Vietnam

How to get from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

FASTEST
2h
💶
From
8€
📍
Distance
130 km
Powered by 12Go system

There are 1 way(s) to get from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Can Tho
📍Most buses to Ho Chi Minh City depart from Can Tho Bus Station (Bến xe khách Cần Thơ). It's a major hub, well-equipped with waiting areas, ticket counters, and basic amenities. It's generally well-organized and easy to navigate.
🚇From Can Tho city center, you can reach the bus station by taxi or Grab (ride-hailing app) in about 15-20 minutes, costing around 50,000-80,000 VND (€2-3). Some local buses might also go there, but a taxi offers more convenience with luggage.
Buses depart frequently throughout the day, typically every 30-60 minutes. The first departures are usually around 5:00-6:00 AM, with services continuing until approximately 8:00-9:00 PM.
💸 Transport from 8€ per person
Fastest: 2h
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

Practical tips

💡
Book in advance for peace of mind

While buses are frequent, booking your ticket online a day or two ahead, especially through platforms like 12go.asia, secures your seat and avoids last-minute rushes or potential sell-outs during peak times. It’s a small step for a guaranteed smooth journey.

💡
Choose a reputable bus operator

For comfort and reliability, stick to well-known companies like Futa Bus (Phuong Trang) or Thanh Buoi. They offer modern coaches, often with amenities, and adhere to schedules. This helps avoid the dreaded cramped, freezing bus experience.

💡
Pack light for easy boarding

Buses usually have space for luggage under the bus, but keeping a small backpack with essentials for the short journey makes boarding and disembarking quicker and less stressful. Plus, you’ll have easy access to what you need.

💡
Bring snacks and water

Although it's a short trip, having your own water and a small snack is always a good idea, especially if you get hungry or thirsty quickly. Most buses don't offer services, so being prepared ensures a comfortable ride.

💡
Be aware of the destination terminal

When booking, check which bus terminal in Ho Chi Minh City your bus arrives at. Some operators use different terminals, which might affect your onward travel plans. Knowing this beforehand saves time and potential confusion.

🛣️ The journey experience

Navigating Vietnam's 'long and thin' geography can be tricky, especially when deciding the best way to travel between major hubs like Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City. For this particular leg, you're in luck: it's a straightforward journey, and knowing your options will ensure you pick the most efficient and comfortable choice. While some routes might involve complex decisions between trains, ferries, and flights, this one simplifies things, letting you focus on enjoying the ride.

For the Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City route, the bus is by far your best and only practical option. It’s quick, direct, and incredibly affordable. Expect a journey of around 2 to 3 hours, with tickets typically costing just €8. Numerous reliable operators ply this route throughout the day, ensuring frequent departures. This means you won't lose a day or a night waiting for a specific schedule, and you can easily fit this leg into your itinerary.

Forget the worry of picking the wrong transport; for Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City, the bus is the clear winner. It's designed for convenience, allowing you to transition smoothly from the Mekong Delta's capital to the bustling metropolis without any fuss. Book your ticket ahead for peace of mind, or simply show up at the bus station; departures are frequent enough that you'll always find a spot, making your onward travel hassle-free.

Frequently asked questions — Can Tho → Ho Chi Minh City

✨ Why visit Ho Chi Minh City?

  • Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about their wartime significance.
  • Wander through the bustling Ben Thanh Market for local crafts and street food.
  • Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica and Saigon Central Post Office, architectural marvels.
  • Discover the War Remnants Museum for a poignant look into Vietnam's history.
  • Enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Mekong Delta, experiencing local life and floating markets.
🌙
Recommended stay
3 to 4 nights — Allows for city exploration and a day trip to the Mekong Delta or Cu Chi.

☀️ When to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

CLIMAT TROPICAL HUMIDE

December to April — Dry season, offering pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall for comfortable exploration.

Jan 😊
Feb 😊
Mar 😊
Apr 😊
May 😐
Jun 😐
Jul 😐
Aug 😐
Sep 😐
Oct 😐
Nov 😊
Dec 😊
📍
In Ho Chi Minh City — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
🏛️
War Remnants Museum
Explore the stark realities and consequences of the Vietnam War through compelling exhibits. This powerful museum offers a profound historical perspective. Plan at least 2-3 hours for a thorough visit; go early to avoid the crowds and allow time for reflection after.
🍜
Taste Street Food Ben Thanh Market
Immerse yourself in a vibrant sensory overload at Ben Thanh Market, a hub for local life and incredible street food. Sample iconic dishes like Pho, Banh Mi, and fresh spring rolls from various vendors. Bargaining is expected for souvenirs, but food prices are generally fixed and very affordable, often under 5€ per dish.
🕌
Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Admire the stunning French colonial architecture of the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. This iconic landmark, built with materials imported from France, stands proudly in the city center. While the interior is often under renovation, its exterior is always a magnificent sight and great for photos, especially in the morning light.
🛥️
Mekong Delta Day Trip
Escape the city bustle for a day trip to the lush Mekong Delta. Explore floating markets, coconut candy workshops, and serene waterways by boat. Many tours leave early from HCMC and include transport and lunch, typically ranging from 20€ to 40€, offering a glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.
🕳️
Explore Cu Chi Tunnels
Descend into the intricate underground network of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a testament to Vietnamese resilience during the war. Experience crawling through narrow sections and learning about the ingenious traps and living conditions. Combine this with the War Remnants Museum for a comprehensive historical understanding. Entry is typically around 5€-7€, excluding transport.
🍻
Bui Vien Walking Street Experience
Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Bui Vien Walking Street. This bustling area comes alive after dark with street performers, loud music, cheap drinks, and a lively atmosphere. Grab a plastic stool, order a Bia Hoi (fresh beer for under 1€), and soak in the energetic chaos. It's best experienced in the evening, from 7 PM onwards.
🎨
Fine Arts Museum
Discover a diverse collection of Vietnamese art spanning ancient Cham sculpture to contemporary works in a beautiful colonial mansion. The Fine Arts Museum offers a peaceful respite from the city's hustle and bustle. Entry is affordable, typically around 1€-2€. Allocate 1-2 hours to appreciate the art and the building itself, a hidden architectural gem.
Explore Coffee Apartment
Uncover the unique charm of the 'Coffee Apartment' at 42 Nguyen Hue. This nine-story building is home to numerous cafes, boutiques, and co-working spaces, each with its own distinct character and balcony views. Take the stairs for free (elevator costs about 0.20€) and wander to find your perfect spot for a Vietnamese coffee. Go late afternoon for sunset views.

⏱️ How long to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

3 to 5 days

For independent French-speaking travelers, an ideal stay in Ho Chi Minh City is 3 to 5 days. This allows for exploring the main historical sites, enjoying the vibrant street food scene, and experiencing local markets without rushing. If you have less time, focus on District 1 and the War Remnants Museum. For a longer stay, consider a day trip to the Mekong Delta.

Related searches

bus Can Tho Ho Chi Minh City how to get from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City ticket price Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City travel time Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City travel to Vietnam

Other trips from Can Tho

Book now