Getting to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City is relatively straightforward. If you’re planning a getaway to this impressive region, you’ve come to the right place — in this article we explain it step by step.
There are several different ways to reach the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. You can choose a one-day or multi-day tour, a private car transfer, the bus, or a rental motorbike to get there on your own.
Each option offers a unique perspective on this remarkable destination, so let’s look at the differences between them.
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Distance from Ho Chi Minh City to the different areas of the Delta
As we explain in our post on what to see and do in the Mekong Delta, there are several tourist areas you can visit across the delta region, depending on your time and interests. Here are the distances between them and Saigon.
| Destination | Distance from Ho Chi Minh City (km) |
|---|---|
| My Tho | 70 |
| Can Tho | 170 |
| Ben Tre | 85 |
| Cai Be | 110 |
| Chau Doc | 250 |
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to the Mekong Delta by bus
There’s no doubt that taking the bus from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta is a solid, affordable choice, especially for travelers on a tight budget or those who’d rather not drive.
Several bus companies run regular services between Ho Chi Minh City and the delta’s main destinations.
If you go by bus, though, it’s highly advisable to check timetables and fares in advance so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Here you can check and book the main bus routes to the delta’s key destinations:
| Destination | Timetables and booking |
|---|---|
| My Tho | Check and book here |
| Can Tho | Check and book here |
| Ben Tre | Check and book here |
| Cai Be | Check and book here |
| Chau Doc | Check and book here |
Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta by plane
If the bus doesn’t convince you, you can always fly to one of the Mekong Delta’s airports. The region has 3 of them.
Can Tho International Airport is the delta’s main airport.
Located in the city of Can Tho, it offers a convenient arrival point thanks to its many connections, with daily flights from Vietnam’s main cities, including Hanoi, Da Nang and Vinh.
There are two other, much less used airports:
Ca Mau airport, reachable by air from Ho Chi Minh City and located in the delta’s southernmost region.
Rach Gia airport, in the western delta — rarely used, with a couple of weekly flights to Ho Chi Minh City.
Tours from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta
There’s no doubt that tours from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta are a fantastic way to explore this unique region. Whether you have a single day or several, there are options for every taste and budget.
Here’s a rundown of the tour options available:
One-day Mekong Delta tour
For those with very limited time, day tours are ideal for covering the Mekong Delta’s essentials.
These excursions typically include:
- Transfer by private vehicle or bus from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Boat rides through the delta’s canals
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- A visit to a local workshop, such as a coconut candy factory or fruit orchards.
These tours are generally quite touristy, so don’t expect anything terribly exclusive — but if you’re short on time, they’re a way to avoid leaving the country without seeing the delta.
Here are some of the main one-day tours along with travelers’ reviews.
Multi-day tours
For those with more time who want a deeper experience without having to organize anything — just letting the region carry you along — multi-day tours allow for a much more complete exploration of the Mekong Delta.
These tours usually include everything from the one-day version, plus:
- Accommodation in local hotels or traditional houses, for an authentic, comfortable experience.
- Visits to multiple towns and villages within the delta, such as Can Tho, Ben Tre and Chau Doc, each with its own charms and attractions.
- Sunrise boat trips to a floating market at its liveliest hour.
- Bicycle rides, giving you a close-up look at daily life in the delta.
Here are some of the main multi-day tours available.
Getting to the Mekong Delta by rental motorbike
For more adventurous travelers, the ride from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta isn’t just an exciting journey full of scenic landscapes — it’s an experience that gives you the freedom to explore the region at your own pace, up close and on friendly terms.
You can plan your route in advance according to the areas you want to see and the order you want to see them in, sleeping in homestays and traveling at your own rhythm.
An ideal option for those seeking a unique and thrilling experience in Vietnam.
Reaching the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City by private transfer
If you’re traveling with a group or simply prefer a fully personalized experience, an ideal way to reach the delta is hiring private transport in Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll find a wide range of reputable services at reasonable prices.
The comfort and flexibility of having your own vehicle let you customize the itinerary, make spontaneous stops and explore the region at your own pace.
You can book private car excursions through your accommodation, at any agency in Saigon, or directly online in advance. Prices are normally a fixed rate per vehicle, which makes this option ideal for families or groups of friends.
