The route from Ho Chi Minh to the Mekong Delta has long been a favorite among travelers heading south. It’s straightforward, easy to plan, and offers a glimpse of how life unfolds along Vietnam’s most fertile region.
Overview Of Ho Chi Minh To the Mekong Delta
The route from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta is one of the busiest in southern Vietnam. It is the link from the largest metropolitan region to the river network, which grows the majority of rice and fruits for the entire region. Although the distance is not great, either 70 or 170 km, the change in terrain starts to happen quickly.
Many travelers choose this route to leave Ho Chi Minh City for the Mekong since it’s easy, convenient, and highly active. The highways are safe with shuttles virtually every hour. For travelers on a time limit, stopovers in My Tho or Ben Tre are quick boat rides and stops in villages. Many people even stop over in Can Tho overnight just to see the sunrise on the floating markets. Yet this short journey provides a glimpse into the normal routines and commerce from bend to bend on this winding river.
How Far Is It From Ho Chi Minh To Mekong Delta?
The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta is 70 to 170 km, depending on where one goes. My Tho is closest, about a 90-minute to two-hour taxi drive away. Ben Tre is just beyond My Tho, about 85 km away. Can Tho, however, as the largest city down south, takes almost four hours by car to get there, if not slightly less. Travel time depends on traffic from Ho Chi Minh City. For Ho Chi Minh City visitors, travel time depends on traffic and road conditions, not so much on the weather
The weather affects more on weekends or national holidays when there are more people traveling outside of the city. The best time to visit from Ho Chi Minh down to the Delta is between December – April dry season, when rainfall is minimal and skies are clear, providing for less traffic and optimal travel. This also goes for destinations farther south – approximately 5 to 6hours of travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Soc Trang or Chau Doc, although it may seem shorter because of the scenery along the way.
How To Travel From Ho Chi Minh To Mekong Delta?
Heading from Ho Chi Minh City into the Mekong Delta doesn’t take long – plenty of ways to go, but everyone’s got trade-offs on cost, comfort, or feel. Instead of sticking to city sights and local highlights in Saigon, you could hop on a boat ride through My Tho or Ben Tre.
By Motorbike
Getting to My Tho or Ben Tre usually takes two or three hours, whereas Can Tho is around four hours away. Ground stays level almost the whole trip; feels smooth if you’ve handled a bike before – still, might want to pass if you’re fresh to riding. Roads near Ho Chi Minh City tend to clog up fast, particularly close to spots like Binh Chanh or Tan An. Down south, conditions change out of nowhere, so bring a rain jacket because heading off at dawn cuts delays.
| Aspect | Details |
| Route Option 1 | Ho Chi Minh City leads to My Tho, from there it goes to Ben Tre, eventually arriving in Can Tho. Travels along Route 1A, using small roads close to the Tien River – passing through palm groves, hopping on ferries every few stretches. |
| Route Option 2 | Ho Chi Minh City first, then off to Tan An – after that, a stop at Vinh Long, finally rolling into Can Tho. Rather than tackling My Tho’s crowded streets, you’ll take calm backroads winding through open fields. |
| Distance | Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho sits just 70 km away, and Ben Tre lies a bit farther at 85 km. If your destination is Can Tho, expect a ride of close to 165 km. |
| Travel Time | Up to 3 hours gets you to My Tho or Ben Tre, roughly 3.5 if not closer to 4 for Can Tho; road conditions might stretch it. Weather plays a part, so does rest time along the way. |
| Suggested Stops | Tan An Market’s a decent spot for homegrown eats, whereas the Rach Mieu Bridge serves up steady views of the river. Head into My Tho, and you’ll bump into Vinh Trang Pagoda – calm, aged, doing its own thing. A short hop past Can Tho, the Phong Dien floating market hums along, gliding without rush on the current. |
By Bus Or Minivan
Reaching the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh via bus or minivan won’t cost much – plus it’s pretty straightforward. While you could do it in one day and head back, hanging out past sunset works fine too. Departures roll out regularly from Mien Tay station, with common stops at places like My Tho, Ben Tre, or Can Tho. The path you pick is not such a big deal, it’s about two hours to My Tho or Ben Tre, though getting to Can Tho eats up closer to three and a half or four.
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND / USD) | Travel Time | Notes & Tips |
| Standard Bus | 90,000 to 150,000 VND (4 to 6 USD) for My Tho or Ben Tre
150,000 to 200,000 VND (6 to 8 USD) for Can Tho |
Between two or three hours, sometimes up to four | The cheapest choice, buses leave every hour from Mien Tay Bus Station with brief stops along the way. Rooms on board are basic, so pack water or a thin jacket to stay comfy. |
| Limousine Minivan (9-16 seats) | From 200,000 up to 300,000 VND, that’s around 8 till 12 USD. | 2 to 4 hours | A comfier option featuring spacious seating, cool AC, also pickup from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Great if you’re traveling with a few others or hauling lots of bags. |
| Tourist Day Bus with Boat Option | From 450,000 up to 700,000 VND, around 18 to 28 bucks, with a trip on a boat tossed in | 8 to 10 hrs there and back | Gets you there and back plus a quick boat ride on the water near My Tho or Ben Tre. Ideal if you’ve got just a single free day and like things sorted out ahead. |
By Private Car
The alternative method of getting to the Mekong Delta is by private car or taxi. My Tho is about 2 hours by road from Ho Chi Minh City. Can Tho will take closer to 4. It’s more convenient to take this option if you’re a family or a small group. Most are arranged through their hotels or tour guides in the area, and some travelers use online applications. The drivers usually know common areas where tourists go so they’ll drop you off wherever you’d like and pick you back up from there.
| Vehicle Type | Estimated Price (one-way) | Estimated Travel Time | Notes & Tips |
| 4-Seater Sedan | Around 1,100,000 to 1,700,000 VND (45 to 70 USD) from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho
2,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND (100 to 120 USD) to Can Tho |
2 to 4 hours | Best for couples or individuals traveling with easy-to-carry luggage. It is the only service that provides direct transfer from your hotel to the central Delta cities without waiting for any other passengers or transfers. |
| 7-Seater SUV | Around 2,800,000 to 3,500,000 VND (115 to 140 USD) | 3.5 to 4 hours | Offers more space and comfort for small families or groups. Smooth on long drives and convenient for travelers carrying extra bags or equipment. |
| 16-Seater Minibus | Around 3,500,000 to 4,000,000 VND (140 to 160 USD) | 3.5 to 5 hours | Suitable for groups of 8 to 12 people. It is convenient to coordinate and plan day trips or overnight tours around the Delta because it offers luggage flexibility and hassle-free organization. |
By Flight
Arriving at Can Tho International Airport is straightforward. The city center is a mere 15-20 minute taxi ride from the airport. Most taxi rides, depending on traffic, last around 15 to 25 minutes. After you reach the urban center, the trip to places such as Soc Tring, Hau Giang, and even An Giang is possible through public minibuses or hired cars. Prices for tickets are generally reasonable, although the supply is influenced by timing.
| Aspect | Details |
| Flight Duration | About an hour gets you to Phu Quoc, while Can Tho takes roughly 80 minutes. |
| Ticket Price | Fares usually range between 1,000,000 and 1,800,000 VND, around 40 to 75 USD but prices shift based on when you book or the time of year. |
| Best For | Visitors flying directly to Phu Quoc, while others hop on a flight from Ho Chi Minh City toward the far southern regions. |
| Notes | Getting a flight is handy, yet it won’t save you time when hopping between nearby spots on the mainland Delta, since getting to and from airports drags out your trip. Most travelers find that driving or bus routes just work better. |
Tips For Traveling From Ho Chi Minh To Mekong Delta
A short trip to the Mekong Delta goes smoother if you plan ahead. These ideas focus on timing, ways to move about, or small stuff that matters after leaving the city.
- If you head out before seven, traffic won’t slow you down in Long An’s toll area – meaning My Tho could take under two hours.
- A quick visit beginning downtown skips the extra bus journey – usually, they pick you up directly where you’re staying.
- People heading to Can Tho should spend the night – trips to Cai Rang Market kick off between 5:30 and 6 AM.
- Take the Rach Mieu Bridge to reach Ben Tre is faster than going through My Tho, while avoiding the ferry ride completely.
- Rain usually shows up by mid-afternoon most afternoons from May to October, so aim for a morning boat ride; that way you’ll dodge choppy water while catching brighter light.
- If you’re visiting several areas, arrange rides through your host family, lots of drivers wait while you check things out, then take you to the next spot once you’re ready.
- Weekends require an additional hour of travel; traffic builds up quickly on Route 1A as everyone heads back to the Delta. Traffic builds up around the bridge as everyone crowds onto the freeway. What many don’t know, however, is how far in advance the traffic begins to slow, more than an hour after noon.
- If you are visiting multiple Cococon workshops on your way to Ben Tre, going to Pho Dinh instead of Tam Phuoc will save travel time, which ultimately means you’ll fit in an additional workshop along the riverside without the worry.
- Anyone considering a boat trip near Ben Tre or My Tho should consult their boatman; the water levels fluctuate quickly throughout the day and with narrow passages, this becomes a huge issue when the water levels recede.
Final Thoughts
The trip from Ho Chi Minh to the Mekong Delta is perfectly tailored for most tourists. It’s short enough to do in one day but everything along the way lends itself to water-adjacent stops if you have the time. For up-to-date recommendations or personalized Vietnam guided tours, it’s great to have Seni World by your side to foster credibility; these ground-level professionals have real assets and real knowledge and know how to spread the word with legitimacy.
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