Don’t know how to get to the Mekong Delta or the picturesque surrounding villages? I have you covered with this detailed guide, you might even throw in some side trips while you’re at it!
The Mekong Delta is the Southern region of Vietnam, it is also called the Southern Delta or the Southwestern region. However, the people that live here often call it the Western region (mien tay). It consists of one city (Can Tho) and 12 provinces (Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Soc Trang, An Giang, Kien Giang, Bac Lieu, and Ca Mau).
Travelers accustomed to the rushed, busy life of the city should visit the Mekong Delta at least once in their life. It is a totally different experience! You can find vast rice fields, hundreds of meters of square gardens, and boats of all sizes on the river. Can you find this kind of peace in the middle of the city that is full of buildings? There are so many things and foods to explore like the floating markets and Khmer culture.
Foreign tourists who make it to the Mekong Delta are ones visiting Saigon (a bustling city just like any other), some of them stumble upon this magical place via the border gate to Cambodia. Tourists can enjoy exploring the several provinces nearby by staying for a few nights. Are you wondering about the best way to get to the Mekong Delta from Saigon or Cambodia, as well as transportation to travel around the region? Keep reading, and you’ll find out!
Contents
Getting from Saigon to the Mekong Delta
Although there are 12 provinces that make up the Mekong Delta, the common route for most visitors to reach this destination is from Saigon to Can Tho, since it has the famous Cai Rang floating market. Therefore, I will suggest some means of transportation that are available for your 165-kilometer route.
Express Bus and Sleeper Bus
It takes you roughly three hours traveling to reach the Mekong Delta by bus. You have many bus options but the most popular ones are Futa Bus Lines (also known as Phuong Trang), Mai Linh Express, and The Sinh Tourists. The bus tickets are also sold at Ben Xe Mien Tay (395 An Duong Vuong Street, An Lac Ward, Binh Tan District, HCMC). Recently, there is a new brand called Son Nguyen Limousine that has a Saigon – Can Tho bus with quality facilities compared to the traditional buses.
The price ranges from 60,000 VND to 120,000 VND. Depending on the seat position, facilities that make you feel comfortable during your trip, and time of the year. There are many buses departing at many times a day, and they usually pick up passengers at the agencies or even at your hotel/house.
If you did not book the ticket in advance, you may not be able to choose the seat you want as well as the departure time, or worse, there will be no tickets left for you in high-peak season.
Advantages
– Cheap.
– Convenient.
Disadvantages
– Time-consuming
Reliable Bus Companies:
Futa Bus Lines:
Website: Futabus.vn
Bus schedule: https://futabus.vn/vi-VN/ve-xe-phuong-trang-lich-trinh.html
Ticket price: 110,000 VND (5 USD)
HCMC Agency:
- Address: 272 De Tham Street, District 1
- Phone number: 1900 6067 to book tickets
Can Tho Agency
- Address: 91B Nguyen Van Linh Street, Ninh Kieu District
- Phone number: +84 2923 769 768
Mai Linh Express
Website: www.mailinhexpress.vn
Bus schedule: Contact the agency
Ticket price: 95,000 VND (4.3 USD)
HCMC Agency:
Address for tickets:
- – 292 Dinh Bo Linh Street, Ward 26, Binh Thanh District
- – 395 An Duong Vuong Street, An Lac Ward, Binh Tan District
- – 349 Le Hong Phong Street, Ward 2, District 10
Phone number:
- (+84) 028 39 39 39 39 to book tickets
- (+84) 028 37 253 888 (Ben xe mien Tay ticket agency)
- (+84) 28 35 112 888 (Ben xe mien Dong ticket agency)
The Sinh Tourists
Website: www.thesinhtourist.vn
Bus schedule: https://www.thesinhtourist.vn/busschedule
Ticket price: 159,000 VND (7.20 USD)
Address:
- – 246 – 248 De Tham Street, District 1
- – 24 – 26 Pho Duc Chinh Street, District 1
Phone number:
- (+84) 028 383 89597
- (+84) 028 382 22892
Apart from the bus and airplane, a private car/van is a good choice for families or groups of travelers.
By Airplane
Yes, you read it right. Mekong Delta has an airport located in Can Tho city. Instead of spending four hours sitting on an express bus, you can spend only 45 minutes enjoying the view at the height of 10,000 meters above land. Two airlines operate out of Saigon to Can Tho: VASCO and Vietjet Air. A one-way ticket with tax included costs about 600,000 VND.
Advantages
– Saves time
– Convenient for business travelers
– Avoid traffic jams
Disadvantages
– Expensive
– Complicated procedure
When you arrive at Can Tho, you will definitely need a taxi. Here are my recommended brands:
– Mai Linh Taxi: (+84) 0292 382 82 82
– Happy Taxi: (+84) 0292 377 77 77
– Green Taxi: (+84) 0292 3739 739
Apart from the bus and airplane, a private car/van is a good choice for families or groups of travelers.
By Private Car
Nowadays, many families consider hiring a private car because of its comfort and convenience, this service is also provided by lots of hotels across the country. The price begins around 2,500,000 VND (108 USD), it depends on many things such as location, and type of car.
When traveling by private car, you can follow your own route for scenery, attractions, and you don’t have to rush because the timing is all up to you. However, it’s more expensive than the express bus option.
Advantages
– Flexible
– Convenient (ask your hotel to set it up)
Disadvantages
– Expensive
Here are some trustworthy names for you to consider:
Mr. Chinh
Phone number: 0932 132 626
Global Viet
- Address: 23 Dao Duy Anh Street, Ward 9, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC
- Phone number: (+84) 028 38 449 888
- Website:https://globalviet.vn/
Tan An Gia Co.
- Address: 107 Lanh Binh Thang Street, Ward 12, District 11, HCMC
- Phone number: 1900 636 992
- Website: https://chothuexedulichsaigon.com/
You can also follow the Saigon river to reach the Mekong Delta.
By Boat
There are now travel boats that operate a Saigon river-tour that end in the Mekong Delta. The price starts at 1,500,000 VND for one person.
Advantages
– Interesting journey
Disadvantages
– Expensive
– Travel tour arranged by agency
You can book tours via:
Les Rives
- Address: Me Linh Point Tower, 2 Ngo Duc Ke Street, District 1, HCMC
- Hotline: (+84) 0128 592 0018
- Website: https://lesrivesexperience.com/mekong-delta-tours/
Viator (online booking)
Motorbike is the most common transportation in Vietnam, so you should try to travel like a Vietnamese local by driving or sitting on the back of the bike to reach the Mekong Delta. Even though sitting on a bike might cause butt pain, you will have many memorable experiences once you look around with the wind on your face.
Link booking: https://www.viator.com/Ho-Chi-Minh-City/d352-ttd
By Motorbike
Phuot is a common word for traveling by motorbike. Recently, many people love this style of travel because of the advantages and excitement that it brings. You can rent a motorbike, and ride it yourself for only 10 USD a day. If you intend to follow Google Maps or Map.me, you should know that motorbikes are not allowed on Trung Luong Freeway.
The procedure to hire a motorbike is very simple: you just need to make a deposit or leave your passport at the agency, then you are good to begin your journey. Nowadays, there are also companies that provide motorbike tours, in which a tour guide will accompany you along the way, and drive you to the destination. Here are some reliable agencies that can help you travel to Mekong Delta by motorbike:
Style Motorbikes
- Address: 368 Vo Van Kiet Street, District 1, HCMC
- Phone number: +84 28 6683 3796
- Website: http://www.stylemotorbikes.com/
Tigit Motorbikes
- Address: Office 36&37, Floor G, 360C Ben Van Don Street, District 4, HCMC
- Phone number: +84 167 977 6127
- Business hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Mon-Sat)
- Website: https://www.tigitmotorbikes.com/travel/
Saigon Motorbike Tours
- Address: Suite 02, 84/3 Cong Quynh street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC
- Phone number: (+84) 028 3 505 85 82
- Website:http://saigonmotorbiketours.com/bike-tour-mekong-delta.html
We also have a comprehensive guide dedicated to renting and buying motorbikes process in Saigon here.
Getting from Cambodia to the Mekong Delta
If you are about to cross the border from Cambodia to get to Saigon, Vietnam, I suggest visiting the Mekong Delta first. You will have to pass through some of the Mekong Delta provinces anyway to arrive in Saigon. Moreover, I can assure you that it will be a pity if you don’t stop by once. From Phnom Penh, you can get to Can Tho city in the Mekong Delta by bus, airplane, or motorbike. Before you leave, make sure you have a visa to safely arrive in Vietnam.
By Bus
Here are a few recommended brands that provide buses for tourists to travel from Phnom Penh to Can Tho city, a one-way ticket costs around 10 USD per passenger:
Mai Linh
Address: 391 Sihanouk Blvd (No 274), Phnom Penh City
Phone number: +855 23 211 888
Sapaco
Address: 309 Preah Sihanouk Blvd, Sangkat Veal Vong, Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh
Phone number:
- (+855) 023 210 300
- (+855) 023 210 324
By Airplane
Can Tho city now has its own airport, and tourists can fly from Cambodia to Can Tho directly. You can book tickets through Vietnam Airline agencies, Cambodia Angkor Air agencies, or through Traveloka: website. The ticket price ranges from 477 USD to 677 USD.
By Motorbike
Crossing borders with a motorbike is easier than you think, and exciting! Your passport, driver’s license (English is best), and vehicle registration documents are all you need. Here are some agencies providing rental motorbikes in Phnom Penh. The price is quite cheap, starting under 10 USD a day. Quick note: you will have to return the motorbike in the end of your trip. So consider buying one or you will have to return to Cambodia.
Angkor Motorcycles
- Address: 92 Pasteur, Street (51), Sangkat Phsar Thmey 3, Khan Daum penh, Phnom Penh
- Phone number: (+855) 023 986 333
- Website: https://www.angkormotorcycles.com/
EMC Motorbike Rental
- Address: 38E0, 322 Street, Boeung Keng Kang 1, Chamkamon, Phnom Penh
- Phone number: +855 89 518 867
- Website: https://emcmotorbikerental.com/
Getting from the Mekong Delta to other provinces
Beside Can Tho, tourists visiting Mekong Delta should also explore other provinces nearby such as Soc Trang, Tien Giang, and Ben Tre. Besides, Chau Doc city (An Giang province) and Sa Dec city (Dong Thap province) are also places that are worth a visit. I will give you some bus options for traveling, and some activities you can do in the provinces that I listed above.
Can Tho – Soc Trang
Soc Trang is about 60 kilometers from Can Tho. It takes nearly 45 minutes if you travel by car, and 90 minutes if you travel by motorbike. Soc Trang has lots of pagodas such as Buu Son Pagoda, Sa Lon Pagoda, and Doi Pagoda – a national cultural-historical monument. You should also stop by the floating market named Nga Nam, which is definitely exciting. I bet just a few or none of you have ever seen this kind of market before.
Bus options:
Mai Linh Express
Address (ticket agencies):
– Can Tho Bus Depot: 91B Nguyen Van Linh, Hung Loi Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho city
– Soc Trang Bus Depot: 38 Le Duan Street, Ward 3, Soc Trang City, Soc Trang Province
Phone number:
– Can Tho agency: +84 292 3739 333
– Soc Trang agency: +84 299 3621 777
Futa Bus Express (Phuong Trang):
Address (ticket agencies):
- Can Tho Bus Depot: 91B Nguyen Van Linh, Hung Loi Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho city
- Chau Doc: 89 Phan Van Vang Street, Chau Phu B Ward, Chau Doc city
Phone number:
- (+84) 0915 726 570
- (+84) 0973 573 793
Departure time & ticket price: https://futabus.vn/vi-VN/can-tho-di-chau-doc-559.html
Can Tho – Tien Giang
In order to get to Tien Giang from Can Tho, it takes you about an hour and a half to travel 75 kilometers. If you have time, I suggest spending a day checking out the interesting experiences such as shopping at Cai Be floating market, visiting and picking seasonal fruit from gardens of local people on the islands (you will have to pay money, but not much), and eating the famous My Tho rice noodles.
Bus options:
Hoang Long Bus
- Address (pick-up place):
- Can Tho Bus Depot: 91B Nguyen Van Linh, Hung Loi Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho city
- Phone number: (+84) 0292 3 783 378
- Price: 140,000 VND/ ticket
- Departure time: 5:30 PM
Muoi Lam Bus
Address (pick-up place):
– Hung Vuong Bus Depot: 01 Hung Vuong Street, Thoi Binh Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho city
– Go Cong Bus Depot: Dong Khoi Street, Ward 4, Go Cong District, Tien Giang Province
Phone number:
- Can Tho: +84 292 382 1475
- Tien Giang: +84 913 635 539
Price: 110,000 VND/ ticket
Departure time:
- From Can Tho: 11:00 AM
- From Tien Giang: 4:30 AM
Can Tho – Ben Tre
The distance from Can Tho to Ben Tre is about 110 kilometers. It takes you two and a half hours to get there by bus or car. Some activities you can do in Ben Tre are visiting fruit gardens and attending a coconut candy workshop to watch how people make this sweet treat.
Bus options:
Hiep Bus
Address (pick-up place):
– Can Tho Bus Depot: 91B Nguyen Van Linh, Hung Loi Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City
– Ben Tre Bus Depot: 303 Doan Hoang Minh Street, Phu Tan Ward, Ben Tre Province
Phone number:
- (+84) 915 726 570
- (+84) 973 573 793
Price: 70,000 VND/ ticket
Departure time:
- From Can Tho: 8:00 AM
- From Ben Tre: 1:30 PM
Can Tho – Chau Doc
The distance from Can Tho to Chau Doc is about 110 kilometers, the same distance from Can Tho to Ben Tre so the driving time is quite similar (about two and a half hours). When in Chau Doc, you should spend time visiting famous attractions such as Ba Chua Xu Temple, Tra Su cajuput forest, Sam Mountain, and Forbidden Mountain. The floating village and floating houses are also interesting.
Bus options:
Futa Bus Express (Phuong Trang):
Address (ticket agencies):
– Can Tho Bus Depot: 91B Nguyen Van Linh, Hung Loi Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho city
– Chau Doc: 89 Phan Van Vang Street, Chau Phu B Ward, Chau Doc city
Phone number:
- (+84) 0915 726 570
- (+84) 0973 573 793
Departure time & ticket price: https://futabus.vn/vi-VN/can-tho-di-chau-doc-559.html
Mai Linh Express
Address (ticket agencies):
– Can Tho Bus Depot: 91B Nguyen Van Linh, Hung Loi Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho city
– Chau Doc Bus Depot: 91 Route, Chau Phu B Ward, Chau Doc City, An Giang Province
Phone number to book tickets:
- Can Tho: (+84) 292 3739 333
- Soc Trang: (+84) 296 3565 222
Can Tho – Sa Dec
From Can Tho, it takes less than an hour to travel to Sa Dec city as the distance is nearly 60 kilometers. Sa Dec is well-known for its flower village. Although there are less kinds of flowers here than in Dalat; its attractive, humble beauty is undeniable.
Bus options:
An Nhien Bus
Address (pick-up places):
- Can Tho Bus Depot: 91B Nguyen Van Linh, Hung Loi Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho city
- Sa Dec Bus Depot: Nguyen Sinh Sac Street, Sa Dec City, Dong Thap Province
Phone number: +84 939 156 756
Ticket price: 45,000 VND/ ticket
Departure time:
- From Can Tho: 2:00 PM
- From Sa Dec: 8:30 AM
I hope this blog can help you figure out the best way to travel to the Mekong Delta. Whether it’s on your own or on a tour, I know you will enjoy this region as much as I did. Here are some more blogs about the Mekong you might want to check out before you go:
Comprehensive Guide to the Mekong Delta
Must-Try Dishes in the Mekong Delta
If you enjoyed reading this article and would like some more fun info about what to see, do and eat (and a bunch of interesting cafes!) in Vietnam, follow us at the Phuot3mien blog!
