Traveling to Con Dao by ferry is an excellent suggestion for budget-conscious travelers. Vietnampeace.com will guide you through taking a ferry to Con Dao in detail in the following article.
To fully customize your Con Dao trip, various types of ferries depart for Con Dao with different schedules and departure points for you to choose from. Typical ferries depart from Vung Tau, Soc Trang, Can Tho, and Saigon as follows:
Currently, Superdong Ferry ranks among the top modern high-speed ferries in Vietnam, with a capacity of over 300 passengers divided into multiple cabins. It’s equipped with comfortable seats and modern facilities, notably including a high-end rescue system for emergencies.
Superdong’s cabins have LED TVs, air conditioning, and complimentary wifi. The VIP cabins offer the same amenities as standard cabins but with more attentive service.
Regarding safety, the high-speed Soc Trang ferry ensures smooth operation even in adverse weather conditions, thanks to its ability to withstand winds up to level 7. Safety remains a top priority for Superdong Ferries while ensuring the most time-saving travel itinerary, departing punctually from the designated locations.
Departure Point: Since the high-speed ferry terminal to Con Dao is located at Tran De Port, Long Phu District, Soc Trang Province, this is a suitable choice for those departing from Soc Trang or the western region.
Travel Route: To reach Tran De Port for your journey to Con Dao, first travel to Soc Trang Province. Soc Trang is approximately 230km from Saigon, and it takes about 4 hours to reach by car or bus. From the city center of Soc Trang, it’s about 35km to Tran De Port. Upon arrival at the port, various Superdong ferry routes are available, but most tourists prefer the route to Con Dao for the most convenient Con Dao tour experience.
Many people will immediately think of the Con Dao Express ferry when it comes to high-speed ferries to Con Dao. It is the largest twin-hull high-speed ferry in Vietnam, with a 5-star standard. It accommodates 600 passengers in separate cabins, each equipped with reclining seats, TVs, wireless headphones, and toilets. Additionally, there are 50 VIP seats, also known as Business Class seats, upholstered in genuine leather.
Furthermore, the ferry is designed for high stability and absolute safety, thanks to its modern anti-vibration system, allowing passengers to rest comfortably even in rough seas. It can withstand up to level 7 or 8 winds and harsh weather conditions, thanks to state-of-the-art materials imported from Europe, such as the latest Roll-Royce MTU 16V2000M70 engines.
Moreover, the ferry features spacious decks and lounges, providing a comfortable and relaxing environment, making it a suitable choice for those prone to seasickness.
The Con Dao Express ferry offers various departure routes, providing passengers multiple choices from different locations, such as Soc Trang – Con Dao, Can Tho – Con Dao, or Vung Tau – Con Dao. Consider the departure location that best suits your Con Dao tour.
The Greenlines Con Dao High-speed Ferry operates to Con Dao via transit from Saigon and Vung Tau. With a sea-crossing capability of 350 nautical miles, the ferry has a length of about 45m, width of 14m, and serves 155 air-conditioned seats. It is equipped with modern systems for wave resistance and other advanced facilities.
Many travelers prefer departing from Saigon; however, this option may incur higher costs and longer travel time as you have to travel to the port of Vung Tau and choose another ferry to reach the romantic Con Dao.
To travel to Con Dao by the Greenlines Con Dao High-speed Ferry, head to the Bạch Đằng high-speed ferry terminal at 10B Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Then, upon arrival at Vung Tau City port, choose the next suitable ferry for your journey.
In addition to ferry travel, travelers can also opt for flights to Con Dao, a fast and popular mode of transportation for visiting Con Dao.
Included in the list of Con Dao tourist ferries, the Vung Tau Con Dao High-speed Ferry CQ – 03 is a relatively new name but still ensures safety and modern amenities comparable to renowned ferry companies. This high-speed ferry has ample space for over 300 passengers in various cabins. The experienced crew ensures absolute safety for passengers.
The ferry offers two types of seating: reclining beds and seats. However, based on Con Dao’s travel experience, it’s recommended to choose seats to save costs. If you feel hungry during the journey, contact the ferry’s customer care team, who will provide food and drinks attentively.
Departure Point: Departing from Vung Tau is the choice for those departing from Vung Tau to Con Dao.
In addition to the above four high-speed ferry companies, you can also consider the Con Dao 10 ferry, departing from Cat Lo Port, Vung Tau, with a capacity of 148 passengers, 108 beds, and 40 seats. However, the ferry operates monthly rather than regularly, so plan accordingly.
For those of you in the Hanoi area gearing up for a trip to Con Dao by train, you’ll need to make your way to Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho by plane first, then continue your journey to the ports to board a ship to this beautiful island.
### Train Departure Times to Con Dao
The departure times for Con Dao-bound trains vary depending on the carrier. Below are the detailed departure times and durations for each train company. Take a look at the table:
Train Name | Departure Timeframe | Travel Duration |
Superdong to Con Dao (Soc Trang to Con Dao) | 8:30; 13:15 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Con Dao Express High-Speed Ship | 9:00; 12:00; 15:00; 16:00 | 2 – 3 hours |
Con Dao Greenlines High-Speed Ship | 8:00; 12:00; 14:00; 16:00 | 90 minutes |
Vung Tau to Con Dao CQ-03 High-Speed Ship | 8:30; 10:00; 14:00; 16:00 | 3 hours |
An essential step in preparation for your trip is purchasing train tickets to Con Dao. Based on travel experiences, buying tickets early is advisable to avoid overload or sold-out situations due to the increasing number of tourists visiting Con Dao.
– Elderly: 260,000 VND per ticket
– Adult: 310,000 VND per ticket
– Children (based on birth year): 220,000 VND per ticket
– People with disabilities: 230,000 VND per ticket
Ticket prices for Con Dao Express High-Speed Ship are as follows:
– Elderly: 170,000 VND per ticket
– Adult: 240,000 VND per ticket
– Children: 120,000 VND per ticket
– Elderly: 380,000 VND per ticket
– Adult: 420,000 VND per ticket
– Children: 350,000 VND per ticket
So, how can you purchase tickets to Con Dao? Nowadays, there are various methods, including traditional buying at the port or online booking via the train company’s website. Regardless of the chosen carrier, follow these steps:
1. First, visit the website of your preferred train company.
2. Fill in all required information, including ticket quantity, date, and departure time.
3. Click on “Book Now.” You’ll find various payment methods to choose from. After making your selection, complete the payment, and voilà! You’ve got your tickets for the upcoming trip to Con Dao.
If you’re all set for Con Dao, don’t overlook these essential tips:
– Book your train tickets early, ideally two weeks in advance, and opt for round-trip tickets.
– Ticket prices may fluctuate depending on the timing.
– Tran De Port has parking services available, so if you’re traveling by motorcycle, you needn’t worry. Additionally, high-speed ships offer motorcycle transport to Con Dao for those who prefer their wheels for island exploration.
– If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack motion sickness medication to ensure a smooth journey.
– Crucially, when booking your train tickets to Con Dao, be sure to secure your accommodation to avoid a situation where you have tickets but no place to stay.
With these insights, you’re all set for an unforgettable journey to Con Dao!