Sea route · Asia – US East Coast & Gulf
Cai Mep – Thi Vai to Houston by sea
Typical routing, approximate distance and estimated transit time for ocean freight from Cai Mep – Thi Vai to Houston.
- Approx. distance
- 11,630 nm (≈ 21,540 km)
- Transit (direct service)
- 30–35 days
- Transit with transshipment
- 33–42 days
- Pure sailing time at 16–18 knots
- 26.9–30.3 days
- Main straits & canals
- Luzon Strait, Panama Canal
- Service pattern
- Direct & transshipment options
Routing
From Cai Mep – Thi Vai the usual routing passes Luzon Strait, Panama Canal before reaching Houston.
Both direct services and transshipment options are offered on this route; transshipment typically connects in Busan, Shanghai.
Straits and canals on this route
- Luzon Strait Passage between Taiwan and the Philippines from the South China Sea to the Pacific, used by transpacific and Japan-bound services from Vietnam.
- Panama Canal Canal linking the Pacific and the Atlantic/Caribbean; used for Asia–US East Coast and Gulf services. Drought in 2023–2024 temporarily restricted draft and transits.
About this trade lane: Asia – US East Coast & Gulf
Vietnam to New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Houston and other East Coast and Gulf ports, via the Panama Canal or via Suez (Cape of Good Hope during Red Sea diversions).
US Gulf and Mexican Gulf ports are mostly reached via the Panama Canal, directly or by transshipment in North Asia or the Caribbean.
Distances are the sum of great-circle legs between waypoints along the usual sea lanes, through the relevant straits and canals, rounded to the nearest 10 nautical miles. Transit ranges assume a typical service speed of 16–18 knots plus time for intermediate port calls and canal transits; transshipment adds several days for the connection at the hub. Figures are estimates for planning and comparison, not carrier schedules.
Frequently asked questions
How long is shipping from Cai Mep – Thi Vai to Houston?
About 30–35 days port to port on a direct service, for an approximate sea distance of 11,630 nautical miles. Add time for inland transport, customs and any transshipment.
Are there direct services from Cai Mep – Thi Vai to Houston?
Both direct and transshipment services are commonly offered; transshipment usually connects in Busan, Shanghai.
How can I get a freight rate from Cai Mep – Thi Vai to Houston?
Send Global Logistic Group your cargo type, volume (FCL or LCL), ready date and Incoterms®; we will compare carriers and send an all-in quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.