Cao Lanh, Sa Dec and My Tho to Tan Son Nhat Airport by Car

From Cao Lanh to Tan Son Nhat, and likewise from Sa Đéc or Mỹ Tho, the trip hinges on the stretch between your door and the Trung Lương expressway. Since 2025, Đồng Tháp province also includes former Tiền Giang. This guide compares times from all three, explains why the new expressways through Đồng Tháp will not help this Tết, and gives concrete departure times.

From Cao Lanh

Cars take Highway 30 towards Cái Bè to join the Trung Lương – Mỹ Thuận expressway, then Trung Lương – HCMC. It is about 160 km, usually 3–3.5 hours to the airport. Highway 30 passes through many towns and gets busy with motorbikes around market hours.

From Sa Đéc

Sa Đéc is close to the Mỹ Thuận bridge, so cars usually take Highway 80 to the expressway there. The airport is typically 3 hours away. In the Tết flower season, roads around the Sa Đéc flower village are very busy, so leave earlier.

From Mỹ Tho

Mỹ Tho is about 70 km from the city, close to the Trung Lương expressway; the airport is usually 1.5–2 hours away. It is the easiest starting point, though the city's western gateway still sets the pace at rush hour.

The new expressways through Đồng Tháp

The Mỹ An – Cao Lanh and Cao Lanh – An Hữu expressways are under construction, with phase 1 planned to finish at the end of 2026. Opening depends on progress, so for Tết 2027 trips, plan around the existing roads.

Suggested departure times

• Domestic flight at 9 a.m.: leave Cao Lanh around 3:30, Sa Đéc around 4:00, Mỹ Tho around 5:30.
• International flight: add an hour.
• On 3–5 February 2027 and the afternoons of the 5th and 6th days of Tết: add another hour for traffic.

The new Đồng Tháp: sights on the way to the airport

Since 2025 the new Đồng Tháp includes former Tiền Giang, so Cao Lanh, Sa Đéc and Mỹ Tho share a province. Many travellers add a visit before an airport run or just after arriving.

Sa Đéc flower village at Tết

Sa Đéc's flower village on the Tiền river supplies flowers and ornamental plants to Tết markets across the south. From the last lunar month, beds of chrysanthemums and marigolds, and plants raised on bamboo frames above the fields, fill the area. Visitors stroll the paths between gardens, take photos and buy flowers.

• Go early or late to avoid the sun.
• Some gardens charge for photos; ask first.
• Many paths are narrow; the car stops on the main road and you walk in.
• Buying pots to take home? Tell us so space is planned; large pots need a 7- or 16-seater.

Food in Sa Đéc and Mỹ Tho

• Sa Đéc and Mỹ Tho rice noodle soup: two well-known styles of the region's noodle soup.
• Lai Vung nem: fermented pork rolls, a popular gift.
• Grilled snakehead and field-fish dishes: common around Tháp Mười.

Fly in, car straight to Đồng Tháp

1. Send your flight number for Tân Sơn Nhất (or Cần Thơ if handier for Sa Đéc and Cao Lanh).
2. The driver tracks the landing and waits through delays with no airport waiting fee.
3. Take the HCMC – Trung Lương expressway towards Mỹ Thuận, stopping in Mỹ Tho if you like.
4. With grandparents or children, rest at expressway service areas.

The delta has no passenger rail, so there is no sleeper option on these routes.

Flood season and year's end

From about September to November, the Tháp Mười area floods, fields turn to water and Tràm Chim is lush. In December the water recedes and roads are dry, ideal for flower-viewing in Sa Đéc. The Tết 2027 holiday runs 4–10 February; return traffic to the city peaks on the afternoon of the 5th day.

Vehicles by purpose

A day of Sa Đéc flowers from HCMC

Weekends in the last lunar month are very crowded; weekdays are easier. If you buy pots, load them before lunch so the flowers stay out of the sun.

Booking at year's end

In the last lunar month, flower-village trips and trips home peak together. Book early, especially 7- and 16-seaters for weekends. Every quote gets 10% off; chauffeur prices include fuel and tolls; Tết bookings need a deposit of about 10%. Cars are 2022–2025 models, with child seats on request and 8% VAT invoices when needed. Send your route and group size through the quick-quote form.

Tràm Chim and the Tháp Mười area

Tràm Chim National Park in Tam Nông is the signature wetland of the Plain of Reeds, with cajuput forest, sedge meadows and many waterbirds. Visitors usually take a motor boat along the park's canals and stop at observation towers. Early morning and late afternoon are best, as birds leave to feed and return to roost.

From Cao Lanh, Tràm Chim is reached by provincial roads, a little over an hour depending on where you start. Being far from the expressway, it deserves a full day or an overnight in Cao Lanh. Bring hats, sunscreen, water and binoculars; the dry season is very sunny, and the flood season brings mosquitoes at dusk.

Also in Tháp Mười is the Gò Tháp relic site, linked to the Óc Eo culture and the stories of Đốc binh Kiều and Thiên hộ Dương. Pairing Gò Tháp with Tràm Chim in one day is a popular plan. A 7-seater suits families; larger groups take a 16-seater. A driver who knows the provincial roads avoids getting lost on small canal-side routes.

Place names after the merger, and how to give your address

Since 1 July 2025, Tiền Giang has been part of Đồng Tháp, so Mỹ Tho, Cao Lanh and Sa Đéc are all in Đồng Tháp province. Old signs, maps and papers still show former names, so give the street, the new ward or commune and a landmark such as a market, school or church. Sharing a map pin by message is the quickest way for the driver to find homes on lanes or canal roads. If a larger vehicle cannot reach your house, meet on the nearest main road.

Choosing a vehicle by group and luggage

Airport travellers often carry produce and snacks from home, so allow for them. Groups with older relatives do better in a roomier vehicle on a long drive. Child seats are available on request; chauffeur prices include fuel and tolls; every quote gets 10% off, with an 8% VAT invoice if needed.

Tết flights from Đồng Tháp

Over Tết 2027 (4–10 February 2027), early-morning airport runs are usually clearer than afternoons. Send the flight number and departure time; a deposit of about 10% holds the car at peak. For arrivals, the driver tracks your landing and meets you in arrivals with no waiting fee.

Choosing a vehicle

Two or three people: a 4–5 seater; families with lots of luggage: a 7-seater or a 16-seater. Going the other way: Saigon to Cao Lanh and HCMC to My Tho; plus how Tan Son Nhat transfers work.

Choose a car with driver (fuel and tolls included) or self-drive, including VinFast EVs. Every quote is 10% off, and there is no airport waiting fee. For an exact price, request a quote.

FAQ

How long from Cao Lanh to Tân Sơn Nhất?

Usually 3–3.5 hours, longer at rush hour or holidays.

Is the Cao Lanh – An Hữu expressway open?

It is under construction, with phase 1 planned for the end of 2026; check before you travel.

Can you pick up in Gò Công or Cai Lậy?

Yes, anywhere in the province.

When is Sa Đéc flower village at its best?

The last lunar month, as gardens prepare Tết flowers; go early or late.

Can I take big flower pots to HCMC?

Yes; tell us so we send a 7- or 16-seater.

What is near the airport route in Mỹ Tho?

Vĩnh Tràng pagoda and Thới Sơn islet.

Can I do Sa Đéc as a day trip from HCMC?

Yes; leave around 5:30, stop in Mỹ Tho, return in the afternoon.

Can one trip pick up in Mỹ Tho and then Cao Lanh?

Yes. Send all addresses and headcounts so the driver can order the stops and set a start time.

Can you invoice a company?

Yes, an 8% VAT invoice on request; send company details when booking. You can also send a booking request on our website.