Ha Tien by car: route from HCMC, best season and a 2-day plan

Ha Tien by car: the route from Ho Chi Minh City, the best season and a 2-day plan. Ha Tien sits on Vietnam's far south-western coast and is now part of An Giang province after the 2025 merger of An Giang and Kien Giang. It offers limestone hills by the sea, Mac family heritage and a ferry port for Phu Quoc. The drive is long, so a sensible schedule makes the trip comfortable.

Route and travel time

Ha Tien is about 310–350 km from Ho Chi Minh City, depending on the route. The usual drive is the HCMC – Trung Luong – My Thuan expressway, across Vam Cong bridge, the Lo Te – Rach Soi expressway to Rach Gia, then about 100 km on Highway 80 to Ha Tien. Expect about 6 hours or more, depending on departure time and stops. Families with young children may overnight in Can Tho or Rach Gia. See driving to the Mekong Delta.

When to go, up to Tết 2027

Roughly November to April is the dry season in the Mekong Delta, with less rain and calmer seas for sightseeing and ferries. Close to Tết 2027 (New Year's Eve is 5 February 2027), traffic to Ha Tien and Phu Quoc rises, prices are higher than usual and bookings usually need a deposit of about 10%, so book early.

What to see

• Thach Dong: a limestone hill with a cave and pagoda, near the road to the border gate.
• Mac Cuu tombs on Binh San hill: the resting place of the Mac family, who founded Ha Tien.
• Mui Nai: a beach for sunset.
• Ferry to Phu Quoc: easy to add; see car rental in Phu Quoc.

Suggested 2-day plan

• Day 1: leave HCMC early, lunch on the way, reach Ha Tien in the late afternoon, sunset at Mui Nai if time allows.
• Day 2: Thach Dong and the Mac Cuu tombs in the morning, lunch, then drive back or take the ferry to Phu Quoc.

Tips on the road

• Highway 80 passes through many towns with heavy motorbike traffic; drivers keep a moderate speed.
• For the ferry, check schedules and weather in advance.
• For seafood, ask prices before ordering by weight.

Choosing a vehicle

For a long drive, choose space: families do well in a 7-seater or a limousine van; groups in a 16-seater or 29-seater. Chauffeur prices include fuel and tolls, every quote gets 10% off, the fleet is 2022–2025 models, and an 8% VAT invoice is issued on request. See also car rental in HCMC.

FAQ

Which province is Ha Tien in?

Since 2025, An Giang province.

Can I do Ha Tien as a day trip from HCMC?

Not advisable given the distance; allow at least two days.

Can I go one way and fly back?

Yes, for example drive to Ha Tien, take the ferry to Phu Quoc and fly home. Send your itinerary for a quote.

Packing for Ha Tien

Bring sun protection, swimwear and modest clothes for temples. Plan two days to avoid a rushed return.

Leave early from Ho Chi Minh City and plan a lunch stop on the way.

See Sa Dec by car and Tra Vinh by car.

Quick answers

Is two days enough? Yes, for the main sights.

Can I continue to Phu Quoc? By ferry, booked separately.