Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Can Tho tickets

About the ride from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Can Tho

After the modernity and madness of Ho Chi Minh City, a little authentic retreat in Can Tho offers a fresh perspective on life in Vietnam. In the heart of the Mekong Delta, with cozy villages, floating markets, and abundant wildlife, it's a great place to reset before moving on.

The journey from Saigon to Can Tho takes you 119 miles (193 km) southwest through the interior of Vietnam. It can take anywhere from three to six hours via a bus, minivan, or car.

It's a well-traveled route, which makes it easier for you. So buckle up and keep reading to determine which mode of transport is best for you. 

Top five things to do in Can Tho

Your experiences in Can Tho are part cultural, part culinary, and part nature-based. So, there truly is a little for everyone. 

1. Visit Cai Rang Floating Market. This is the number one reason people travel there. Be sure to wake up early for your boat tour. It's Vietnam's largest floating market, where locals sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and noodles straight from their boats.
   
   

2. Meander down the Mekong Delta aboard a boat. This river is essential to the country. Navigate through narrow canals and rivers while surrounded by vibrant greenery to get a glimpse of rural Vietnam. You'll pass stilted homes and traditional fishing communities on the ride.
   
   

3. Visit a local fruit orchard. Do you associate Vietnam with fruit farms? Well, Can Tho is famous for them. You'll taste fresh durian, rambutan, and longan right off the trees.
   
   

4. Check out the Binh Thuy Ancient House. This beautifully preserved French colonial house offers a glimpse into Can Tho's history and its unique blend of Vietnamese and European architecture.
   
   It's also a famous filming location for the movie The Lover, based on Marguerite Duras' novel.
   
   

5. Walk along the Ninh Kieu Wharf. It's the heart of riverside life, with a lively market and plenty of street food stalls. Watch the sunset, take a boat tour, or simply soak in the local lifestyle. The area comes alive at night with floating restaurants, a statue of Ho Chi Minh, and the iconic Ninh Kieu Pedestrian Bridge, which is lit up beautifully after dark. 

How to get from Ho Chi Minh to Can Tho

There are only three ways to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho: by bus, car, or minivan.

Option one: Bus

Duration: 3-6 hours

Starting price: $7

One great thing about buses in Vietnam is that they are very modern and reliable. Nearly all of the buses on this route are sleeping buses, which means the seats lay almost flat so you can sleep comfortably. 

The buses are all air-conditioned (maybe too much, so bring a sweater). Some provide blankets, chargers and water. The amenities vary with each company — pay attention to the details when booking.

There are dozens and dozens of departures per day. Some companies leave every thirty minutes. It won't be hard to find a time to fit your schedule. 

The bus companies have various pick-up and drop-off locations. Your best bet is to find the ones closest to your hotel to make it one less step to worry about. 

Option two: Private car

Duration: 3.5-4 hours

Starting price: $65 for the car

Hiring a private car means traveling in style and convenience. It's a door-to-door service from any hotel in Ho Chi Minh to your hotel in Can Tho.

Cars are priced at a flat fee, so the more people in the car, the less your portion will be. For example, some SUVs have a flat fee of around $80. If you split that between the maximum number of passengers, which is five, then it's only $16 per person.

Yes, it's double the price of a bus, but you're paying for the convenience of door-to-door service and the overall comfort level.

With a private ride, you get to choose your departure time and take rest breaks when your bladder or Instagram calls.

Most cars can carry two to five passengers and provide a large luggage allowance (usually around 44 lbs/20 kg) and water. 

Option three: Minivan

Duration: 3-4 hours

Starting price: $12 for a seat in a shared minivan, $107 for a private van

On this route from Ho Chi Minh to Can Tho, you can buy a seat in a shared minivan and meet some new friends or hire your own private ride.

The shared minivans have set pick-up and drop-off locations throughout each city. Additionally, they have preset departure times throughout the day and well into the night. 

On the other hand, if you and a small group of travelers hire the whole shebang, you call all the shots. 

Most minivans accommodate between nine and twelve people. But that doesn't mean you need to fill it. Since the price is around $107, splitting that between six people would cost $18 per person. More people mean an even lower price per person and a very comfy ride. 

You need to decide if hotel-to-hotel service, bathroom breaks at your request, and the ability to choose your departure time fit your budget.

The best time to travel to Can Tho

If you want warm, sunny days ideal for boat trips and exploring the floating markets, the best time to go is during the dry season, from December to April.

Alternatively, Can Tho comes alive from May through August. It's when tropical fruits like durian, rambutan, and mangosteen are in peak season. However, it is also the rainy season, so be prepared for the occasional heavy showers, even though they usually pass quickly. 

How many days should you stay in Can Tho?

It all depends on your style of travel.

If you're not in a hurry, two nights and three days is perfect. Then, you'll have time to visit the markets, explore the Mekong Delta, and enjoy the local culture without feeling rushed.

If your time is tight, you can do it in two days and one night.

Where should you travel after Can Tho?

Ready for a bit of island time? Head to Rach Gia. It's the gateway to Phu Quoc Island and has regular ferries departing from the city. 

Stay a night for its authentic Mekong Delta vibe, fresh seafood, and unique Khmer cultural influences. 

If your time in Vietnam is coming to an end, go to Chau Doc for its unique mix of Vietnamese, Khmer, and Cham cultures. Plus, it is a key stop if you're traveling on to Cambodia. You can take a boat all the way up the Mekong to Phnom Penh.