From 2017 and earlier, the hydrofoil ferries operating between Vung Tau and Saigon were once the fastest and most iconic mode of transportation linking the two destinations. Long before modern expressways and limousine services became popular, these hydrofoils carved their own place in the memories of countless travelers.
When the Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway opened and limousine operators upgraded their fleets with newer, more comfortable vehicles, the travel time by road gradually became comparable to high-speed boats. Passengers naturally gained more choices, and the era of hydrofoil travel slowly came to an end.
Today, many still recall with nostalgia the feeling of gliding over the water, the roar of the engines, and the excitement of watching Saigon or Vung Tau appear on the horizon. Let’s take a moment to look back at the once-thriving hydrofoil operators on this historic route.
Hydrofoil Operations: A Snapshot of the Past
In its prime, hydrofoils ran from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau and back with impressive frequency:
Departure intervals: Every hour
Operating time: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Fare: 250,000 VND per trip
This system was once the backbone of fast intercity travel between the two coastal urban centers.
Greenlines Hydrofoil
HCMC Office: 51 Hàm Nghi, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1
Tel: 028.38215609 – 38218189 – 39147806
Vung Tau Office: 124 Hạ Long, Vung Tau City
Tel: 0254.3810202 – 3510720
Today, Greenlines DP no longer uses the old hydrofoils. The company has completely transitioned to modern two-hull high-speed catamarans, becoming the only operator still maintaining the Saigon ↔ Vung Tau passenger route.
Vina Express Hydrofoil
HCMC Office: 10 Tôn Đức Thắng, District 1
Tel: 028.38297892 – 38214948
Vung Tau Office: 120–126 Hạ Long
Tel: 0254.3856565 – 3856530 – 3510900 – 3510689
Vina Express was one of the most recognizable hydrofoil brands of its time, known for its signature yellow-blue vessels.
Petro Express Hydrofoil
Operated by Quang Hung Transport Co., Ltd.
HCMC Tel: 028.38213650 – 38210653
Vung Tau Tel: 0254.3515151 – 3511913
Petro Express served thousands of passengers each month before hydrofoils were gradually phased out.
Pacific Express High-Speed Boat
Although not a hydrofoil, Pacific Express deserves mention in this chapter of history. Operated by Thai Binh Duong Petroleum Tourism JSC, the service opened in 2017 but ended operations in 2018.
The boat departed from Nha Rong Wharf in HCMC
Route: Saigon River → Long Tau → Vung Tau
Fun fact: The domain https://taucaotoc.vn once belonged to this company 🙂
A Memory for Those Who Once Traveled This Route
For many, the hydrofoil era symbolizes:
- The rush of speed over the waves
- The anticipation of arriving at the beach
- Childhood trips with family
- The earliest “modern travel experience” between Saigon and Vung Tau
Though the hydrofoils have faded into the past, they remain a cherished part of the region’s maritime history—one that shaped decades of travel and tourism.
