How to Travel to Soc Trang by Car or Motorbike from Ho Chi Minh City: Routes, Costs & Eco-Tips

Soc Trang, a cultural gem in the Mekong Delta, now part of the expanded Can Tho City administrative region, lies 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its vibrant Khmer pagodas, bustling Nga Nam Floating Market, and iconic dishes like Bún Nước Lèo, Soc Trang attracts over 3 million visitors annually. Traveling by car or motorbike offers flexibility to explore its scenic rice fields, riverine villages, and cultural sites like Kh’leang Pagoda at your own pace. Soc Trang’s commitment to sustainable tourism, through the “Mekong Green” initiative, encourages eco-friendly travel. Legend Travel Group, a leading local tour operator, enhances your journey with sustainable eco-tours. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your adventure!

Legend Travel Group specializes in authentic, sustainable Southeast Asian experiences across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar. Our Soc Trang tours use low-impact transport—bicycles, electric boats, and eco-vans—guided by local experts who share the region’s cultural and natural stories. Supporting communities in Soc Trang’s central ward and Nga Nam, we align with Can Tho City’s vision to preserve its heritage. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless travel experience. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Soc Trang responsibly!

Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has merged Soc Trang and Hau Giang into Can Tho City, with Can Tho as the administrative hub. District-level units are now wards or communes, making Can Tho City Vietnam’s largest by landmass. Enhanced by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric buses, and a VND800 billion flood mitigation project—Soc Trang’s roads are well-maintained, ideal for car or motorbike travel.

Driving to Soc Trang from Ho Chi Minh City offers an adventurous way to experience the Mekong Delta’s landscapes, covering approximately 230–250 km depending on the route. The journey takes 3.5–5 hours by car or 4.5–6 hours by motorbike, factoring in traffic, stops, and road conditions. Two main routes are popular: the direct National Highway 1A route and the scenic ferry route via Ben Tre and Trà Vinh. Both offer opportunities to see rural life, but the ferry route adds a unique river-crossing experience. Motorbikes provide freedom for solo or small-group travelers, while cars suit families or groups seeking comfort. Soc Trang’s roads are mostly paved, but rural stretches may be narrow or flood-prone in the rainy season (May–October). Sustainable travel practices, like fuel-efficient vehicles and local stops, align with the region’s eco-goals.

Route 1: National Highway 1A (Direct Route, ~230 km)

This is the fastest and most straightforward route, ideal for cars or experienced motorbike riders, passing through urban and rural Mekong Delta provinces.

• By Car:

  • Start: Depart Ho Chi Minh City from District 1, heading southwest via Nguyễn Văn Linh Boulevard to Bình Chánh District.

  • Route: Take the Ho Chi Minh City–Trung Lương Expressway (50 km) to Mỹ Tho, Tiền Giang Province. Exit onto National Highway 1A, passing through Cai Lậy (Tiền Giang), Vĩnh Long City, and Cần Thơ’s Cần Thơ Bridge. Continue on National Highway 1A through Hậu Giang’s Ngã Bảy town to Soc Trang’s central ward.

  • Distance & Time: ~230 km, 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on traffic (heavier in Ho Chi Minh City and Cần Thơ).

  • Road Conditions: Well-paved expressway and highway; urban sections congested; rural stretches smoother but narrower. Watch for trucks and motorbikes.

  • Stops: Rest at Mỹ Tho for coconut candy shops ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) or Vĩnh Long for Mekong River views.

  • Cost: Fuel ~$15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND, assuming 10–15 liters at $1.50/liter); tolls ~$5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND). Car rental (with driver) $80–$120/day (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND).

• By Motorbike:

  • Route: Same as car route, but avoid expressway sections (motorbikes prohibited). Use parallel National Highway 1A from Bình Chánh through Long An, Tiền Giang, Vĩnh Long, and Hậu Giang to Soc Trang.

  • Distance & Time: ~235 km, 4.5–6 hours, depending on speed (30–50 km/h) and stops.

  • Road Conditions: Paved but busier with local traffic; narrow rural sections; occasional potholes. Wear helmets and protective gear.

  • Stops: Pause at Cai Lậy for bún bò Huế ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) or Cần Thơ Bridge for photos.

  • Cost: Fuel ~$5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND, assuming 5–8 liters); motorbike rental $7–$15/day (175,000–375,000 VND). International Driving Permit (IDP) required for legal riding.

• Pros: Fastest route, well-maintained roads, fewer navigation challenges.

• Cons: Heavy traffic in urban areas; less scenic than ferry route.

• Sustainability Tip: Use a fuel-efficient vehicle (e.g., hybrid car or 110–125cc motorbike like Honda Wave); carpool to reduce emissions.

Route 2: Ferry Route via Ben Tre and Trà Vinh (~250 km)

This scenic route, popular for its river crossings, offers a cultural journey through Mekong Delta’s waterways, ideal for adventurous motorbike riders or car travelers seeking unique experiences.

• By Car:

  • Start: Depart Ho Chi Minh City via Nguyễn Văn Linh Boulevard to Bình Chánh District.

  • Route: Take Ho Chi Minh City–Trung Lương Expressway to Mỹ Tho (50 km). Exit onto National Highway 60, cross Rạch Miễu Bridge to Bến Tre City, then Hàm Luông Bridge to Mỏ Cày District. Continue on National Highway 60 to Cổ Chiên Bridge, entering Trà Vinh Province. Follow National Highway 53 to Trà Vinh City, then National Highway 60 to Đại Ngãi Ferry (15-minute crossing, 1.5 km). Arrive in Soc Trang’s central ward.

  • Distance & Time: ~250 km, 4–5 hours, including ferry wait (10–20 minutes).

  • Road Conditions: Paved highways; bridges and ferry ramps narrow; rural roads in Trà Vinh may be bumpy.

  • Stops: Visit Bến Tre’s coconut candy workshops ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) or Trà Vinh’s Ông Pagoda.

  • Cost: Fuel ~$18–$30 (450,000–750,000 VND); tolls ~$3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND); ferry $2–$4/vehicle (50,000–100,000 VND); car rental $80–$120/day.

• By Motorbike:

  • Route: Same as car route, using National Highway 1A to Mỹ Tho, then National Highway 60 through Bến Tre and Trà Vinh to Đại Ngãi Ferry.

  • Distance & Time: ~255 km, 5–6 hours, including ferry wait.

  • Road Conditions: Paved but narrow in rural areas; ferry ramps require caution; watch for local traffic.

  • Stops: Pause at Rạch Miễu Bridge for river views or Trà Vinh’s Ba Động Beach (detour, 40 km).

  • Cost: Fuel ~$6–$12 (150,000–300,000 VND); ferry $1–$2/motorbike (25,000–50,000 VND); rental $7–$15/day. IDP required.

• Pros: Scenic river views, cultural stops, unique ferry experience.

• Cons: Longer travel time, ferry wait, narrower rural roads.

• Sustainability Tip: Stop at local markets like Bến Tre’s Tân Thạnh to buy eco-friendly crafts, reducing reliance on mass-produced goods.

• Navigation: Use Google Maps or offline apps like Maps.me for real-time directions. Download MyCanTho app for road updates. Carry a physical map as backup.

• Road Safety: Wear helmets and protective gear on motorbikes; follow speed limits (50–60 km/h highways, 30–40 km/h rural). Cars should use seatbelts and avoid overtaking on narrow roads. Watch for unpredictable local traffic (bicycles, livestock).

• Fuel Stations: Available every 20–30 km on National Highway 1A; scarcer on National Highway 60. Carry a 1-liter spare fuel bottle ($1.50 or 37,500 VND) for motorbikes.

• Weather Considerations: Dry season (November–April, 25–34°C or 77–93.2°F) offers clear roads; rainy season (May–October) may cause flooding, especially August–October. Check AccuWeather before departure.

• Sustainability: Choose fuel-efficient vehicles (e.g., Honda Wave motorbike, 50–60 km/liter, or hybrid cars); carpool with 3–4 passengers; stop at local eateries to support small businesses.

• Legal Requirements: Motorbike riders need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or Vietnamese license; car drivers need a valid license. Carry insurance and vehicle documents.

• Health & Comfort: Bring sunscreen (SPF 50+), mosquito repellent, reusable water bottle, and snacks. Stop every 1–2 hours to stretch and hydrate.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) at stops; tip vendors ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); respect local traffic customs.

• Safety: Secure valuables; avoid driving at night due to poor lighting; lock vehicles at stops.

By Car:

• Fuel: $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND, 10–20 liters at $1.50/liter).

• Tolls: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND, Route 1); $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND, Route 2).

• Ferry (Route 2): $2–$4/vehicle (50,000–100,000 VND).

• Rental (with driver): $80–$120/day (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND).

• Parking: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND) in Soc Trang central ward.

By Motorbike:

• Fuel: $5–$12 (125,000–300,000 VND, 5–8 liters).

• Ferry (Route 2): $1–$2/motorbike (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Rental: $7–$15/day (175,000–375,000 VND).

• Gear (if not included): Helmet $0.50–$1/day (12,500–25,000 VND).

Other Costs:

• Food Stops: Street food (e.g., bánh xèo) $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND); restaurants $3–$12 (75,000–300,000 VND).

• Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

• Attractions: Free or $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND, e.g., Tân Long Stork Garden).

Total Daily Cost (Excluding Tours):

• Budget: $20–$40 (motorbike, street food, minimal stops).

• Mid-range: $50–$80 (car, dining, ferry route).

• Luxury: $100–$150 (car rental with driver, upscale stops).

Tip: Carry VND for small transactions; use ATMs in Soc Trang’s central ward. Book rentals early via Klook or local agencies for 10–15% savings.

Pair your road trip with our sustainable tours to explore Soc Trang’s treasures:

• Soc Trang Cultural Tour ($55–$75/person): Kh’leang Pagoda, Bat Pagoda, Khmer Museum. Includes bike rentals, eco-transfers, and snacks.

• Mekong River Adventure ($60–$80/person): Nga Nam Floating Market, Hậu River cruise, Cồn Mỹ Phước. Includes electric boat transfers and lunch.

• Soc Trang Nature Tour ($65–$85/person): Tân Long Stork Garden, Hồ Bể, Binh An Eco-Area. Includes eco-transfers and meals.

• Soc Trang Festival Tour ($70–$90/person, October–November): Ooc Om Bok Festival, Ngo boat races, cultural performances. Includes eco-transfers and dining.

• Soc Trang Foodie Tour ($50–$70/person): Soc Trang Central Market, Bún Nước Lèo, cooking class. Includes eco-transfers and meals.

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

Traveling to Soc Trang from Ho Chi Minh City by car or motorbike offers an adventurous way to discover the Mekong Delta’s cultural and natural wonders. Whether choosing the direct National Highway 1A for speed or the scenic ferry route for riverine charm, you’ll experience Soc Trang’s vibrant heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Soc Trang Tours ensure an eco-friendly journey, supporting local communities and preserving Soc Trang’s legacy, making your Mekong Delta adventure sustainable and unforgettable. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly tour today!
Ready to hit the road to Soc Trang? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into a cultural adventure!

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

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group