The most convenient departure point for a ferry to Con Dao depends on where you are staying, your budget and your travel dates. Three options are Tran De, Vung Tau and Saigon.
Tran De often offers the best combination of lower fares, a shorter sea journey and more frequent departures. Vung Tau and Saigon can be convenient for travellers staying near their ports, provided suitable outbound and return sailings are available.
Comparing Ferry Routes to Con Dao
| Factor | Tran De – Con Dao | Vung Tau – Con Dao | Saigon – Con Dao |
|---|---|---|---|
| Departure port | Tran De port area | Cau Da Port | Saigon Port |
| Approximate journey time | 2 hours 15 minutes–2 hours 30 minutes | 3–4 hours | Around 6 hours or longer, depending on the vessel |
| Standard adult fare | VND 390,000–450,000 one way | VND 790,000–950,000 one way | VND 990,000–1,090,000 one way |
| Sailing frequency | Generally more frequent, with more departure and return dates | Fewer operating days; check the monthly schedule | Fewer operating days; check the monthly schedule |
| Seasonal availability | Generally more consistent service | Services may be reduced or suspended seasonally | Services may be reduced or suspended seasonally |
| Best suited to | Mekong Delta visitors and travellers prioritising lower fares and less time at sea | Visitors staying in Vung Tau or combining both destinations | Visitors staying in central Ho Chi Minh City who prefer fewer road connections |
Journey times and fares are for reference. Confirm the operating schedule, vessel and fare for your travel date before booking.
Taking a Ferry from Tran De: Lower Fares and More Frequent Sailings
Tran De is a practical departure point for visitors travelling from Can Tho, the former Soc Trang area and other parts of the Mekong Delta.
The sea crossing typically takes around 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the vessel and operating conditions.
Where Does the Ferry Depart from Tran De?
For Phu Quoc Express services, the departure point is in the Tran De fishing port area, on 30/4 Street, Ap Cang, Tran De Commune, Can Tho City. This location was previously part of Tran De District, Soc Trang Province.
When arranging transport, provide the ferry operator’s name and the boarding location shown on your ticket. Operators may use different check-in and boarding points within the Tran De port area.
Why Choose Tran De?
Tran De’s main advantages are lower fares, a shorter crossing and generally more frequent sailings than Saigon or Vung Tau. This makes it easier to choose suitable departure and return dates, particularly for weekday trips.
A shorter crossing may also appeal to travellers who are uncomfortable spending long periods at sea. However, comfort depends on sea conditions, the vessel and individual sensitivity to motion.
If you are starting from central Ho Chi Minh City, remember to include the road journey to Tran De. A cheaper ferry ticket does not always mean a cheaper overall trip, especially if you need private transport or an overnight stay near the port.
Taking a Ferry from Vung Tau: Convenient for Visitors Staying Nearby
The Vung Tau – Con Dao route is worth considering if you are already staying in Vung Tau or would like to combine a mainland beach break with your island trip.
Where Does the Ferry Depart 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.
When booking a transfer, specify “Cau Da Port, 09 Ha Long Street” to avoid confusion with other ferry terminals.
The sea journey generally takes around 3–4 hours, depending on the vessel and operating conditions.
How Frequent Are Vung Tau Departures?
Vung Tau generally has fewer sailing days than Tran De. Even during its operating season, departures may be limited to selected days of the week.
After the September 2 National Day holiday, services are often reduced or suspended for the seasonal operating break. Suspension and reopening dates vary, so check the operator’s announcement for your travel period.
Confirm both your outbound and return sailings before booking accommodation or transport to Vung Tau.
Taking a Ferry from Saigon: A Central Departure Point and Sleeper Options
The Saigon – Con Dao route can suit travellers staying in central Ho Chi Minh City who would prefer to avoid travelling by road to Vung Tau or Tran De.
Where Does the Ferry Depart from Saigon?
Phu Quy Express lists its departure point as Saigon Port, 05 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Xom Chieu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, in the former District 4 area.
The boarding terminal and ticket office may be at different addresses. Check your ticket and boarding instructions for the correct port entrance and check-in location.
Advantages and Things to Consider
The main advantage is the departure location close to central Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on the vessel, passengers may be able to choose standard seats, standard sleeper berths or VIP sleeper berths.
However, the journey is longer than the crossings from Tran De or Vung Tau. Allow around 6 hours or more, and confirm the expected duration for your particular sailing.
Saigon departures are also generally less frequent than Tran De services. After the peak season, particularly following the September 2 holiday, sailings may be reduced or suspended. Do not assume that ferries operate every day.
Comparing Ferry Fares to Con Dao
The following reference fares are based on Phu Quoc Express services from Tran De and Vung Tau, and Phu Quy Express services from Saigon.
All prices are in Vietnamese dong per passenger, one way.
| Route | Ticket type | Monday–Thursday | Friday–Sunday and public holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tran De – Con Dao | Adult ECO seat | 390,000 | 450,000 |
| Tran De – Con Dao | VIP seat | 590,000 | 590,000 |
| Vung Tau – Con Dao | Adult ECO seat | 790,000 | 950,000 |
| Vung Tau – Con Dao | VIP seat | 1,000,000 | 1,100,000 |
| Saigon – Con Dao | Adult standard seat | 990,000 | 1,090,000 |
| Saigon – Con Dao | Standard sleeper berth | 1,150,000 | 1,260,000 |
| Saigon – Con Dao | VIP sleeper berth | 1,250,000 | 1,370,000 |
Fares may change according to the operator’s policy, vessel and promotional offers. Separate fares and eligibility conditions apply to children, senior passengers and other concession categories.
For standard adult seats, Tran De fares are approximately VND 400,000–500,000 lower each way than Vung Tau and VND 600,000–640,000 lower each way than Saigon.
To compare the total cost, add transport to the port, local transfers, parking and any overnight accommodation. Return tickets should be calculated using the fare applicable to each travel date.
Why Should You Check the Schedule Before Choosing a Port?
The nearest port is not always the most convenient option if there is no sailing on your preferred date.
Tran De generally offers more choice for departure and return dates. Saigon and Vung Tau have more limited schedules, particularly on weekdays or outside the main operating season.
If you plan to travel after the September 2 holiday, check whether Saigon and Vung Tau services are operating before making other reservations. If suitable sailings are unavailable, travelling by road to Tran De may be an alternative.
All routes remain subject to changes caused by weather, maintenance and operational requirements.
Which Route Should You Choose?
Travelling from the Mekong Delta
Check Tran De services first. Lower fares, a shorter sea crossing and more frequent departures make this a practical option for many visitors.
Already Staying in Vung Tau
Check the Vung Tau route first if suitable return sailings are available. Departing locally can save the time and expense of travelling to another port.
Staying in Central Ho Chi Minh City
Compare the three options according to your priorities:
- Choose Saigon if you prefer fewer road connections, are comfortable with a longer crossing and can find suitable sailings.
- Choose Vung Tau if you want to combine both destinations or have convenient transport to Cau Da Port.
- Choose Tran De if you prioritise lower ferry fares, less time at sea and a wider choice of travel dates.
Things to Check Before Booking
Before confirming your trip:
- Check availability for both the outbound and return journeys.
- Confirm the departure terminal, arrival port and check-in location.
- Ask for the total price and the ticket’s change and refund conditions.
- Prepare the identification documents required by the operator.
- Arrive within the operator’s check-in deadline and allow extra time for road delays.
- Check for schedule updates before travelling to the port.
- Leave a reasonable buffer before any onward flight or important appointment.
Tran De often provides the strongest combination of price, crossing time and sailing frequency. Vung Tau and Saigon can be convenient for travellers staying nearby when suitable return services are available. Check the actual schedule first, then compare the total cost of your journey.
