How To Get To Mekong Delta From Ho Chi Minh City?

The Southwest of Vietnam is known for its sweet, fragrant fruits, stunning natural landscapes, and welcoming locals. However, for a complete experience, visitors must carefully consider how to get to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City, as the right choice of transport can significantly enhance your journey.

Join Joy Journeys to discover this trip’s most popular travel options and the key factors to help you choose the best fit for your adventure!

How far is it from Ho Chi Minh City to the provinces of the Mekong Delta?

The Mekong Delta spans an area of 40,577.6 km² and is located in the southwest region of Vietnam. It includes Can Tho—its centrally governed city—along with 12 other provinces and cities. Although also in the South of Vietnam, the distance from Saigon to the Mekong Delta is relatively short. The specific distances are detailed in the table below.

Provinces and CitiesDistance to Ho Chi Minh City
Long An50 kilometers
Tien Giang58 kilometers
Ben Tre85 kilometers
Tra Vinh128 kilometers
Vinh Long130 kilometers
Dong Thap144 kilometers
Can Tho169 kilometers
Hau Giang200 kilometers
Soc Trang207 kilometers
An Giang230 kilometers
Kien Giang245 kilometers
Bac Lieu254 kilometers
Ca Mau300 kilometers

How to get to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City?

The infrastructure from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta is now well-developed and reliable, so tourists have a wide range of travel options.

Bus from Ho Chi Minh to Mekong Delta

Taking a bus from Ho Chi Minh to Mekong Delta is affordable, with sleeper buses available for added comfort.

sleeping bus ho chi minh city
For those heading to remote provinces, sleeper buses offer a cozy and comfortable way to travel

You can purchase tickets directly at Mien Tay Bus Station or book online through platforms like Momo, Vexere, or VNPay. However, to avoid potential fraud, be sure to verify that you are on the official website before booking.

Provinces and CitiesEstimated Travel TimeTicket Price
Long An1 hour 30 minutes80.000 – 150.000 VND
Tien Giang1 hour 30 minutes80.000 – 100.000 VND
Ben Tre2 hours 90.000 – 150.000 VND
Tra Vinh2 hours 45 minutes150.000 -170.000 VND
Vinh Long2 hours 45 minutes180.000 – 200.000 VND
Dong Thap3 hours 30 minutes170.000 – 220.000 VND
Can Tho3 hours 30 minutes150.000 – 200.000 VND
Hau Giang3 hours 40 minutes150.000 – 200.000 VND
Soc Trang5 hours180.000 – 230.000 VND
An Giang5 hours220.000 – 250.000 VND
Kien Giang5 hours 15 minutes180.000 – 250.000 VND
Bac Lieu5 hours 30 minutes190.000 – 230.000 VND
Ca Mau6 hours150.000 – 200.000 VND

Speedboat to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City

Taking a speedboat to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City offers a unique experience. You can enjoy the beauty of the river region. Speedboats and private cruises help you avoid crowds and traffic, providing a more intimate and exclusive journey.

However, renting a private speedboat can cost approximately 3,500,000 to 5,000,000 VND per hour for 10–15 seats. Alternatively, tourists can consider booking speedboat tours to destinations like Ben Tre or My Tho for more affordable options.

Private car from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta

A private car from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta is ideal for families and groups looking for a comfortable and flexible travel experience. Service providers offer a range of vehicles, from 4-seat to 16-seat options, to accommodate different group sizes.

Prices for a same-day round trip to the Mekong start from 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 VND. You can arrange a private car by contacting rental services, or if you need a one-way trip between Saigon and nearby Mekong Delta provinces, consider booking through Grab or Xanh SM.

Motorbike to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh

A motorbike is a popular option for people traveling from Ho Chi Minh to the Mekong Delta. This mode of transport is well-suited to Vietnam’s infrastructure and allows travelers to enjoy the outdoor scenery along the way.

streets on a motorbike vietnam
Explore Vietnam’s streets on a motorbike, a popular and scenic way to travel from Ho Chi Minh to the Mekong Delta

You can rent a motorbike in Saigon and use it to explore the Mekong Delta at your own pace. The daily rental price is approximately 200,000–300,000 VND.

Flight from Ho Chi Minh to Mekong Delta

For those wanting to save travel time, flights are available from Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport) to Can Tho (Can Tho Airport) and Phu Quoc (Phu Quoc Airport) in the Mekong Delta.

The main advantage of flying is the significantly reduced travel time: while it takes around 4 hours by car or motorbike from Saigon to Can Tho, a flight only takes about 30 minutes. Ticket prices range from 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND for flights to Can Tho and from 1,700,000 to 3,000,000 VND to Phu Quoc.

Tickets can be booked directly through the official websites of airlines like Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet, or travel apps like Agoda and Booking.com. Keep in mind, however, that flights to Can Tho may be limited as fewer airlines operate this route.

Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City

Travelers may also consider booking a Mekong Delta tour for a comfortable, smooth, and worry-free experience. Joy Journeys offers Mekong Delta tours limited to 10 guests per trip, ensuring a less crowded and highly attentive journey.

Cai Rang ‘The Biggest’ Floating Market Mekong Delta Can Tho 2-Day Tour (This 2-day, 1-night tour is designed to offer an authentic and immersive experience, focusing on the region’s rich culture and scenic beauty).

  • The tour includes:
    • Comfortable Transportation: Travelers will enjoy comfortable transportation throughout the tour, utilizing air-conditioned 16-seater vans for easy travel between locations.
    • Savor Local Flavors: Indulge in delicious meals that highlight the culinary traditions of the region, featuring fresh local ingredients and typical dishes of the Mekong Delta.
    • Stay in an Eco-Friendly Retreat: Guests will stay overnight at the Bamboo Eco Village Resort, a charming and sustainable accommodation that captures the authentic spirit of the Mekong Delta.
    • Engaging Local Experiences: The tour includes hands-on experiences, such as a cooking class where you can learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes like ‘banh xeo’ and spring rolls.
    • Explore Cai Rang Floating Market: On the second day, visit Cai Rang, the largest floating market in the Mekong Delta, where you can observe the bustling trade and sample local delicacies.
  • Priced: at 3,650,000 VND per person, this tour promises a memorable adventure filled with unique experiences, local flavors, and comfortable travel arrangements.

Authentic ‘Less-Touristy’ Mekong Delta Ben Tre 1-Day Tour (This tour is designed specifically for travelers seeking a genuine encounter with the Mekong Delta’s culture and landscape. It prioritizes authenticity by avoiding overcrowded tourist spots and focusing on unique experiences that highlight local life rather than shopping.)

Joy Journeys takes pride in leading daily Mekong Ben Tre tours, ensuring an exceptional and memorable experience for every guest with these experiences:

  • Immersive Local Experiences: This tour offers a deep dive into local culture, starting with a visit to a brick factory that utilizes soil from the riverbed. Witness first-hand how locals earn their living through traditional crafts and industry.
  • Delicious Local Cuisine: Savor a delicious Southern local lunch at a riverside family home.
  • Rowing Through Scenic Canals: The highlight of your journey will be a tranquil rowing boat ride, paddled by locals through stunning coconut canals, providing a serene and beautiful perspective of the region.

This enriching day trip lasts approximately 9 hours and is priced at 1,500,000 VND per person, ensuring a remarkable day filled with authentic experiences and local culture.

Local ‘Less-Known’ Mekong Delta My Tho 1-Day Tour: This tour emphasizes comfort, showcasing beautiful scenery and peaceful rowing boat rides.

  • The tour includes:
    • Authentic and Peaceful Exploration: The journey leads you to the enchanting Vinh Trang Pagoda, a remarkable site featuring a blend of Roman, Cambodian, and Vietnamese architecture.
    • Engaging with Local Life: Board a boat to explore the local way of life, learning about fruit cultivation and the art of beekeeping. Enjoy a taste of the region with a cup of local honeybee tea, a delightful introduction to the flavors of the Mekong.
    • Serene Rowing Boat Experience: The highlight of your trip is a relaxing rowing boat experience along a serene, lesser-known canal surrounded by water coconuts in Ben Tre.
    • Delicious Local Cuisine: Cycle along village roads to a local home for lunch, enjoying a delicious set menu featuring local Southern dishes.
    • Cultural Immersion and Fun: Savor tropical seasonal fruits while enjoying traditional Vietnamese folk music.
  • This enriching 9-hour trip is priced at just 1,000,000 VND per person, ensuring a memorable day filled with authentic experiences, local culture, and stunning scenery.

Booking a tour with Joy Journeys is simple and convenient through various OTA channels, including TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, and Airbnb. Additionally, you can book directly on our website at joyjourneys.com.vn or reach out to us via WhatsApp at +84 (0) 868.17.66.79.

Factors to consider when choosing transportation

Several factors can help you choose the best transportation option for your needs when deciding how to get to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City.

Budget

First, consider your budget for the Mekong Delta trip. Taking the bus is the most suitable choice if you’re looking for a more economical option. With comfortable seats and air conditioning on board, this option ensures a less tiring journey.

Travel time

If you prioritize saving time and prefer not to spend too long on the bus, flying is an excellent alternative. This mode of transportation allows you more time to explore the Mekong Delta. Renting a private car is another option, offering the flexibility to relax and travel at your own pace.

Schedule

For those who enjoy flexibility in their plans, renting a motorbike can be an ideal choice. It allows you to set your own start and end times, providing the opportunity to immerse yourself in the nature of the Mekong Delta.

Comfort and Flexibility

You can enhance your comfort by choosing to travel by speedboat or motorbike. These modes of transportation offer a unique experience, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and breeze rather than sitting in a closed car.

For travelers who prioritize flexibility, a motorbike is the perfect option. It allows you to drive at your own pace and arrange your trip according to your timeline.

Conclusion

Transportation is an important part of a complete and memorable experience. Through this article, Joy Journeys hopes to assist you in deciding how to get to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City in a way that best suits your needs. Get ready for a journey that’s truly more than just a trip!

If you seek a relaxing vacation tailored to your preferences, don’t hesitate to contact Joy Journeys via WhatsApp at +84 (0) 868.17.66.79. Our team will design the perfect itinerary using the best transportation options.