Are you craving a respite from Ho Chi Minh City’s electrifying chaos? Look no further than Ben Tre, a charming Mekong Delta town beckoning with its serene canals, swaying coconut palms, and laid-back charm. This travel blog is your one-stop guide to how to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre, ensuring you a perfect journey from the urban city to the delta’s tranquil embrace.
How far is it from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre?
The distance between Ho Chi Minh City and Ben Tre is a mere 85 kilometers, a manageable hop that translates to a short travel time. Within a few hours, you can be whisked away from the bustling streets and honking horns to the gentle lapping of water against wooden boats and the rustling of leaves in the cool delta breeze.
Best way to travel
By bus
- Cost: $4-7
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Suitable for: budget travelers
Several reputable companies operate regular routes between Ho Chi Minh City’s Mien Tay Bus Station and Ben Tre. Tickets are incredibly affordable, with slight variations based on the seat type. Some companies even offer free pick-up within a limited distance of the station in Ho Chi Minh City.
With the keyword “Bến xe Bến Tre”, you can easily find the Ben Tre bus station location on Google Maps.
Pro tip: Buses depart roughly every 1 hour between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM, so flexibility is on your side.
By limousine bus (minivan)
- Cost: $15-20
- Time: 2 hours
- Suitable for: small groups and comfort seekers
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre can become more relaxing when you choose to take the Limousine Luxury bus. The limousine Luxury bus can be a 9, 16 seat car, which means you will share the bus with a small number of passengers. You can book your tickets online in advance or directly through their offices in Ho Chi Minh City.
Some company offers limousine buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre: The Sinh Tourist, Phuong Trang, FUTA bus lines.
By private car or taxi
- Cost: $40-55
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Suitable for: those seeking comfort, privacy, and flexibility
If squeezing onto a bus isn’t your style, consider a private car or taxi. This option offers comfort and convenience, allowing you to set your own pace and potentially make sightseeing stops along the way. You can choose one of the following car companies:
- Hong Phuong Garage: Schedule: Saigon – Ben Tre – Ba Tri – Tiem Tom Port. The car is available from 7 am to 3 pm.
- Thao Chau garage: there are 15-seat cars and 29-seat cars. In Saigon, they will pick up and drop off passengers at 182 Su Van Hanh station, Ward 9, District 5 (near Tran Phu Street), and the ticket booths of 16 West bus stations. Please notice that the car departing from Saigon is only available in the morning from 5 am to 9 pm.
- Thinh Phat bus: It’s a 15-seat car. The advantage is that you can choose the point of pickup (with a surcharge). Besides, the car departs at 25A Su Van Hanh, Ward 9, District 5 (opposite Hoa Binh Park – corner of Hung Vuong-Su Van Hanh intersection). These cars are available from 5 am to 6:30 pm
Insider’s Tip: Negotiate the fare with taxi drivers beforehand, especially if you’re not familiar with Vietnamese.
Consider taking a Mekong Cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre
Some amazing full-day tours from Ho Chi Minh City will take you by bus to the Mekong Delta and then onto a cruise through the canals of the Delta to explore Ben Tre. Here’s a typical itinerary for these tours:
- Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City early in the morning.
- Travel by bus to a town on the Mekong Delta like My Tho or Vinh Long.
- Board a boat for a cruise along the Mekong Delta canals.
- Explore some of the local villages and learn about the lives of the people who live in the Delta.
- Visit a local fruit orchard and sample some of the tropical fruits that are grown in the region.
- Enjoy a delicious lunch of local cuisine at a riverside restaurant.
- Take a ride on a traditional sampan boat through the smaller canals.
- Visit a local handicraft workshop and see how traditional Vietnamese crafts are made.
- Return to Ho Chi Minh City by bus in the late afternoon.
Prices for these tours can vary depending on the company, the itinerary, and the inclusions. Expect to pay around $75-$100 per person.
While this isn’t a direct cruise from Ho Chi Minh City, it’s a fantastic way to see the Mekong Delta and experience the beauty of Ben Tre. Most tours take around 10-12 hours, so be prepared for a long day, but it will be a memorable experience.
>> Read more: Glimpse of Saigon & Mekong Delta 3 days
How long should I spend in Ho Chi Minh City and Ben Tre?
Ho Chi Minh City
Spend 2-3 days in Ho Chi (2-3 days) to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this modern city:
- Architectural marvels: Explore the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office.
- Bustling Markets: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Ben Thanh Market and bargain for souvenirs.
- War Remnants Museum: Learn about Vietnam’s wartime history through compelling exhibits.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels for a glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime past.
Ben Tre
Spend 1-2 days to explore the rich culture of this “kingdom of coconut”:
- Coconut Paradise: Take a boat tour through the Mekong Delta’s canals, stopping at coconut candy factories and local farms.
- Floating Market: Witness the lively Cai Rang Floating Market where vendors trade goods from their boats.
- Serene Temples: Find peace and tranquility at the Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple.
- Cycling Adventure: Rent a bike and explore the scenic countryside at your own pace.
Extra Travel Tips
- Weather: The Mekong Delta experiences a tropical climate with hot and humid weather year-round. Pack light, breathable clothing and a hat. The rainy season falls between May and November, so consider the weather of the Mekong Delta carefully while planning your trip.
- Currency Exchange: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. Exchange your money at reputable vendors before leaving Ho Chi Minh City.
- Bargaining: Bargaining is a common practice in Vietnam, especially at markets. Be polite and have fun with the process!
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on Ben Tre’s delicious specialties like elephant ear fish and “hu tieu” (a noodle soup).
See more:
From Luxury Cruise Mekong Team, a brand of Indochina Voyages!
