Chung Ta TravelHow to get from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta in 2026? Comparison of My Tho Day Trips, Private Charters, and Transport Methods
For your first independent trip to Vietnam, from Hanoi and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, get to know city transit, intercity travel, airport transfers, and private charters all at once.
How to get from HCMC to the Mekong Delta? See the direct answer first
For your first trip from HCMC to the Mekong, your destination is usually My Tho, the closest point to the city. The distance is about 70-75km, and a private charter or direct bus usually takes 1.5-2.5 hours. Buses offer the lowest budget but require additional transfers to the pier; for groups of 3 or more, families with seniors, or those wishing to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda and Ben Tre, a private charter is more convenient. For an all-in-one package covering car, boat, tickets, and guide, a Mekong day tour is the simplest choice.
Some bus drop-off points in "My Tho" may be at Trung Luong junction, the highway, or operator offices, which is not the tourist pier. You must factor in the costs of traveling from your hotel to the boarding point, from the drop-off point to the pier, as well as return waiting times and luggage management.
Information updated: October 1, 2026. Prices, schedules, transfer areas, and product content may change; please confirm via the booking page and customer service in writing before payment.
Complete comparison of Bus, Grab, Private Charter, and My Tho Day Tour
| Method | One-way Time | 2026 Common Cost | Arrival Point | Best For | Biggest Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercity Bus/Minivan | ~1.3–2 hours on road; 2–3 hours with city transfers | ~140,000–270,000 VND/person | Trung Luong junction, highway stops, office, or My Tho city | 1-2 people, light luggage, budget priority | May not reach the pier; actual drop-off points easily confused |
| Grab/Taxi | ~1.5–2.5 hours | Real-time dynamic pricing | Specific pier or hotel | Last-minute one-way, simple itinerary | Driver refusal for long trips, price surges, unstable return supply from My Tho |
| Private Charter | ~1.5–2.5 hours | From 2,310,000 VND (ChungTa Southern Charter) Max 10 hours |
Door-to-door (Vinh Trang, pier, or Ben Tre) | Families, friends, seniors, large groups/luggage | Starting price is not fixed for all routes; check overtime and full itinerary |
| Group Day Tour | 10–12 hours full day | Quotes vary by date/tour type | Fixed itinerary and meeting points | 1-2 people, first-timers, planning ease | Fixed pickup/stay times; verify Chinese/English guide availability |
| Private Day Tour | 10–11 hours full day | From 1,716,000 VND (ChungTa Four Islands) | Designated areas in Dist 1, 3, 4 | Guide-centric, families, planning ease | Price varies by group size/language; confirm inclusions |
Good for independent travelers with light luggage, but you must handle city transfers and the last mile in My Tho yourself.
Suitable for staying in My Tho, but not ideal for tying up a full day or managing return logistics.
Ideal for 3+ people, seniors, or children; door-to-door convenience is unmatched.
Combines car, boat, tickets, and guide; just be sure to verify the language and actual inclusions.
HCMC to My Tho Bus: Low price, but doesn't drop you at the boat
As of late September 2026, tickets are ~140,000–220,000 VND/person, rising to 230,000–270,000 VND from peripheral areas. Travel time is ~1h 20m, but you must factor in the time to the boarding point and local transfers at the destination.
- "District 1" tags on search pages don't guarantee door-to-door pickup.
- Many actual boarding points are in District 8, An Suong, or Mien Tay bus station.
- "My Tho" stops may be highway intersections, not the tourist pier.
- Check the address, map, luggage policy, and return schedule carefully.
- To tour by boat independently, contact the pier or local boatmen in advance.
Bus is for
- 1-2 people traveling light.
- Those comfortable with ride-hailing apps and translation tools.
- Those who don't mind transfers.
- Those staying overnight in My Tho.
Bus is not for
- Seniors, children, strollers, or large luggage.
- Those wanting to visit multiple sites (Pagoda, cruise, Ben Tre) in one day.
- Those with important return commitments (flights/performances).
- Those unfamiliar with Vietnamese addresses.
Can you take Grab to My Tho? Yes, but not for day tours
Grab or taxis can do point-to-point one-way trips, but long-distance orders are often rejected due to empty return legs, traffic, and waiting times. If you only need a ride to My Tho, it's flexible; for waiting 5–7 hours and returning to HCMC, book a private charter.
HCMC to Mekong Private Charter: Best for door-to-door and multiple stops
ChungTa Travel offers vehicles ranging from 4 to 45 seats. A 10-hour day service includes the car, fuel, tolls, parking, and a professional driver.
- Best for direct travel from hotel to Vinh Trang Pagoda, My Tho pier, or Ben Tre.
- Overtime charges are ~450,000–650,000 VND/hour.
- Starting prices vary by date, model, and route; request a custom quote.
- Drivers drive; they are not necessarily Chinese-speaking guides.
- List your full itinerary (e.g., hotel drop-off then sight-seeing) at the time of booking.
How to plan a My Tho Day Tour? The classic 10–11 hour itinerary
The focus of a My Tho day trip is not just a boat ride, but experiencing the Tien River, fruit orchards, honey tea, southern folk music, and rowing a small boat through water coconut forests.
My Tho, Ben Tre, or Can Tho? Don't confuse them as the same "Mekong"
Day Trip: My Tho/Ben Tre
- Closer to HCMC; 10–11 hours total.
- Four islands, orchards, and boat rides.
- Best for first-timers and families.
Overnight: Can Tho
- Further away; not suitable for a standard day trip.
- Core experience is the Cai Rang morning floating market.
- Requires at least one overnight stay.
Best season? Year-round accessibility
Dec–April (Dry)
- Clear, easier for transport.
- Strong sun; bring hats and sunscreen.
- High demand during festivals; book early.
May–Nov (Rainy)
- Greener landscapes, more fruit.
- Bring raincoats, non-slip shoes, and waterproof cases.
- Be flexible if boat routes adjust for rain.
10 common pitfalls for first-timers
Professional local assistance for your Mekong experience
ChungTa Travel provides local charters, Chinese-speaking guides, day trips, and customized Vietnam tours.
Southern Vietnam Private Charter
From 2,310,000 VND; 4–45 seats, 10 hours/day.
View CharterMekong Four Islands Day Tour
From 1,716,000 VND; group or private guide options.
View Day Tour
Ho Chi Minh to Mekong Delta Q&A
1. What is the most convenient way to travel from Ho Chi Minh to the Mekong Delta?
For first-timers wanting a day trip, a comprehensive one-day tour is the most cost-effective; for groups of 3 or more, families with children or seniors, or those visiting multiple stops, a private car is most convenient; for 1-2 people prioritizing budget, taking a bus and transferring to the pier is an option.
2. How far is it from Ho Chi Minh to My Tho, and how long does it take?
It is about 70–75 km from central Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho. A private car or direct bus usually takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours one way. Travel time may vary due to peak hours, weekends, and specific pickup/drop-off points.
3. How much is the bus from Ho Chi Minh to My Tho?
As of late September 2026, prices generally range from 140,000 to 270,000 VND per person one way, depending on the departure area, operator, vehicle type, and date. Please verify the actual pickup and drop-off addresses when booking.
4. Does the bus go directly to the My Tho tourist pier?
Not necessarily. Some routes stop at the Trung Luong intersection, highway stations, offices, or My Tho city center. You may still need to use Grab, a taxi, or a pre-arranged transfer to reach the pier after getting off.
5. Can I take a Grab from Ho Chi Minh to My Tho?
You can try to request a one-way ride, but long-distance orders may be declined, and prices fluctuate dynamically. Return vehicle availability in My Tho is not always stable, so booking a private car for a day trip is more reliable.
6. How much is a private car from Ho Chi Minh to the Mekong Delta?
The ChungTa Travel South Vietnam private car page currently shows prices starting from 2,310,000 VND for up to 10 hours a day. Actual quotes for My Tho and Ben Tre will be adjusted based on the date, vehicle type, stops, and usage time.
7. What is included in the starting price for a South Vietnam private car?
The official website lists an exclusive vehicle, fuel, tolls, parking fees, and a professional driver. Drivers do not accompany guests into attractions; overtime fees for exceeding 10 hours are 450,000 to 650,000 VND per hour.
8. Is the Mekong Delta day tour price of 1,716,000 VND a fixed price per person?
No. This is the starting price currently displayed on the ChungTa Mekong Four-Island Day Tour page. Actual prices vary based on whether it is a group tour or private tour, group size, guide language, date, and selected package.
9. What is usually included in a My Tho day tour?
Common inclusions are Ho Chi Minh pickup/drop-off, Tien Giang boat trips, on-island experiences, water coconut forest sampan rides, and entrance fees. Whether a guide, meals, drinks, and tips are included must be confirmed item by item based on the chosen product.
10. Can I see a floating market on a My Tho day tour?
A standard My Tho four-island tour is not the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho. If you want to see the morning floating market, it is recommended to arrange a two-day, one-night trip to Can Tho and stay locally.
11. What is the difference between My Tho and Ben Tre?
My Tho is a common gateway to the Tien Giang river and the four-island tour, with Vinh Trang Pagoda nearby. Ben Tre is known for its coconut industry, villages, and water coconut forests. Many day tours cover both areas.
12. Is a Mekong Delta day tour suitable for seniors and children?
Most families can participate, but there are height differences when boarding and alighting from piers and small boats. Seniors, young children, pregnant women, or those with limited mobility should inform us in advance and opt for a more relaxed private itinerary.
13. What is the best season to visit My Tho?
December to April is drier; May to November is greener, but with more afternoon showers. You can visit all year round; during the rainy season, just be prepared with a raincoat, non-slip shoes, and a waterproof bag.
14. What time does a My Tho day tour return to Ho Chi Minh?
Most tours return to the city between 17:30 and 19:00. Traffic may be heavier on weekends, holidays, and during the evening. Please allow at least a 60–90 minute buffer for any evening plans.
15. What is the difference between a driver and a Chinese-speaking guide?
The driver is responsible for safe driving and transportation and usually does not accompany guests into attractions to provide commentary. A Chinese-speaking guide is responsible for cultural commentary, ticket purchase, boat logistics, and on-site communication; this should be booked separately if needed.
16. How do I request a quote from ChungTa Travel?
Provide your dates, Ho Chi Minh hotel, number of people, luggage, attractions you wish to visit, whether you are returning to the same hotel, estimated car usage time, and preferred guide language. Our customer service team will then arrange the appropriate product and vehicle type based on your needs.
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