on the used vehicle (bus/van), as with public bus or private car.
- Safety & Comfort:
- Private Car / Tour Bus/Van: Usually provide the best passenger comfort and perceived safety.
- Public Bus/Coach: Most modern coaches are comfortable (and sleeper or limousine type coaches are especially nice) and generally safe.
- Motorbike: Most uncomfortable for longer journeys and comes with the highest inherent safety risks, needing a lot of experience and caution.
Recommendations Based on Needs:
- Budget Friendly: The public bus/coach is the obvious best value.
- Convenience, Wherever it is Possible: Everything is managed by organized tours If your budget permits, private hire vehicular services provide the best personal convenience.
- Prioritize flexibility: The biggest freedom will come from renting a motorbike (for experienced riders) or hiring a private car.
- Families/Groups: Most score best on convenience, comfort and organized logistics through private car hire or perhaps scheduled tours between Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.
This gives you a better idea of how to make an informed decision on your transportation choices for your Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta trip, based on your personal budget, schedule, travel experience, and comfort level.
Conclusion Planning Your Journey To The Mekong Delta
Planning your journey Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta is relatively easy as the transport links are good. The Delta’s gateway cities are relatively close to HCMC, so reaching the region is easy for most travelers.
As explained above, the public bus system has the most frequent and inexpensive connection. Private car hire offers the most freedom and comfort at a much higher expense. Motorbikes provide freedom for seasoned cyclists adept in local roads. Finally, organized tours cover both transport and sightseeing for maximum convenience, especially for first-timers or those with limited time.
Depending on your budget, style of travel, time available, and preference for modes of transport, choose which suits you best. In short, prepare well, check itinerary, book transportation or tours ahead of time when needed, and know the logistics, e.g., bus station location, and you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and successful trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta.
