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Driving from Châu Đốc, Long Xuyên or Rạch Giá to Ho Chi Minh City is the longest run on the west side of the Hậu River, roughly 240–250 km, and each town uses a different route. Since 2025, all three are in the enlarged An Giang province. This guide covers the route in both directions, realistic times, the slow stretches and how to time your departure for Tân Sơn Nhất or the city centre.
Cars usually follow Highway 91 to Long Xuyên, cross the Vàm Cống bridge into Đồng Tháp, then take Highway 80 or 30 to the Trung Lương – Mỹ Thuận expressway into the city. Expect 4.5–5.5 hours. Highway 91 through Long Xuyên, lined with homes and full of motorbikes, is the slowest part. The Châu Đốc – Cần Thơ – Sóc Trăng expressway and the new expressways through Đồng Tháp are still under construction, so do not count on them before Tết 2027.
From Rạch Giá, the quickest road is the Lộ Tẻ – Rạch Sỏi route to Cần Thơ (about 51 km, upgraded to expressway standard in late 2025, about an hour), then the Cần Thơ – Mỹ Thuận – Trung Lương expressway. The whole trip is about 240 km, usually 4–4.5 hours with a break.
Example: for a 10 a.m. flight from Châu Đốc, leave around 2–3 a.m.
Return trips usually start after you land. With an evening arrival you may reach Châu Đốc or Rạch Giá close to midnight. The highways are dark at night and carry trucks, so drivers keep a steady pace and take a break at an expressway rest stop before leaving it.
Many families combine the city run with a visit to the Lady Xứ temple at Sam Mountain, or travel to Rạch Giá for the boat to Phú Quốc. Give the driver your boat time; fast ferries ask passengers to arrive before departure.
Since 2025 the new An Giang includes former Kiên Giang, so one trip can link Châu Đốc, Long Xuyên, Rạch Giá, Hà Tiên and Phú Quốc. Familiar sights along the way:
| Area | Sights | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Châu Đốc | Bà Chúa Xứ temple at Sam mountain, Thoại Ngọc Hầu tomb, Sam mountain | The main festival is in the 4th lunar month, outside this guide's window; year-end still draws many pilgrims |
| Tịnh Biên | Trà Sư cajuput forest | Boat rides through the forest, best in flood season |
| Long Xuyên | President Tôn Đức Thắng memorial on Ông Hổ islet | Reached by small ferry |
| Hà Tiên | Mạc Cửu tomb, Thạch Động, Mũi Nai beach | Boats to Phú Quốc |
From about September to November, upstream floodwater spreads across the delta in the flood season. Trà Sư forest is at its greenest, fields are under water and seasonal foods such as linh fish and sesbania flowers appear. Water recedes from late November. Main roads and expressways are unaffected, though some village lanes flood; the driver picks suitable routes.
December to Tết is dry and cooler, good for pilgrimages and touring. Return traffic to Ho Chi Minh City peaks on the 4th and 5th days of Tết.
Mắm smells strong; pack it tightly, keep it in the boot and tell the driver.
A route many families like: fly HCMC – Phú Quốc for the beach, take the fast boat to Rạch Giá or Hà Tiên, then drive back to Ho Chi Minh City via a pilgrimage stop in Châu Đốc.
In reverse, fly into Tân Sơn Nhất: the driver tracks the flight, waits through delays with no airport waiting fee, and heads straight to An Giang. The Mekong Delta has no passenger rail, so there is no sleeper-train option.
| Group | Vehicle | Luggage |
|---|---|---|
| Family of 3–4 | 4–5 or 7 seat | About 3 suitcases in a 4–5 seater, 4 in a 7-seater |
| 6–9 people with older members | 9-seat limousine | About 6–8 suitcases |
| Pilgrim group of 10–15 | 16 seat | About 6–8 suitcases plus offerings |
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fast boat Phú Quốc – Hà Tiên; pier pick-up, Mạc Cửu tomb and Thạch Động; overnight in Hà Tiên |
| 2 | Border road to Châu Đốc; Trà Sư forest in the afternoon; evening visit to the Bà Chúa Xứ temple |
| 3 | Morning on Sam mountain, fish noodle soup; midday expressway back to HCMC via Cần Thơ |
Boats depend on the weather and may be retimed or cancelled in rough seas. Send your boat ticket when booking and tell us of any change so the driver adjusts.
Rạch Giá is a coastal city with new reclaimed districts, a night market and the Nguyễn Trung Trực temple. Boats leave from Rạch Giá for Phú Quốc and other islands. Hà Tiên is small and calm, close to the border, with the Mạc Cửu tombs on Bình San hill, Thạch Động and Mũi Nai beach. Local dishes include crab bánh canh and xôi xiêm.
Hà Tiên or Rạch Giá to Ho Chi Minh City is a long drive; split it over two days with a night in Châu Đốc or Cần Thơ. If you only need to fly, use Rạch Giá or Phú Quốc airports and take the car just to the local airport.
Since 1 July 2025, Kiên Giang has been part of An Giang, so Rạch Giá, Hà Tiên, Châu Đốc and Long Xuyên are all in An Giang province. Travellers returning from Phú Quốc by fast boat can be met at Rạch Giá or Hà Tiên port and driven to the city or airport; send the boat operator and expected arrival time. Rough seas can delay or cancel sailings, so message the driver as soon as you hear.
| Group | Suggested vehicle | Luggage |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 people | 4–5 seater | about 3 suitcases |
| 4–6 people | 7-seater | about 4 suitcases |
| 7–14 people or lots of bags | 16-seater / 9-seat Limousine | about 6–8 suitcases |
Pilgrims to the Bà Chúa Xứ temple at Sam mountain often travel as extended families; a 16-seater or 9-seat Limousine keeps everyone together. Prices include fuel and tolls.
In the first days of the year many families visit the Bà Chúa Xứ temple at Sam mountain, so roads and car parks nearby get busy. Book early, travel on a weekday and leave early. For Tết 2027 (4–10 February 2027) a deposit of about 10% applies, and every quote gets 10% off.
Families of 4–6 with bags: a 7-seater; pilgrimage groups: a 16-seat van (6–8 suitcases). From Cần Thơ: Can Tho to Chau Doc by car; local cars: Chau Doc and Rach Gia.
Every quote is 10% off. With self-drive, fuel and tolls are on you, and petrol, diesel or a VinFast EV is your choice. Contracts are signed by both parties. For an exact price, request a quote.
Not all the way. Cars use Highways 91 and 80 or 30 before joining the Trung Lương – Mỹ Thuận expressway.
Usually 4–4.5 hours, plus extra city time at rush hour.
Yes. Hà Tiên is about 90 km beyond Rạch Giá, so add roughly 1.5–2 hours.
About September to November, receding from late November.
Boat to Rạch Giá or Hà Tiên, a car from the pier, then on to HCMC.
No; the Mekong Delta has no passenger rail.
Tell us at once to move the pick-up; the driver follows the schedule.
Yes, to visit the temple in the cool early morning.
Yes. Message the new arrival time; a pre-booked car waits at the port.
If you are planning a nearby route, Tan Son Nhat Airport Transfer: Prices and Pickup Details has more details to help you prepare.
Real cars at the Car Rental Vietnam depot
Travel guides for this trip
For pickup in Rach Gia to Ho Chi Minh City or Tan Son Nhat, provide the actual address, travel date and required arrival time. If connecting from a boat, send the confirmed terminal and schedule and agree on a clear land-side meeting point. A scheduled boat arrival does not mean the car can depart immediately; passengers still need time to disembark and collect luggage. For an airport transfer, allow a margin for breaks and traffic and confirm the vehicle schedule before booking.
View the destination reference point on the map. This marker identifies the destination area; confirm the exact pickup address or meeting point when booking.
Private cars with driver from 4 to 45 seats, including Limousine vans and 29- and 45-seater coaches. Tolls, trip insurance and the driver's pay are included:
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