How to get to con dao is an essential travel planning question for visitors seeking secluded national park beaches, turtle nesting sites and historical landmarks in 2027. Located in the East Sea approximately 98 nautical miles off the southern mainland coast, Con Dao Island can be reached via daily high speed catamarans departing from Tran De, Vung Tau and Ho Chi Minh City, or via regional ATR-72 and Embraer commercial flights. Last verified 25/09/2026.
Con Dao Transport Options Overview
The table below outlines all primary travel routes connecting mainland Vietnam with Ben Dam Port or Con Dao Airport (VCS) for the 2027 season.
| Route | Transport mode | Origin point | Journey time | Adult fare from | Key advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tran De to Con Dao | Fast ferry | Tran De Port (Soc Trang) | ~2h00 | 320,000 VND | Shortest sea route, budget friendly |
| Vung Tau to Con Dao | Fast catamaran | Cau Da Port (Vung Tau) | ~3h30 | 790,000 VND | Daily morning sailings, large vessels |
| HCMC to Con Dao | Fast catamaran | Nha Rong Port (District 4) | ~4h30 to 5h00 | 850,000 to 880,000 VND | Direct departure from central Saigon |
| Can Tho to Con Dao | Coach + Fast ferry | Can Tho downtown via Tran De | ~3h30 to 4h00 | 380,000 VND | Convenient Mekong Delta connection |
| Flight from HCMC | Commercial aircraft | Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) | ~0h50 | 1,800,000 to 2,800,000 VND | Fastest overall travel time |
| Flight from Hanoi | Commercial aircraft | Noi Bai Airport (HAN) | ~2h20 | 3,000,000 to 4,500,000 VND | Direct northern connection |
How to Get to Con Dao by Ferry
Travelling by sea offers panoramic ocean views, generous luggage allowances and significant financial savings compared to domestic flights. Three mainland ports operate scheduled passenger ferry sailings to Con Dao:
1. Fast Ferry from Tran De Port (Soc Trang) - Shortest Crossing
The soc trang con dao ferry departing from Tran De Port offers the shortest sea crossing, covering 57 nautical miles in approximately 2 hours. Both Superdong and Phu Quoc Express operate daily morning departures with adult fares starting at 320,000 VND. Shuttle buses connect central Can Tho and Soc Trang City directly with Tran De Port.
2. Fast Catamaran from Vung Tau - Daily Convenient Departures
The vung tau con dao ferry sails daily from Cau Da Port in Vung Tau aboard the 598 seat Trung Nhi or the 1017 seat Thang Long catamaran. The 3.5 hour voyage crosses 98 nautical miles, arriving at Ben Dam Port around 11:00. Weekday fares start at 790,000 VND.
3. Direct Catamaran from Ho Chi Minh City - Central Saigon Boarding
Travellers in Ho Chi Minh City can board the con dao ferry from hcmc or ho chi minh con dao ferry directly from Nha Rong Port in District 4, sailing to Con Dao in 4.5 to 5 hours without requiring road transfers to secondary coastal ports.
Arrival at Ben Dam Port and Town Transfers
Passenger ferries dock at Ben Dam Port on the southwestern tip of Con Dao Island. Taxis, shared minibuses and electric open air shuttles meet all scheduled ferry arrivals.
The scenic 13 km drive along the coastal road from Ben Dam Port into Con Son town center takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes, with taxi fares costing approximately 180,000 to 250,000 VND.
Seasonal Weather and Sea Conditions for 2027
Sea conditions determine ferry comfort and schedule reliability across the southern East Sea:
- Calm season (March to September): The best window for ferry travel, offering flat seas, sunny days and minimal wave motion.
- Rough season (October to February): Northeast monsoon winds can produce ocean swells. Travellers sailing during this period should take motion sickness medication or choose flights during major storm warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the fastest ferry to Con Dao? | The fastest sea crossing departs Tran De Port in Soc Trang province, taking approximately 2 hours. |
| Where do ferries arrive on Con Dao? | All scheduled passenger ferries dock at Ben Dam Port, located 13 km southwest of Con Son town center. |
| Can I take a ferry directly from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao? | Yes. Passenger catamarans depart Nha Rong Port in District 4, completing the voyage in 4.5 to 5 hours. |
| What is the luggage allowance on Con Dao ferries? | Standard passenger tickets include 20 kg of free personal luggage, with excess weight charged at port check-in. |
| Are ferry tickets to Con Dao refundable if sea storms cancel the sailing? | Yes. When port authorities suspend sailings due to adverse weather or marine storms, passengers receive a 100 percent refund or free transfer to the next available sailing. |
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FAQ
Select your origin port, destination island and travel date on our homepage search tool. Compare competing operator sailings and prices, choose your preferred seat class, enter passenger passport information and complete payment with an international debit or credit card. Your electronic ticket is issued immediately upon payment confirmation.
Your e-ticket is sent directly to your registered email address as a digital PDF attachment containing passenger names, seat numbers, sailing times, terminal addresses and a scannable QR boarding code. You can display this e-ticket on your mobile screen at port check-in counters without printing.
Ferry VN accepts major international credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, JCB and American Express. Domestic Vietnamese bank transfers and local payment apps are also supported. All transactions are processed securely with transparent pricing in Vietnamese Dong.
Most fast ferry operators including Phu Quoc Express and Superdong allow up to 20 kg of free checked or carry-on luggage per passenger. Excess weight is weighed and charged directly at the port pier. Prohibited items include explosives, flammable liquids, weapons and toxic chemicals.
Passengers should arrive at the departure terminal 30 to 45 minutes before departure for standard fast ferry services. If you are transporting a motorbike or passenger car on a vehicle ferry, arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure to complete vehicle inspection and loading.
If port authorities suspend sailings due to storms or rough seas, passengers are entitled to a 100 percent refund or free transfer to the next available sailing.
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