Getting from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre is easier than you might think. Just 85 kilometres south of the city, Ben Tre sits at the heart of the Mekong Delta. It is wrapped in coconut palms, winding waterways, and a slower pace of life. Moreover, it feels worlds away from Saigon’s buzz. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or using it as your gateway deeper into the delta, this guide covers every transport option. It also covers what to expect on arrival and how to make the most of your time once you get there.
How far is it from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre?
The distance between Ho Chi Minh City and Ben Tre is around 85 kilometres. Depending on traffic and how you travel, the journey typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. One thing that makes the route smoother than many travellers expect is that there are no ferry crossings needed. Ham Luong Bridge has been fully operational for years. Additionally, the newly opened Rach Mieu 2 Bridge, inaugurated in August 2025, has significantly eased the previous bottleneck at the Tien River crossing. What used to be a frustrating holiday traffic jam is now a clean, continuous drive on a six-lane modern bridge.
Best Ways to Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre
There is no single best way to make this trip. It depends entirely on your travel style, group size, and how much comfort you want. Here is a quick overview before we break each option down.
| Transport | Cost (approx.) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public bus | 80,000–120,000 VND | 2.5–3 hrs | Budget travellers |
| Limousine van / Grab | 150,000–350,000 VND | 2 hrs | Solo travellers, small groups |
| Private car transfer | 800,000–1,200,000 VND | 1.5–2 hrs | Families, comfort seekers |
| Mekong cruise day tour | From $70 USD/person | Full day | Experience-focused travellers |
By Public Bus
The public bus is the most affordable way to make the journey. Tickets run around 80,000 to 120,000 VND. Buses depart regularly from Mien Tay Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City roughly every hour between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM. They arrive at Ben Tre Bus Station after about 2.5 to 3 hours. You can book tickets online in advance through Vexere or Baolau. Both platforms are easy to use, even without a Vietnamese phone number. However, keep in mind that buses make stops along the way. As a result, actual travel time can vary with traffic, especially on weekends and public holidays.
By Private Car or Transfer
If you are travelling with family or simply want the flexibility to stop along the way, a private car transfer is the most comfortable land option. A 4-seat car from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre typically costs between 800,000 and 1,200,000 VND for the whole vehicle. Rather than chasing down local garages, the most reliable approach is to arrange your transfer through a trusted local tour operator. Our team can assign an English-speaking driver, which is especially useful if you are continuing further into the delta. Additionally, experienced motorbike riders can follow National Road 60 south, cross Ham Luong Bridge, and arrive in around 2 hours in light traffic. Nevertheless, a valid international driving permit is required.
By Limousine Van or Grab
For a step up in comfort without the cost of a full private transfer, a limousine van is a solid choice. It is a shared 9 or 16-seat minivan. Operators like FUTA Bus Lines and Phuong Trang run this route at around 150,000 to 200,000 VND per seat. Travel time is closer to 2 hours. Seats can be booked through Vexere.
Alternatively, Grab Car is now one of the most practical options for door-to-door travel. It is particularly useful if you are travelling solo with luggage or simply prefer not to deal with bus station logistics. A GrabCar from central Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre town typically costs between 250,000 and 400,000 VND. The price depends on car type and traffic. You are dropped off exactly where you need to be, with no transfers and no waiting around. However, Grab availability in Ben Tre town is decent but slower than in Saigon. So if you need a car back, book in advance or ask your accommodation to arrange one.
Travelling with a group or want everything arranged before you arrive? Our team can sort private transfers, guided day tours, and Mekong cruise packages tailored to your itinerary. Get in touch with us here, and we’ll take care of the details.
The Best Way to Experience It: A Mekong Cruise
Here is where the trip becomes something you will actually remember. Rather than just passing through Ben Tre, a Mekong cruise turns the journey itself into the destination. Ben Tre is one of the most rewarding stops on any delta cruise itinerary. It offers coconut canal villages, traditional sampan waterways, and a genuine off-the-tourist-trail feel. Moreover, it feels far less crowded than busier stops like My Tho.
For those with limited time, a private day tour from Ho Chi Minh City is a brilliant option. It takes you by road to the delta, then onto a river cruise through Ben Tre’s canals. Prices typically start from around $100 USD per person. However, if you want to go deeper into the Mekong, a multi-day luxury or deluxe river cruise is in a different league entirely. These itineraries move at the pace of the river itself, with overnight cabins, expert local guides, and stops at villages, markets, and temples. Furthermore, no day trip can replicate that experience. Browse our full Mekong cruise collection to find the right fit. You are also welcome to reach our team directly at [email protected] to talk through what suits your trip best.
How long should I spend in Ho Chi Minh City and Ben Tre?
Ho Chi Minh City: 2 to 3 Days
Before heading south, Ho Chi Minh City rewards those who give it at least two full days. The War Remnants Museum is a sobering and important stop. Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office are worth a morning, and they sit just minutes apart. Ben Thanh Market is the place to get your bearings in a crowd. For something beyond the city, the Cu Chi Tunnels make for a fascinating half-day private tour. If your trip continues through Can Tho, our guide on getting between Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City covers all your options in one place.
Ben Tre: 1 to 2 Days
Ben Tre earns its nickname as the Kingdom of Coconuts. A day here should include a boat tour through the narrow delta canals. Additionally, a stop at the coconut candy workshops in Hung Phu village is well worth your time. A visit to the serene Nguyen Dinh Chieu Temple rounds out the morning beautifully. Meanwhile, cycling along the riverside paths through Phu Tuc island is one of the most peaceful ways to experience the delta landscape. The Ben Tre riverside night market is also worth an evening wander. For a deeper look at what the province has to offer, our Ben Tre travel guide has everything you need to plan your days well.
Onwards into the Mekong Delta
Ben Tre is a natural starting point for going further into the delta. Can Tho is the region’s largest city and home to the legendary Cai Rang Floating Market. It is best experienced at dawn when the river trade is at its most alive. From Can Tho, the delta stretches further to Vinh Long, Chau Doc, and the Cambodian border. If you are extending the trip, our Can Tho travel guide is the perfect next read.
A Suggested 4-Day Mekong Itinerary Starting from Ho Chi Minh City
If you have a few days to spare, Ben Tre is just the beginning. This route takes you from Saigon’s energy through the coconut delta and all the way to Can Tho. Moreover, it moves at the pace the Mekong deserves.
Day 1 — Ho Chi Minh City: Start with street coffee and banh mi before the city wakes up. Then spend the morning at the War Remnants Museum and walk to Notre Dame Cathedral. In the afternoon, a private tour to Cu Chi Tunnels is unmissable. End the night on Bui Vien Street.
Day 2 — Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre: Depart by private car at 7:30 AM, crossing the new Rach Mieu 2 Bridge into the coconut delta. The afternoon is best spent on a private sampan cruise through Hung Phu canal village. In the evening, head to the Ben Tre riverside night market for grilled elephant ear fish.
Day 3 — Ben Tre to Can Tho: Rise early for a sunrise bike ride on Phu Tuc island. Then take a scenic private drive west through Vinh Long’s floating gardens and river towns. Arrive in Can Tho in time for a riverside sunset dinner.
Day 4 — Can Tho and home: Board a private boat to Cai Rang Floating Market before the mist lifts. Then explore Binh Thuy Ancient House mid-morning before your private car returns you to Ho Chi Minh City by afternoon.
Want this trip fully arranged as a private tour? Contact our team and we’ll handle everything from transfers to accommodation.
Travel Tips Worth Knowing
A few practical notes to make the journey smoother:
- Best time to visit: The dry season from November to April is the most comfortable for travel. The rainy season from May to November brings lush scenery and fewer crowds. However, some canal routes can be affected by flooding.
- Local SIM card: Pick up a Viettel or Mobifone SIM at the airport or any convenience store before you leave Saigon. It costs next to nothing. Furthermore, it is essential for Grab and Google Maps once you are moving through the delta.
- Currency: Carry Vietnamese Dong in cash for local food stalls, boat trips, and smaller vendors. ATMs are available in Ben Tre town but not always reliable in smaller villages.
- Return journey: Most buses back to Ho Chi Minh City stop running by 6 to 7 PM. So keep an eye on your timing. If you are on a cruise, your return transfer is typically included in the package.
- Coming up on the horizon: A planned expressway linking Ho Chi Minh City through Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, and Soc Trang (CT.33) is included in Vietnam’s national road plan for 2025 to 2030. When completed, it will cut travel time considerably and open the whole coastal delta to much easier access.
Ready to plan your Mekong adventure properly? Our team at Indochina Voyages has been navigating this region for over 20 years, with private tours, guided itineraries, and cruise packages built around how you actually want to travel. Reach us at [email protected] and let’s build your perfect trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do Ben Tre as a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City? Yes, it’s doable, but with 1.5 to 2.5 hours each way, an overnight stay or a private day cruise will give you a much richer experience.
Is there a direct bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre? Yes. Buses depart from Mien Tay Bus Station every hour from around 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours. Book your seat in advance on Vexere.
How do I get back from Ben Tre to Ho Chi Minh City? The same routes run in reverse. Buses stop by early evening, so plan to leave Ben Tre by 5:00 PM at the latest, or use Grab for a more flexible return.
Do I need to take a ferry at any point on the route? No. Ham Luong Bridge and the newly opened Rach Mieu 2 Bridge (2025) mean the entire journey is now a continuous road trip with no river crossings required.
Is Ben Tre a good base for exploring the wider Mekong Delta? Absolutely. It connects easily to Can Tho, Vinh Long, and further delta provinces, and many travellers use it as their first overnight stop on a multi-day Mekong cruise itinerary.
