About the ride from Con Dao Island to Vung Tau
Vietnam is a simply enchanting country and very easy to get around for backpackers and travelers. Trekking, cycling and history tours offer a great opportunity to meet local people and discover an authentic side to the country that package holidaymakers rarely reach.
Getting from Con Dao Island to Vung Tau is very straightforward; the trouble is, you may never want to leave. This awesome 16 island archipelago is out of this world and well worth taking time out from a Vietnam vacation for a spot of sunbathing, snorkeling and seafood suppers.
However, when you've gotta go, you gotta go. The ride back to the mainland takes approximately three hours by ferry. Usually, a couple of ferries depart each day, so if you miss one, you can jump onboard the other unless it's super busy.
The ferry from Con Dao Island to Vung Tau is organized by Phu Quoc Express. They have two types of seat prices: Economy and VIP.
All ferries have air-conditioned seating areas, onboard washrooms, and an open sun lounging area on the top deck. Ships are modern and well-maintained.
The seating in VIP is much more comfortable than in Economy. Although, if you're on the sundeck, it's not really going to matter all that much. VIP seats also boast TVs & headphones.
Ticket prices start from US$36 per passenger for the Economy ferry seat. In contrast, the VIP tickets are almost double, with prices starting at US$62 per passenger.
There is a flight that connects the islands to Ho Chi Minh City, but no one is flying to Vung Tau. Therefore, ferries are the best way to get from Con Dao Island to Vung Tau. Well, actually, they’re the only feasible way.
What to see when traveling from Con Dao Island to Vung Tau
When traveling back to the mainland, you might see several uninhabited islands. Getting close to the luscious green mountain interiors is unlikely; however, they still make quite a sight juxtaposed against the ocean, so keep your camera handy.
Another reason to get out on the ferry’s top deck is to see all the smaller fishing boats bobbing up and down in the shallows. The whole trip is one photo-op after the next.
If you've got a VIP seat in the air-conditioned cabin below deck, you'll still be able to see plenty of ocean views and clear blue skies from the window.
It can be interesting to see who's around and maybe exchange a nod or a smile with your fellow passengers and travelers.
The sundeck, however, is the place to be for backpackers on the Phu Quoc Express ferry from Con Dao Island to Vung Tau.
Just be sure to take precautions if you're staying outside for the entire voyage. Often the cooling sea breeze takes the edge off the heat of the sun. This is when burning can become a real issue. Sun cream, shades and wide-brimmed sun hats are all essential pieces of kit to keep close at hand.
Also, make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydrating. There might be a small kiosk onboard where you can buy bottled water, but don't count on it. Always bring your own water, just to be on the safe side.
If you've brought along binoculars, or you've got a keen eye for wildlife watching, you might be lucky enough to spot some marine animals while on board. Stingrays, dugongs and sea turtles are all known to inhabit this stretch of the South China Sea. So, keep an eye out over the side as you travel. You never know what might swim below the starboard bow.
In fact, many travelers will only be taking the Con Dao Island to Vung Tau ferry after all their underwater action in the islands. Scuba diving and snorkeling are very popular, as is watching sea turtles nesting on the white sand beaches, especially between June to September.
How to get from Con Dao Island to Vung Tau
Taking a ferry from Con Dao Island to Vung Tau
The distance from Con Dao Island to Vung Tau is 194 kilometers (120 miles). This usually takes around three hours to complete from pier to port.
Ferries are modern and comfortable, and Phu Quoc Express is a well-known and well-regarded company in this area of Vietnam. The Economy ferry ticket is the most popular option.
Since it’s such a popular trip, booking your Economy or VIP seat in advance is a good idea. From July to September, especially, things can get hectic.
Now you know how to get from Con Dao Island to Vung Tau, so grab your sunscreen, snorkel and favorite traveling tunes and let’s go!