How to Travel to Bac Lieu from Ho Chi Minh City by Bus: Your Mekong Delta Guide

A Budget-Friendly Gateway to the Mekong Delta

Bac Lieu, now a vibrant ward of Ca Mau Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform, is a cultural and natural gem in the Mekong Delta, located 280 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Attracting 18,000 travelers annually, Bac Lieu boasts attractions like Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary, Tac Say Floating Market, and the UNESCO-recognized Nhac Dan Toc music, with bus fares ranging from $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 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). Traveling by bus offers an affordable, comfortable, and eco-conscious way to reach Bac Lieu via National Highway 1A, passing through scenic rice fields and canals.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, enhances your journey with eco-friendly tours, integrating bus travel with immersive experiences in Bac Lieu’s cultural and natural 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 position on National Highway 1A makes it easily accessible by bus, connecting you to attractions within 1–20 km of the ward’s center.

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.

Bus travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Bac Lieu is the most economical and popular option, offering modern amenities like air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and reclining seats. The 280 km journey takes 5–6 hours, with updated operators and fares replacing outdated references to companies like Thanh Buoi Bus (no longer operational). Below are the two primary bus routes, designed for convenience and sustainability.

Option 1: Direct Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Bac Lieu

• Description: Direct buses provide a straightforward, budget-friendly ride from Ho Chi Minh City’s Mien Tay Bus Station to Bac Lieu Bus Station, ideal for travelers seeking efficiency. Operators like Phuong Trang (Futa Bus) and Mai Linh offer frequent departures with modern fleets.

• 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 provides free shuttle pick-up from District 1 to Mien Tay for select tickets.

  • Travel Time: 5–6 hours, covering 280 km via National Highway 1A.

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

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose operators with 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 to account for traffic.

• Best For: Budget travelers, solo adventurers, and those seeking a direct route.

Option 2: Bus via Can Tho

• Description: This two-leg route involves a bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho (113 km, 2.5–3 hours), followed by a transfer to Bac Lieu (100 km, 2–2.5 hours). Ideal for travelers wanting to visit Can Tho’s Cai Rang Floating Market en route, this option offers more frequent departures.

• 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). Total: $8–$16 (200,000–400,000 VND).

  • Departure Point: Mien Tay Bus Station for Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho; Can Tho Bus Station (91B Nguyen Van Cu, Ninh Kieu District) for Can Tho to Bac Lieu.

  • Schedule: Buses to Can Tho depart every 30–60 minutes from 4:00 AM–10:00 PM; Can Tho to Bac Lieu buses run hourly from 5:00 AM–7:00 PM.

  • Travel Time: 7–8 hours total, including transfer time.

  • 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 with guided stops.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for modern buses to minimize emissions; use reusable totes ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) at Can Tho markets.

• Tip: Plan morning departures to visit Cai Rang Floating Market (5:00–9:00 AM); allow 1–2 hours for transfers in Can Tho. Book tickets separately or through Legend Travel Group for a seamless itinerary.

• Best For: Travelers combining Bac Lieu with Can Tho’s attractions or seeking flexible schedules.

• Mien Tay Bus Station Access: From Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, take a taxi ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND) or Grab/Xanh SM motorbike taxi ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND) to Mien Tay Bus Station. Phuong Trang’s free shuttle is available for select bookings.

• Arrival in Bac Lieu: Bac Lieu Bus Station (Ward 7, Bac Lieu) offers taxi ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND) or motorbike taxi ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) transfers to accommodations like Mekong Breeze Homestay or Royal Bac Lieu Hotel.

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

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use Xanh SM electric taxis for local transfers; 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; Lunar New Year, January/February) 2–4 weeks ahead.

• Budget: Direct bus $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); via Can Tho $8–$16 (200,000–400,000 VND). Daily costs in Bac Lieu: $18–$35 (budget), $40–$70 (mid-range), $90–$130 (luxury).

• Sustainability: Choose fuel-efficient buses; carry reusable water bottles ($0.80 or 20,000 VND) and totes ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for market purchases like Banh Cong ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

• Safety: Secure valuables; carry travel insurance ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND). Keep tickets and IDs handy for checks.

• Navigation: Use a Vietnamese SIM ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) for bus apps or Vietmap. Confirm “Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province” as your destination.

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

• Top Attractions: Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary (entry $3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND), Tac Say Floating Market (boat tours $12–$22 or 300,000–550,000 VND), Bac Lieu Wind Farm (entry $3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND).

• Local Transport: Bicycles ($2–$6/day or 50,000–150,000 VND), Xanh SM electric taxis ($0.50–$1/km or 12,500–25,000 VND), or motorbike taxis ($1–$4 or 25,000–100,000 VND).

• Tip: Book Legend Travel Group’s Foodie & Nature Tour ($80–$120) to explore Bac Lieu’s attractions post-bus journey.

Enhance your bus 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 bus transfers, 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 by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Bac Lieu, Ca Mau Province, is an affordable, eco-conscious way to reach the Mekong Delta’s cultural and natural treasures, covering 200 km in 4–5 hours with fares from $5–$12 (125,000–300,000 VND). Whether choosing a direct route on modern sleeper buses or a scenic journey via Can Tho, you’ll arrive ready to explore Phong Dien Bird Sanctuary, Tac Say Floating Market, and more. Legend Travel Group’s Ca Mau Tours seamlessly integrate bus travel with immersive Ca Mau Travel experiences, supporting local communities and sustainability through eco-friendly practices like low-emission buses. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly bus and adventure today!
Ready to embark on your Bac Lieu journey? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable 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.

Sources:

• Bus Travel to Bac Lieu Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group