Are you creating a vacation from Phu Quoc to the Mekong Delta? This may be a great choice if you want to combine a beach vacation with exploring the waterways of the Mekong Delta. So, if you want to make the most of this travel, let’s discover the best way options for it.
How far is it from Phu Quoc to Mekong Delta?
The average distance from Phu Quoc to the Mekong Delta is about 250 – 300 km, depending on the goal place within the Mekong Delta region such as Can Tho, Chau Doc, or My Tho. Of these, the most popular route is to Can Tho, the center of the Mekong Delta region, about 250–270 kilometers from Phu Quoc.
Fact, this is not a direct route, as Phu Quoc is an island, so you will need to combine a speedboat or ferry with a bus/car.
The journey usually will be divided into two main stages:
- Phu Quoc → Rach Gia / Ha Tien (Kien Giang): travel by speedboat (approximately 1.5 – 2.5 hours)
- Rach Gia / Ha Tien → Mekong Delta: continue by car to the Western provinces (3 – 6 hours depending on the destination)
If you choose a popular destination like Can Tho , the tourism center of the Mekong Delta, the total travel time usually ranges from 5 – 8 hours. This makes the Phu Quoc to Mekong Delta journey entirely feasible in one day if you plan your itinerary well.
Best ways to travel from Phu Quoc to Mekong Delta
To travel from Phu Quoc to the Mekong Delta, you’ll need to combine water and land (or air) transportation. Below are the three most common options for traveling between the two regions.
Speedboat
Because of their speed and flexible plan, speedboats are the most popular option to travel from Phu Quoc to Mekong Delta. You can go by ferry from Phu Quoc to Rach Gia (about 1.5–2 hours) or Ha Tien (about 1 hour and 10 minutes).
Once you’re on the mainland, you can go into the Mekong Delta using any of the following options of transportation:
- Coach: Affordable, frequent travels per day, suitable for going to Can Tho (approximately 3-4 hours from Rach Gia)
- Limousine: More comfortable, similar travel time but fewer stops
- Private car: Flexible, suitable for groups or families
Currently, ferry ticket prices range from 160,000 to 320,000 VND, offering the best balance between cost and travel time between the two areas.
Ferry
Ferries are also an option for traveling from Phu Quoc to the Mekong Delta, especially if you want to save money or bring your own vehicle.
The ferry journey from Phu Quoc to Ha Tien, or Rach Gia, usually takes about 2.5–3 hours. After that, you continue your journey similarly to taking a speedboat: using a bus, limousine, or private car to reach the provinces in the Mekong Delta.
Currently, ferry ticket prices range from approximately 130,000 to 270,000 VND. This is a suitable option for domestic travelers or those on road trips, but for international tourists, speedboats remain the better choice.
Flights
Flying isn’t the most popular option for the Phu Quoc to Mekong Delta route, but it’s still a good choice if you want to minimize sea travel time.
Typically, you’ll fly from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 1 hour). Then, you continue your journey to the Mekong Delta by bus, limousine, or private car.
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can reach My Tho in about 1.5–2 hours, or go further to Can Tho in about 3–4 hours. Some direct flights to Can Tho exist, but they are limited, making it difficult to be proactive.
With air travel costs ranging from 700,000 to 1,500,000 VND, this is a suitable option if you prioritize comfort or want to fit it into your existing schedule.
Travel time & Cost breakdown
When choosing and planning your travel options from Phu Quoc to the Mekong Delta, you need to calculate the total time and cost for the entire journey, including the sea or air leg and the subsequent land journey to other points in the Mekong Delta.
| Option | Typical Route | Detailed Travel Time | Total Travel Time | Estimated Cost | Evaluation |
| Speedboat + bus | Phu Quoc → Rach Gia → Can Tho | Boat: 2 – 2.5 hours
Bus: 3 – 4 hours |
5.5 – 7 hours | 350,000 – 650,000 VND | Best overall balance |
| Speedboat + bus (via Ha Tien) | Phu Quoc → Ha Tien → Can Tho | Boat: 1 – 1.5 hours
Bus: 4 – 5 hours |
5.5 – 7.5 hours | 300,000 – 600,000 VND | Faster boat, longer road transfer |
| Ferry + bus | Phu Quoc → Ha Tien / Rach Gia → Mekong Delta | Ferry: 2.5 – 3 hours
Bus: 3 – 5 hours |
6 – 8 hours | 250,000 – 550,000 VND | Budget-friendly option |
| Flight + bus | Phu Quoc → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta | Flight: ~1 hour
Transfer & waiting: 3 – 5 hours |
5 – 8 hours | 900,000 – 1,800,000 VND | Comfortable but more expensive |
For the Phu Quoc to Mekong Delta route, you can combine a speedboat and a bus, this is the most reliable option. While the boat trip itself isn’t particularly long, the deciding factor lies in the connecting leg from Rach Gia or Ha Tien to the Mekong Delta. Rach Gia usually has more bus routes to Can Tho, which makes it easier to connect and reduces waiting times.
Conversely, if you go to Ha Tien, this route has a faster boat journey, but the road distance is longer and there are fewer direct bus services. This means the total trip time isn’t significantly different from going via Rach Gia.
You still need to factor in airport check-in times and the distance from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta when choosing air travel, even for short flights. Therefore, although the cost is significantly higher, the actual total travel time is usually comparable to traveling by high-speed train.
Tips for a smooth journey
You should plan your transportation and connecting flights in advance to make sure of a seamless journey from Phu Quoc to the Mekong Delta. A well-planned itinerary will help you save 1-2 hours of waiting time and avoid unnecessary risks.
- Choose the Rach Gia route for easier connecting flights: Taking a ferry to Rach Gia is usually more convenient than Ha Tien because there are many bus routes to Can Tho and other provinces in the Mekong Delta throughout the day, reducing waiting time.
- Prioritize early morning ferries: Trips around 7:00–8:00 AM help you to go to the mainland before noon and catch a bus on the same day. If you travel later, you may have to wait longer or stay overnight.
- Book tickets in advance during peak season: From November to April is the peak tourist season in Phu Quoc. Ferry and bus tickets may sell out quickly, especially on weekends, so book in advance to secure your schedule.
- Plan your transportation from the mainland: It’s advisable to book a bus, limousine, or private car in advance from Rach Gia to continue your journey to the Mekong Delta. This will help you avoid waiting times and better control your overall travel time.
- Prepare for weather and travel conditions: If you are prone to seasickness, bring motion sickness medication. Furthermore, the weather in the Mekong Delta is quite hot, so prepare drinking water, a hat, and comfortable clothing.
- Bring cash: Cash is still commonly accepted at the ferry terminal and in local areas. You should have VND ready for quick payments.
- Stay connected to the internet: Use a travel SIM or eSIM to easily check schedules, book transportation, and contact people when needed, especially on multi-leg journeys like Phu Quoc to the Mekong Delta.
FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand how to travel from Phu Quoc to Mekong Delta region and choose the most suitable itinerary.
What is the fastest way to travel from Phu Quoc to Mekong Delta?
The fastest and most efficient way is to take a speedboat to Rach Gia, then continue going to Can Tho by bus or private car. This route brings the finest balance between duration of travel, cost, and convenience and typically takes about 5 to 7 hours.
Can one travel directly from Phu Quoc to Mekong Delta?
No, Phu Quoc and the Mekong Delta are not now directly connected. You must pass via mainland cities like Rach Gia or Ha Tien before continuing your trip by road to be able to arrive at destinations like Can Tho or My Tho.
Is it better to travel via Ha Tien or Rach Gia?
In most cases, Rach Gia is the better choice because it has more usual bus connections to major Mekong Delta cities such as Can Tho. Although Ha Tien is closer to Phu Quoc by sea, fewer transportation options can make the overall journey longer or less flexible.
Traveling from Phu Quoc to the Mekong Delta isn’t overly complicated if you choose the right mode of transport and plan your itinerary wisely. For the best experience and convenient journey, without worrying about detailed planning, all-inclusive tours from Lily’s Travel are a reliable choice, helping you to fully enjoy your journey in the most comfortable and efficient way.
Join Lily’s Travel’s 9-Day Southern Vietnam Discovery Tour, an itinerary exploring Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta – Phu Quoc, allowing you to experience everything easily and completely without any worries.
