Plan your Vietnam ferry trip with our guide to routes, classes, booking tips, and what to expect on crossings to Phu Quoc, Cat Ba, Con Dao, and beyond.
Vietnam has a long coastline, its shores dotted with islands ranging from the towering limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the palm-fringed paradise of Phu Quoc in the deep south. Ferries are woven into daily life here, not just as tourist excursions but as essential lifelines connecting island communities to the mainland. For travelers, hopping on a Vietnamese ferry opens up some of the country's most spectacular scenery - the kind you simply cannot access by road or rail.
Vietnam's ferry network is concentrated around several key regions rather than forming a single unified system. The busiest hub is in the north, where boats serve Ha Long Bay and the neighboring Lan Ha Bay area and connect the mainland to Cat Ba Island. From Hai Phong, many travelers go by road to the Dong Bai terminal on Cat Hai island and cross to Cat Ba by ferry (about 30 minutes, every 30 minutes from 05:00 to 18:00, 14,000 VND per person) or by speedboat (about 8 to 10 minutes, around 80,000 VND). A speedboat from Binh Port in Hai Phong takes around 60 to 70 minutes and costs from 250,000 VND, but it does not run from September to April.[1]
In central Vietnam, ferry services are more limited. The southern region is where the network picks up again significantly. The Mekong Delta relies on a web of river ferries and boats to cross its maze of waterways. Con Dao is reached by high-speed boat from Saigon (990,000 VND, about 6 hours) and from Vung Tau (660,000 VND, about 4 hours), according to Greenlines DP.[2] The most popular southern route links Rach Gia on the mainland to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam's largest island and a major beach destination. Phu Quoc Express lists a crossing time of 2 hours 30 minutes from Rach Gia to Bai Vong.[3]
Multiple private operators run these routes, for example Phu Quoc Express between Rach Gia and Phu Quoc, Greenlines DP from Saigon and Vung Tau, and several companies on the Cat Ba routes. The network is not centralized under one national carrier, so each region effectively has its own operators and ticketing systems.
Most Vietnamese high-speed ferries have a fairly simple class system: a standard class, and on some routes and operators a higher class.
Standard class on most high-speed ferries means airline-style seating with air conditioning. Crossings range from a few minutes on the short Cat Ba hops to a few hours on the Phu Quoc and Con Dao routes. Legroom can feel tight when boats are fully loaded in peak season.
Higher classes, where an operator offers them, typically add wider seats and more legroom. The price difference varies by operator and route, so compare before upgrading on longer crossings like Rach Gia to Phu Quoc.
For the slower, traditional ferries still operating in the Mekong Delta and on some shorter crossings, there is often no class distinction at all. These are open-deck vessels where passengers sit on benches or plastic chairs alongside motorbikes and cargo - a far more atmospheric experience, if less polished.
Advance booking is strongly recommended for popular routes, particularly the mainland-to-Phu Quoc ferries and Cat Ba services during weekends and Vietnamese holidays. Boats can sell out days in advance during Tet (Lunar New Year), summer holidays, and long weekends.
Tickets can be purchased directly at port ticket offices, but this requires arriving early and sometimes navigating a language barrier. A more convenient option is booking online through travel platforms - GoAsia.cc lets you compare ferry schedules and operators across different Vietnamese routes, which is especially helpful when multiple companies serve the same destination at varying times.
Most online bookings generate an e-ticket or booking confirmation that you exchange for a boarding pass at the port counter. Bring your passport or ID, as operators may ask for it at check-in.
For Mekong Delta river ferries and short local crossings, no booking is needed. You simply show up, pay a small fare, and board.
High-speed ferry journeys in Vietnam are efficient but not always smooth. The South China Sea (known locally as the East Sea) can be choppy, particularly during the monsoon months. Open-sea crossings such as Rach Gia to Phu Quoc and Vung Tau to Con Dao can be rough in bad weather, so be prepared for seasickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication before boarding - the crew will not slow down for rough water.
Scenery varies dramatically by route. The crossings to Cat Ba in the north offer views of limestone islands rising from emerald water. Southern routes offer open ocean views, while Mekong Delta ferries glide through a lush, flat world of coconut palms, floating markets, and riverbank villages.
Food and drink options on board are minimal. Some high-speed ferries have a small snack counter selling instant noodles, drinks, and packaged snacks, but selection is limited and quality is basic. Bring your own water and food for longer crossings. Restrooms are available on all major ferries, though they range from acceptable to rudimentary.
Luggage is typically stored in a designated area at the front or rear of the cabin. Large backpacks and suitcases are handled by crew members who will stow them for you. Keep valuables and essentials in a small bag at your seat. There is generally no Wi-Fi on board, and phone signal drops out on longer open-water crossings.
One cultural note: Vietnamese passengers tend to board and disembark in an enthusiastic rush. Do not expect orderly queuing. Position yourself near the exit a few minutes before arrival if you want to get off quickly, especially if you need to catch onward transport at the port.
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
