Vietnam ferry guide from Ferry VN provides foreign travellers with an authoritative overview of maritime passenger routes, fast ferry operators and island travel logistics across Vietnam for the 2027 season. With over 3200 km of coastline and dozens of inhabited tropical islands, Vietnam's passenger ferry network connects vibrant coastal cities with idyllic offshore havens including Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Phu Quy, Nam Du, Hon Son and Ly Son. Last verified 25/09/2026.
Vietnam Passenger Ferry Network Overview
Vietnam's maritime passenger transport is concentrated in three main geographic zones: the Gulf of Thailand in the southwest, the East Sea corridor in the southeast, and the central coastline.
| Region | Primary destination islands | Mainland departure ports | Key operators | Typical crossing time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest (Kien Giang / An Giang) | Phu Quoc, Nam Du, Hon Son, Hon Tre, Pirate Islands | Ha Tien, Rach Gia | PQE, Superdong, Thanh Thoi, Binh An, Hoa Binh, Minh Nga | 30m to 2h30 |
| Southeast (Ba Ria - Vung Tau) | Con Dao, Vung Tau | HCMC (Nha Rong, Bach Dang), Vung Tau (Cau Da), Tran De | PQE, Superdong, Phu Quy Express, Greenlines-DP | 2h00 to 5h00 |
| South Central (Binh Thuan) | Phu Quy Island | Phan Thiet Port | Phu Quy Express, Superdong | ~2h30 |
| Central (Quang Ngai) | Ly Son Island | Sa Ky Port | Sa Ky Port, Superdong | ~0h45 |
| Mekong International | Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | Chau Doc Port | Hang Chau Express | ~5h00 |
Types of Passenger Ferries in Vietnam
Travellers in Vietnam will encounter three primary types of commercial ferry craft:
1. High Speed Catamarans
Operated by Phu Quoc Express and Phu Quy Express, these modern two-deck aluminum twin hull vessels cruise at 30 to 35 knots. Catamaran technology provides enhanced hull stability, significantly reducing pitch and rolling motions on open sea crossings. These craft feature Economy and VIP business class cabins with USB charging points and airline-style seating.
2. High Speed Monohulls
The backbone of the Superdong and Hoa Binh Shipping fleets, monohull passenger craft cruise at 26 to 28 knots. They feature enclosed air-conditioned main decks with single class Economy seating. Many Superdong vessels accommodate motorbikes on rear deck cargo spaces.
3. Vehicle RO-RO Ferries
Operated by Thanh Thoi and Binh An Ha Tien to Phu Quoc Island, these large multi-deck vessels transport passenger cars, motorbikes and freight trucks alongside hundreds of foot passengers. While slower (taking 2.5 to 3 hours), they offer spacious outdoor decks and economical fares.
Essential Boarding and Booking Guidelines
1. Required Identification
Foreign tourists must present an original valid passport and a valid Vietnam visa or visa exemption document at port ticketing gates. Vietnamese citizens present a Citizen Identity Card (CCCD) or VNeID app. Children under 14 must travel with an original birth certificate or accompanying guardian.
2. Check-in Deadlines
Arrive at departure terminals 30 to 45 minutes prior to sailing for passenger ferries, and at least 60 minutes early if transporting a motorbike or passenger car on a vehicle ferry.
3. Baggage Policies
Standard passenger tickets include 20 kg of free luggage. Excess baggage is weighed and charged nominal fees at the pier. Prohibited items include flammable fuels, explosives, chemicals and weapons.
How to Book Vietnam Ferry Tickets Online
Booking through Ferry VN provides confirmed seat reservations, instant digital e-tickets delivered by email, and secure payment processing with international credit and debit cards.
Browse our complete ferry ticket directory to compare all 16 scheduled routes across Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can foreign tourists book Vietnam ferry tickets online? | Yes. Ferry VN provides an English language booking portal accepting international credit cards with instant digital e-ticket delivery. |
| What is the luggage allowance on Vietnam passenger ferries? | Most fast ferry operators allow up to 20 kg of free personal luggage per passenger. |
| What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to rough weather? | When port authorities suspend sailings due to marine storms, passengers receive a 100 percent refund or free transfer to the next available departure. |
| Can I bring a motorbike on Vietnam ferries? | Motorbikes are transported on Superdong fast ferries and on all Thanh Thoi and Binh An car ferries when space is booked in advance. |
| Which is the shortest ferry crossing in Vietnam? | The crossing from Ha Tien to the Pirate Islands takes only 30 minutes, while Ha Tien to Phu Quoc takes 1 hour 30 minutes. |
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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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