Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta: The ultimate travel guide

20/03/2024

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Planning a Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta trip? Check out the most optimal way to travel between these two destinations and the suggested itineraries.

1. How far is the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City?
2. Best ways to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta
- 2.1. By public transfer
- 2.2. By private transfer
  - 2.2.1. By motorbike
  - 2.2.2. By rental car
3. Itineraries for a trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta

A trip to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City promises a diverse and enriching experience (Source: Collected)

Dreaming of escaping the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City for the serene beauty of the Mekong Delta? This ultimate transport guide will equip you with everything you need to know for a seamless journey from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta. Let’s explore all the transportation options available, from budget-friendly buses to speedboats, to help you decide the perfect way to travel.

1. How far is the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City?

Located to the west of Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, encompasses the territories of 13 provinces and municipalities, namely Long An, Tien Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Can Tho, Hau Giang, Soc Trang, Ben Tre, An Giang, Kien Giang, Bac Lieu, and Ca Mau.

Renowned for its vast network of rivers and canals, orchards brimming with fruit trees, and abundant produce, the region exudes both vibrancy and authenticity. It boasts national parks and bird sanctuaries teeming with a myriad of avian and aquatic species, as well as precious flora.

The Mekong Delta is also celebrated for its traditional folk festivals and distinctive forms of local art, such as reformed theater, lyrical tunes, folk songs, and traditional dances of the Khmer people. The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry and natural splendor of Vietnam’s southernmost region.

It is important to note that the distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta varies depending on the specific province you intend to visit. The following table provides information on the distance and estimated travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to each of the 13 provinces in the Mekong Delta region.

Ho Chi Minh City to	Distance (km)	Travel time
Long An	55	1 hour 36 minutes
Tien Giang	62	1 hour 40 minutes
Dong Thap	147.5	3 hours
Vinh Long	128	2 hours 21 minutes
Tra Vinh	128	2 hours 54 minutes
Can Tho city	157.5	2 hours 51 minutes
Hau Giang	189	3 hours 37 minutes
Soc Trang	209	3 hours 52 minutes
Ben Tre	88	2 hours
An Giang	233	5 hours
Kien Giang	243	4 hours 38 minutes
Bac Lieu	257	4 hours 50 minutes
Ca Mau	298	5 hours 39 minutes

Consider the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to the provinces in the Mekong Delta for an affordable and convenient journey (Source: Collected)

2. Best ways to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta

2.1. By public transfer

2.1.1. By coach

Traveling by coach from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta offers numerous advantages for adventurers seeking a convenient yet budget-friendly journey. Coaches offer a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience, with spacious seating and amenities such as air conditioning, onboard restrooms, and sometimes even Wi-Fi. In addition, they typically provide direct routes to key destinations within the Mekong Delta, minimizing the need for multiple transfers and streamlining the travel process.

If you travel to the Mekong Delta by coach, the Western Bus Station (“Bến xe Miền Tây” in Vietnamese) serves as the primary departure point in Ho Chi Minh City. Located at No. 395 Kinh Duong Vuong Street, An Lac Ward, Binh Tan District, this bustling terminal offers a wide array of bus companies and routes tailored to various destinations within the Mekong Delta. Some notable bus companies operating from Ho Chi Minh City to destinations in the Mekong Delta include:

Route	Bus company	Phone number	Average fare
Western Bus Station → Can Tho	Phuong Trang Futa Buslines	028 3 838 6852	165,000 VND
Western Bus Station → Can Tho	Quoc Viet	031 1093 293	135,000 VND
Western Bus Station → An Giang	Dong Tam	0296 3869363	145,000 VND
Western Bus Station → An Giang	Hung Cuong	1600 626 471	180,000 VND
Western Bus Station → Ca Mau	Tuan Hung	2000 443 566	190,000 VND
Western Bus Station → Ca Mau	Van Thanh	0947 426 542	190,000 VND
Western Bus Station → Soc Trang	Viet Thang	030 1392 939	145,000 VND
Western Bus Station → Soc Trang	My Duyen	030 0993 856	170,000 VND
Western Bus Station → Tra Vinh	Kim Hoang	2100 189 088	140,000 VND
Western Bus Station → Tra Vinh	Thanh Thuy	0294 385 8687	140,000 VND
Western Bus Station → Dong Thap	Phuong Trang Futa Buslines	028 3 838 6852	155,000 VND
Western Bus Station → Kien Giang	Chau Ha	030 560 1083	190,000 VND
Western Bus Station → Kien Giang	Kumho Samco Buslines	030 530 8215	240,000 VND

2.1.2. By speedboat

For travelers seeking an alternative and exhilarating way to journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta, opting for a speedboat offers a thrilling experience. Departing from various piers along the Saigon River, speedboats provide a swift and direct route to key destinations within the Mekong Delta. Several travel companies in the city, such as Vietravel, Vietluxtour, and TST Tourist, operate tours catering to those eager to explore the delta via this mode of transportation.

The speedboat to Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City presents numerous advantages, foremost among them being the rapid travel time. Compared to traditional methods like buses or cars, speedboats significantly reduce travel duration, allowing adventurers to maximize their time exploring the delta’s wonders. Overall, traveling by speedboat presents an exciting and efficient option for experiencing the beauty and charm of the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City.

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta by boat offers a scenic and memorable experience (Source: Collected)

2.1.3. By airplane

For those seeking a quicker option to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to the provinces in the Mekong Delta, flying presents an efficient solution. Tan Son Nhat Airport serves as the primary departure point, offering flights to various destinations within the Mekong Delta.

Flight times from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta destinations are relatively short, allowing passengers to reach their destination swiftly. Several airlines operate routes between Ho Chi Minh City and key cities in the Delta region, providing travelers with convenient options to choose from. Notable names include Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Pacific Airlines, which offer competitive airfares for travelers.

Airport	Flight time	Airlines	Airfare
Phu Quoc International Airport	1 hour 5 minutes	Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Pacific Airlines, Vietravel Airlines	From 2,500,000 VND/return trip
Can Tho International Airport	3 hours (one layover)	Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air	From 5,000,000 VND/return trip
Ca Mau Airport	1 hour 5 minutes	Vietnam Airlines	From 2,500,000 VND/return trip
Rach Gia Airport	1 hour	Vietnam Airlines	From 2,400,000 VND/return trip

>>> You should know: Weather in Mekong Delta, Vietnam: The comprehensive guide

2.2. By private transfer

2.2.1. By motorbike

For a thrilling day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta, embarking on a private transfer by motorbike offers a sense of adventure and flexibility. There are multiple routes available for motorbike enthusiasts, each offering its own unique sights and experiences along the way.

Depending on your desired stops, you can choose a route that best suits your preferences. Routes typically involve traveling along national highways and provincial roads, such as National Highway 1 and various local routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City to destinations in the Mekong Delta. As most of the Mekong Delta can be explored within a day, traveling by motorbike allows for spontaneous detours and discoveries.

While the roads in the Mekong Delta are generally manageable, it is advisable to stay vigilant for speed bumps and uneven surfaces (Source: Collected)

2.2.2. By rental car

Traveling by rental car presents a convenient and flexible option for exploring the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City, especially for groups of friends or families. With ample seating capacity, rented cars can comfortably accommodate multiple passengers, allowing for a shared and enjoyable journey.

Additionally, rental cars offer the freedom to customize the itinerary and make spontaneous stops along the way, enhancing the overall travel experience. Depending on factors such as the chosen route, type of car, and additional services, the average rental price ranges from 2,400,000 to 3,500,000 VND per day.

Traveling the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City by rental car

Renting cars is an attractive choice for those seeking convenience and comfort while exploring the diverse landscapes of the Mekong Delta (Source: Collected)

>>> Explore: Mekong Delta cruise: A comprehensive guide for first-timers

3. Itineraries for a trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta

When planning your Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta tour, there are various captivating itineraries to consider:

Ho Chi Minh City – Sa Dec – Tram Chim National Park: Begin your journey in Sa Dec, a province at the source of the Mekong River, where you can explore ancient temples and the renowned flower village. Then, venture to Tram Chim National Park in Tam Nong district, renowned for its lush mangrove forests and diverse flora and fauna, offering a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts.
Ho Chi Minh City – Thoi Son – Ben Tre – Can Tho: Embark on a scenic route to Ben Tre, known as the “coconut kingdom,” where you can discover the local culture and lush landscapes of the region. Continue your journey to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta, famous for its vibrant floating markets and charming riverside scenery.
Ho Chi Minh City – Bac Lieu – Ca Mau: Explore the western provinces of Bac Lieu and Ca Mau, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling city of Bac Lieu, renowned for its famous folk song “Da Co Hoai Lang,” journey to the southernmost tip of Vietnam in Ca Mau, where you can marvel at the iconic GPS landmark at Mui Ca Mau and explore the pristine landscapes of U Minh Forest.
Ho Chi Minh City – Ha Tien – Rach Gia: Venture to the coastal towns of Ha Tien and Rach Gia in Kien Giang, offering a blend of scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Explore the charming town of Ha Tien, known for its picturesque beaches and historic sites, before heading to Rach Gia, a bustling port city renowned for its fresh seafood and vibrant waterfront promenade.

Tram Chim National Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers (Source: Collected)

Traversing from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta offers a myriad of transportation options, each catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether by coach, speedboat, airplane, or private transfer, travelers can embark on a seamless journey to explore the Mekong Delta region.

Embarking on a Vietnam travel adventure opens doors to a wealth of unforgettable experiences beyond the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta. From the vibrant streets of Hanoi to the breathtaking vistas of Ha Long Bay, the ancient allure of Hoi An, the pristine shores of Nha Trang, and the serene beauty of Phu Quoc, Vietnam offers a diverse array of destinations to explore.

Hoi An Ancient Town offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s past (Source: Collected)

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