How to Get to Bac Lieu from Ho Chi Minh City: Best Transport Options for Your Mekong Delta Journey

A Cultural and Natural Gem in the Mekong Delta

Bac Lieu, now a vibrant ward of Ca Mau Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform, is a Mekong Delta treasure, blending Kinh, Khmer (20% of 1.3 million residents), and Hoa cultures along a 56 km coastline. Attracting 18,000 travelers annually, Bac Lieu offers floating markets, wind farms, and the UNESCO-recognized Nhac Dan Tocmusic, with travel costs ranging from $10–$180 (250,000–4,500,000 VND) in a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F). Located 280 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Lieu is accessible via National Highway 1A, making it a gateway to the Mekong Delta’s authentic charm.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly tours to Bac Lieu, integrating seamless transport options like buses and electric taxis to immerse you in its natural and cultural wonders. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your Mekong Delta adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” for navigation. Bac Lieu’s strategic location on National Highway 1A ensures easy access to attractions like Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary and Tac Say Floating Market, perfect for eco-conscious travelers.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Bac Lieu tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides, and partnerships with local communities to preserve Mekong Delta traditions. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for a responsible, immersive journey aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Bac Lieu, approximately 280 km from Ho Chi Minh City, is reachable by bus, private car, or motorbike, each offering unique advantages. Below are the updated transport options, replacing outdated references to companies like Thanh Buoi Bus (no longer operational), with current pricing and eco-friendly practices for a seamless journey.

1. By Bus

• Description: The most budget-friendly and popular option, buses offer a comfortable, air-conditioned ride with reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and blankets. Major operators like Phuong Trang (Futa Bus) and Mai Linh provide frequent departures from Mien Tay Bus Station, covering the 280 km in 5–6 hours.

• Details:

  • Cost: $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) per person, depending on bus type (standard, VIP sleeping, or limo).

  • Departure Point: Mien Tay Bus Station, 395 Kinh Duong Vuong, An Lac Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Schedule: Hourly departures from 5:00 AM–11:00 PM; Phuong Trang offers free shuttle pick-up from District 1 to Mien Tay for select tickets.

  • Access: Book tickets at Mien Tay Bus Station, through operator apps, or via Legend Travel Group’s Mekong Delta Explorer ($360–$520) for integrated transport and tours.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose operators with modern, fuel-efficient buses like Phuong Trang; carry reusable water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND) to reduce waste.

• Tip: Book 1–2 days ahead, especially during festivals (Ok Om Bok, October/November; Lunar New Year, January/February). Arrive 30 minutes early at Mien Tay to avoid traffic delays.

• Best For: Budget travelers, solo adventurers, and groups seeking affordability.

2. By Private Car

• Description: Ideal for comfort and flexibility, private cars allow stops at scenic Mekong Delta spots like My Tho or Ben Tre. Modern vehicles (4–16 seaters) with professional drivers ensure a safe, customizable journey, taking 5–6 hours.

• Details:

  • Cost: $100–$130 (2,500,000–3,250,000 VND) per vehicle (4–7 seaters); $150–$180 (3,750,000–4,500,000 VND) for minivans (16 seaters).

  • Providers: Local agencies like Viet Dream Travel or Vietnam Car Hire; book via Legend Travel Group’s Eco Tour ($85–$130) for integrated transport.

  • Access: Pick-up from hotels in District 1, District 7, or Tan Son Nhat Airport; drop-off at Bac Lieu’s center or homestays.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicles; combine with eco-tours to minimize environmental impact.

• Tip: Request stops at Mekong Delta attractions (e.g., Vinh Long markets); carry vehicle documents and insurance. Book 24–48 hours ahead.

• Best For: Families, groups, or travelers wanting comfort and flexibility.

3. By Motorbike

• Description: A thrilling option for adventurous travelers, motorbiking covers the 280 km via National Highway 1A, offering scenic views of rice fields and canals. The journey takes 6–8 hours, depending on stops and traffic.

• Details:

  • Cost: Motorbike rental $6–$10/day (150,000–250,000 VND); fuel $2–$4/day (50,000–100,000 VND) for 50–100 km.

  • Rental Locations: District 1 (Pham Ngu Lao area) or Bac Lieu Market for return rentals; book via Legend Travel Group’s Eco Adventure ($160–$220).

  • Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) or Vietnamese license; helmets mandatory ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose fuel-efficient bikes (e.g., Honda Wave); minimize fuel use by planning efficient routes.

• Tip: Carry repair tools ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND) and offline maps (Maps.me). Avoid rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM, 4:00–6:00 PM); ride in dry season for safer roads.

• Best For: Solo travelers or adventure enthusiasts comfortable with Vietnamese traffic.

• Description: For more frequent departures, take a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho (113 km, 2.5–3 hours), then transfer to Bac Lieu (100 km, 2–2.5 hours). This route suits travelers wanting to explore Can Tho’s Cai Rang Floating Market en route.

• Details:

  • Cost: Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND); Can Tho to Bac Lieu: $3–$6 (75,000–150,000 VND).

  • Schedule: Buses to Can Tho depart every 30–60 minutes from Mien Tay Bus Station; Can Tho to Bac Lieu buses run hourly.

  • Access: Book via Phuong Trang or Mai Linh at Mien Tay or Can Tho Bus Station; Legend Travel Group’s Mekong Delta Explorer ($360–$520) includes this route.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Combine with eco-tours in Can Tho for sustainable travel; use reusable totes ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) at markets.

• Tip: Allow 7–8 hours total, including transfers. Visit Can Tho’s markets in the morning before continuing to Bac Lieu.

• Best For: Travelers combining Bac Lieu with other Mekong Delta destinations.

• Navigation Tip: Save “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking in Bac Lieu: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Safety: Secure valuables; carry travel insurance ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND). For motorbikes, wear helmets and reflective gear ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize buses or electric taxis (Xanh SM, $0.50–$1/km or 12,500–25,000 VND) for local travel; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable options.

• Best Time: November–April for dry roads and moderate crowds (100–250 daily visitors); May–October for lush scenery but expect rain. Book festival travel (Ok Om Bok, October/November) 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Budget: Bus $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); private car $100–$180 (2,500,000–4,500,000 VND); motorbike $8–$14 (200,000–350,000 VND) including fuel.

• Sustainability: Use fuel-efficient transport; carry reusable water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND). Support local vendors with purchases like Banh Cong ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

• Navigation: Use Vietnamese SIM ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) for apps like Grab or Vietmap. Confirm addresses in Vietnamese for drivers.

• Cultural Respect: Greet with “xin chào”; respect local customs at Bac Lieu’s markets and pagodas.

Enhance your journey with our sustainable tour packages:

• Bac Lieu Foodie & Nature Tour ($80–$120/person, 1 day): Cruise Tac Say Floating Market, cycle Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary, taste Lau Mam. Includes guide, eco-transport, meals.

• Bac Lieu Eco Adventure ($160–$220/person, 2 days): Explore wind farms, Quan Cong Pagoda, and homestays with Nhac Dan Toc. Includes transport, meals, guide.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($360–$520/person, 4 days): Visit Bac Lieu, Ca Mau City, and U Minh Forest with bus, bike, and boat tours. Includes meals, eco-transports.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now for an unforgettable journey.

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province, opens the door to the Mekong Delta’s cultural and natural wonders, from Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary to Tac Say Floating Market. Whether you choose the budget-friendly bus, flexible private car, or adventurous motorbike, each option offers a unique journey through Vietnam’s scenic landscapes. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours ensure you arrive sustainably, supporting a sustainable Ca Mau Travel experience while immersing in Bac Lieu’s treasures. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your transport and tour today to embark on an authentic Mekong Delta adventure!
Ready to journey to Bac Lieu? Reserve your eco-tour and transport with Legend Travel Group for a seamless Mekong Delta experience!

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.

By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group – Certifying Content Copyright.