Ho Chi Minh Southern Bus Station

Ho Chi Minh Southern Bus Station, the starting point of an adventure to the Mekong Delta

Hello, I am mr.hotsia. Today, I will take you deep into the travel experience atHo Chi Minh Southern Bus Stationor what locals commonly call “Ben Tre Southern Station,” which is one of the key travel hubs in southern Vietnam. For me, as I explore various provinces in the south through the Mekong Delta, this station is the gateway to authentic tourism.

Many might wonder exactly where the Ho Chi Minh Southern Bus Station is located, since the capital of Vietnam is Hanoi in the north. But this station is in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, a southern port city. I have previously written travel guidesHo Chi Minhdetailing the atmosphere and attractions around this city.

The atmosphere of the Southern Bus Station from mr.hotsia’s perspective

When I arrived at this Southern Bus Station, the first thing I noticed was the bustling crowd of both local travelers and international tourists preparing to head to various destinations in the south. This station is not just a bus stop but a central hub connecting all major routes in southern Vietnam.

I remember once traveling from Ho Chi Minh to Can Tho, an important city in the Mekong Delta, using the Southern Bus Company’s service here. The ticket price was quite affordable, about 100,000 - 200,000 dong (approximately 150-300 baht), which is very convenient and economical compared to the comfort and frequency of the buses offered.

While waiting for the bus, I took photos of many buses lined up to pick up passengers. Some were single-deck sleeper buses, others were double-deckers that looked new and clean by international standards. It reminded me of my trips using this station to travel to several provinces, such as Ca Mau, the southernmost city of Vietnam, which I have written about in an articleBook Tours in Ho Chi Minhnoting that many tours in Ho Chi Minh start from this station.

Travel routes from the Southern Bus Station

From this station, you can easily travel to major attractions in the south, including:

• Can Tho, the center of the Mekong Delta, famous for its floating markets and symbolizing the riverside lifestyle of local people.
• Ca Mau, the southernmost province of Vietnam, where you can experience mangrove forests and the peaceful Gulf of Thailand coastline.
• Other provinces such as Bac Lieu and Soc Trang, which have interesting temples and local cultures.

For those who enjoy full-package tours, I recommend buying 1-2 day tours from Ho Chi Minh that include stops atCao Dai Templeand the Cu Chi Tunnels, important historical sites in this area. Buying tours departing from Ho Chi Minh is convenient and reasonably priced compared to traveling independently.

Personal experience traveling by bus from the Southern Station

I still remember the day I took a double-decker bus from the Southern Station to Can Tho. The seats were comfortable with cold air conditioning throughout the 4-5 hour journey. I saw beautiful rice fields and riverside communities along the way. Traveling by bus like this made me feel closer to the locals and their daily life in Vietnam.

Using bus services in Vietnam is much more worthwhile and safer than I had expected. At the Southern Bus Station, staff are available to assist and provide route information. If you are not familiar with the bus system here, don’t worry, as I have traveled alone and received help from locals many times.

Easy connections from Ho Chi Minh to other cities

The Southern Bus Station also connects to other tourist cities such as Vung Tau, popular for its beaches and sea breeze. I have written a guide on traveling by bus from Ho Chi Minh to Vung TauBus Ho Chi Minh Vung Tauwhich also starts from this station.

For backpackers who like convenience and saving money, this Southern Bus Station is a stop you shouldn’t miss. Besides being a good connection point, the surrounding area offers a variety of local restaurants serving authentic Vietnamese dishes that are fresh and flavorful.

Food and atmosphere around the bus station

After tiring transfers, I usually look for simple food at roadside eateries near the station, such as grilled button squid with spicy and aromatic Vietnamese spices, orVietnamese Grilled Button Squidwhich I have recorded in a YouTube clip. There is also soft and fragrant chicken biryani and sweet and sour nem fang perfectly paired with fresh vegetables (Vietnamese Chicken Biryani, Vietnamese Nem Fang)

The atmosphere around the station is lively, filled with people coming and going, mixed with calls for buses and local conversations, combined with the scent of spices and food wafting through the air. It made me feel like I was truly experiencing the lifestyle of southern Vietnamese people without having to go far.

Tips for travelers wanting to use the Southern Bus Station

If you are a tourist visiting Ho Chi Minh and want to explore southern Vietnam on your own, I, mr.hotsia, recommend planning and booking tickets in advance, especially during festivals or long holidays, as this station is quite busy.

Traveling by bus from this station is suitable for those who have time and want to experience real local life more than flying. Or if you prefer convenience, you can choose to buyBook Tours in Ho Chi Minhthat include transfers and local guides.

Finally, if you have a chance to visit Vietnam, don’t forget to experience the atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh Southern Bus Station. You will see another side of Vietnam that is unembellished, the true travel lifestyle of the people here, and you will better understand the diversity of this country, making you want to return again for sure.