Can Tho is the beating heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, famous for its floating markets and river life. Most visitors wonder how to get to Can Tho from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang, since the delta sits far from Vietnam’s other major hubs. This guide breaks down every route – bus, private car, and direct flights – so you can pick the option that fits your starting point, budget, and schedule.
Where Is Can Tho?
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. Can Tho has an international airport, multiple city bus stops, and a network of flat, well-paved highways, which makes the city very accessible to all modes of transport. Depending on your transport choice, the journey takes anywhere from one and a half to five hours to even a few days.
Popular Routes to Can Tho
International flights aside, the most popular domestic route to Can Tho begins from Ho Chi Minh City. You can take a trip over roads by cars, buses, or motorbikes, or a multi-day voyage over waterways across the Mekong Delta area altogether. These boats and cruises can also serve as a means of transport between Can Tho and locations in Cambodia.
For travellers in northern and central Vietnam, they usually choose to take direct flights to Can Tho or plan a moving itinerary that involves stopping at Ho Chi Minh City before heading to Can Tho, in both of which planes are often preferred. Two of the most popular starting points in these upper regions would be Hanoi and Da Nang due to robust commercial activities.
Which Route to Can Tho Should You Choose?
Comparing Your Options at a Glance:
| Method | From | Duration | Price (USD) | Best For |
| Private boat / cruise | Ho Chi Minh City / Mekong Delta | Multi-day | Varies | Travellers who want the journey as the experience |
| Private car / limousine van | Ho Chi Minh City | 2.5–3 hours | $5–10+ | Comfort and door-to-door pickup |
| Bus | Ho Chi Minh City | 3–5 hours | $4–10 | Budget travellers |
| Motorbike (self-ride) | Ho Chi Minh City | 5-6 hours | $8–15/day rental | Experienced riders wanting an adventure |
| Direct flight | Hanoi | ~2h 10m | $50–130 round-trip | Travellers coming from northern Vietnam |
| Direct flight | Da Nang | ~1h 30m | $50–90 round-trip | Travellers coming from central Vietnam |
If you’re coming from Ho Chi Minh City, choose between cruises, cars, buses, and motorbikes. If you’re a senior traveller or a family on a trip, opt for private cars or cruises would be ideal for maximum comfort. 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 appeal to adventurous travellers and 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. Don’t forget to check the bus schedule carefully and plan your moving between the bus station and your accommodation.
If you’re starting from Hanoi or Da Nang, a direct flight is the most suitable option that saves you time and efforts over any overland combination.
How Do You Get to Can Tho from Hanoi?
Flying is by far the easiest way to reach Can Tho from Hanoi, since the two cities sit roughly 1,240 kilometers apart. In this case, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air both operate several non-stop flights a day between Noi Bai Airport (HAN) and Can Tho International Airport (VCA).
- Duration: About 2 hours 10 minutes non-stop
- Price: Roughly US$50–130 round-trip, depending on the season and how early you book
- Frequency: Multiple daily departures with both airlines
- Booking tip: Fares tend to be cheapest around six weeks ahead of travel, and midweek departures usually beat weekend prices
An overland trip from Hanoi isn’t realistic for most travellers, since it would mean over 30 hours on the road. Flying keeps this leg of your Vietnam itinerary simple.
How Do You Get to Can Tho from Da Nang?
Da Nang and Can Tho are also connected by non-stop flights, making air travel the clear choice for this route as well. Vietjet Air and Vietnam Airlines both fly the roughly 715-kilometer route directly.
- Duration: About 1 hour 30 minutes non-stop
- Price: Roughly US$50–90 round-trip, depending on the season and how early you book
- Frequency: Several flights daily between the two cities
- Good to know: This route pairs well with a central Vietnam and Mekong Delta itinerary, since Da Nang is a common gateway to Hoi An and Hue
How Do You Get to Can Tho from Ho Chi Minh City?
Travelling to Can Tho by Private Cruises
There’s no public ferry connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho anymore, but a private Mekong cruise turns that gap into an opportunity. 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 travellers to experience the Mekong Delta as a journey rather than just a transfer.
- Duration: About 0.5 to 3 days
- Price: Varies, depending on itinerary and duration of trip
- Features: air-conditioned cabins with ensuite bathrooms and deluxe toiletries, attentive onboard crews, home-style meals, sundecks for river views,…
- Best for: Families and senior travellers who want to go deeper into the Mekong Delta and experience the local life at a relaxing pace
Noteworthy cruises to Can Tho you can choose from
- Song Xanh Sampan Cruises: Sails a Cai Be – Sa Dec – Can Tho – Phu Quoc route, from around $268 per person
- Mekong Dragon Eyes Cruise: Links Cai Be, Can Tho, and Phu Quoc before continuing to Phnom Penh, from around $269 per person
- Mekong Gecko Eyes Cruise: A longer route through Cai Be, Sa Dec, Can Tho, Phu Quoc, and on to Phnom Penh, from around $374 per person
- Mekong Saga Cruise: A shorter deluxe option sailing directly between Can Tho and Cai Be, from around $202 per person
- Bassac Mekong River Cruise: Another deluxe option connecting Cai Be – Sa Dec – Can Tho, from around $197 per person
Advance booking through reputable operators like Luxury Cruise Mekong is essential. A private cruise makes the most sense if you want to see more of the delta than Can Tho alone, since cabins, meals, and guided stops at floating markets and orchards are already built into the itinerary.
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.
Is There a Faster Way? Private Car and Limousine Vans
If comfort and speed matter more than saving a few dollars, a private car or limousine van is worth considering. These door-to-door services pick you up at your hotel and drop you off directly at your Can Tho accommodation.
- Duration: About 2.5 to 3 hours
- Price: Roughly US$5–10 per seat for shared limousine vans, or higher for a taxi or private car
- Best for: Small groups, families with luggage, or travellers who want to skip the bus station altogether
Several limousine van companies run scheduled departures throughout the day, so you can usually find a slot that matches your flight arrival time. 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.
What About Traveling to Can Tho on Buses?
Bus is the most popular and budget-friendly way to reach Can Tho. Direct coaches depart from Mien Tay Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City several times a day, arriving right at Can Tho’s central bus terminal.
- Duration: 3 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and stops
- Price: Roughly US$4–10 per ticket
- Popular operators: Phuong Trang and Thanh Buoi, both known for frequent departures and reclining seats
- Comfort features: Air conditioning, charging ports, and at least one rest stop along the way
Booking a seat the day before travel is usually enough, though it’s worth reserving earlier during Tet or major holidays when seats sell out fast.
Can You Ride a Motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho?
Yes, and for experienced riders it’s one of the most exciting ways to make the trip. The route follows National Highway 1A the whole way, crossing the grandiose Can Tho Bridge – Southeast Asia’s longest cable-stayed span – right before you reach the city.
- Duration: About 5 to 6 hours of riding time, not counting stops
- Rental cost: Around US$8–15 per day for a standard scooter, available from shops across District 1
- Route highlights: Rice paddies, roadside coconut stalls, and small delta towns line most of the ride
- License requirement: Vietnamese law technically requires a Vietnamese license or a converted international permit for bikes over 50cc, though many rental shops in District 1 will rent to travellers with any foreign license
This isn’t a relaxed cruise – Highway 1A carries heavy truck and bus traffic, and a few hours in the saddle is tiring even for confident riders. First-timers or anyone short on riding experience should stick to a guided motorbike tour, where a local driver handles the traffic and route while you enjoy the scenery from the back seat.
Can You Fly from Ho Chi Minh City Into Can Tho?
Despite Can Tho having an international airport, there’s currently no direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Because of that gap, most travellers coming from Saigon skip flying and take the cruise, car, bus, or motorbike route instead.
Moving between Can Tho and Cambodia
Can Tho doubles as a gateway between Vietnam and Cambodia, and travellers heading onward to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap have both cruise and bus options to choose from.
Several Mekong cruise operators run multi-day itineraries linking Can Tho directly with Cambodia, sailing both upstream (Vietnam to Cambodia) and downstream (Cambodia to Vietnam) depending on which direction you’re traveling:
- Victoria Mekong Cruise: An 8-day, 7-night sailing between Can Tho and Siem Reap, stopping at river towns and islands along the way before reaching Phnom Penh and continuing overland to Angkor
- Mekong Dragon Eyes Cruise: Connects Can Tho with Phnom Penh as part of a wider Cai Be – Can Tho – Phu Quoc – Phnom Penh route
- Mekong Gecko Eyes Cruise: A longer sailing through Cai Be, Sa Dec, Can Tho, and Phu Quoc before continuing on to Phnom Penh
Travellers on a tighter budget or schedule can cross overland instead. A direct bus runs daily between Can Tho and Phnom Penh, typically taking 6 to 9 hours depending on the border crossing and costing roughly US$16–30 USD.
Some travellers prefer breaking up the trip by taking a bus to the border town of Chau Doc first, then continuing to Phnom Penh by speedboat along the river.
Where to Stay in Can Tho?
Most visitors base themselves near Ninh Kieu Wharf, since it puts the river promenade, night market, and boat piers all within walking distance. Here’s how the main options break down.
Luxury options
- Overnight cruise cabins: Cabins on cruises are compact but well-designed, with cozy modern interior design, an ensuite bathroom stocked with deluxe toiletries, onboard meals, and a small crew handling everything along the way. It’s a good fit for travellers spending several days exploring the wider delta rather than just one night in Can Tho.
- Luxury hotels: International and upscale brands have established branches in Can Tho, including Sheraton Can Tho, Tru by Hilton, and Wink Can Tho Centre – a good fit if you want full-service amenities like pools, spas, and river-view rooms without leaving the city center
- Riverside resorts: Properties like Victoria Can Tho Resort sit right on the Hau River with French-style architecture, gardens, and pools – very ideal if you want a relaxing base after early-morning boat trips
>>> Check out our tour package Authentic Mekong Delta Tour 4 Days that includes a night at Victoria Can Tho Resort
Budget options
- Boutique hotels: Mid-range boutique hotels near Ninh Kieu Park offer river views and easy walking access to restaurants and the night market, often at a fraction of resort prices
- Budget hotels and hostels: Simple, well-located rooms are easy to find around the city center and are ideal if your main goal is boat tours and street food rather than hotel amenities
- Homestays: Staying in a homestay in Phong Dien or along the canals outside the city center is the best way to experience rural delta life, often including home-cooked meals with a local family
Note: Book central accommodation if this is your first visit, since it minimizes travel time before those early Cai Rang departures. Save the homestay experience for a second trip or an extra night if you want to slow down and see the delta at its quietest.
How Do You Get Around Can Tho?
Once you’ve arrived, Can Tho is easy to navigate thanks to its compact riverside center around Ninh Kieu Wharf. Most travellers mix a couple of these options depending on the time of day and how far they’re headed.
Walking
The riverfront promenade at Ninh Kieu Wharf, the night market, and nearby restaurants are all within easy walking distance of most hotels. Walking works well in the early evening when temperatures drop, but the midday heat makes longer strolls tiring.
Cyclos
A cyclo (three-wheeled pedal rickshaw) is a slow, old-fashioned way to see the downtown streets. Drivers wait near the wharf and hotels, and a short ride usually costs a few dollars after some friendly negotiation. It’s more about the experience than speed, so it suits a relaxed evening tour rather than getting somewhere quickly.
Bicycle
Renting a bicycle is a cheap, flexible way to explore quiet neighborhoods and riverside paths at your own pace. Rentals typically run US$1–3 per day, and many hotels and guesthouses can arrange one for you. Stick to designated bike paths where possible, since local traffic can be heavy on main roads.
Taxi
Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are the most convenient way to cover longer distances, such as reaching the bus station or Cai Rang Bridge. Fares are affordable, transparent in the app, and a good backup option after dark when other transport options thin out.
Boat: The Best Way to Experience Can Tho
If you take away one thing from this guide, let it be this: the boat is how Can Tho is meant to be explored. This is a river city built around its canals, and stepping onto a sampan at Ninh Kieu Wharf is the closest thing to seeing it the way locals do.
- Shared boat tours: Around US$2–4 per person, departing regularly from Ninh Kieu Wharf toward Cai Rang Floating Market
- Private boat hire: Roughly US$10–20 for a small boat carrying 2–4 people, letting you set your own route and pace
- Best time to go: Depart by 5:30–6:00 AM to catch the floating market at its liveliest, before the wholesale trading winds down and tour groups arrive
- What you’ll see: Boats piled high with fruit, vegetables, and local goods, plus quiet canal-side homes you simply can’t reach by road
Looking to incorporate boat trips in your Can Tho journey? Book a tour package with us to get a full experience of genuine encounters with authentic riverside life from boats and other vehicles.
The Mekong at a Glance 2-day package, for example, runs from Saigon through Cai Be and Vinh Long before ending at Can Tho’s Cai Rang Floating Market. It’s priced from around $113 per person and includes accommodation, private transfers, a guide, and meals.
Note: Negotiate the price and agreed return time with your boat driver before departing, since informal operators near the wharf don’t always post fixed rates.
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. Attractions in Can Tho include:
- Cai Rang Floating Market: A sunrise boat ride through hundreds of wooden vessels trading fruit, vegetables, and local goods
- Ninh Kieu Wharf and Night Market: The riverside promenade comes alive after dark with street food stalls, snacks, and river views
- Binh Thuy Ancient House: A well-preserved 1870s French home that shows another side of the delta’s history
- Ong Pagoda and Munirensay Pagoda: Colorful temples reflecting the region’s Chinese-Vietnamese and Khmer communities
- Orchards and canal cycling: Quiet backroads through fruit orchards near Phong Dien make for an easy, scenic afternoon
- Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary: A worthwhile day trip for birdwatchers, roughly 15 km outside the city center
While half-day trips are possible, two to three days is actually ideal to cover the highlights and immerse in the local atmosphere. Travellers who enjoy slow travel often stay longer to soak up the pace of delta life.
>>> Read more: Best 10+ things to do in Can Tho & Tips to avoid tourist crowd
Set Out to Can Tho with the Luxury Cruise Mekong Team
Getting to Can Tho is straightforward once you know your options. A direct flight if you’re coming from Hanoi or Da Nang. A scenic highway ride by bus, car, or motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City. Or a multi-day private cruise if you’d rather make the delta itself the destination. Once you land, don’t skip the boat – a sampan ride to Cai Rang is the single best way to experience the Mekong Delta’s river life.
No matter how you choose to get to Can Tho, you’re sure to be captivated by the city’s charm and the warm hospitality of its people. With a range of convenient travel options, Can Tho is an accessible and rewarding destination in the Mekong Delta.
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.
