Trip planning Saigon to Ben Tre? Ho chi minh city to ben tre is an easy and fast trip. Ben Tre province, dubbed the “Coconut Kingdom” of Vietnam, is an easy Mekong Delta destination from HCMC. However, this post will show you how to reach ben tre from saigon. Covers the major transport options from conventional buses and comfortable limousine vans to private cars and motorbikes, offering fully updated practical information (April 2025).
Basic Information Distance And Travel Time Saigon To Ben Tre
Understand the approximate distance saigon to ben tre and the realistic travel secret to Saigon to Ben Tre before planning your saigon to ben tre trip logistics.
- Road Distance: The common road distance from HCM city center or HCMC (or Saigon, as e.g. District 1) to the Ben Tre city center is approximately 85 or 90 kilometers (around 53 or 56 miles).
- Distance: 70 kmOverview: The distance hcmc to ben tre is loacated from 1.5hours to 2.5hours by a car, bus, and limousine van. This relatively short time is made possible mostly by the HCMC – Trung Luong Expressway.
- Actual Travel Time Influenced by an Important Factor: Rach Mieu Bridge: A fairly important factor, possibly a variable that affects the real traveling time, is the possibility of traffic congestion at Rach Mieu Bridge. This bridge spans the Tien River linking My Tho (Tien Giang) to Ben Tre province. Delays crossing this bridge are normal during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, and can increase the total journey time to the higher end of our time estimate (2.5 hours), or even slightly longer on rare occasions.
- Main Driving Route: The standard route has travelers using use the main roads out of HCMC linking to the HCMC – Trung Luong Expressway (CT01) heading southwest to My Tho. Traffic from before passed through the center of My Tho city through routes onto National Highway 60 (QL60) crossing Rach Mieu bridge directly into Ben Tre city.
Although trips are usually speedy, you should allow time to cross the bridge, particularly at peak times, when you’re making your Saigon to Ben Tre travel plans.
Main Transport Options from Saigon to Ben Tre
So, let see what are the transport Saigon to Ben Tre methods we have. The best choice as you travel from saigon to | ben tre really comes down to your price range, comfort, need for flexibility, and understanding of the local travel process.
By Bus Coach Or Limousine
Ho chi minh to ben tre bus in the main option Taking public transport. This includes the standard coaches that leave from the main bus station and more comfortable limousine van services that often provide centralized pickups. And this is the 4th and most common way to take this Saigon to Ben Tre trip.
- Standard Bus/Coach (from Mien Tay Station):
- Pros: Normally the cheapest price you can find; independent companies with services leaving every 30 minutes; direct to the bus station in Ben Tre city.
- Cons: First have to get to Mien Tay Bus Station (Western Bus Station) tho, far from District 1 & takes time/cost; might be crowded (or stop often); fixed-time schedule.
- Logistics: Leave HCMC from Mien Tay Bus Station (395 Kinh Duong Vuong, Binh Tan District). So, if you hop on the Mien Tay bus station to Ben Tre route, it brings you to the main Ben Tre Bus Station (Bến xe Bến Tre), centrally and conveniently located in the center of Ben Tre city and easy for connecting on. Standard coaches are normally launched by FUTA (Phuong Trang) and Mai Linh. Usually air conditioned seater bus as vehicle type. Fares are extremely low (check current amount, possible ~80k-100k VND cost – Apr 2025 prediction). Book at station or online (specific company check).
- Limousine Van (More Convenient Pickups):
- Pros: Higher comfort level (less seats and bigger ones, often recliners, USB ports/WiFi on-board); usually offers some of the most convenient departure points from central HCMC districts (company offices or designated points in Q1, Q5, Q10, sometimes limited hotel pickups – please check specific ones for more details!); often makes less stops en-route potentially making it a faster journey; some of these brands may drop to certain points in Ben Tre city.
- Cons: Trace of higher fare than standard buses; possibly less operators than standard coaches (still frequent on this popular route).
- Logistics: Depart HCMC normally from company offices or pick-up points in central districts (confirm location at booking!). Get out in Ben Tre Bus Station or occasionally drop you directly at your hotel around Ben Tre. A highly recommend operator for this route is Thinh Phat Limousine. Some other companies offering similar services are Minh Tam or Dong Phuoc (check Vexere. com for options). ‘Van’ is a converted van (9-16 luxury seats) ~120k-150k VND / Apr 2025 est. Booking directly through company app/website or Vexere is strongly recommended to confirm specific pickup locations/times and to secure the best seat of your choice.
By Private Car Taxi Or Hire
While taxi Saigon to Ben Tre and private car with driver offer the most comfortable and personalized service.
- Pros: Door-to-door service from your HCMC location straight to your Ben Tre destination; total flexibility on exact departure time and stops en route; comfortable and private. Great for families, groups or people with luggage.
- Cons: Undoubtedly the most expensive alternative by a good margin (costs in the 1.2M – 1.8M+ VND ballpark one-way or up until you get a number that suits your needs).
- Booking: Via your HCMC hotel concierge, a reputable travel agency, a car rental/transfer company that specializes in this (all available for search online) or do some checking will ride-hailing apps like Grab have intercity fixed-price carry (be sure to confirm service and price specifics).
By Motorbike For Experienced Riders
If you prefer more independence, you can drive to ben tre with a motorbike ho chi minh to ben tre.
- Pros: Unrestricted freedom on route, timing and local exploration on arrival. Low fuel cost.
- Cons / CRITICAL Safety Warning: Only for experienced, confident riders with a valid license/IDP accepted in Vietnam who are comfortable riding with a lot of very busy highway traffic. National Highway 1A (QL1A) and in particular Rach Mieu Bridge can be heavily congested with big rig trucks and buses. A good helmet which is a must have. Inspect the condition of your bike (tires, brakes, lights) carefully. The 90km (56mi) route takes ~2-2.5+ hours. Motorbikes are not permitted on the main HCMC-Trung Luong expressway, yet they have to use QL1A which is a mixed traffic road.
- Route/Rental: Usually QL1A southwest, including Rach Mieu Bridge into Ben Tre Map apps (in motorcycle mode). There are plenty of reputable motorbike rental shops around HCMC.
This should be done by someone who rides a lot with awareness of Saigon to Ben Tre roads safety.
Via Organized Tour Including Transport
Most day trips include transport.
- Pros: We take care of the logistics of the transport (most often van/bus with pickup in HCMC). So, if you want a sightseeing itinerary planned in advance.
- Cons: Rigid schedule, reduced freedom. Most day tours combine My Tho and Ben Tre activities.
- Related: If you need it just like my tho ben tre day trip packages Make sure that the transport details (vehicle type, pickup point) suit your needs. (A little self-correction: ‘my tho ben tre day trip’ would most naturally fit here conceptually even though not a required SK for this outline).
Quick Comparison Of Saigon To Ben Tre Transport
Here is a quick summary comparison to help you weigh the various transport methods for the Saigon to Ben Tre route againsttop travel priorities:
- Cost (Minimum to Maximum):
- Standard Bus/Coach (departure from Mien Tay Station)
- Limousine Van
- Motorbike (excluding rental/maintenance costs)
- Day Tour (vary, activity to include)
- Taxi / Private Car Hire
- Convenience (On Ease of Pickup/Drop-off — Highest to Lowest):
- Private Car / Taxi / Grab (1 hour, door to door)
- Limousine Van (usually in central HCMC pick ups / possible drop offs in Ben Tre city)
- Formally-Led Tour (usually central HCMC pickups)
- Standard Bus/Coach (travel to/from bus stations required at both ends)
- Motorbike (full auto-navigation required)
- Flexibility (From Highest to Lowest):
- Motorbike / Private Car (you are in control of stops and timing)
- Taxi / Grab (you can request stops, but cost will be higher)
- Limousine Van / Standard Bus (fixed routes & schedule)
- Organize a Tour (fixed itinerary)
- Comfort (Overall Best to Worst):
- Private Car / Limousine Van
- Modern Tour Bus / Standard Coach
- Motorbike (could be tiring due to the distance, traffic, weather)
- Estimated Total Travel Time (Approximate Low-End Maximum to High-End Minimum Door-to-Door):
- Car / Taxi / Grab (approx 1.5 – 2.5+ hours)
- Limousine Van (~1.5 – 2.5+ hours)
- Motorbike(~2 – 3+hours, dependent on rider and traffic)
- Standard Bus (~2 – 3+ hours, including transferences to/from booths)
- Organized tour (Full day time:‚he time of travel is almost equal to bus/van)
So, weigh these trade-offs weighted carefully against your personal priorities for your particular Saigon to Ben Tre needs.
Special Tips And Notes For Traveling Saigon To Ben Tre
But to ensure that your journey goes as smoothly as possible, here are some things to consider when you plan your itinerary for Saigon to Ben Tre travel:
- Limousine Bus (for balance): Many independent travelers end up taking the Limousine Van option because, in terms of cost, comfort, and convenience (central HCMC pickups) this option really tends to have the best balance for this route
- Verify Bus Details: If you are taking any bus (standard or limo) verify exactly where it departs from in HCMC and where you arrive in Ben Tre (usually the main station). Double-check schedules and reserve online when you can.
- CHECK CURRENT PRICES: Always confirm up-to-the-minute prices for buses, limos or seek individual quotes for private cars/taxis in advance of your trip. Estimates can change.
- If riding a motorbike, safety comes before anything else. Make yourself ensure with experience, license, and right gear. Check the bike condition. Caution on traffic especially on QL1A and Rach Mieu bridge
- BOOK AHEAD: It is highly recommended to book bus/limo tickets and private cars in advance (especially for weekends or holidays) online.
- ALLOW EXTRA TIME: Keep in mind there could be traffic jams leaving Ho Chi Minh City or passing Rach Mieu Bridge, which can add time to the trip.
By following these tips closely, you can help ensure smooth travel Saigon to Ben Tre.
Conclusion Choosing Your Best Way To Ben Tre
Choosing your best option Saigon to Ben Tre comes down to aligning the available transport options with your personal trip priorities. There are a few transport options available to link Ho Chi Minh City to the “Coconut Kingdom.”
The normal public bus is the cheapest way though you’ll need to figure out the Mien Tay Bus Station logistics. Private car hire provides the most convenient and comfortable travel at the highest price. Although motorbikes offer freedom, they require a lot of riding experience and safety awareness. Day tours allow you to book all transport for the day, but it will be on an fixed itinerary.
For many independent travelers heading from HCMC to Ben Tre, the Limousine Bus service most often seems to balance best. This is a slightly more expensive than running the bus, much cheaper than having your own car and certainly more comfortable and faster than taking a standard bus, all while picking you up in places more convenient than Mien Tay’s standard coaches.
Carefully evaluate your budget, level of convenience you want, flexibility needs and comfort preferences. Choose a transport option accordingly to these personal reasons. Booking bus or limousine tickets in advance online is a great way to facilitate a smooth trip Saigon to Ben Tre.
