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Explore the main transport routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao in this travel guide, giving you all the information you need to choose the best way to reach this beautiful island.
Con Dao Island, located 230 kilometres (143 miles) southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, is one of the country's most pristine and tranquil destinations. Known for its untouched beaches, crystal-clear waters, and steep history, Con Dao is an increasingly popular spot for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. From Ho Chi Minh City, Con Dao is accessible by both air and sea. Each option has its unique advantages, depending on your time, budget, and travel preferences.
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1. Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Island by Plane
If you're looking to save time and get to Con Dao Island as quickly as possible, flying is your best option. A flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour, making it the fastest way to reach the island.
There are several airlines that operate direct flights between Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao Airport (VCS). The main popular carriers include:
These airlines offer multiple flights throughout the week, with daily services during peak travel times. With 10-15 flights per day, you’ll have flexibility in choosing a flight that suits your schedule. The flights are typically short, so you won’t spend much time in the air, making it a convenient choice for travellers who want to minimise travel time.
Flights from Ho Chi Minh to Con Dao of both Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air still depart from Terminal T1 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport even after the opening of terminal T3. The airport is well-equipped, with easy access to check-in counters, lounges and amenities, ensuring a smooth airport experience.
>> See more about Tan Son Nhat International airport
Pricing and timing details
The cost of a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao typically ranges from VND 3,500,000 (approximately US$134)/return ticket, depending on the airline, the season and how early you book. You'll generally find the lowest-priced tickets in October, November and December, whereas fares tend to be more expensive from March through September. Booking in advance is recommended to secure the best prices.
The flight duration is short, but keep in mind that check-in and security procedures at the airport can add extra time, so be sure to arrive at least an hour before your flight.
2. Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Island by high-speed boat
For those who prefer a unique way to travel, taking a speedboat is another popular option for reaching Con Dao Island from Ho Chi Minh City. While it takes longer than flying, the journey by sea offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy the coastal beauty of Vietnam.
There are several ferry and speedboat services that operate between Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao Island, with departures from different ports in and around the city. The boat journey usually takes 2.5-5.5 hours, not including the transfer from your location to the port. While longer than a flight, it can be a relaxing and picturesque way to reach Con Dao.
There are several routes you can take, each departing from different ports in or around Ho Chi Minh City.
2.1. Speedboat to Con Dao from Hiep Phuoc Port
Route: Ho Chi Minh City - Bach Dang Wharf - Hiep Phuoc Port - Con Dao
Departing from Bach Dang Wharf in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, passengers will reach Hiep Phuoc Port, within 50 minutes. Here, you will board a vessel operated by Phu Quoc Express to continue their journey to Con Dao, which will take 6 hours.
This route is well-served by various ferry operators and offers a scenic experience as you head out into the open sea.
Starting from 7:00 AM on May 15, 2024, the Thang Long boat on the Ho Chi Minh City - Con Dao route will depart its first trip from Hiep Phuoc Port, reducing the travel time to Con Dao to approximately 4.5 hours.
- Ticket prices from Monday to Thursday are: 1,100,000 VND/trip for a VIP seat; 880,000 VND/trip for a Standard seat; 700,000 VND/trip for children.
- Ticket prices from Friday to Sunday and during Holidays/Tet are: 1,200,000 VND/trip for a VIP seat; 980,000 VND/trip for a Standard seat; 780,000 VND/trip for children.
2.2. Speedboat to Con Dao from Saigon Port
Route: Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Port - Con Dao
The Phu Quy Express ferry trip departs from Saigon to Con Dao on Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sat. The ferries will depart from Saigon Port (No. 05 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Ho Chi Minh City) to Ben Dam Port, Con Dao. The travel time is approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.
- Ticket prices from Monday to Thursday are: 1,250,000 VND/trip for a VIP berth; 990,000 VND/trip for a ECO seat; 810,000 VND/trip for children.
- Ticket prices from Friday to Sunday and during Holidays/Tet are: 1,370,000 VND/trip for a VIP berth; 1,090,000 VND/trip for a ECO seat; 890,000 VND/trip for children.
2.3. Speedboat to Con Dao from Cau Da Port
Route: Ho Chi Minh City - Cau Da Port (Vung Tau) - Con Dao
This route departs from Cau Da Port at no. 9, Halong Street, Ba Ria - Vung Tau. From Tan Son Nhat airport or Mien Dong Bus station, you can get to Vung Tau by car or bus from Ho Chi Minh City in about 2.5 hours, with a limousine ticket is around 160,000 VND/per person. Once you arrive at Cau Da Port, you'll board a ferry that takes you directly to Ben Dam Port, Con Dao in 4.5 hours.
- Ticket prices from Monday to Thursday are 1,000,000 VND/ way for a VIP ticket; 790,000 VND/ way for an ECO ticket; 630,000 VND/ ticket for children.
- Ticket prices from Friday to Sunday, Holidays, and Tet (Lunar New Year) are 1,100,000 VND/ way for a VIP ticket; 950,000 VND/ way for an ECO ticket; 760,000 VND/ ticket for children.
In 2025, there is the Thang Long Speedboat (Con Dao Express) to Con Dao from Vung Tau.
2.4. Speedboat to Con Dao from Tran De Port
Route: Ho Chi Minh City - Tran De Port (Soc Trang) - Con Dao
This route is less common but still an option. Depart from Tran De Port in Soc Trang, which is around 4.5 hours from downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Once you reach the port, you’ll board a ferry to Con Dao. It takes only 2.5 hours from here to Ben Dam Port, Con Dao Island.
- Ticket prices from Monday to Thursday are: 590,000 VND/trip for a VIP ticket; 390,000 VND/trip for an ECO ticket; 312,000 VND/trip for children.
- Ticket prices from Friday to Sunday, Holidays, and Tet are: 590,000 VND/trip for a VIP ticket; 450,000 VND/trip for an ECO ticket; 360,000 VND/trip for children.
In 2025, there are 4 ferries to Con Dao from Tran De Port, Soc Trang:
- Con Dao Express 36
- Trung Nhi high-speed boat
- Superdong ConDao I
- Superdong ConDao II
The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Island is well worth the effort whether you fly or take the ferry. The island offers a rare mix of serene beaches, rich history and untouched natural beauty that’s increasingly hard to find. The place feels like a hidden gem, where you can unplug, unwind, and reconnect with nature. If you’re short on time or prioritise comfort, flying is your best bet. It’s fast, smooth, and gets you on the island in under an hour. But if you’ve got a little time and want to make the journey part of the experience, the boat route offers something unique. Con Dao will leave you with a sense of awe and appreciation for one of Vietnam’s most special places.
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