Learn how to get around Can Tho City by taxi with our guide on costs, operators, booking tips, and eco-friendly options. Book sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group for a seamless Mekong Delta adventure!
Can Tho City, the vibrant hub of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, offers a rich tapestry of floating markets, cultural landmarks, and lush orchards, with taxis providing a convenient way to navigate its urban and rural attractions. Following the merger of Soc Trang and Hau Giang, Can Tho has become Vietnam’s largest city by landmass, attracting millions with its riverine charm and sustainable tourism initiatives. Known as the “Western Capital” or “Tây Đô,” Can Tho’s taxi services, including eco-friendly electric options, ensure comfortable travel to sites like Cai Rang Floating Market (6 km from Ninh Kieu) or Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery (15 km). Aligned with Can Tho’s “Green Delta” sustainability goals, taxis offer a reliable, door-to-door solution for exploring the city. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours complement taxi travel with curated experiences—book your tour via the links throughout this guide!
Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, specializes in sustainable Southeast Asia adventures. Our Can Tho tours feature low-impact transport, including electric taxis and boats, guided by local experts who share the Delta’s cultural heritage. Supporting communities in Ninh Kieu, Cai Rang, and Phong Dien Wards, we align with Can Tho’s eco-vision. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless journey. Contact us at sales@legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp +84825862222 to book eco-tours and explore Can Tho responsibly!
Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has merged Soc Trang and Hau Giang into Can Tho City, with Ninh Kieu as the central hub. District-level units are now wards or communes, enhancing access to attractions like Ninh Kieu Wharf and Binh Thuy Ancient House. Supported by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric ferries, and a VND800 billion flood mitigation project—Can Tho offers efficient taxi travel across its expanded urban and rural areas.
Taxis are a convenient, air-conditioned option for navigating Can Tho’s compact city center and farther attractions, ideal for travelers seeking comfort and flexibility. Unlike Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho’s taxi fleet is smaller, but reliable operators and ride-hailing apps ensure accessibility. The city’s flat terrain and tropical climate (dry season: January–May, 25–36°C or 77–96.8°F; rainy season: June–December, 22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F) make taxis a practical choice year-round, especially for airport transfers (10 km from Ninh Kieu) or trips to rural wards like Phong Dien. Eco-friendly electric taxis, such as those from Xanh SM, support Can Tho’s sustainability goals, reducing emissions while offering modern amenities like GPS and digital payments.
Key Features:
Operators: Traditional taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun) and ride-hailing apps (Grab, Xanh SM, Be).
Coverage: Urban wards (Ninh Kieu, Cai Rang) and rural areas (Phong Dien, Thot Not).
Sustainability: Electric taxis and hybrid vehicles promote eco-friendly travel.
Accessibility: Available via apps, phone, or street hailing, though less abundant than in larger cities.
Tip: Use eco-friendly Xanh SM taxis for city exploration, included in our Can Tho City Explorer Tour ($45–$65).
Taxis in Can Tho offer a reliable way to travel, with traditional operators, ride-hailing apps, and eco-friendly options catering to various needs. Below are the main methods, costs, and tips for using taxis effectively.
Reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun provide metered, air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers, ideal for city travel or airport transfers. Smaller local operators like Khanh Cuong offer cheaper fares but may lack modern amenities.
Cost:
Starting Fare: $0.50–$0.70 (12,500–17,500 VND).
Per Kilometer: $0.60–$0.80 (15,000–20,000 VND).
Sample Routes:
Ninh Kieu to Cai Rang Floating Market (6 km): $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Can Tho International Airport to Ninh Kieu (10 km): $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).
Ninh Kieu to Phong Dien (17 km): $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND).
Key Operators:
Mai Linh: +84 292 382 8282; green branding, nationwide coverage.
Vinasun: +84 292 382 7272; white-green fleet, reliable in urban areas.
Khanh Cuong: +84 292 386 8686; budget-friendly, local focus.
Eco-Friendly Option: Limited; some Mai Linh taxis use hybrid vehicles.
How to Book: Call hotline, book via hotel concierge, or hail on streets like Hai Ba Trung in Ninh Kieu.
Pros: Comfortable, metered fares, professional drivers; ideal for families or groups.
Cons: Less abundant than in Ho Chi Minh City; may need to call for pickup in rural wards.
Tip: Save Mai Linh’s hotline for quick bookings, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
Apps like Grab, Xanh SM, and Be offer convenient, transparent taxi and motorbike taxi (xe ôm) services, with real-time tracking and digital payments. Xanh SM’s electric taxis are a sustainable choice, reducing emissions.
Cost:
GrabCar/Be Car: Starting fare $0.50 (12,500 VND), $0.60–$0.80/km (15,000–20,000 VND); airport to Ninh Kieu $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.60–$0.90/km (15,000–22,500 VND); slightly higher for eco-friendly vehicles.
GrabBike/Be Bike: $0.30–$0.50/km (7,500–12,500 VND); Ninh Kieu to Cai Rang $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND). Airport surcharge $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Apps:
Grab: Download via App Store/Google Play; offers cars and motorbikes, cash or card payments.
Xanh SM: Electric taxis, app-based, eco-friendly; hotline +84 1900 2088.
Be: Local app for cars and bikes, competitive fares.
Eco-Friendly Option: Xanh SM’s electric taxis and GrabBike Electric reduce carbon footprint.
How to Book: Download apps, enter pickup/drop-off locations, and confirm; requires internet and VND cash or linked card.
Pros: Transparent pricing, real-time tracking, eco-friendly options; motorbike taxis navigate traffic faster.
Cons: Requires smartphone and internet; limited coverage in rural wards like Thot Not; GrabBike not ideal for groups or luggage.
Tip: Use Xanh SM for sustainable airport transfers, included in our Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75).
Taxis are the primary transport from Can Tho International Airport (10 km from Ninh Kieu), with dedicated ranks at the arrivals terminal. Pre-booked or app-based taxis ensure reliability.
Cost: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND) to Ninh Kieu; $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) to Phong Dien. Airport surcharge $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Operators: Mai Linh, Vinasun, Xanh SM, Grab; pre-book via Legend Travel Group for eco-friendly options.
Eco-Friendly Option: Xanh SM electric taxis or pre-booked hybrid vehicles.
How to Book: Use apps, book at airport taxi counters, or pre-arrange via hotel or Legend Travel Group.
Pros: Convenient, air-conditioned, handles luggage well.
Cons: Higher fares due to airport surcharge; limited taxis during peak arrivals.
Tip: Pre-book with Legend Travel Group for a hassle-free transfer, included in our Can Tho Heritage Tour ($50–$70).
To ensure a smooth and safe taxi experience in Can Tho, keep these tips in mind:
Book in Advance: Taxis are less abundant than in Ho Chi Minh City, especially in rural wards or during peak hours (7–8 AM, 5–6 PM). Save operator hotlines (e.g., Mai Linh +84 292 382 8282) or use apps like Grab or Xanh SM for quick bookings.
Tip: Call or book via apps 15–20 minutes ahead, included in our Can Tho City Explorer Tour ($45–$65).
Verify Operators: Stick to reputable companies (Mai Linh, Vinasun, Xanh SM) or app-based services to avoid scams like meter manipulation or overcharging. Check vehicle branding and driver ID.
Tip: Confirm the meter is running or use Grab for fixed fares, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
Eco-Friendly Choices: Opt for Xanh SM’s electric taxis to support Can Tho’s sustainability goals. These are slightly pricier but reduce emissions and offer modern amenities.
Tip: Request electric taxis via Xanh SM app, included in our Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75).
Cash Payments: Most taxis and Grab services accept cash (VND); carry small notes (50,000–500,000 VND). Some apps (Grab, Xanh SM) allow card payments, but confirm with the driver.
Tip: Have exact change to avoid “change switch” scams, included in our Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80).
Language Barrier: Drivers may speak limited English. Write down destinations in Vietnamese (e.g., “Chợ Nổi Cái Răng” for Cai Rang Floating Market) or use Google Translate.
Tip: Book guided tours with English-speaking drivers, included in our Mekong Delta Immersion Tour ($250–$400).
Avoid Scams: Beware of unlicensed taxis or drivers refusing meters. Insist on the meter or use apps for transparent pricing. Report issues to operators (e.g., Mai Linh hotline).
Tip: Take a photo of the taxi’s license plate, included in our Can Tho Heritage Tour ($50–$70).
Traffic and Timing: Can Tho’s traffic is lighter than Ho Chi Minh City but peaks at 7–8 AM and 5–6 PM. Allow extra time for rural trips during rainy season (June–December) due to potential flooding.
Tip: Schedule early morning or late afternoon taxis, included in our Can Tho City Explorer Tour ($45–$65).
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND); carry small notes for cash payments.
Hotlines:
Mai Linh: +84 292 382 8282.
Vinasun: +84 292 382 7272.
Xanh SM: +84 1900 2088.
Khanh Cuong: +84 292 386 8686.
Apps: Grab, Xanh SM, Be; require internet and smartphone.
Accessibility: Taxis are suitable for mobility-impaired travelers in urban areas; rural wards may have uneven roads.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) or Google Maps for destinations; save Ninh Kieu Wharf or Cai Rang Pier as landmarks.
Safety: Secure valuables, confirm driver identity via apps, and request receipts for complaints.
Dry Season (January–May): Sunny weather (25–36°C or 77–96.8°F) ensures smooth taxi rides to markets or rural sites; ideal for combining with boat tours.
Rainy Season (June–December): Cooler temperatures (22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F); taxis are practical for avoiding showers, though rural roads may be slippery.
Peak Hours to Avoid: 7–8 AM and 5–6 PM for traffic in Ninh Kieu; book taxis early for airport transfers or market visits.
Tip: Use taxis for evening market trips (5:00 PM–11:00 PM), included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).
Our sustainable tours pair taxi travel with Can Tho’s top attractions, using eco-friendly electric taxis where possible:
Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75/person): Cai Rang and Phong Dien Floating Markets, canal cruise, taxi transfers to piers. Includes electric boat and guide.
Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Cai Rang market, Ninh Kieu Night Market, cooking class with Xanh SM taxi transfers. Includes meals and guide.
Can Tho City Explorer ($45–$65/person): Ong Temple, Ninh Kieu Wharf, Binh Thuy Ancient House via eco-taxis and bikes. Includes snacks and guide.
Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80/person): Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, Cai Rang market, My Khanh Eco-Village with electric taxi transfers. Includes boat rides and guide.
Mekong Delta Immersion ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): Floating markets, homestays ($10–$25/night), rural sites via eco-transport. Includes meals and activities.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and entrance fees. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book now via links around this page!
Can Tho City, the Mekong Delta’s largest hub 170 km from Ho Chi Minh City, offers convenient, comfortable, and flexible travel with eco-friendly taxis like Xanh SM’s electric vehicles ($5–$15/trip, 125,000–375,000 VND), aligning with the city’s sustainability goals and drawing thousands yearly. Navigate from urban hubs like Ninh Kieu Wharf to rural gems like Phong Dien Floating Market (20 km, $8–$12, 200,000–300,000 VND), ensuring seamless exploration. Supported by sustainable practices like low-emission transport and local vendor partnerships, Legend Travel Group’s Can Tho Tours enhance your taxi experience with curated, immersive Can Tho Travel adventures, blending visits to Cai Rang Floating Market, Binh Thuy Ancient House, and culinary delights like bánh xèo ($1–$2, 25,000–50,000 VND). Contact Legend Travel Group at www.legendtravelgroup.com, info@legendtravelgroup.com, or (+84) 825862222 to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore Can Tho’s vibrant streets? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and travel through the Mekong Delta’s heart!
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:
Can Tho Taxi Travel Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, mekong-delta-tours.com, vietnamamazingtours.com, scootersaigontour.com, canthorivertour.com, tripadvisor.com
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