Saigon to Mekong Delta: 5 Convenient Transportation Options

The Mekong Delta is an attractive destination for tourists with its picturesque river scenery and unique culture. From Ho Chi Minh City, you have many transportation options to explore this land, with distances ranging from 27km to 300km depending on the specific destination.

If you want an experiential backpacking trip, motorbikes or self-driving cars are excellent choices. Conversely, high-speed boats will give you the opportunity to admire the unique river scenery of the Mekong Delta. To know the details, please continue to follow the information in the article below!

1. How far is Mekong Delta from Saigon?

Getting to the Mekong Delta takes time. Traffic leaving Saigon can be heavy, so plan ahead! The Delta starts about 60-300 km southwest of the city. Many travelers see My Tho as the entrance to this amazing water world. How far you'll go depends on which part of the Delta you want to visit.

“Note: The Mekong Delta includes one centrally administered city, Can Tho and 12 provinces: An Giang, Tien Giang, Kien Giang, Hau Giang, Long An, Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau and Ben Tre.

The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta depends on the specific province in the region you plan to visit:

Thus, depending on the destination within the Mekong Delta, there are varying distances. With these distances, visitors can travel from Ho Chi Minh City to the Southwestern provinces of Vietnam by bus, limousine, car, motorbike or speedboat, depending on personal preferences and needs.

Distance from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta. - Photo Source: Google Maps

2. 5 Ways to Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta

A Quick Comparison on How to Get from Ho Chi Minh CIty to Mekong Delta

2.1. By bus

Taking a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta is easy and affordable, with journey times of 2 - 3 hours to nearby My Tho and up to 6 - 7 hours if you're heading to faraway Chau Doc near the Cambodian border. Top bus companies serving these routes include Futa (Phuong Trang) and Thanh Buoi, with tickets costing between 100.000 - 200.000 VND (~ 4 - 10 USD) depending on your destination and whether you choose a regular bus or a more comfortable limousine/sleeper option.

Advantages: 

• Bus fares are often cheaper than other means of transportation.

• Bus companies have many trips per day with different time slots, meeting diverse passenger schedules.

Recommended coach operators: 

Traveling tips: 

• Prioritize reputable bus companies with a long-standing brand, trusted by many people.

• If traveling to distant provinces, a sleeper bus will provide more comfort.

• Bring snacks, drinks, entertainment and a light jacket as the air conditioning on the bus can be quite cold.

• Keep your personal belongings carefully to avoid theft.

• During holidays, Tet, buy tickets in advance to ensure a seat.

• Arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure time to avoid missing the bus.

• You should check the bus company's final destination, as some bus companies will stop at rest stops far from the city center.

Mien Tay Bus Station - Image Source: Collected

2.2. By limousine

Limousines are a high-end travel option, offering comfort and convenience for the journey from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta.

Advantages: 

• High-end amenities, including spacious, comfortable seats, massage function, Wi-Fi, USB charging ports and entertainment facilities.

• Fewer passengers than regular buses, creating a sense of privacy, comfort and quiet.

• Professional service, courteous and attentive drivers, pick-up and drop-off service.

• Some limousine companies have faster travel times than regular buses.

Recommended limousine operators: 

Traveling tips: 

• Limousines usually have fewer seats than regular buses, so you should book tickets early, especially on weekends and holidays.

• Check the pick-up location and time with the limousine company carefully to avoid confusion.

• Inquire about the amenities on the vehicle to fully enjoy your trip.

• Some limousine companies will provide pick-up and drop-off, but others have fixed stops. You should inquire to be proactive in your travel plans.

Limousines are an option for those who want to experience higher-end travel. - Photo Source: Freepik

2.3. By private car

Renting a self-driving car is an ideal option for those who love flexibility and want to freely explore the Mekong Delta at their own pace.

Driving from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta takes different times depending where you're heading - My Tho (the gateway) is a quick 1.5 - 2 hour journey, while reaching Can Tho (the Delta's main city) needs 3 - 4 hours on a car. Traffic, weather conditions, and your chosen route will affect these times, so it's best to plan extra time, especially if you're crossing rivers by ferry or taking scenic backroads instead of highways.

Advantages: 

• You have complete control in planning your trip, stopping wherever and whenever you want.

• Easy to change your itinerary according to your preferences and explore less-known destinations.

• Comfortable space when traveling with family or a group of friends, can save money by sharing rental car and fuel costs among members.

Common road routes:

• Route 1: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Ben Tre - Can Tho: This route takes you through the heart of the Mekong Delta, starting from Ho Chi Minh City, stopping by My Tho and Ben Tre before proceeding to the bustling city of Can Tho.

• Route 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh Long - Can Tho: This route allows you to stop and admire the beauty of Vinh Long province before continuing to Can Tho, where you have the opportunity to explore famous floating markets and feel the unique life of the river region.

• Route 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Long Xuyen - Chau Doc: This route takes you deeper into the Southwest, passing through the city of Long Xuyen and the final stop is Chau Doc, a place close to the border with Cambodia.

• Route 4: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Ben Tre - Tra Vinh - Soc Trang: This route offers a more comprehensive exploration of the Mekong Delta, including destinations My Tho, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh and Soc Trang.

Renting a car is an option for those who want to explore the Mekong Delta at their own pace. - Photo Source: Freepik

Traveling tips: 

• Prepare a valid driver's license and necessary car insurance.

• Before departing, check the vehicle's condition carefully, including tires, lights, brakes and other parts.

• Bring a spare tire, a simple repair kit, a paper map (to use when there is no phone signal), a portable charger, a flashlight and a basic first-aid kit.

• Use Google Maps or other navigation apps to monitor traffic conditions and avoid getting lost.

• Follow traffic laws, maintain a safe speed and pay attention to your surroundings.

• Avoid driving at night or in bad weather.

• If you are not familiar with the roads in the Mekong Delta, prioritize driving during the daytime.

2.4. By motorbike

If you are passionate about backpacking and want to explore the Mekong Delta in the freest and most comfortable way, a motorbike is the ideal companion.

Advantages: 

• Motorbikes allow you to weave into small roads, explore little-known corners.

• You will be immersed in nature, clearly feel the beauty of the Mekong Delta's rivers and waters.

• Compared to cars, the cost of renting and operating a motorbike is usually lower.

Common road routes:

• Route 1: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Ben Tre - Can Tho: This route takes you through the heart of the Mekong Delta, starting from Ho Chi Minh City, stopping by My Tho and Ben Tre before proceeding to the bustling city of Can Tho.

• Route 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh Long - Can Tho: This route creates conditions for you to stop at the poetic Vinh Long province before continuing to Can Tho, where you have the opportunity to explore famous floating markets and immerse yourself in the unique life of the river region.

• Route 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Long Xuyen - Chau Doc: This route takes you deeper into the Southwest, passing through Long Xuyen city and stopping at Chau Doc, a place close to the Cambodian border.

• Route 4: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Ben Tre - Tra Vinh - Soc Trang: This route offers a more comprehensive exploration of the Mekong Delta, including destinations My Tho, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh and Soc Trang.

Recommended places for motorbike rental: 

Tigit motorbikes rental in Ho Chi Minh City - Image Source: Collected

Traveling tips: 

• After receiving the motorbike, get the vehicle insurance and ownership papers (copies).

• Always carry your driver's license, motorbike insurance, vehicle ownership (copies).

• Check the vehicle's condition carefully before starting.

• Bring a map or use a navigation app.

• You should bring rain gear and simple vehicle repair tools.

• Monitor the weather forecast to choose a suitable departure time.

• If you are not familiar with the roads in the Mekong Delta, prioritize driving during the daytime.

• Drive carefully and maintain a safe speed.

• You should fill up the gas tank before long journeys.

• Due to the specifics of traveling by motorbike, you need to prepare protective gear for yourself, such as a helmet, gloves, jacket, knee and elbow pads.

2.5. By high-speed boat

High-speed boats are a unique means of transport, offering visitors the opportunity to admire the distinctive beauty of the Mekong Delta's landscape, from green fields to the bustling life of riverside communities and floating markets.

Advantages:

• Visitors can admire the typical river scenery of the Mekong Delta, with winding rivers, vast fields and bustling floating markets.

• High-speed boats offer a novel and exciting form of travel, different from traditional means of transport.

Recommended routes: Currently, high-speed boats mainly serve routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Tien Giang (110km) and Ben Tre (120km). In the future, routes are expected to depart from Bach Dang wharf (District 1) or Saigon Port, Nha Rong (District 4), traveling along the Saigon - Nha Be - Soai Rap - Vam Co (or Nuoc Man canal, Can Giuoc river) - Cho Gao canal - Tien river and ending at ports and wharves in Tien Giang and Ben Tre.

High-speed boats are a unique means of transport to travel from Saigon to Mekong Delta - Image Source: Collected

Traveling tips:

• High-speed boats usually have a limited number of seats, especially on weekends and holidays, so you should book tickets early to ensure a seat.

• Confirm the boat schedule carefully, including departure time, arrival time and stops.

• Bring hats, sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun.

• Bring a light jacket, as there will be a cool breeze when the boat is running.

• If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare motion sickness medicine.

• Arrive about 30 minutes early to complete the boarding procedures.

3. 5 FAQs on Traveling from Saigon to The Mekong Delta

Here are answers to frequently asked questions from visitors when visiting the Mekong Delta from Saigon:

3.1. Which province in the Mekong Delta is closest to Saigon?

Long An province is the closest province to Ho Chi Minh City, with a distance of only about 60km (~37 miles).

3.2. How to take a tour around the Mekong Delta from Saigon?

From Ho Chi Minh City, there are many options to travel to the Mekong Delta. If you prefer privacy and flexibility, choose a private car. High-speed boats offer an interesting river sightseeing experience. Buses and limousines are popular, convenient and economical means of transport. Especially, motorbike travel is an ideal option for those who like freedom and exploration.

3.3. Is a One-day Tour of The Mekong Delta Worth It?

Absolutely! The Mekong Delta is a wonderful destination, not only with floating markets but also beautiful tropical scenery, unique river culture and friendly locals. Even with just one day, you can still experience the characteristics of this land.

If you want to explore the beauty of the Mekong Delta in a comfortable and convenient way with the most interesting experiences, consider choosing the Day Tour | Explore the Mekong Delta | Departure from Ho Chi Minh City designed by Joytime.

You should choose a Mekong Delta tour departing from Ho Chi Minh City designed by Joytime for the best experience.  - Photo Source: Joytime

3.4. Do I need a visa to visit the Mekong Delta?

If you're already in Vietnam, no extra visa is needed for visiting the Mekong Delta. Just make sure your current Vietnam visa lasts long enough to cover your whole trip in the Delta region.

3.5. Is it safe to travel in the Mekong Delta?

The Mekong Delta is very safe for travelers. Just use the same common sense you'd use anywhere new - watch your belongings in busy markets and be careful on motorbikes. Local people are friendly and the area is known for its peaceful countryside vibes, making it a worry-free place to enjoy Vietnam's famous floating markets, rice fields, and river life.

Wondering how far is Mekong Delta from Saigon? The distance ranges from 60-300km depending on which part you're visiting. With distances from Ho Chi Minh City varying by province, choosing the right means of transport will help you have a complete and memorable trip. Whether you want to experience motorbike travel, enjoy the comfort of a limousine, or explore the river scenery by high-speed boat, the Mekong Delta is always ready to welcome you with its unique beauty and distinct culture!

However, planning a complete trip yourself can make you feel confused and time-consuming. Don't worry, Joytime will design a unique itinerary that meets all your needs. From convenient transportation, comfortable accommodation options to arranging unique sightseeing, entertainment and recreational activities, Joytime will take care of everything, so you just enjoy every memorable moment of your trip.

Let Joytime accompany you on your journey to discover the enchanting beauty of the Mekong Delta!