Chung Ta Travel
How Much Does a Private Car Charter from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta Cost? My Tho Day Trip Transport, Prices, and Itinerary Guide
My Tho is not far from Ho Chi Minh City, but it is easy to miscalculate the "round-trip mileage, waiting time, boat tickets, lunch, and whether a guide is included." This article breaks down and compares simple car charters with full-day Mekong tours so you can understand your budget at a glance.
How much should you budget for a private car charter to the Mekong Delta?
For a car with a Vietnamese-speaking driver only, typical market rates are approximately 1,900,000–2,500,000 VND for a 7-seater, and 3,300,000–4,500,000 VND for a 16-seater per day. The actual cost depends on the pickup area, total mileage, usage time, whether Ben Tre is included, and peak season availability.
ChungTa Travel’s South Vietnam car charter currently starts from 2,310,000 VND, covering 10 hours/100 km, including the vehicle, driver, fuel, tolls, and parking. A round trip to My Tho is usually 140–150 km, so you must confirm the excess mileage policy before booking rather than relying solely on the starting price.
If you want a package including the vehicle, boat tickets, entrance fees, lunch, and a guide, our Mekong Four-Island day tour starts from 1,716,000 VND, with options for small groups, private English-speaking guides, or private Chinese-speaking guides. Prices vary by date, group size, and plan; please confirm in writing with customer service before payment.
What’s Included: Private Charter vs. Guided Tour
There is no single answer to "how much." Distinguish between basic transport, full-day charters, and comprehensive guided tours before comparing prices.
Includes driver and vehicle. Boat tickets, meals, attractions, and guides are extra. Specify round-trip, waiting time, and total hours when inquiring.
10 hours/100 km; My Tho round trips usually exceed 100 km and require a custom quote.
Includes guide, private vehicle, tickets, lunch, and experiences. Price varies by group and language.
| Method | 2026 Budget Reference | Usually Includes | Best For | Ask Before Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 80,000–150,000 VND /person/way | Seat | Budget-conscious, independent travelers | Distance to pier, last bus time |
| Grab/Instant Booking | Dynamic pricing, often >1M VND/way | Point-to-point | One-way travel, no waiting needed | Return trip availability, cancellation risk |
| Private Charter | 7-seater: 1.9M–2.5M VND/day | Vehicle, driver, fuel/tolls | Families, friends, seniors | Total distance, hours, overage fees |
| 16-seater Charter | 3.3M–4.5M VND/day | Larger space/luggage capacity | 6–12 passengers or heavy luggage | Pax count, luggage count, car seats |
| Mekong Day Tour | From 1.716M VND | Vehicle, guide, tickets, lunch | First-timers, all-in-one preference | Group vs. private, pickup, language |
100 km is the key: The round trip from District 1 to My Tho is roughly 140–150 km. Adding trips to Ben Tre or extra city stops increases mileage. Get a final quote based on your full route.
Buses, Grab, Charters, or Guided Tours?
Buses are cheapest but require navigating city stations and piers on your own. Grab seems direct but risks return-trip availability. For groups of 3+, families with seniors/children, or specific itineraries, a private charter is more controllable.
- Budget-focused: Bus + local taxi, with extra time for transfers.
- Couples/Socializers: Join an English or Chinese-language group tour.
- Families/Small Groups: Private charter allows flexible pace.
- First-timers: Private tour with a Chinese guide for best value and communication.
Best for those with time, light luggage, and ability to coordinate transfers.
Good for short city hops, not reliable for full-day rural returns.
Door-to-door, secure storage, and pace control, but not automatically a guided tour.
Packages transport, guide, boat, and lunch for a hassle-free trip.
Sample 10–11 Hour Itinerary
Don't overpack your schedule. Focus on the river journey, villages, and local food rather than rushing between photo spots.
Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Pickups from Districts 1, 3, and 4 are easiest.
Vinh Trang Pagoda
Explore unique Vietnamese, Chinese, and European-inspired architecture.
My Tho Pier & Four Islands
Cruise the river and experience life on the islands.
Orchards & Folk Music
Sample seasonal fruit, honey tea, and traditional Southern music.
Riverside Lunch
Enjoy local specialties like Elephant Ear Fish.
Sampan Boat Ride
Row through coconut forest canals (life jackets mandatory).
Return to City
Estimated arrival 17:30–18:30 (varies by traffic).
The Mighty Mekong
Wide rivers and riverbank life are the essence of the Mekong experience.
Sampan Boats
Private tours can adjust timing to avoid peak congestion.
Chinese Guidance
A driver handles the road; a guide handles the experience, language, and logistics.
My Tho Day Trip vs. Can Tho Overnight
My Tho is the closest gateway to the Mekong; Can Tho is home to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market, which requires more time.
Choose My Tho
- Time-constrained (Day trip only)
- Want to experience river life, fruit, and honey
- Traveling with families or seniors
- First-time visitor
Choose Can Tho
- Core goal is Cai Rang Floating Market
- Can stay at least 2 days/1 night
- Prepared for 05:00 AM departures
- Want deeper exploration of Delta cities
Avoid "same-day return" for Can Tho morning markets: The floating market is best before sunrise; rushing from HCMC on the same day is exhausting.
Seat Count vs. Comfort
Don't just count seats; consider luggage and comfort. 2–3 people can use a sedan, 3–5 a 7-seater, 5–8 a 9 or 16-seater. Never aim for maximum capacity for long drives.
- 4-seater: 1–3 passengers (couples/small families).
- 7-seater: 3–5 passengers.
- 9/16-seater: 5+ passengers, seniors, or strollers.
- Safety: Request child seats or wheelchair space in advance.
Send a Complete Inquiry
Include date, hotels, headcount, luggage count, guide requirement, and specific needs to get a comparable quote.
Drivers are not guides: Our basic car charter comes with a Vietnamese-speaking driver. If you need explanations, interpretation, or assistance, choose a Chinese-speaking guide plan.
When is the best time to visit?
South Vietnam is warm year-round. Dec–April is dry; May–Nov is greener with fruit but brings occasional rain. Always have rain gear, non-slip shoes, and waterproof bags.
Rivers and piers lack shade; bring hats and sunblock.
Orchards and waterways require repellent.
Life jackets mandatory; do not change seats unexpectedly.
Leave 60–90 minutes of slack before evening flights or events.
Choose the Right Service
South Vietnam Charter
From 2,310,000 VND (10 hours/100 km). Perfect for those with their own plans.
View Charter ServiceMekong 4-Island Day Tour
From 1,716,000 VND. Includes guide, tickets, and lunch.
View Day ToursHCMC + Mekong 5D4N
Complete Vietnam trip planning, private groups, and professional guidance.
View 5-Day PackagesPrices verified as of October 1, 2026. Costs are subject to change based on date, group size, and availability; check the official website for real-time rates.
FAQs
How much is a private charter?
Typically 1.9M–2.5M VND for a 7-seater. ChungTa starting from 2,310,000 VND for 10 hours/100 km; mileage overages apply.
How far is My Tho?
70–75 km, 1.5–2 hours each way.
What is included in the charter?
Vehicle, driver, fuel, tolls, parking. Excludes entry tickets, boat tickets, and guides unless otherwise specified.
Do drivers follow you inside attractions?
No. Our drivers focus on safe driving. For assistance inside sights, please book a tour with a guide.
What is the difference between My Tho and Ben Tre?
My Tho is a common pier and gateway to the four islands of the Tien River, and Vinh Trang Pagoda is also located in this area; Ben Tre places more emphasis on the coconut industry, local villages, and nipa palm forests. Many day tours cover both locations, so be sure to confirm if your itinerary includes Ben Tre when asking for a quote.
How many people are most cost-effective for a private charter?
Usually, 3–5 people sharing a 7-seater vehicle makes it easiest to split the cost per person; for groups of 6 or more, or if you have strollers or large luggage, you should compare 9-seater and 16-seater vehicles rather than just filling seats to save money.
Is a Mekong Delta day tour suitable for seniors and children?
Most families can participate, but there is a height difference when boarding and disembarking small boats, and the piers can be slippery. Please inform us at the time of booking if there are seniors, young children, pregnant women, or those with limited mobility. Everyone must wear life jackets, and we can ask the guide to arrange a slower pace.
What is the best season to visit My Tho?
December to April is drier and more convenient for moving around outdoors; May to November offers more greenery and fruit, though afternoon showers are more frequent. It can be arranged all year round; just bring light rain gear, non-slip shoes, and waterproof bags during the rainy season.