Driving to Dong Thap: Your Guide to Car Travel in the Mekong Delta

Nestled in the heart of the Mekong Delta, now part of Tien Giang Province, Dong Thap Ward is a captivating destination known for its lotus fields, historical relics, and vibrant eco-tourism, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually. Driving to Dong Thap offers flexibility and comfort to explore iconic sites like Tram Chim National Park, Sa Dec Flower Village, and the Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House at your own pace. Legend Travel Group, a leading sustainable tour operator, enhances your journey with eco-conscious tours that complement car travel, ensuring you explore responsibly while supporting local communities. Start your adventure—book our tours via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!

Administrative Update

As of July 1, 2025, Dong Thap Province has merged into Tien Giang Province, with My Tho as the administrative center. Dong Thap is now a ward, but its tourism allure remains strong, supported by upgraded infrastructure like well-maintained roads, cycling paths, and a VND600 billion flood control project. These improvements make driving to Dong Thap smoother, ensuring easy access to its cultural and natural treasures.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group is Southeast Asia’s premier sustainable tourism operator, dedicated to preserving Vietnam’s cultural and environmental heritage. Our Dong Thap tours combine car transfers with eco-friendly transport like bicycles and electric boats, guided by local experts who share the region’s history and ecology. Supporting communities in Dong Thap, My Tho, and Sa Dec, we align with Tien Giang’s “Green Delta” initiative. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Book our tours via links on this page for an authentic, eco-conscious experience!

Located 160 km southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Thap Ward is accessible via well-paved highways and scenic routes, ideal for car travel. Its tropical monsoon climate features a dry season (December–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) and a rainy season (May–November, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F, with peak rainfall of 100–400 mm in August–October). Driving allows you to explore attractions like Xeo Quyt Relic and Go Thap Relic at your leisure, with the flexibility to stop at roadside eateries or lotus fields. Below, we detail how to drive, rent cars, top routes, costs, and tips for a sustainable journey.

Driving to Dong Thap is a convenient option from Ho Chi Minh City or nearby My Tho, offering comfort and flexibility for families, groups, or solo travelers. Here’s how to plan your trip:

1. Driving from Ho Chi Minh City (160 km, 3–4 hours)

• Route:

  • Start in Ho Chi Minh City and take the Ho Chi Minh City–Trung Luong Expressway (50 km).

  • Merge onto National Highway 1A toward My Tho (5 km).

  • From My Tho, follow Highway 30 to An Huu T-junction, then continue 33 km to Sa Dec or Cao Lanh in Dong Thap.

• Road Conditions: Well-paved expressways and highways; light traffic after My Tho, but watch for motorbikes in urban areas.

• Tips:

  • Use offline maps (Maps.me) or GPS; save Sa Dec Flower Village as a landmark.

  • Stop at roadside stalls for local snacks like bánh xèo ($4–$15 or 100,000–375,000 VND).

  • Avoid rainy season (May–November) floods on rural roads; check AccuWeather for updates.

2. Driving from My Tho (70 km, 1.5–2 hours)

• Route:

  • From My Tho, take National Highway 1A to An Huu T-junction, then Highway 30 to Sa Dec or Cao Lanh.

• Road Conditions: Smooth provincial roads; minimal traffic, ideal for scenic drives.

• Tips:

  • Refuel in My Tho ($1–$2/liter or 25,000–50,000 VND); gas stations are common.

  • Visit Cai Be Floating Market en route (20 km detour).

Why Drive? Cars offer comfort, safety, and flexibility, ideal for exploring Dong Thap’s spread-out attractions at your own pace.

Renting a car in Ho Chi Minh City or My Tho is straightforward, with options for self-drive or driver-inclusive rentals. Here’s what you need to know:

• Rental Costs:

  • Self-drive car: $30–$60/day (750,000–1,500,000 VND).

  • Car with driver: $50–$100/day (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND).

• Requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license (international permit for foreigners).

  • Deposit (cash or credit card, $50–$100 or 1,250,000–2,500,000 VND).

  • Minimum age: 21.

• Where to Rent:

  • Ho Chi Minh City:

    • Mekong Car Rentals: 45 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1. Tel: (+84) 938 456 789.

    • Saigon Travel Hub: 123 Ly Tu Trong, District 1. Tel: (+84) 936 123 456.

  • My Tho:

    • My Tho Eco Rides: 50 Le Loi, My Tho. Tel: (+84) 913 456 789.

    • Hotels like Mekong Charm Hotel (Sa Dec) offer rentals.

• Tips:

  • Book in advance during peak season (December–April) or festivals like Thap Muoi Lotus Festival.

  • Inspect car for dents, brakes, and fuel level; take photos before driving.

  • Opt for cars with GPS or include a driver for rural routes.

  • Combine with our Dong Thap Eco-Tour ($70–$90) for guided stops and eco-friendly activities.

Pro Tip: Choose a fuel-efficient or hybrid car to reduce environmental impact, aligning with Tien Giang’s green initiatives.

Driving to Dong Thap lets you explore its iconic sites at your leisure. Here are the best routes and stops:

1. Sa Dec Flower Village (5–10 km from Sa Dec center, 15–20 minutes from Sa Dec)

Drive to Tan Quy Dong, a century-old floral hub vibrant with blooms, especially during Tet (January–February).

• Cost: Free entry; guided tours $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

• Highlights: Colorful flower gardens, local nurseries, riverside cafes.

• Tips: Park at designated lots ($0.20–$0.50 or 5,000–12,500 VND); included in our Dong Thap Eco-Tour ($70–$90).

2. Tram Chim National Park (60 km from My Tho, 1.5 hours)

Visit this 7,000-hectare Ramsar wetland, home to over 230 bird species, including rare Sarus Cranes.

• Cost: Entry $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND); boat tours $10–$25 (250,000–625,000 VND).

• Highlights: Birdwatching, lotus fields, cajuput forests.

• Tips: Arrive early for birdwatching; bring binoculars.

3. Go Thap Relic (20 km from Sa Dec, 30 minutes)

Explore this ancient Oc Eo cultural site, a national relic with historical artifacts.

• Cost: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Highlights: Archaeological site, lotus fields, serene surroundings.

• Tips: Hire a guide ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); included in our Dong Thap Cultural Tour ($60–$80).

4. Xeo Quyt Relic (30 km from Sa Dec, 45 minutes)

Discover this 50-hectare former revolutionary base, surrounded by cajuput forests and canals.

• Cost: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND); boat tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Highlights: Eco-tourism, boat tours, historical trails.

• Tips: Combine with a boat tour; included in our Dong Thap Eco-Tour ($70–$90).

Route Tip: Save destinations like Tram Chim National Park on offline maps (Maps.me) for easy navigation.

Pack these essentials for a comfortable, sustainable journey:

• Clothing: Lightweight attire for dry season; waterproof jacket for rainy season. Modest clothing (covered shoulders, long pants) for historical sites.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes; sandals for quick stops; waterproof shoes for rainy season.

• Travel Essentials: Mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, compact umbrella.

• Tech Gear: Smartphone for GPS/Grab app; portable charger; camera for scenic views.

• Documents: Driver’s license, passport, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes).

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, straw to support sustainability.

Tip: Keep a small backpack for essentials; carry VND for parking and roadside vendors.

• Car Rental:

  • Self-drive: $30–$60/day (750,000–1,500,000 VND).

  • With driver: $50–$100/day (1,250,000–2,500,000 VND).

• Fuel: $1–$2/liter (25,000–50,000 VND); ~10 liters for Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Thap round trip.

• Attractions:

  • Tram Chim National Park: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Go Thap Relic: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).

  • Xeo Quyt Relic: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).

  • Sa Dec Flower Village: Free.

• Dining: Local meals (e.g., Nha Hang Sen Viet, Pho Sa Dec): $4–$15 (100,000–375,000 VND). Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Accommodation (Dong Thap or My Tho):

  • Homestays: $15–$30/night (375,000–750,000 VND).

  • Hotels: $25–$60/night (625,000–1,500,000 VND).

  • Resorts: $90–$180/night (2,250,000–4,500,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Including Car Travel):

• Budget: $25–$50 (self-drive, meals, free attractions).

• Mid-range: $50–$100 (rental with driver, paid attractions, dining).

• Luxury: $120–$250 (private driver, upscale lodging, guided tours).

Tip: Carry VND for tolls and parking ($0.20–$0.50 or 5,000–12,500 VND); ATMs are available in My Tho and Sa Dec.

• Book Early: Reserve tours or rentals via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222, email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com) 3–4 weeks in advance, especially for December–April or festivals like Thap Muoi Lotus Festival.

• Driving Tips:

  • Follow speed limits (50–60 km/h on highways); watch for motorbikes.

  • Avoid driving at night; check road conditions in rainy season.

  • Park in designated areas ($0.20–$0.50 or 5,000–12,500 VND).

• Seasonal Tips:

  • Dry Season (December–April): Ideal for driving; pack sunscreen.

  • Rainy Season (May–November): Watch for flooded roads; bring waterproof gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND).

• Sustainability: Choose fuel-efficient cars; combine with cycling or boat tours for eco-friendly exploration.

• Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me); save Sa Dec Flower Village as a landmark.

• Safety: Secure valuables; confirm rental car condition before departure.

• Cultural Respect: Greet locals with “xin chào” (hello); tip drivers/guides $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Health: Stay hydrated ($0.50 or 12,500 VND per bottle); apply mosquito repellent near waterways.

Our eco-friendly tours enhance your car journey with sustainable exploration:

• Dong Thap Eco-Tour ($70–$90/person): Car transfer to Sa Dec Flower Village, electric boat tour in Tram Chim National Park, cycling through lotus fields. Includes transfers, snacks, guide.

• Dong Thap Cultural Tour ($60–$80/person): Car to Go Thap Relic, walking tour of Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, festival visits. Includes eco-transfers, lunch, guide.

• Dong Thap Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Car to Sa Dec markets, boat to eateries, lotus-based cooking class. Includes eco-transfers, meals, guide.

• Mekong Delta Immersion ($300–$450/person, 2–3 days): Car to Dong Thap, Cai Be, and homestays ($15–$30/night). Includes meals, activities, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Get 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book via links around this page!

Dong Thap Province, a Mekong Delta masterpiece 130 km from Ho Chi Minh City, offers a comfortable and flexible way to explore its lotus fields, historical sites, and natural wonders via driving, drawing thousands yearly. Rent a car ($30–$50/day, 750,000–1,250,000 VND) for a 2–3-hour journey along National Highway 62, stopping at Sa Dec Flower Village for colorful blooms (free entry) or Tram Chim National Park for birdwatching ($2–$5 entry, 50,000–125,000 VND). Legend Travel Group’s Dong Thap Tours ensure a sustainable Dong Thap Travel experience, blending car travel with eco-friendly adventures like low-impact boat tours ($5–$15, 125,000–375,000 VND) through lotus-filled wetlands, supporting local communities and creating lasting memories. Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to plan your drive and book your eco-conscious tour today!
Ready to hit the road to Dong Thap’s heart? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and discover the Mekong Delta’s timeless charm!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Dong Thap Travel Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, mekong-delta-tours.com, vietnamamazingtours.com, scootersaigontour.com, tripadvisor.com