Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Rideshare Apps to Reach the Mekong Delta
- Emilie Russell
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
Plan ahead to avoid transport delays—and discover why private car service or Minh Tam Bus is the best option for your journey to Mango Home Riverside.
While ride-sharing apps like Grab are widely used in major Vietnamese cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Hoi An, they’re not reliable when it comes to traveling to more remote areas like the Mekong Delta, particularly Bến Tre and Mango Home Riverside.
Here’s what travelers need to know—and why we recommend choosing a private car transfer instead.
The Problem with Grab in the Mekong Delta
Ride-share pricing is driven by complex algorithms that constantly adjust based on demand. This means your fare can increase significantly during:
Peak hours
Poor weather
Public holidays and weekends
For travelers heading to Ben Tre or trying to catch a flight from Ho Chi Minh City, this kind of pricing and availability fluctuation can be a major issue.
Grab drivers are primarily based in HCMC, and a 5-hour round trip to the Mekong Delta often isn’t worth it for them—especially if they return without a fare, which is not only common but the norm.
The result? You may find your booking:
Gets cancelled last-minute
Is left pending with no driver accepting
Leaves you stuck, waiting in limbo
The Reliable Alternative: Private Car Transfers
At Mango Home Riverside, we can arrange private car transfers with trusted, contracted companies. These are not gig workers—they’re professional, full-time drivers who serve our guests regularly.

Benefits of Booking a Private Car:
Over 99% on-time arrival rate (within 15 minutes of the booked time)
Friendly, professional drivers
Clean, comfortable vehicles
No app hassles or cancellations
We also assist with public bus service options for those who are budget-conscious but still want a reliable ride. Minh Tam bus services 80% of our overnight guests here at Mango Home Riverside and they operate every 30 minutes from 6:30am – 6:30pm daily. The best part of this service is that it is less than $5 USD per person per way and because their station is in our general vicinity, they will provide a free shuttle service to our village pathway.
What to Expect from a Private Car to Mango Home
Travel time: Approx. 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City to Mango Home Riverside
Pickup: Airport, hotel, or preferred address
Drop-off: Directly at our riverside property
Extras: Cold water, luggage handling, and washroom stops if requested

For guests with early flights, tours, or same-day travel plans, this is the most dependable choice by far.
Final Thoughts: Choose Convenience and Reliability
While apps like Grab offer flexibility in the city, their model doesn't work well in the countryside. For your journey to Ben Tre or Mango Home Riverside Eco - Resort, we highly recommend booking a private transfer in advance or if coming from HCMC, using Minh Tam bus.
Let us help you arrange transportation that ensures a stress-free, scenic, and punctual arrival.
💬 Have Questions or Need Help Booking?
Email us directly: reservations@mangohomeriverside.com
We're always happy to help you plan your travel to the heart of the Mekong Delta, here in Ben Tre!
Related Blog Posts You May Enjoy
Comments