Phu Quoc Express Boats: Is It Worth Choosing for Your Trip to Con Dao?

Phu Quoc Express Boats: Is It Worth Choosing for Your Trip to Con Dao?

Are you planning a trip to Con Dao, Vietnam’s hidden island paradise? With limited flight options to the island, taking the Phu Quoc Express high-speed ferry is an excellent alternative?

In March 2025, the Asia Viva Travel team conducted an inspection trip using Phu Quoc Express boats to evaluate the service quality and find the best travel option for tourists. We traveled from Vung Tau to Con Dao and from Con Dao to Tran Dien (Soc Trang province), ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.

 

Why Choose Phu Quoc Express Boats?

Con Dao is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination, but flight access remains limited:
–  No direct flights from Hanoi to Con Dao.
–  Limited flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, often expensive and fully booked.

To provide an alternative, we tested the Phu Quoc Express ferry service to see if it offers a comfortable and reliable way to reach Con Dao. Based on our experience, it’s a great choice for travelers who want affordability, comfort, and a scenic journey.

 

How to get to Con Dao by Phu Quoc Express boats

After our inspection trip, we recommend tourists use Hai Van Limousine to transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau, before choosing Phu Quoc Express boats.

Step 1: Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau

Before catching the ferry, you first need to reach Vung Tau, a coastal city about 95 km from Ho Chi Minh City. There are several ways to get there:

1. Hai Van Limousine (Most Comfortable Option)

From Tan Son Nhat Airport or anywhere in Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Van Limousine also picks you up. It’s available via the Hai Van Limousine app or website, so tourists can book it easily with a good budget. 

• Cost: 260,000 VND (~$10 USD) per person.
• Travel Time: ~2 hours.
• Comfort Features: Air-conditioning, massage seats, free Wi-Fi, and bottled water.

2. By Public Bus (Budget-Friendly Choice)

Tourists can consider take Bus #72-1 from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Vung Tau Bus Station. Tickets are available at the airport bus counter or through online platforms. It will cost about 110,000VND ($4.50 USD). However, it will be uncomfortable and take more time to travel, from 2-3 hours to transfer and 

3. By Private Taxi (Not recommended)

The fact that using a private taxi will cost higher than others, about 1,200,000 – 1,500,000 VND ($50-65 USD) per car and the time travel also about 2 hours. 

Step 2: Board the Phu Quoc Express Ferry

After arriving in Vung Tau, make your way to Cầu Đá Port to book your passage on the Phu Quoc Express ferry to Con Dao.

• Schedule: Typically, there is one trip per day, usually departing in the morning (it’s wise to confirm exact timings ahead of time).
• Travel Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours.
• Ticket Prices:
  • Standard Seat: 660,000 VND (~$26 USD) per person.
  • VIP Seat: 1,200,000 VND (~$48 USD) per person (with wider seats and better views).

Tickets can be purchased directly on the Phu Quoc Express website or at the Cầu Đá Port ticket counter. For seamless travel planning, consider booking through Asia Viva Travel, where we will handle all service reservations and ticket bookings for you.

 

3. Recommended Con Dao Travel Routes

During our inspection, we explored two travel routes: Vung Tau – Con Dao and Con Dao – Trần Đề.

• Vung Tau – Con Dao Route:
  • Frequency: Typically, one express service per day.
  • Duration: Approximately 4 hours.
  • Features: A comfortable ride with various seat quality options. Ideal for those who may be prone to seasickness.
• Con Dao – Trần Đề Route:
  • Recommended for its shorter travel time of about 2.5 hours.
  • This route is a more relaxed option, making it less tiring than the trip from Vung Tau to Con Dao.

By choosing the Phu Quoc Express for your journey to Con Dao, you’ll not only enjoy the trip but also benefit from a scenic ride that enhances your overall travel experience. Happy travels!