A trip from Ho Chi Minh to Can Tho lets you slow down and enjoy the Mekong’s daily scenes. Along the way, you’ll find small towns, friendly locals, and landscapes that still keep their gentle southern character.
Overview Of Ho Chi Minh To Can Tho
Getting from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho’s a popular move across southern Vietnam, particularly if you’re keen on diving into the Mekong Delta without much prep. These spots link up smoothly via highways and flight options, so tossing in a brief trip or tacking on an extra couple of days isn’t tricky at all. Lots of outings starting in Ho Chi Minh City wrap up in Can Tho before heading back, given how handy it is for checking out areas such as Vinh Long, Ben Tre, or Soc Trang.
How Far Is It From Ho Chi Minh To Can Tho?
The gap between Ho Chi Minh and Can Tho sits close to 165–170 km, though it shifts a bit based on where you roll out from and which way you pick. The route is easiest during the dry season, considered the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh, with clear skies and smooth traffic. A lot of folks go via National Highway 1A since it’s quicker plus cuts straight through. If traffic behaves, expect roughly 3.5 to 4.5 hours behind the wheel or riding a bus.
The trip moves through major Mekong areas like Tien Giang or Vinh Long, giving views of countryside spots now and then. A few layovers pop up, coffee joints, local eateries, where folks can chill awhile. When hopping on a plane, you’ll zip straight from Ho Chi Minh (SGN) over to Can Tho (VCA), about 130 km in under an hour, which suits anyone rushing against the clock.
How to Travel From Ho Chi Minh To Can Tho?
You can get from Ho Chi Minh to Can Tho in different ways; pick one that matches how much time you’ve got, what you want to spend, or how you like to move around. Check out these breakdowns so you can figure out which option lines up with your plans
By Motorbike
A motorbike ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho rolls through wide plains mixed with farms, so handling is smoother compared to steep trails up north or near Da Nang. The time needed is roughly between four and six hours, depending on detours taken or breaks made here and there. Riding gives you freedom, yet there are some downsides, too. In short, this trip works best for riders who feel steady handling unpredictable streets and want a closer look at delta living.
| Aspect | Details |
| Route Option 1 | Ho Chi Minh City first, after that My Tho, then onward to Vinh Long, till you hit Can Tho. Follows National Highway 1A, a tight route, jammed with roadside spots so you can fill up or eat quickly. |
| Route Option 2 | Ho Chi Minh City heads toward Ben Tre, followed by Vinh Long, then finally Can Tho. This path crosses slim bridges, sticking to quiet roads that dodge heavy traffic. Fewer vehicles around mean extra room, a calmer ride. Along the riverside, tiny workshops crafting coconut goods pop up; life here ticks at its own pace. |
| Route Option 3 | Ho Chi Minh City leads to Cao Lanh, followed by a trip toward Can Tho – this path avoids crowded highways, weaving through Dong Thap. If you want peaceful lanes, open farmland, or less traffic, it fits well. Those who prefer relaxed journeys past flooded fields and rural stops usually find this leg worth it. |
| Distance | Between 165 and 180 kilometers, depending on your chosen route. |
| Travel Time | Usually around 4 to 6 hours on the bike. Add extra time when snapping pics or grabbing food. |
| Safety Tips | Begin your ride before it gets hot out. Use a good helmet along with gloves and a solid jacket. Watch out around big trucks while riding, also leave your lights on – even when skies are bright. |
| Suggested Stops | My Tho: start the day with coffee near the water.
Vinh Long: check out a busy market, then walk across the bridge for nice sights. Can Tho: get there early so you’re set up when the sun goes down – perfect time to enjoy the river scene. |
By Bus or Minivan
Headed from Ho Chi Minh to Can Tho by bus or small vans is what most people pick – cheap, easy, familiar. They run every hour from Mien Tay Station straight into downtown Can Tho. It takes around 3.5 to five hours, depending on how busy the roads get, plus when you leave. Services kick off at dawn, keep going past dark, so you’re free to chase sunrise tours to the water markets tomorrow.
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND & USD) | Travel Time | Notes & Tips |
| Standard Sleeper Bus | Around 180,000 up to 230,000 VND, roughly 7 through 9 USD | 4 to 5 hours | This choice is cheaper; also, there are several departures daily. The bus stops now and then during the trip; although the room to stretch out is limited, packing a compact blanket or cushion may make things easier. |
| Cabin / VIP Sleeper Bus | Around 300,000 to 400,000 VND, roughly 12 to 16 USD | 3.5 to 4.5 hours | Private cabins give you more seat space along with a cleaner layout inside. Things feel nicer once perks such as complimentary drinks or Wi-Fi kick in. |
| Limousine Minivan (9 to 16 spots) | Roughly 350,000 to 450,000 VND, so around 14 to 18 USD | 3.5 to 4 hours | Picks you up straight from your doorstep, lets you out exactly where you want. Fewer passengers mean faster rides while keeping things quiet, though the room’s limited. Works great when it’s just two of you or you’ve got light luggage. |
| Night Bus | Around 250,000 to 350,000 VND, roughly 10 to 14 USD | 4 to 5 hours | Fine choice when heading to those morning floating markets. Most buses start around 10 PM, some go till 11 PM, and reach Can Tho before sunrise. Bring earplugs; toss in a light jacket to keep cozy. |
By Private Car
Thanks to the fresh Trung Luong – My Thuan highway, which now allows personal cars, the ride’s quicker and less bumpy. Sure, it’s pricier compared to buses – yet the time saved makes up for it. Rides come tidy, cooled, and handled by skilled locals who know Mekong roads well. Hotel pickups or Airport drop-offs are no problem. A bunch of services even toss in round-trips or quick detours to nearby spots.
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Price (one-way) | Estimated Travel Time | Notes & Tips |
| 4-Seater Sedan | Around 1.7 to 2 million VND, roughly 70 or 85 USD | 3.5 to 4.5 hours | Fine for two people or just one, especially if you’re carrying little stuff. The vehicles feel good inside and get regular check-ups. Reserve earlier, like a full day ahead, to grab a nicer price. |
| 7-Seater SUV | Around 2.2 to 2.5 million VND, roughly 90 or even up to 100 US dollars | 3.5 to 4.5 hours | Offers extra room for legs along with place to keep things. Ideal if you’re traveling with kids or a few friends who want their own space now and then. |
| 16-Seater Minibus | Around 2.8 to 3.2 million VND, roughly 115 up to 130 USD | 4 to 5 hours | Fine choice when traveling with a crowd or hauling several bags. Ride feels steady, goes straight there, feel free to ask for quick breaks if you want pics or food. |
By Boat
Heading from Ho Chi Minh to Can Tho on water isn’t typical. Most folks take buses or private rides but seeing the Mekong Delta this way changes everything. Tours usually start in My Tho or Cai Be, spots roughly two hours by road. Once aboard, vessels glide downstream through Vinh Long toward Can Tho, stopping at small craft hubs and groves growing exotic fruits. Cost shifts based on what kind of ride you choose.
| Aspect | Details |
| Travel Time | Journeys take 7 to 10 hours on speedy daytime boats; overnight ones drag on for one or two whole days, stopping now and then so you can check out landmarks. |
| Departure Points | Most boats leave from My Tho or Cai Be, both easy to get to by car if you’re coming from Ho Chi Minh City. A few tour options give you a ride straight from your hotel right down to the dock. |
| Estimated Price | Costs go from 1,200,000 up to 3,000,000 VND each traveler, around 50 to 120 USD, depending on whether you’re splitting the boat or booking it all yourself. |
| Facilities | Folks can pick anything from simple spots on tiny vessels to cozy rooms with AC, food included, while also getting tours on land. |
| Best For | Folks can pick anything from simple spots on tiny vessels to cozy rooms with AC, food included, while also getting tours on land. |
| Notes | Travelers interested in slow-paced journeys and cultural experiences along the Mekong rather than simple point-to-point transport. |
Tips For Traveling From Ho Chi Minh To Can Tho
Before picking your way to go, consider the time you’d like to arrive in Can Tho, as well as how loose or fixed your schedule should be. These suggestions zero in on real stuff that makes planning easier while getting more out of your journey.
- Thinking about checking out Cai Rang Floating Market? Get to Can Tho the night before, crash close to Ninh Kieu Wharf, to catch an early boat ride right at dawn, since that’s when things really start buzzing.
- While reserving a stretch van, double-check where they’ll pick you up at the hotel, plus where exactly you’ll get dropped off. A few companies park beyond downtown, so you may have to grab a quick cab to reach your place.
- If you hire a personal vehicle, get the driver to double-check the full price, tolls, plus gas before leaving. That way, unexpected costs won’t pop up once you’ve reached your spot.
- Hopping on a morning boat trip, give your hotel a heads-up, and they’ll sort out an early ride to Ninh Kieu Wharf. Since most departures kick off near 5:30 AM, showing up just fifteen minutes behind schedule might make you skip the market’s peak rush.
- If you want to head further into the Mekong Delta, grab your next ride from Can Tho rather than Saigon; locals know spots bigger offices miss, so deals pop up more often.
- While riding a motorbike, keep in mind that these bikes can’t go on the Trung Luong – My Thuan express route. Instead, take Highway 1A or local backroads.
- Taking a night bus can get chilly, so pack a thin jacket or cover, as sometimes the AC runs strong.
- Going for a boat trip beginning in My Tho or Cai Be also means checking first that your deal covers the ride from Ho Chi Minh City to where the boat leaves.
Final Thoughts
Headed from Ho Chi Minh to Can Tho is a quick trip worth taking across southern Vietnam. Getting there works without hassle, with plenty of links that make it simple. Along the way, you’ll catch real glimpses of daily Mekong Delta living. Depending on how fast or slow you wanna go, pick what suits your style or wallet. For help tailored just for you, hook up with Seni World and make your ride through Vietnam flow easier than expected.
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