Ben Tre to Long Xuyen Drive: Best Stops & Hidden Gems

The drive from Ben Tre to Long Xuyen is a 90-kilometer journey through the heart of the Mekong Delta, linking the coconut capital of Vietnam to the rice bowl of the Cuu Long region. The route is dominated by the National Road QL57, which branches off from QL1A near My Tho and winds through a landscape of emerald paddies, dense coconut groves, and sleepy canal towns. One specific quirk: the entire corridor is crisscrossed by ferries, and the most iconic crossing at Rach Mieu Bridge (opened in 2010) now spares you the old ferry queue, but you'll still encounter two smaller ferry crossings along QL57 that anchor the rhythm of local life.

This guide answers the core questions: how long to drive Ben Tre to Long Xuyen (typically 2.5 to 3 hours without stops), whether it's worth driving Ben Tre to Long Xuyen (absolutely, for the authentic delta experience), and the best stops Ben Tre to Long Xuyen that break the monotony and reward detours. We'll cover practical logistics, natural attractions, safety, and hidden gems, all organized for efficient reading.

Before you depart, consider checking out our detailed tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to maximize your trip. The following sections break down everything from road quality to where to eat, ensuring a safe and cultural journey.

Infrastructure safety is generally good, but you'll encounter heavy motorbike traffic, so keep your speed moderate (60-80 km/h). Road signs are clear, and GPS works well. For rest, there are several well-maintained rest stops along QL57 with clean toilets and coffee shops; look for the ones marked with a rest area icon about halfway between Cai Be and Long Xuyen.

For families, the route is suitable for children if you plan stops: the Dong Khoi Tourist Area near Ben Tre offers a mini-zoo and boat rides, and the My Tho Riverside has playgrounds. Pet-friendly framework is limited but acceptable: most roadside eateries allow pets on patios, but you'll need to keep your pet on a leash. Ferries allow pets in vehicles, but it's best to carry your pet when boarding.

To manage fatigue, take breaks every 1.5 hours. The rest stops are you best bet, but even a simple stop at a cafe like “Cafe Muoi” (locally popular but not a named chain) will re-energize you. Avoid driving after dark due to poor lighting on some stretches.

The Mekong Delta's natural beauty here is defined by water and greenery: endless rice fields, coconut plantations, and the winding Tien River. The climate is tropical monsoon, with a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November. During the wet season, the scenery is lush, but be aware of occasional flooding on low-lying roads.

Local commerce thrives along the route. The Cai Be floating market, a well-known attraction, operates in the morning until around 10 AM, and you can join a boat tour for 200,000 VND per person. Within the towns, you'll find roadside stalls selling fresh fruit, coconut candy (Ben Tre's specialty), and handmade crafts. The area's cuisine is centered on fish from the river and tropical fruits, with simple eateries (com tam, hu tieu) scattered along the road.

Hidden off-route spots include the Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho (a 2 km detour), known for its ancient architecture, and the Tra Su Cajuput Forest near Long Xuyen (20 km from the city), a bird sanctuary with boat tours. These spots offer a quieter glimpse into the delta's ecosystem.

The route primarily follows National Road QL57, which is mostly two lanes with occasional passing zones. As of 2023, the road surface is in good condition, but watch for potholes near construction sites. The total distance is 90 km, and the estimated driving time is 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and ferry waits. Fuel stations are frequent along the way—at least one every 15–20 km—so you won't need to worry about running dry.

• Fuel: Expect to spend around 150,000–180,000 VND on petrol for a standard car (approx. 7 liters/100km).
• Ferry fees: The two ferry crossings on QL57 (at My Loi and An Binh) cost 30,000 VND per car, payable cash.
• Tolls: No expressway tolls on this route, but Rach Mieu Bridge has a toll of 40,000 VND for cars.
• Driving times: Ben Tre to My Tho (20 km, 30 min), My Tho to Cai Be (30 km, 40 min), Cai Be to Long Xuyen (40 km, 1.5 hours including ferry waits).