Located about 170 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta and the region’s cultural and economic center. What attracts travelers most is the vibrant river-based lifestyle, where daily life unfolds along canals and waterways. Can Tho is especially famous for its floating markets, where trading activities take place entirely on boats, creating a lively and authentic atmosphere.
Besides river life, local dishes and fresh tropical fruits are also major highlights for visitors. Thanks to improved infrastructure and well-traveled routes, traveling between Can Tho and Saigon has become easier than ever. The guide below will help you choose the best way to travel from Can Tho to Saigon, depending on your time, budget, and travel style.
What do you know about Can Tho and Saigon?
Can Tho
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Located on the south bank of the Hau River, a major distributary of the Mekong River
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Known as Vietnam’s “fruit basket”, with abundant orchards producing mangoes, rambutan, durian, and pomelo
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An important economic hub of the Mekong Delta, focused on agriculture and aquaculture
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Many residents live in traditional stilt houses along canals, best observed during boat trips
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Home to a significant Khmer minority, influencing local culture, cuisine, and pagoda architecture
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Rich in birdlife, including Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary, especially impressive during nesting season
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Famous for the lively floating markets, reflecting the true rhythm of delta life
Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City
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The largest city in Vietnam, formerly known as Saigon (a name still widely used)
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The country’s leading economic and commercial hub, with a rapidly developing skyline
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Known for its French colonial architecture, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office
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Home to major historical sites like the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels
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A vibrant city with an energetic street food scene and nightlife
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Vietnam’s main transportation hub, served by Tan Son Nhat International Airport
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A dynamic blend of traditional and modern culture, reflected in daily life and architecture
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Famous nightlife areas such as Bui Vien Street, especially lively after dark
How to get from Can Tho to Saigon?
Depending on your travel style, budget, and schedule, there are four popular ways to travel from Can Tho to Saigon: bus, taxi/private car, motorbike, and cruise.
Can Tho to Saigon by bus
Taking an express bus is the most popular and budget-friendly way to travel from Can Tho to Saigon. The journey usually takes 3.5–4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Ticket prices are around VND 200,000 (about US$8), and complimentary water is typically provided.
The most popular bus companies are Phuong Trang (FuTa Bus Line) and Thanh Buoi. Tickets can be booked in advance by phone or online via futabus.vn, and departures run frequently from early morning until late evening.
Buses depart from Can Tho Bus Station (91B Nguyen Van Linh Street, Ninh Kieu District) and arrive at Mien Tay Bus Station (395 Kinh Duong Vuong Street, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City). From there, taxis or ride-hailing services are easily available.
Helpful tips:
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Arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure
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FuTa Bus Line includes a 15-minute rest stop, with food and drink options
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FuTa also offers free shuttle minibuses within a 10 km radius of its offices
Can Tho to Saigon by Taxi/Private Car
For travelers with limited time or those traveling in small groups, taxis or private cars offer the most convenient option. Travel time is usually around 3–3.5 hours, faster than buses, and departure times are fully flexible.
Reliable taxi brands include Mai Linh, Vinasun, and Saigon DMC. Mai Linh taxis are especially easy to recognize by their green color. Taxi fares typically range from VND 2,000,000 to 2,500,000 (US$85–105), depending on distance and traffic.
Hiring a private car with a driver is another popular choice, especially for families or small groups. Cars can be arranged through local providers in Can Tho or at the bus station. Prices usually range from VND 2,500,000 to 3,000,000 (US$105–130) per vehicle. While more expensive than buses, private cars offer comfort, privacy, and door-to-door service.
Can Tho to Saigon by Motorbike
Traveling by motorbike from Can Tho to Saigon is an adventurous option, typically taking 5–6 hours, depending on speed and rest stops. The most common route follows National Highway 1A, while Highway 50 offers a more scenic but longer alternative. Vinh Long and My Tho are convenient halfway stops.
Road conditions are generally good, but traffic congestion increases near urban areas, especially on QL1A. Weather also plays an important role, as rain and heat can make the ride challenging.
Safety tips:
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Always wear a helmet and proper protective gear
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Stay alert to local traffic patterns
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Refuel before departure; petrol stations are frequent
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Use GPS or offline maps for navigation
This option is best suited for experienced riders who are comfortable navigating Vietnamese traffic. As you approach Saigon, expect heavier traffic and plan your route carefully.
Take a Cruise from Can Tho to Saigon
Traveling by cruise from Can Tho to Saigon offers a slow, scenic, and immersive alternative to road travel. While less common, this option allows travelers to experience the Mekong Delta as a journey rather than just a transfer.
Cruises typically last 2–3 days, traveling along the Mekong River and its tributaries. Along the way, you’ll pass floating markets, riverside villages, fruit orchards, and quiet delta islands. Most cruises include onboard meals featuring local Mekong cuisine, with accommodation provided on the boat or at riverside lodges.
Advance booking through reputable operators is essential. Although this option takes longer than traveling by road, it provides deeper insight into local life and delta culture, making it ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed and enriching experience.
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), combine Sai Gon, Mekong Delta with Phnom Penh, price from $185 per person.
- Mekong Gecko Eyes Cruise: discover Can Tho and the Mekong Delta privately, made for tours on a high level—for couples and small families, price from $374 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, priced from $268 per person
Plan a Seamless Journey from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City
Travel through the Mekong Delta with Luxury Mekong Cruises, combining private transportation, gentle river journeys, and carefully paced experiences designed for comfort and cultural depth. For extended explorations, Indochina Voyages curates bespoke itineraries that unite Mekong cruising with meaningful land travel throughout southern Vietnam and Indochina. To plan your personalized journey, reach out at [email protected] or visit our website.
FAQs
Is it possible to travel from Can Tho to Saigon by train?
No. There is currently no railway connection between Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City, so traveling by train is not possible.
Where can you travel from Ho Chi Minh City?
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can easily travel to destinations across Vietnam such as Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hanoi by flight or train. The city is also a major gateway for exploring southern Vietnam and the Mekong Delta.
What is the weather like in Can Tho?
Can Tho has a tropical monsoon climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The average temperature is around 27°C (81°F), with daytime highs between 30–35°C (86–95°F). The wet season lasts from May to November, while the dry season runs 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 more comfortable for sightseeing.
