Vietnam’s southern region offers a stark contrast between urban excitement and rural tranquility. The journey from Saigon to Mekong Delta takes you from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene waterways of Vietnam’s “rice bowl.” This trip promises an unforgettable experience, blending modern city life with traditional Vietnamese culture. Let’s find out more about this must-do experience with Luxury Cruise Mekong Team!
How far is it from Saigon to Mekong Delta provinces?
Please keep in mind that travel times can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions, especially when leaving Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong Delta region generally begins about 100-150 km southwest of Saigon, with My Tho often considered the gateway to the delta. The exact distance depends on your specific destination within the delta.
Here’s a breakdown of approximate distances to some key destinations:
| Province | Distance from Ho Chi Minh City | Travel time |
| Tien Giang Province (My Tho City) | About 70 km (43 miles) | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Ben Tre Province | About 85 km (53 miles) | 2 – 2.5 hours |
| Vinh Long Province | About 135 km (84 miles) | 3 – 3.5 hours |
| Can Tho City | About 170 km (106 miles) | 3.5 – 4 hours |
| An Giang Province (Chau Doc City) | About 240 km (149 miles) | 5 – 6 hours |
| Ca Mau Province (southernmost point) | About 350 km (217 miles) | 7 – 8 hours |
Best ways to travel to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City
By bus
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta by bus is a popular and economical option for many travelers. The main departure point is Mien Tay Bus Station in Binh Tan District, offering frequent services to various delta destinations.
Travel times range from 2-3 hours to closer cities like My Tho, and up to 6-7 hours for more distant locations like Chau Doc. Reputable companies such as Futa Bus, Thanh Buoi, and Mai Linh operate on these routes, with ticket prices typically ranging from 150,000 to 400,000 VND ($6-16) depending on the destination and bus type.
You can choose from regular buses, sleeper buses for longer journeys, or VIP buses for added comfort. Tickets can be purchased at the station, through hotels, or online platforms like VeXeRe.
It’s advisable to arrive early at the station, especially during peak times, and to keep valuables close. While bus travel offers an authentic local experience and significant cost savings, it may not provide the same level of comfort or flexibility as private transport options.
By car
Getting to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City by car offers flexibility and comfort, making it a popular choice for many travelers. The journey typically begins on well-maintained highways, gradually transitioning to more rural roads as you enter the delta region.
Travel times vary depending on your specific destination, but generally range from 1.5 to 4 hours for the most visited areas. For instance, reaching My Tho takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, while Can Tho is approximately a 3 to 4-hour drive.
Many travelers opt for private car services or join organized tours, which often include an English-speaking driver familiar with the route and local attractions. These services usually pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, adding convenience to your trip. Alternatively, self-driving is an option, but it’s important to be prepared for Vietnam’s unique traffic conditions and to have proper documentation.
The route takes you through changing landscapes, from the urban sprawl of Ho Chi Minh City to lush rice paddies and fruit orchards. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at points of interest, local markets, or scenic spots, which is a significant advantage of car travel.
While slightly more expensive than bus travel, the added comfort, flexibility, and ability to customize your journey make car travel an attractive option for exploring the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City.
By speedboat
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta by speedboat offers a unique and exhilarating experience, particularly popular for reaching closer destinations like My Tho and Ben Tre. This mode of transport provides a faster alternative to road travel while allowing passengers to enjoy scenic river views.
The journey typically begins at one of the piers in Ho Chi Minh City, such as Bach Dang Wharf in District 1. Speedboats can cover the distance to My Tho in about 2 hours, significantly reducing travel time compared to road options. The boats are usually equipped with life jackets and staffed by experienced crew members familiar with the river conditions.
While speedboat travel is swift and scenic, it’s worth noting that it may not be suitable for those prone to motion sickness. Additionally, this option is primarily available for shorter trips within the delta, as longer distances are typically covered by other modes of transport.
Prices for speedboat trips can be higher than bus or car options, but many travelers find the unique experience and time saved to be worth the extra cost. It’s advisable to book through reputable tour operators and check weather conditions before your trip, as river travel can be affected by seasonal changes.
By motorbike
For the intrepid traveler seeking an adrenaline rush and unparalleled freedom, journeying from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta by motorbike presents an exciting adventure. This mode of travel offers a unique opportunity to experience Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture up close and personal.
The journey typically follows Highway 1A southwest, but the beauty of traveling by motorbike lies in the ability to veer off onto smaller roads, discovering hidden gems along the way. Travel times are flexible, with the trip to My Tho taking around 2-3 hours, or 4-5 hours to reach Can Tho.
Renting a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City is straightforward, with options ranging from nimble scooters to more powerful bikes. It’s crucial, however, to ensure you’re properly prepared. This means having the necessary documentation – an international driving permit, valid license, and insurance – as well as appropriate safety gear including a helmet and protective clothing.
By flight
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta by flight is primarily limited to reaching Can Tho, the largest city in the region. This option is best for those prioritizing speed and convenience over scenic views or en-route experiences.
Flights operate between Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho International Airport. The flight time is approximately 45-50 minutes, making it the quickest way to reach the heart of the Mekong Delta. Flight prices can vary significantly depending on the season, how far in advance you book, and the airline.
Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air are the main carriers operating this route. Flights are relatively frequent, with several options available daily. However, schedules can vary seasonally, so it’s advisable to check current timetables when planning your trip.
While flying saves time, factoring in airport transfers and check-in times is important. You’ll need to arrive at the airport in Ho Chi Minh City at least an hour before departure for domestic flights.
You can easily arrange transportation from Can Tho to other parts of the Mekong Delta. Many travelers use Can Tho as a base for exploring attractions like the Cai Rang floating market or for taking boat tours of the nearby waterways.
Cruise from Ho Chi Minh to Mekong Delta
For a more leisurely and immersive journey from Saigon to the Mekong Delta, taking a cruise is an excellent option. The cruise experience allows you to sit back, relax, and witness the gradual transformation of the landscape as you glide along the serene waterways.
The cruise typically departs from Saigon and takes you downstream, covering a distance of around 150 kilometers (93 miles) to reach the heart of the Mekong Delta. The journey by cruise boat is generally longer than the bus, lasting 4 to 6 hours, but the experience is far more immersive.
As you travel, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the daily activities of the local communities living along the river banks, from fishermen to farmers. The cruise will also offer stops at traditional floating markets, where you can interact with the vendors and purchase fresh produce and handmade crafts.
Once you arrive in the Mekong Delta, you’ll have ample time to explore the winding canals, visit family-run farms, and savor the region’s renowned cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the abundant natural resources of the area.
Our top-rated Mekong cruise from Ho Chi Minh for your preferences:
- Heritage Line Jahan: Indian art and architecture influenced the Khmer and Cham cultures in the Mekong Delta, Saigon – My Tho – Cai Be – Sa Dec – Chau Doc – Phnom Penh – Tonle Lake – Siem Reap, price from $1,074 per person.
- Mekong Eyes Explorer & Classic Cruise: perfect for your individual river cruise (from 1 to 3 nights), boutique cruise, Saigon – Cai Be – Can Tho – Phu Quoc – Phnom Penh, price from $545 per person.
- Song Xanh Sampan Cruises: unique, authentic, and charming Sampans, private experience, Cai Be – Sa Dec – Can Tho – Phu Quoc, price from $277 per person.
Highlights of Mekong Delta Vietnam
My Tho
Just two hours from Saigon by bus, My Tho is the most accessible Mekong Delta town. Thanks to its proximity to Saigon, My Tho has become a favorite destination among the tour groups who pile into town from mid-morning until late afternoon.
Normally, these organized tours will disgorge their passengers by the river from where they take a boat across the Tien River to Tuoi Son Island and Ben Tre where they can feast on fresh seafood, wander through fruit orchids, visit coconut candy factories, and boat through boat canals.
Either by getting a boat across the river and just wandering around or by chartering your own boat, getting the car ferry over to Ben Tre, all of these things can be done independently. If you are on the river by mid-afternoon, you will certainly still be out when the light is perfect for pictures.
Ben Tre
Ben Tre is much smaller and attracts almost no tourists when compared to My Tho. Walk along the river out of My Tho to the car ferry pier, step onto the ferry and once you have crossed the river you will see the buses that do the milk run across the island to Ben Tre town are all you have to do to reach Ben Tre.
If you have never seen a wet market before, be sure to check out Ben Tre, which itself is a compact little market town, but also wander the myriad of little laneways to the east. Boat trips along the Delta canals are the main activities in My Tho.
However, if you are lucky, it is possible to have the whole shebang to yourself and the fireflies, which Ben Tre is famous for when wandering down to the river late afternoon and grabbing a sampan to take you into the canals very late afternoon or early evening.
Vinh Long
Most regular transport favors a backtracking to My Tho, and then jumping on a regular bus to Vinh Long while it is possible to travel farther south from Ben Tre. Even though it is its own floating attraction – Cai Be floating market that makes Vinh Long famous, overnight homestays available on a cluster of islands across the river from town are the real attraction here.
A homestay in Vinh Long is a very good start for those who are looking for an authentic Mekong Delta experience. Although these can be organized al fresco by the riverbank, it is sometimes said that no insurance is carried and bad things could happen when using an outside operator. Make sure to get an early morning trip to Cai Be thrown into the deal.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit the Mekong Delta?
The Mekong Delta can be visited year-round, but the dry season from November to May is generally considered the best time, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall.
Is it possible to do a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes, many tour operators offer day trips to nearby parts of the delta, like My Tho or Ben Tre. This allows you to experience the highlights of the region, including floating markets and canal boat rides, within a single day.
Do I need a visa to visit the Mekong Delta?
If you’re already in Vietnam, no additional visa is required. Ensure your Vietnam visa covers your entire stay.
Is it safe to travel in the Mekong Delta?
Generally, yes. Exercise normal precautions as you would in any unfamiliar area. The Mekong Delta is considered a safe and enjoyable region for travelers to explore the unique landscapes, cultures, and traditions of southern Vietnam.
Do I need a guide to explore the Mekong Delta?
While a guide is not strictly necessary, it can greatly enhance your experience by providing insights into the local culture, history, and way of life. Many tour operators offer guided tours of the Mekong Delta.
How much time do I need to explore the Mekong Delta?
The amount of time required depends on your interests and the depth of your exploration. A day trip or a 2-3 day tour are common options, but you can also spend a week or more immersing yourself in the delta’s diverse experiences.
From Luxury Cruise Mekong Team!
