Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho City: Bus, Motorbike, Taxi & Eco-Tours

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to Can Tho City, the vibrant heart of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, is a journey into a world of floating markets, lush canals, and rich cultural heritage. Following the merger of Soc Trang and Hau Giang, Can Tho has become Vietnam’s largest city by landmass, spanning 6,400 km², attracting visitors to iconic sites like Cai Rang Floating Market and Ninh Kieu Wharf. Known as “Tây Đô” or the “Western Capital,” Can Tho is 169 km southwest of HCMC, reachable in 3–4.5 hours by bus, limousine, motorbike, or taxi. With eco-friendly transport options and sustainable tourism initiatives under the “Green Delta” program, this trip supports local communities and preserves the Delta’s natural beauty. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours enhance your journey, offering immersive Delta experiences—book your tour via the links throughout this guide!

Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, specializes in sustainable Southeast Asia adventures, welcoming approximately 15,000 travelers annually. Our Can Tho tours feature eco-friendly transport—bicycles, electric boats, and eco-taxis—guided by experts who share the Delta’s cultural and natural 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 experience. Contact us at sales@legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp +84825862222 to book eco-tours and plan your trip to 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, creating a vibrant economic hub spanning 6,400 km². District-level units are now wards or communes, improving road connectivity via National Route 1A to attractions like Cai Rang Floating Market. Supported by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric ferries, and a VND800 billion flood mitigation project—Can Tho ensures a smooth travel experience.

The 169 km journey from HCMC to Can Tho City offers multiple transport options, catering to different budgets, schedules, and preferences. Bus and limousine services provide affordable, comfortable rides, while motorbikes offer adventure for thrill-seekers, and taxis ensure convenience for groups. Can Tho’s tropical monsoon climate, with a dry season (December–May, 25–36°C or 77–96.8°F) and rainy season (June–November, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F), makes covered transport like buses or taxis reliable year-round. Eco-friendly options, such as fuel-efficient buses and electric taxis, align with Can Tho’s sustainable tourism goals, minimizing environmental impact. Below are detailed guides for each transport mode, with updated costs, schedules, and tips, ensuring a responsible and enjoyable trip to the Delta’s heart.

Key Transport Options:

• Bus/Limousine: Affordable, 3–4.5 hours, with modern amenities and eco-friendly operators.

• Motorbike: Adventurous, 3.5–5 hours, scenic routes, requires valid license.

• Taxi/Private Car: Convenient, 3–3.5 hours, ideal for groups or luxury travel.

• Sustainability: Eco-friendly buses, electric taxis, and tours support green travel.

Tip: Choose a limousine for comfort or a motorbike for adventure, paired with our Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75).

1. By Bus or Limousine

Bus and limousine services are the most popular and cost-effective ways to travel from HCMC to Can Tho, offering modern amenities like air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and reclining seats. The journey takes 3–4.5 hours, covering 169 km via National Route 1A, with departures from Mien Tay Bus Station or hotel pick-ups for limousines.

• Types:

  • Seater Bus: 4 rows (2 per side), ideal for daytime travel, ~40 passengers.

  • Sleeper Bus: 3 rows of bunk beds, perfect for overnight trips, ~34 passengers.

  • Limousine (VIP Minibus): 9–12 spacious seats, personal screens, hotel-to-hotel service.

• Duration: 3.5–4.5 hours (buses), 3–4 hours (limousines), with 1–2 rest stops (10–20 minutes).

• Cost:

  • Seater Bus: $6–$9 one-way (180,000–270,000 VND).

  • Sleeper Bus: $8–$12 one-way (240,000–360,000 VND).

  • Limousine: $12–$20 one-way (360,000–600,000 VND).

• Major Operators:

  • Futa Bus Lines (Phuong Trang):

    • Address: Mien Tay Bus Station, 395 Kinh Duong Vuong, An Lac, Binh Tan, HCMC; Can Tho Central Bus Station, 91B Nguyen Van Linh, Hung Loi, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho.

    • Hotline: +84 28 3838 6852

    • Schedule: Every 30–60 minutes, 12:00 AM–11:00 PM.

    • Features: Free shuttle to/from city centers, Wi-Fi, blankets, water; fuel-efficient buses.

    • Booking: www.futabus.vn, Futa app, Mien Tay counters, or Vexere.

  • Thanh Buoi:

    • Address: Mien Tay Bus Station, HCMC; 266–268 Le Hong Phong, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho.

    • Hotline: +84 292 3878 787

    • Schedule: Hourly, 5:00 AM–10:00 PM.

    • Features: Sleeper buses with chargers, Wi-Fi; free city shuttles.

    • Booking: www.thanhbuoi.vn, Vexere, or station counters.

  • Vu Linh Limousine:

    • Address: 354 Ly Thuong Kiet, District 10, HCMC; E11, Street 8, Thanh Loi, Cai Rang, Can Tho.

    • Hotline: +84 292 3915 151

    • Schedule: Every 1–2 hours, 4:00 AM–11:00 PM.

    • Features: Reclining leather seats, Wi-Fi, chargers, steward service, hotel pick-up/drop-off; low-emission minibuses.

    • Booking: www.vulinhlimousine.vn, Traveloka, or office counters.

  • Loc Phat Limousine:

    • Address: 354 Ly Thuong Kiet, District 10, HCMC; 45 Nguyen Trai, Ninh Kieu, Can Tho.

    • Hotline: +84 292 3918 918

    • Schedule: Every 1.5 hours, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM.

    • Features: Spacious seats, Wi-Fi, water, hotel transfers; fuel-efficient vehicles.

    • Booking: www.locphatlimo.vn, Vexere, or Traveloka.

• Departure Points:

  • HCMC: Mien Tay Bus Station (9 km from District 1, taxi $3–$5 or 90,000–150,000 VND, 20 min) or hotel pick-up (limousines in Districts 1, 3, 10).

  • Can Tho: Can Tho Central Bus Station, Ninh Kieu Wharf, or hotel drop-off (limousines).

• Booking:

  • Online: www.vexere.com, www.baolau.com, www.traveloka.com, operator websites; e-tickets reduce paper waste.

  • Travel Agencies: Legend Travel Group for bundled bus-tour packages (fees $2–$5 or 60,000–150,000 VND).

  • Stations: Mien Tay or Can Tho Central Bus Station; cash payments, same-day booking for standard buses.

• Sustainability: Futa and Vu Linh use fuel-efficient vehicles; e-tickets and free shuttles minimize emissions.

• Pros: Affordable, frequent departures, modern amenities, eco-options, hotel transfers (limousines).

• Cons: Mien Tay’s distance from HCMC center; potential traffic delays in rainy season; limousine seats limited.

• Tip: Book a Vu Linh limousine for comfort, included in our Mekong Delta Immersion Tour ($250–$400).

2. By Motorbike

Riding a motorbike from HCMC to Can Tho is an adventurous option for thrill-seekers, offering scenic routes through rice fields and rural villages. The journey takes 3.5–5 hours, requiring a valid Vietnamese driver’s license or International Driving Permit (IDP) converted for Vietnam to avoid fines ($20–$50 or 600,000–1,500,000 VND).

• Routes:

  • National Route 1A (169 km, 3.5–4 hours): HCMC → Trung Luong Expressway → My Thuan Bridge → Vinh Long → Can Tho. Fastest, but busier with trucks.

    • Stops: Cần Được Market (Long An, 40 km, snacks $1–$3 or 30,000–90,000 VND), Vinh Trang Pagoda (My Tho, 70 km, free entry).

  • Scenic Backroads via Long An–Vinh Long (185 km, 4–5 hours): HCMC → Provincial Road 10 → My Loi Ferry → Sa Dec → Van Cai Ferry → Can Tho.

    • Stops: Sa Dec Flower Village ($1 or 30,000 VND entry), Vinh Long orchards (fruit tasting $2–$5 or 60,000–150,000 VND).

• Rental Costs:

  • Automatic Scooter: $8–$15/day (240,000–450,000 VND), e.g., Honda Vision.

  • Manual Motorbike: $6–$10/day (180,000–300,000 VND), e.g., Honda Wave.

  • Electric Scooter: $12–$20/day (360,000–600,000 VND), e.g., VinFast Klara.

  • Fuel: Petrol $3–$5 (90,000–150,000 VND) round trip; electric charging $0.50–$1 (15,000–30,000 VND) at stations.

  • Deposit: $10–$20 (300,000–600,000 VND, refundable).

• Rental Locations:

  • HCMC: Thanh Dat Motorbike (115/21 Le Van Sy, Phu Nhuan, +84 909 269 732), Tigit Motorbikes (+84 934 533 686, District 1).

• Sustainability: Electric scooters reduce emissions; stop at local vendors for sustainable snacks ($1–$3 or 30,000–90,000 VND).

• Pros: Scenic, flexible, immersive; electric scooters eco-friendly.

• Cons: Requires valid license; traffic risks in HCMC; not ideal for rainy season.

• Safety Tips: Check brakes, tires, lights; wear helmets (included); start at 5:00 AM to avoid traffic; carry repair kit ($1 or 30,000 VND).

• Tip: Take the backroads route for scenery, included in our Can Tho Heritage Tour ($50–$70).

3. By Taxi or Private Car

Taxis or private cars offer a comfortable, door-to-door option for groups or those seeking convenience, taking 3–3.5 hours via National Route 1A. Electric taxis and fuel-efficient vehicles support eco-friendly travel.

• Cost:

  • Standard Taxi (4-seater): $80–$120 one-way (2,400,000–3,600,000 VND).

  • SUV (7-seater): $100–$150 one-way (3,000,000–4,500,000 VND).

  • Private Minivan (9–12 seater): $120–$200 one-way (3,600,000–6,000,000 VND).

• Operators:

  • Mai Linh Taxi:

    • Hotline: +84 292 3822 222

    • Features: Reliable, metered or fixed fares, electric taxis available.

    • Booking: Mai Linh app, phone, or hotel concierge.

  • Xanh SM (Electric Taxi):

    • Hotline: +84 1900 2088

    • Features: Zero-emission electric vehicles, app-based booking, fixed fares.

    • Booking: Xanh SM app or www.xanhsm.vn.

  • Ngan Linh Transport (Private Car):

    • Hotline: +84 292 3916 789

    • Features: SUVs, minivans, English-speaking drivers, hotel pick-up.

    • Booking: www.nganlinhtransport.vn, 12go.asia, or Legend Travel Group.

• Departure Points: Hotel pick-up in HCMC (Districts 1, 3, 7); drop-off at Can Tho hotels or Ninh Kieu Wharf.

• Sustainability: Xanh SM’s electric taxis and fuel-efficient private cars reduce emissions; shared rides lower per-person impact.

• Pros: Comfortable, convenient, flexible, eco-friendly options, ideal for groups.

• Cons: Higher cost; traffic delays possible in rainy season.

• Tip: Book Xanh SM for a zero-emission ride, included in our Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80).

• Distance: 169 km from HCMC to Can Tho.

• Total Costs (One-Way, per person):

  • Bus: $6–$12 (180,000–360,000 VND).

  • Limousine: $12–$20 (360,000–600,000 VND).

  • Motorbike Rental: $6–$20/day (180,000–600,000 VND) + fuel $3–$5 (90,000–150,000 VND).

  • Taxi (shared, 4 people): $20–$30/person (600,000–900,000 VND).

  • Transfers: HCMC to Mien Tay (taxi $3–$5 or 90,000–150,000 VND); Can Tho shuttle (free with Futa/Thanh Buoi).

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND); carry small notes (50,000–500,000 VND) for vendors or taxis.

• Internet: Tourist SIM ($6–$10 or 180,000–300,000 VND for 30 days, 1–2 GB/day) for booking and navigation; free Wi-Fi on most buses.

• Safety: Secure valuables; arrive 15 minutes early for buses; carry valid license for motorbikes; confirm taxi fares upfront.

• Climate: Dry season (December–May) for clear roads; rainy season (June–November) may cause delays, bring rain gear ($2–$5 or 60,000–150,000 VND).

• Dry Season (December–May): Sunny weather (25–36°C or 77–96.8°F) ensures smooth travel; ideal for March–May’s mild temperatures (25–32°C or 77–89.6°F).

• Rainy Season (June–November): Cooler temperatures (22–30°C or 71.6–86°F) and lush scenery; September–November offers fewer showers.

• Daily Timing: Early morning (5:00–8:00 AM) for buses/motorbikes to avoid HCMC traffic; overnight buses (8:00 PM–11:00 PM) for market arrivals.

• Tip: Travel in March for optimal weather, included in our Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75).

• Book Early: Reserve limousine or taxi tickets 1–2 weeks in advance, especially for December–May or Tet; standard buses can be booked same-day.

• Eco-Friendly Choices: Opt for Futa’s fuel-efficient buses, Vu Linh’s low-emission limousines, or Xanh SM’s electric taxis; use e-tickets to reduce waste.

• Motorbike Licensing: Obtain a Vietnamese driver’s license or convert IDP at HCMC’s Department of Transport ($10–$20 or 300,000–600,000 VND); carry to avoid fines.

• Pack Smart: Bring a sweater for air-conditioned buses, rain gear for rainy season, bottled water ($0.50 or 15,000 VND), and snacks ($1–$3 or 30,000–90,000 VND); reusable items minimize waste.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) for Mien Tay Bus Station, Ninh Kieu Wharf, or Can Tho hotels; save operator contacts for shuttles.

• Safety: Secure valuables; confirm shuttle or taxi details; avoid motorbiking after dark in rainy season.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to drivers; respect bus passenger space.

• Health: Carry hand sanitizer; apply mosquito repellent ($2–$5 or 60,000–150,000 VND) for rest stops or rural rides.

Enhance your journey with our sustainable Can Tho tours, tailored to your transport choice:

• Mekong Sunrise Tour ($55–$75/person): Cai Rang and Phong Dien Floating Markets, canal cruise via electric boat, floating breakfast. Includes guide and eco-transfers.

• Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Cai Rang market, Ninh Kieu Night Market, Bánh Xèo tasting, cooking class via bicycle. Includes meals and guide.

• Can Tho City Explorer ($45–$65/person): Ninh Kieu Wharf, Tay Do Night Market, Ong Temple via bicycle. Includes snacks and guide.

• Can Tho Heritage Tour ($50–$70/person): Ha Dien/Thuong Dien Ceremony, Binh Thuy Ancient House, Can Tho Museum via electric taxi. Includes lunch and guide.

• Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80/person): Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary, My Khanh Eco-Village, Tra Su Bird Sanctuary via electric boat. Includes transfers and guide.

• Mekong Delta Immersion ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): Markets, homestays ($15–$35/night or 375,000–1,050,000 VND), orchards, festivals via eco-transport. Includes meals, activities, and guide.

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!

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho City offers diverse options—buses and limousines for affordability, motorbikes for adventure, and taxis for convenience—each providing a gateway to the Mekong Delta’s vibrant heart. With eco-friendly choices like fuel-efficient buses, electric taxis, and sustainable tours, your journey supports Can Tho’s green tourism vision while immersing you in its cultural and natural wonders. Legend Travel Group’s Can Tho Tours ensure a seamless, authentic experience, blending comfort with responsible Can Tho Travel. Don’t miss out—browse our curated tours and book your Can Tho adventure today!
Ready to explore Can Tho’s Delta magic? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a sustainable Mekong journey!

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.