Should you take the ferry to Con Dao from Vung Tau or Tran De? Tran De generally offers lower fares, a shorter sea crossing and more frequent departures. Vung Tau can be more convenient if you are already staying nearby or want to combine both destinations in one trip.
Before choosing, compare ferry fares, transport to the port, sailing frequency and return availability. The closest port is not always the most practical option if there is no sailing on your preferred date.
Vung Tau and Tran De Ferry Routes Compared
| Factor | Vung Tau – Con Dao | Tran De – Con Dao |
|---|---|---|
| Departure point | Cau Da Port, 09 Ha Long Street | Tran De port area, 30/4 Street |
| Approximate crossing time | 3–4 hours | 2 hours 15 minutes–2 hours 30 minutes |
| Standard adult weekday fare | VND 790,000 one way | VND 390,000 one way |
| Standard adult weekend and public holiday fare | VND 950,000 one way | VND 450,000 one way |
| Sailing frequency | Generally fewer operating days | Generally more frequent departures |
| Seasonal availability | Services may be reduced or suspended after the peak season | Generally more consistent service |
| Best suited to | Visitors staying in Vung Tau or combining both destinations | Mekong Delta visitors and travellers prioritising lower fares and less time at sea |
Fares in this guide refer to Phu Quoc Express services. Confirm the schedule, vessel and ticket price for your travel date before booking.
Comparing Departure Ports
Departing from Vung Tau
Phu Quoc Express services depart from Cau Da Port, 09 Ha Long Street, Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, in the former Vung Tau City area.
This departure point is convenient if you are already staying in Vung Tau. Travellers arriving from elsewhere can also spend a night here before continuing to Con Dao.
When arranging a transfer, provide the full port name and street number to avoid confusion with other ferry terminals.
Departing from Tran De
The Con Dao Express terminal is on 30/4 Street, Tran De Commune, Can Tho City, in an area formerly part of Soc Trang Province.
Tran De is a practical departure point for visitors coming from Can Tho, the former Soc Trang area and other parts of the Mekong Delta. Food, accommodation and parking services are available around the port area.
Check the boarding location on your ticket, as ferry operators may use different passenger terminals within Tran De.
Comparing Ferry Journey Times
Tran De offers a shorter sea crossing than Vung Tau.
The Tran De – Con Dao journey typically takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. The Vung Tau crossing generally takes around 3–4 hours, depending on the vessel and operating conditions.
If spending less time at sea is your priority, Tran De is worth considering. However, include the road journey to the port when comparing total travel time.
For someone already staying in Vung Tau, departing locally may save a substantial road transfer. For visitors in the Mekong Delta, Tran De is usually the more practical port to reach.
Comparing Ferry Fares to Con Dao
All prices below are in Vietnamese dong per passenger, one way.
| Ticket category | Vung Tau: Monday–Thursday | Vung Tau: Friday–Sunday and public holidays | Tran De: Monday–Thursday | Tran De: Friday–Sunday and public holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult ECO seat | 790,000 | 950,000 | 390,000 | 450,000 |
| VIP seat | 1,000,000 | 1,100,000 | 590,000 | 590,000 |
| Senior passenger | 630,000 | 760,000 | 312,000 | 360,000 |
| Child aged 6–11 | 630,000 | 760,000 | 312,000 | 360,000 |
Confirm concession eligibility and current fares when booking. The weekday fare category does not mean that a ferry operates every weekday.
For an adult ECO seat, Tran De is cheaper by:
- VND 400,000 each way on weekdays.
- VND 500,000 each way on weekends and public holidays.
If both journeys qualify for weekday fares, an adult return ticket costs VND 780,000 from Tran De, compared with VND 1,580,000 from Vung Tau. That is a difference of VND 800,000 per person, before transport to the port and other expenses.
For a complete comparison, add road transport, transfers, parking, meals and accommodation if you need to arrive the previous day.
Comparing Sailing Frequency and Seasonal Operations
Tran De Generally Offers More Travel Dates
One of Tran De’s main advantages is its more frequent sailing schedule. Travellers generally have more choice when selecting departure and return dates, particularly for weekday trips.
Services can still change or be cancelled because of weather, maintenance or operational requirements. Always check the actual schedule before making other reservations.
Vung Tau Requires More Attention to Seasonal Schedules
Vung Tau generally has fewer sailing days than Tran De. During its operating season, services may run only on selected days of the week.
Following the September 2 National Day holiday, services are often reduced or suspended for a seasonal operating break. Suspension and reopening dates depend on the operator’s announcements each year.
If you plan to travel after September 2, check whether the Vung Tau route is operating before booking accommodation or transport. Do not rely on a schedule published for an earlier month.
Which Route Is Better for Travellers Prone to Seasickness?
Tran De is worth considering if you want to reduce your time at sea.
However, neither route can be guaranteed to provide a smoother crossing. Vessel movement depends on waves, wind, direction of travel, the vessel and your seating position.
If you are sensitive to motion, check weather conditions, rest before travelling and ask the operator about suitable seating. A shorter crossing reduces time aboard but does not guarantee that you will avoid seasickness.
Should You Choose Vung Tau or Tran De?
Choose Vung Tau If You Are Staying Nearby
Vung Tau can be a practical choice if you are already in the area, want to combine it with a beach break or have convenient transport to Cau Da Port.
The essential condition is having suitable sailings for both your outward and return journeys.
A higher ferry fare may be balanced by lower transport costs and less time spent reaching the port.
| Date | Vung Tau → Con Dao | Con Dao → Vung Tau |
|---|---|---|
| 24/10/2026Saturday (Today) | Not operating | Not operating |
| 25/10/2026Sunday (Tomorrow) | Not operating | Not operating |
| 26/10/2026Monday | Not operating | Not operating |
| 27/10/2026Tuesday | Not operating | Not operating |
| 28/10/2026Wednesday | Not operating | Not operating |
| 29/10/2026Thursday | Not operating | Not operating |
| 30/10/2026Friday | Not operating | Not operating |
| 31/10/2026Saturday | Not operating | Not operating |
Choose Tran De for Lower Fares and More Flexible Dates
Tran De suits Mekong Delta visitors, travellers seeking a shorter crossing and those who need a wider choice of sailing dates.
It is also worth checking when Vung Tau services are unavailable or seasonally suspended. If you are travelling from farther away, you can arrive the evening before and stay near the terminal.
| Date | Trần Đề → Con Dao | Con Dao → Trần Đề |
|---|---|---|
| 24/10/2026Saturday (Today) | Not operating | Not operating |
| 25/10/2026Sunday (Tomorrow) | Not operating | Not operating |
| 26/10/2026Monday | Not operating | Not operating |
| 27/10/2026Tuesday | Not operating | Not operating |
| 28/10/2026Wednesday | Not operating | Not operating |
| 29/10/2026Thursday | Not operating | Not operating |
| 30/10/2026Friday | Not operating | Not operating |
| 31/10/2026Saturday | Not operating | Not operating |
If You Are Starting from Central Ho Chi Minh City
Check return availability on both routes first, then compare total travel time and cost:
- Vung Tau: consider this option when sailings fit your dates and you want to include Vung Tau in your trip.
- Tran De: consider this option when lower fares, a shorter sea crossing and more departure choices are your priorities.
Things to Check Before Booking
- Confirm both outbound and return sailings.
- Check the departure terminal and arrival port on Con Dao.
- Ask for the total price and ticket change or refund conditions.
- Prepare the identification documents required by the operator.
- Arrive before the check-in deadline.
- Check for service updates before travelling to the port.
- Allow extra time before any onward connection after your return ferry.
Tran De generally has the advantage in ferry fares, crossing time and sailing frequency. Vung Tau can be more convenient for visitors staying nearby when suitable sailings are available. Choose the route that fits both your travel dates and your total budget.
