Getting there and away

Air

Vietnam Airlines offers flights from Saigon to Rach Gia three times a week. The flights continue on to Phu Quoc. Space is limited, so book as early as possible to be sure of a seat. The airport is about 1km north of the bus station at Rach Soi -- you can get a motorbike or taxi from there into town -- a motorbike will cost 25,000 VND.

Bus

Buses to Rach Gia depart throughout the morning from Ho Chi Minh City's Mien Tay bus station. The trip takes at least seven hours, and costs around 100,000 VND. Several express minibuses travel the same route at breakneck speeds. These can be arranged through most hotels and travel agents in Saigon.

Rach Gia is served by two bus stations. If you're coming from elsewhere in the Mekong Delta, you'll likely be taken to the main Rach Gia bus station, which is actually seven kilometres east of town, in Rach Soi. It handles most of Rach Gia's traffic, and has connections to buses all over the Mekong Delta, and to as far away as Ho Chi Minh City. You'll need to take a motorbike or taxi from there into town (25,000 VND). You may need to bargain for a long time to get a reasonable fare -- if they won't budge, walk out to the main road and hail one.

Much more convenient is the Rach Gia central station, located across the river from Rach Gia Park, about 400m north. Primarily used by private minibuses, it offers express services to and from Ho Vhi Minh City and Can Tho, as well as regular buses to Ha Tien and Hon Chong. A motorbike taxi from here to the centre of town should cost around 10,000 VND.