Best ways to travel to Can Tho from Saigon 2026

How to get from HCMC to Can Tho?

Depending on your travel style, budget, and schedule, there are four popular ways to travel from HCMC to Can Tho: cruise, taxi/private car, bus, and motorbike.

By cruise: The most memorable

Traveling by cruise between Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho 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 from half day to 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.

Noteworthy cruises from HCMC to Can Tho you can choose from:

• Victoria Mekong Cruise: A week-long deluxe option starting at Ho Chi Minh City, lingering in Can Tho and onto many other stopovers, from around $3,017 per person
• Mekong Eyes Explorer & Classic Cruise: boutique cruise, perfect for your individual river cruise (from 1 to 3 nights), combining Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta with Phnom Penh, price from US$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 US$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 US$268 per person

By Taxi/Private car: The quickest and most convenient

For travellers with limited time or those traveling small groups, taxis or private cars offer the most convenient option. Travel time is usually around 2.5–3 hours, faster than buses, and departure times are fully flexible. per vehicle. While more expensive than buses, private cars offer comfort, privacy, and door-to-door service.

Some options you can consider:

• Taxi: brands like Mai Linh, Vinasun, and Saigon DMC. Taxi fares typically range from VND 2,000,000 to 2,500,000 (US$85–105), depending on distance and traffic.
• Private car with a driver: another popular choice, especially for families or small groups. Cars can be arranged through local providers or at the bus station. Prices usually range from VND 2,500,000 to 3,000,000 (US$105–130) per vehicle.

Helpful tips:

• Only book from reputable providers to avoid fare scams and unnecessary complications.
• If you are unsure on how to find private cars, book a day trip with us to the Mekong Delta. Tour packages include private cars to support you with transportation between destinations.

By Bus: The cheapest and most common

Taking an express bus is the most popular and budget-friendly way to travel from HCMC to Can Tho. The journey usually takes 3–5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Ticket prices are around VND 200,000 (about US$8), and complimentary water is typically provided.

Buses depart from Mien Tay Bus Station (395 Kinh Duong Vuong Street, An Lac Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) and arrive at Can Tho Bus Station (91B Nguyen Van Linh Street) or New Can Tho Bus Station (National Highway 1A, Hung Thanh Ward). From there, taxis or ride-hailing services are easily available.

Tickets can be booked in advance by phone or online, and departures run frequently from early morning until late evening. Some companies you can choose from are:

• Phuong Trang (FUTA) is the most well-known with reliable all-day schedules
• Thanh Buoi is a solid mid-range option with regular departures
• Son Nguyen Limousine, a premium service with reclining seats and fewer stops

Helpful tips:

• Arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure
• FuTa Bus Line includes a 15-minute rest stop, with food and drink options
• FuTa also offers free shuttle minibuses within a 10 km radius of its offices

By Motorbike: The most exciting

Traveling by motorbike from HCMC to Can Tho is an adventurous option, typically taking 5–6 hours, depending on speed and rest stops. Rentals usually range from VND 215,000 to 400,000 (US$8 to US$15) per day.

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 National Highway 1A.

Helpful tips:

• To ensure your safety:
  
  • Always wear a helmet and proper protective gear;
  • Stay alert to local traffic patterns;
  • Refuel before departure and look out for locations of petrol station on the way;
  • Use GPS or offline maps for navigation
• Important: Make sure to check in advance if your driver’s license is valid, since most international licences cannot be applied in Vietnam without a local endorsement.

Transport	Duration	Approx. Cost
Private boat/cruise	Half-day to multi-day	Varies
Private car	2.5 – 3 hrs	$85 -130
Bus	3 – 5 hrs	$4-10
Motorbike	5 – 6 hrs	$8-15/day

Tips for choosing the right travelling method

If you prefer privacy and comfort, especially if you’re a family travelling together, private cars would be the most suitable option. Additionally, cruises can also provide a highly enjoyable experience as you have access to all the services and utilities as you travel through the area at a leisure pace.

If you want to take in the scenery above all, motorbikes or cruises can give you the most sightseeing value out of your trip. Motorbikes offer a direct exposure to the road and the destinations. Meanwhile, a private Mekong cruise lets you experience the delta properly, stopping at villages, markets, and river communities that most visitors never get to see.

If you are a budget traveller, go for a bus trip. During the day, buses run every 30 to 60 minutes, so there’s no need to worry about a particular departure. Don’t forget to check the bus schedule carefully and plan your moving between the bus station and your accommodation.

How much time to spend in Can Tho?

Day trip, overnight stay, or multi-day tour? Here is some information that can be useful for you to determine the duration of your stay in Can Tho.

If you’re running a tight schedule, a simple day trip can be enough for you to get a first taste of what the area has to offer. You’ll get to see the highlights on the surface of Can Tho, yet wanting more to explore how the local life operates day to day. While this option saves you time, it would leave you wondering if there’s more under the surface.

Looking to get a feel of the place? An overnight stay would make your experience worthwhile. Explore the canals at your own speed during the afternoon, enjoy the riverbank at Ninh Kieu Wharf in the evening when the city lights come on and the local stalls fill up, and witness the floating market at its best in the early morning before the day visitors arrive. The ideal duration for most travelers would be one or two nights.

Lastly, if you want to spend enough time to really immerse in the local atmosphere, a multi-day tour on a cruise would allow you to do just that. Cruises aren’t just a method of getting to your destination, it’s a complete experience that guides you into the nooks and crannies of local life in Can Tho.

>>> Suggested tour:

• Mekong At A Glance 2 Days: Skip the tourist trail and head straight into the living heart of the Mekong Delta. Two iconic floating markets, quiet canal villages, a family lunch, and a bicycle ride through rice fields all fit into just 48 hours.
• Authentic Mekong Delta Tour 4 Days: Spend a few days and take in the fascinating way of local life. Embark on boat and sampan rides through authentic highlights of the Mekong Delta before capping off with a speedboat to Phnom Penh.

What can you find in Can Tho?

Can Tho sits on the south bank of the Hau River, a major distributary of the Mekong, and life here still moves to the rhythm of the water. It represents an important economic hub of the Mekong Delta, focusing on agriculture and aquaculture.

Life in Can Tho is a combination of human activities on nature backdrop. Many residents live in traditional stilt houses along canals, which is best observed during boat trips. The significant Khmer minority gives Can Tho its signatures in local culture, cuisine, and pagoda architecture. Beyond that, Can Tho is rich in birdlife, which can notably be seen at Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary especially during nesting season.

Can Tho is also famous for the lively floating markets, reflecting the true rhythm of delta life. Known as Vietnam’s “fruit basket”, Can Tho has abundant fruit orchards with mangoes, rambutan, durian, pomelo, and so on. Travellers are free to sample the delicacies of Can Tho as they wish.

>>> Read more: Best 10+ things to do in Can Tho & Tips to avoid tourist crowd

Check out our catalogue of cruises that might fit your travelling expectations. Not sure which one fits your trip? The Luxury Cruise Mekong team is always happy to help you figure it out. Browse the full range at Luxury Cruise Mekong and find the one that feels right.

Travel tips before you go

A few things worth knowing so your trip runs smoothly.

Getting around Can Tho:

• Ride booking apps like Grab work here but respond slower than in Ho Chi Minh City. Arrange early morning transport through your hotel the night before
• For markets and canal excursions, a private boat is the way to go. Your hotel or tour operator can arrange this
• Bicycle hire near Ninh Kieu Wharf is a lovely way to explore the riverside streets

Where to stay:

• Budget guesthouses near Ninh Kieu Wharf put you right in the heart of things
• Mid-range riverside hotels offer good value and great water views
• Canal homestays give you the most immersive experience of daily delta life
• Private cruises typically have accommodation included or arranged as part of the package

Currency and costs:

• Can Tho runs on Vietnamese Dong. Most market stalls and local transport do not accept cards
• Withdraw cash at a city centre ATM on arrival. Do not count on finding one near the markets
• Daily costs are generally lower than Ho Chi Minh City

Connectivity:

• Most hotels offer reliable WiFi throughout
• Pick up a local SIM card at Tan Son Nhat Airport before you leave. It is affordable and saves hassle on arrival

FAQs

1. Is it possible to travel from HCMC to Can Tho by train?

No. There is currently no railway connection between Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City, so traveling by train is not possible.

2. Is Can Tho worth visiting?

Yes, Can Tho is absolutely worth visiting if you want to experience the authentic lifestyle of the Mekong Delta. Despite being a bustling commercial city, Can Tho still retains signature cultural hallmarks of life amidst waterways.

Top things to do in Can Tho include: visiting Cai Rang Floating Market to observe trading activities from boat to boat, heading to local farms and fruit orchards for local delicacies, and checking out Ninh Kieu Night Market for more cuisine highlights and dynamic street life.

3. 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.

4. What can you do in HCMC?

HCMC is one of the most popular destinations of Vietnam due to its attractive combination of historical significance, modern vibes, and fast-paced street life. Under its signature skyline, HCMC has many spots for shopping and entertainment for all ages, from shopping malls like Takashimaya to boutique hubs like the 26 Ly Tu Trong Old Apartment Complex.

On the other hand, travellers also like to visit museums and historical sites. Places like the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, and Cu Chi Tunnel offer a deeper, more meaningful look at the city and Vietnam at large.

Of course, the street life of Saigon is something you cannot miss. Its vibrant street food and cafe culture appeals to all tastes and preferences. Visitors also often choose a vespa tour for an authentic exploration of the city. Besides, many people go out at night barhopping to enjoy Saigon’s nightlife to the fullest.

5. Where can you travel from Ho Chi Minh City?

From Ho Chi Minh City, you can easily travel to destinations across Vietnam from Hanoi (1632 km) to Phu Quoc (395 km) by flight or train. The city is also a major gateway for exploring southern Vietnam and the Mekong Delta.

Plan a Seamless Journey with Us

This guide introduces you to four popular ways to get from HCMC to Can Tho – cruises, private cars, buses, and motorbikes. Which of these is the best option depends on your travel style, schedule and budget. Overall, a shorter trip in Can Tho saves you time, but a longer stay would let you take in the local way of life. Because of that, our multi-day cruises combine private transportation, gentle river journeys, and carefully paced experiences designed for comfort and cultural depth.

Luxury Cruise Mekong is a division branch of Indochina Voyages, curating bespoke itineraries through the Mekong Delta. To plan your personalized journey, reach out at resa@luxurycruisemekong.com or visit our website.