Ca Mau, Bac Lieu and Soc Trang to Ho Chi Minh City by Car

Ca Mau to Ho Chi Minh City by car is much quicker than before: the Cần Thơ – Cà Mau expressway opened in January 2026 and links straight into the expressway to the city. The trip is about 300 km and passes through what used to be Bạc Liêu, Sóc Trăng and Hậu Giang provinces. This guide compares the expressway with Highway 1, suggests departure times and covers the longest drive in the Delta.

Expressway or Highway 1

Via the Cà Mau – Cần Thơ expressway and then Cần Thơ – Mỹ Thuận – Trung Lương into the city, driving time is about 4–5 hours before stops. Highway 1 through Bạc Liêu and Sóc Trăng is noticeably slower as it runs through many towns. Speed limits on the Cần Thơ – Cà Mau expressway vary by section and some stretches lack a continuous emergency lane, so follow the signs.

From Bạc Liêu and Sóc Trăng

Bạc Liêu is now part of Cà Mau province; Sóc Trăng and Vị Thanh are now part of Cần Thơ city. From each, cars take provincial roads or highways to the nearest expressway junction and continue as from Cà Mau. Sóc Trăng is about 230 km from the city, usually 4–4.5 hours; Bạc Liêu is about 280 km.

Stops on the way

• The new expressway still has few services along it; fill up or charge before joining it at Cà Mau.
• Take a break around Cần Thơ or at a rest stop on the Trung Lương – Mỹ Thuận expressway.
• The Mỹ Thuận and Cần Thơ bridges are the usual slow points on weekend afternoons and holidays.

Choosing a departure time

To reach the city before the morning rush, leave Cà Mau around 1–2 a.m. By day, avoid reaching the city's western gateway between 4 and 7 p.m. Before Tết 2027, traffic towards the Delta builds from 3–4 February; traffic back to the city peaks on the afternoons of the 5th and 6th days of Tết.

Đất Mũi and Father Diệp's church

Travellers coming down from the city often add Đất Mũi, about 100 km beyond Cà Mau city, or the Tắc Sậy church in former Bạc Liêu. Plan 2–3 days so no day has more than 8 hours on the road.

New Cà Mau and new Cần Thơ: names after the merger

Since 2025 former Bạc Liêu is part of Cà Mau province and former Sóc Trăng is part of Cần Thơ city. When booking, use the new names or send a map pin so the driver finds the right house. The route to Ho Chi Minh City is unchanged: from Cà Mau, Bạc Liêu or Sóc Trăng to Cần Thơ, then the expressway north.

Sights along the route

Visiting Blessed Father Trương Bửu Diệp at Tắc Sậy

Tắc Sậy church, resting place of Blessed Father Trương Bửu Diệp, draws Catholic families and visitors of other faiths alike. Since 2025 the area belongs to Cà Mau province.

• Dress modestly and keep quiet around the church and tomb.
• Weekends and feast days are busy; arrive early and agree a pick-up time with the driver.
• Groups with older members should choose a 9-seat limousine or 16-seater for easy access.

You can fit Tắc Sậy into the trip north: leave Cà Mau early, stop to pray, then continue via Sóc Trăng and Cần Thơ.

Festivals within the year-end window

The Khmer Ok Om Bok festival falls on the full moon of the 10th lunar month, in late November in 2026, centred on ghe ngo boat races on the Maspéro river in Sóc Trăng. On race days riverside roads restrict cars, so the driver drops you on a nearby street. From Cà Mau or Bạc Liêu, leave early to find a viewing spot.

Fly into Cà Mau or Cần Thơ, car to your door

Cà Mau and Cần Thơ airports bring travellers from Hanoi or Đà Nẵng to the delta quickly. A simple plan:

1. Compare flights to Cà Mau, Cần Thơ or Tân Sơn Nhất by schedule and home location.
2. Send the flight number; the driver tracks the landing and waits through delays with no airport waiting fee.
3. From Cần Thơ airport to Sóc Trăng, Bạc Liêu or Cà Mau, use Highway 1 or completed expressway sections.

The delta has no passenger rail, so train combinations do not apply here.

Food on the way

• Sóc Trăng bún nước lèo: Khmer-style broth with fermented fish, eaten with fresh herbs.
• Sóc Trăng bánh pía: a classic gift, made in the Vũng Thơm area.
• Bạc Liêu bánh xèo and bánh tằm.
• Cà Mau crab: buy at markets or trusted sellers, packed in foam boxes for the trip.

Crab and seafood boxes must be sealed and go in the boot; tell the driver in advance.

Vehicles by group and luggage

Two days: Cà Mau – Bạc Liêu – Sóc Trăng – HCMC

Two days spare older relatives a full day in the car and use the sights on the way. Families with young children should bring snacks and water, and tell us so child seats are ready.

Booking and costs

Send the route, date, group size and luggage through the quick-quote form. Every quote gets 10% off; chauffeur prices include fuel and tolls. Cars are 2022–2025 models, with VinFast EVs for short city legs. Tết bookings need a deposit of about 10%; ask for an 8% VAT invoice when booking. For two-day trips, ask how the driver's lodging is handled.

Adding Đất Mũi to the trip

From central Cà Mau to Đất Mũi via the extended Hồ Chí Minh road, access is easier than before but still long. At Mũi Cà Mau National Park there is a coordinate marker, a ship's-prow monument, mangroves and a coastal walkway. Give Đất Mũi a full day, leave early, sleep in Cà Mau and drive to Ho Chi Minh City the next day.

Pickups in Bạc Liêu after the merger

Since 1 July 2025, Bạc Liêu has been part of Cà Mau province. In Bạc Liêu, Giá Rai or coastal areas, add the new ward or commune and a map pin when booking. On the long drive to the city the driver takes breaks for safety, and you can choose meal stops. Send appointment, flight or meeting times so we can set a departure with a buffer.

Choosing a vehicle by group and luggage

Booking for Tết 2027

Over Tết 2027 (holiday 4–10 February 2027), traffic toward the Mekong surges in the days before New Year's Eve and on the afternoons of the 5th and 6th. Send the form early, pay the roughly 10% deposit to hold a car and leave at dawn. Every quote gets 10% off, and chauffeur prices include fuel and tolls.

Choosing a vehicle

Long trips for 4–6: a 7-seater; family or pilgrimage groups: a 16-seat van or a limousine van. From Cần Thơ: Can Tho to Ca Mau by car; local cars in Ca Mau and Soc Trang.

Travelling with young children? Ask in advance and we will fit child seats. Year-end prices run higher; Tết bookings take a deposit of about 10%. Need a price today? Send us your trip details.

FAQ

Is it expressway all the way now?

Yes. Since January 2026 you can stay on expressways from Cà Mau to the city.

How long does it take?

About 4–5 hours of driving, 5–6 hours in practice with stops and city traffic.

Can you pick up in Bạc Liêu or Sóc Trăng?

Yes, from your door to the expressway and on.

Which province is Bạc Liêu in now?

Cà Mau since 2025; former Sóc Trăng is part of Cần Thơ city.

Can we visit Tắc Sậy on the way north?

Yes; leave Cà Mau early, stop to pray, then continue via Sóc Trăng and Cần Thơ.

How do I carry Cà Mau crab to HCMC?

Sealed foam boxes in the boot; tell the driver first.

Should we stop overnight between Cà Mau and HCMC?

With older relatives, a night in Bạc Liêu or Cần Thơ makes it easier.