Rach Gia to Can Gio Road Trip: Routes, Stops & Costs

The Rach Gia–Can Gio corridor traces the southern edge of the Mekong Delta, a region where the Mekong's nine mouths meet the sea. This 300 km drive, mostly along National Route 80 and then the coastal roads of Ben Tre and Tra Vinh provinces, offers a front-row seat to the delta’s intricate canal networks and mangrove forests.

The route’s southernmost point, Cape Ca Mau, is the only place in Vietnam where you can watch the sun rise over the South China Sea and set over the Gulf of Thailand on the same day. Though the drive itself is long, the journey is punctuated by ferry crossings, floating markets, and some of the country’s finest seafood.

The most direct route from Rach Gia to Can Gio runs west on National Route 80 to Ha Tien, then south on Route 1A to Nam Can, followed by a ferry across the Song Cua Lon to Can Gio. Total driving time is approximately 8.5 hours, excluding breaks and ferry waits.

Fuel stations are sparse between Ha Tien and Nam Can, especially along the coastal stretches in Ca Mau province. Fill up in Rach Gia or Ha Tien; the next reliable station is in Cai Nuoc, about 70 km south of Nam Can.

Ferry Details and Costs

• The Rach Gia–Phu Quoc ferry does not connect to Can Gio; you must cross at Nam Can.
• Ferries operate every 30 minutes from 6 AM to 8 PM; a one-way ticket for a car costs 50,000 VND.
• Alternatively, you can take a longer route via My Tho and Ben Tre, which avoids ferries but adds 150 km and 3 hours.

The delta’s flat, low-lying terrain creates a dense network of rivers and canals, often bordered by coconut groves and paddy fields. Near Ben Tre, the “coconut capital” of Vietnam, you’ll see endless rows of coconut palms, and the area is known for producing coconut candy – a must-try snack.

Further south, U Minh Thuong National Park offers a glimpse of peat swamp forest, home to rare endangered species like the hairy-nosed otter. The park is accessible via a 20 km detour from Route 1A.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The only UNESCO World Heritage Site directly along this route is the My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of abandoned Hindu temples from the Cham civilization, located 150 km north of Rach Gia. A side trip to My Son adds nearly a day but is well worth the journey for history enthusiasts.

Local Commerce and Culture

Traditional markets are the heart of every delta town. The Cai Rang floating market, near Can Tho, is the largest, but smaller markets like the one in Vi Thanh offer intimate encounters with local traders. On the route, you’ll also find boat-building villages, most notably in Giong Trom.

To discover less-visited spots, consult our guide to how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road safety on this route is a concern due to narrow roads, frequent heavy trucks, and unlit stretches. Always wear seatbelts, and avoid driving after dark, as animals and pedestrians are common hazards.

For family travel, the Vinpearl Aquarium and Safari in Phu Quoc, though off-route, is a popular day trip. Closer to the route, the Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap offers bird watching tours suitable for children.

Fatigue and Rest Stops

Plan to rest every 2 hours. Key rest points include: the town of Long Xuyen (100 km from Rach Gia), the city of Ca Mau (midpoint), and the village of Dat Mui (southernmost point).

Be aware that cafes and restaurants are sparse in the final 100 km before Nam Can, so stock up on snacks and water in Ca Mau.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most hotels and guesthouses along the route are pet-friendly, but always confirm in advance. Some ferry operators require pets to be on a leash, and pets must wear a muzzle on public buses – if you’re taking one, it’s best to drive.