Can Tho, about 170 km away from Ho Chi Minh City, is the largest city in the Mekong Delta. What attracts travelers most is the exciting life of local people. Can Tho is most famous for its floating markets, where trading activities occur on boats. Besides, local dishes and several types of fresh fruits are also tempting to travelers. Traveling between Saigon and Can Tho is getting easier. The suggestions below on how to get from Can Tho to Saigon will make your trip more enjoyable.
What do you know about Can Tho and Saigon?
Can Tho
- It’s located on the south bank of the Hau River, a distributary of the Mekong
- Known as Vietnam’s “fruit basket” due to abundant tropical fruit orchards
- It’s an important economic hub for the Mekong Delta, focusing on agriculture and aquaculture
- Many residents live in traditional stilt houses along the canals, a unique architectural feature adapted to the watery environment.
- The city has a significant Khmer minority, influencing local culture, cuisine, and architecture, particularly visible in some pagodas.
- Home to large stork and bird populations, like Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary
Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City
- The largest city in Vietnam, former name: Saigon (still commonly used)
- The economic hub of Vietnam, a rapidly developing skyline
- Known for its French colonial architecture
- Home to the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels, significant for Vietnam War history
- Vibrant nightlife, bustling street food scene
- Home to the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels, significant for Vietnam War history
- Major transportation hub with Tan Son Nhat International Airport
- A mix of traditional and modern culture, reflected in lifestyle and architecture
How to get from Can Tho to Saigon?
Can Tho to Saigon by bus
Express bus is the most popular transportation mode and the cheapest way to get to Saigon from Can Tho. The bus trip takes around 3.5–4 hours, depending on traffic. The price is about VND200.000 (about US$8), including free water on the bus.
The most popular brands are Phuong Trang (FuTa Bus Line) and Thanh Buoi, which allow travelers to book in advance through phone calls or websites (futabus.vn). They run frequently throughout the day. Departures usually start early morning and continue until late evening.
These buses depart at Can Tho bus station (located at 91B Road, Nguyen Van Linh, Ninh Kieu district, Can Tho city) and arrive at Mien Tay bus station (located at no.395, Kinh Duong Vuong, Binh Tan district, HCMC). From there, you can take a taxi or grab to your final destination in the city.
Helpful tips:
- You should arrive 30 minutes before departure at the bus station
- Futa Bus Line offers a 15-minute break at its large rest stop, where you can buy food and drinks.
- Besides, FuTa Bus Line also has minibusses to bring you to their desired places within 10km of any of its agencies.
Can Tho to Saigon by Taxi/Private Car
If you don’t have much time and travel with a small group, you should catch a taxi to get to Saigon from Can Tho. Traveling to Saigon from Can Tho by taxi is certainly faster and more convenient than going by bus and you can depart at any time. However, the cost is much higher.
There are many services for taxis from Can Tho to Saigon: Saigon DMC, Mailinh, and Vinasun. The most favored brand of taxi in Can Tho is Mailinh, with all-green taxis. Taxi drivers charge based on the price policy of their brand. The brand has discount prices when you travel more than 10km, 30km, etc. The price for a taxi is approximately 2,000,000 to 2,500,000 VND ($85 to $105).
Private cars are also popular for trips from Can Tho to Saigon. There are numerous car services for hire, which can be seen at the Can Tho bus station. Travelers just need to contact car owners in Can Tho and then negotiate the price for a one-way car from Can Tho to Saigon.
The departure time and places to pick up will be completely up to you. If you travel with a small group, hiring a private car to travel to Saigon from Can Tho can be cheaper than going by taxi because you can share the bill, however, still more costly compared to traveling by bus for the same route. The price for a private car is often around 2,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND ($105 to $130).
Can Tho to Saigon by Motorbike
Traveling from Can Tho to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) by motorbike is an adventurous journey, typically taking 5 to 6 hours depending on your pace and stops. The main route follows National Highway 1A (QL1A), though a more scenic but longer alternative is available via Highway 50. Vinh Long and My Tho serve as convenient halfway points for breaks.
Road conditions are generally good, with mostly paved highways, but be prepared for congestion near urban areas and heavy truck traffic on QL1A. Weather is a crucial factor to consider, as rain can make the ride challenging, and the hot, humid climate necessitates sun protection.
Safety should be a top priority:
- Always wear a helmet (it’s the law)
- Bring proper protective gear
- Stay alert to local driving patterns.
- Ensure your motorbike is fueled up before departure, though petrol stations are frequent along the main roads.
- For navigation, a GPS app or offline maps are helpful
- Some knowledge of Vietnamese can be beneficial.
As you approach Saigon, brace yourself for heavy traffic and familiarize yourself with your destination area beforehand. This journey demands experience with motorcycle riding and comfort in navigating Vietnamese traffic, making it unsuitable for novice riders.
Take a cruise from Can Tho to Saigon
Taking a cruise from Can Tho to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) offers a unique and scenic way to travel between these two cities. While not as common or quick as other modes of transportation, it provides an opportunity to experience the Mekong Delta region intimately.
The journey typically takes 2-3 days, depending on the specific tour and stops along the way. From Can Tho, you can travel along the Mekong River and its tributaries before reaching Saigon. Along the route, you’ll pass through lush landscapes, rural villages, and floating markets.
Many cruise packages include stops at various points of interest such as floating markets, local workshops producing traditional products, fruit orchards, and small delta islands. Meals are usually provided on board, often featuring local Mekong Delta cuisine. Accommodation is typically on the boat itself, though some tours may include nights at riverside lodges or homestays.
It’s important to book these cruises in advance through reputable travel agencies. While this option takes longer than bus, car, or motorbike travel, it offers a more relaxed pace and the chance to deeply explore the Mekong Delta region between Can Tho and Saigon.
Some reliable cruises from Can Tho to Saigon:
- Mekong Eyes Explorer & Classic Cruise: boutique cruise, perfect for your individual river cruise (from 1 to 3 nights), combineSai Gon, Mekong Delta with Phnom Penh, price from $545 per person.
- Mekong Gecko Eyes Cruise: discover Can Tho and Mekong Delta in a private way, made for tours on a high level—for couples and small families, price from $335 per person.
- Song Xanh Sampan Cruises: unique, authentic, and charming Sampans with beautiful bamboo and rattan furniture, designed for travelers looking for “private” cruise experiences, price from $277 per person
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to travel from Can Tho to Saigon by train?
No, there is no railway from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City, so it’s impossible to travel by train.
Where to travel from Ho Chi Minh City?
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel to various places in Vietnam like Nha Trang, Danang, Hanoi, Hoian… There are flights to southern, central, and northern Vietnam, you can also travel by train on the Vietnam Railway.
What is the weather like in Can Tho?
Can Tho experience a tropical monsoon climate like Mekong Delta weather with warm temperatures year-round The average annual temperature is 27°C (81°F), with daytime highs typically between 30-35°C (86-95°F). The year is divided into two seasons: a wet season from May to November and a dry season from December to April.
When is the best time to visit Can Tho?
The best time to visit is generally from December to April when rainfall is lower and temperatures are slightly cooler.
It is now incredibly easy for you to travel from Can Tho to Saigon thanks to the well-traveled route. Hope that these tips on choosing transport will be helpful for your trip to Saigon from Can Tho.
From Luxury Cruise Mekong Team!
