Ho Chi Minh City-Con Dao express boat service to launch with fare of up to $54

A new express boat service connecting downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Island off the coast of southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province is set to launch on March 29, with ticket prices ranging from VND720,000 (US$28) to VND1.37 million ($54).

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport and Public Works told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the resumption of this ferry route aims to boost waterway transport and tourism connectivity while marking Vietnam’s Reunification Day (April 30).

Thanh Thanh Phat Passenger Transport Co. Ltd. will operate the route using the 374-seat Phu Quy Express ferry.

The inaugural voyage is scheduled for 7:00 am on March 29 from Saigon Port in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 4.

The vessel will then leave from Ben Dam Port or Con Dao Passenger Port at 11:30 am for the return trip.

The journey will take approximately five hours and 30 minutes.

The company has proposed weekday (Monday to Thursday) fares at VND720,000 ($28) for disabled passengers, VND810,000 ($32) for seniors and children, and VND990,000 ($39) for standard seating.

Sleeper berth fares will be VND800,000 ($31) for disabled passengers, VND970,000 ($38) for children and seniors, and VND1.15 million ($45) for standard berths.

VIP sleeper berths will be priced at VND1.25 million ($49).

Weekend fares will be slightly higher, with standard seating ranging from VND790,000 ($31) to VND1.09 million ($43) and sleeper berths ranging from VND880,000 ($34) to VND1.37 million ($54).

In May 2024, Ho Chi Minh City licensed Phu Quoc Express JSC to operate an express boat service on the Ho Chi Minh City-Con Dao route with a travel time of 3-4 hours.

However, the company suspended operations after just two months due to logistical challenges.

Passengers complained about the long distance of over 20 kilometers from downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Hiep Phuoc Port in Nha Be District, costly transit fees, plus a VND35,000 ($1.4) fee per trip for entering the port, and limited return transport options to the city center.

Minh Duy - Thu Dung / Tuoi Tre News

(2025/03/21-15:21)