Last updated October 2018 | Words and photos by Vietnam Coracle | 62 comments

INTRODUCTION | GUIDE | MAP | RELATED POSTS

Taking the boat to Phu Quoc Island is fun, reasonably priced, relatively easy, and a really convenient way to combine a trip to the island with travels in the Mekong Delta or the Cambodian coast. It’s also a great way to visit the island with your own motorbike or car. In the last couple of years, there’s been an enormous increase in boats between the mainland and Phu Quoc Island. There are now at least six different ferry companies operating fast boats and car ferries from the Mekong Delta towns of Ha Tien and Rach Gia to Bai Vong port on Phu Quoc Island. There are dozens of sailings in both directions, on both routes, every day throughout the year. The boats are fairly modern and comfortable, journey time is 1-3 hours depending on the vessel and the route, and prices for passengers and vehicles are very reasonable. On this page, I provide all the information you need for taking the boat to Phu Quoc Island, including a full listing of sailing times and prices for passengers and vehicles.

Taking the boat to Phu Quoc Island from the Mekong Delta is fun, cheap, convenient & relatively easy

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GUIDE: PHU QUOC ISLAND BY BOAT

The Mekong Delta↔Phu Quoc ferry route is booming. There are now at least half a dozen companies operating boat services between the mainland and Phu Quoc Island. Fast boats and car ferries sail from both mainland ports (Ha Tien and Rach Gia) to Phu Quoc. Competition keeps prices down and standards up, and there are plans to expand the ports and ferry services year upon year. This means that, while all the information on this page is accurate at the time of writing (October 2018), some details will have inevitably changed by the time you read this guide. However, these days you can generally guarantee several sailings every day, on fast boats and car ferries, in both directions, from all ports, on all routes (weather permitting). Check the relevant sections in the contents below for full details:

CONTENTS:

• Route Map

• Boat Operators & Contacts

• Sailing Times & Prices

• Booking Tickets

• Departure & Arrival Ports

• The Boats

• The Voyage

ROUTE MAP

Orange line: Rach Gia↔Bai Vong | Red line: Ha Tien↔Bai Vong | Green line: Ha Tien↔Da Chong

View in a LARGER MAP

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SEARCH & BOOK TICKETS:

*Please support Vietnam Coracle: You can search boat times, prices, and make bookings directly from this page for fast boats (not car ferries) between Phu Quoc, Ha Tien & Rach Gia by using the Baolau.com search boxes & links throughout this guide. If you make a booking, I receive a small commission. All my earnings go straight back into this website. Thank you.

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Ferry Operators & Contacts:

There are now at least six different ferry companies offering services between Ha Tien, Rach Gia and Phu Quoc Island. Such is the pace of change, that I wouldn’t be surprised if one or two more ferry operators arrive on the scene within the next year or two. All ferry companies have websites and contact telephone numbers, which I’ve listed below. In general, the ferry company websites are OK, but they aren’t always updated, and in some cases they’re in Vietnamese only (even if the language symbols suggest otherwise). Phone hotlines are also OK, and staff are generally well-trained, with enough English to communicate with non-Vietnamese speakers. But, as a general rule, the information on ferry company websites should be treated only as an indication of services, rather than the current reality. *Note: by the time you read this, Ngoc Thanh may not be operating boats to Phu Quoc anymore.

• Superdong:

• Route: Ha Tien↔Phu Quoc | Rach Gia↔Phu Quoc 
• Ship: fast boat & car ferry
• Contact: www.superdong.com.vn | tel: 0919 664 660; [BOOK HERE with Baolau.com]
  

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• Phu Quoc Express:

• Route: Ha Tien↔Phu Quoc | Rach Gia↔Phu Quoc
• Ship: fast boat
• Contact: www.pqe.vn | tel: 0901 868 878; [BOOK HERE with Baolau.com]
  

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• Ngoc Thanh:

• Route: Ha Tien↔Phu Quoc | Rach Gia↔Phu Quoc
• Ship: fast boat
• Contact: www.ngocthanhexpress.com | tel: 0297 3701 575
  

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• Thanh Thoi:

• Route: Ha Tien↔Phu Quoc | Rach Gia↔Phu Quoc
• Ship: car ferry
• Contact: www.thanhthoi.vn | tel: 0919 222 253
  

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• Seabus:

• Route: Rach Gia↔Phu Quoc
• Ship: fast boat
• Contact: www.hoabinhship.com.vn | tel: 0898 303 989
  

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• Binh An:

• Route: Ha Tien↔Phu Quoc
• Ship: car ferry
• Contact: www.binhanhatien.vn | tel: 0898 122 188
  

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There are now at least half a dozen different boat companies operating ferry services to & from Phu Quoc

*Please support Vietnam Coracle: You can search boat times, prices, and make bookings directly from this page for fast boats (not car ferries) between Phu Quoc, Rach Gia & Ha Tien by using the Baolau.com search boxes & links throughout this guide. If you make a booking, I receive a small commission. All my earnings go straight back into this website. Thank you.

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Sailing Times & Prices:

Below, I’ve listed all the sailing schedules and ticket prices (for passengers, motorbikes, and vehicles) for all the ferry companies on all the routes between the mainland and Phu Quoc Island. Bear in mind that all sailing times for all ferry operators are subject to change according to high/low demand and weather conditions. Therefore, the sailing schedules below should be treated only as a general guide; not as a fixed timetable. However, these days, you can pretty much guarantee multiple sailings in the mornings and afternoons from all ports, regardless of time of year. The only hindrance to your voyage might be weather: in the rainy season (May to October) rough seas can force companies to cancel their services. For the most up-to-date schedules, contact the ferry companies directly or, for selected services, check Baolau.com.

Click a ferry operator below to see their schedules, routes, and prices:

• Superdong: Ha Tien↔Phu Quoc | Rach Gia↔Phu Quoc [fast boat & car ferry]

• Phu Quoc Express: Ha Tien↔Phu Quoc | Rach Gia↔Phu Quoc  [fast boat]

• Ngoc Thanh: Ha Tien↔Phu Quoc | Rach Gia↔Phu Quoc [fast boat]

• Thanh Thoi: Ha Tien↔Phu Quoc | Rach Gia↔Phu Quoc [car ferry]

• Seabus: Rach Gia↔Phu Quoc [fast boat]

• Binh An: Ha Tien↔Phu Quoc [car ferry]
  

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SUPERDONG: FAST BOAT & CAR FERRY

RACH GIA → PHU QUOC (Superdong fast boat)

Departures: 8.00am, 8.30am, 8.45am, 12.40pm, 1.00pm (daily*)

Duration: 2.5 hours

Passenger Ticket: 350,000vnđ, discounts for seniors, children, disabled

Motorbike Ticket: 150,000-200,000vnđ

Website: www.superdong.com.vn or BOOK HERE

*At least two sailings daily (×1=morning, ×1=afternoon); extra sailings in high season (November-April)

PHU QUOC → RACH GIA (Superdong fast boat)

Departures: 8.00am, 8.30am, 12.40pm, 1.00pm, 1.20pm (daily*)

Duration: 2.5 hours

Passenger Ticket: 350,000vnđ, discounts for seniors, children, disabled

Motorbike Ticket: 150,000-200,000vnđ

Website: www.superdong.com.vn or BOOK HERE

*At least two sailings daily (×1=morning, ×1=afternoon); extra sailings in high season (November-April)

HA TIEN → PHU QUOC (Superdong fast boat)

Departures: 7.30am, 8.00am, 12.30pm, 1.15pm (daily*)

Duration: 1.20 hours

Passenger Ticket: 230,000vnđ, discounts for seniors, children, disabled

Motorbike Ticket: 180,000vnđ

Website: www.superdong.com.vn or BOOK HERE

*At least two sailings daily (×1=morning, ×1=afternoon); extra sailings in high season (November-April)

PHU QUOC → HA TIEN (Superdong fast boat)

Departures: 8.00am, 8.20am, 9.45am, 1.00pm (daily*)

Duration: 1.20 hours

Passenger Ticket: 230,000vnđ, discounts for seniors, children, disabled

Motorbike Ticket: 180,000vnđ

Website: www.superdong.com.vn or BOOK HERE

*At least two sailings daily (×1=morning, ×1=afternoon); extra sailings in high season (November-April)

HA TIEN → PHU QUOC (Superdong car ferry)

Departures: 4.15am, 5.30am (daily*)

Duration: 2.45 hours

Passenger Ticket: 185,000vnđ

Motorbike/Car Ticket: 80,000vnđ/800,000vnđ

Website: www.superdong.com.vn

*At least one sailing daily; extra sailings in high season (November-April)

PHU QUOC → HA TIEN (Superdong car ferry)

Departures: 10.30am, 3.00pm (daily*)

Duration: 2.45 hours

Passenger Ticket: 185,000vnđ

Motorbike/Car Ticket: 80,000vnđ/800,000vnđ

Website: www.superdong.com.vn

*At least one sailing daily; extra sailings in high season (November-April)

Pictured above: the Superdong fast boat

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PHU QUOC EXPRESS: FAST BOAT

RACH GIA → PHU QUOC (Phu Quoc Express fast boat)

Departures: 7.20am, 11.00am, 1.00pm, 1.45pm (daily*)

Duration: 2.2 hours

Passenger Ticket: 340,000vnđ | VIP seat: 540,000vnđ, discounts for seniors, children, disabled

Motorbike Ticket: 150,000-200,000vnđ

Website: www.pqe.com.vn or BOOK HERE

*At least two sailings daily (×1=morning, ×1=afternoon); extra sailings when demand is high

PHU QUOC → RACH GIA (Phu Quoc Express fast boat)

Departures: 7.30am, 9.15am, 10.30am, 2.15pm (daily*)

Duration: 2.2 hours

Passenger Ticket: 340,000vnđ | VIP seat: 540,000vnđ, discounts for seniors, children, disabled

Motorbike Ticket: 150,000-200,000vnđ

Website: www.pqe.com.vn or BOOK HERE

*At least two sailings daily (×1=morning, ×1=afternoon); extra sailings when demand is high

HA TIEN → PHU QUOC (Phu Quoc Express fast boat)

Departures: 6.00am, 7.15am, 10.00am, 1.50pm (daily*)

Duration: 1.15 hours

Passenger Ticket: 250,000vnđ | VIP seat: 350,000vnđ, discounts for seniors, children, disabled

Motorbike Ticket: 150,000-200,000vnđ

Website: www.pqe.com.vn or BOOK HERE

*At least two sailings daily (×1=morning, ×1=afternoon); extra sailings when demand is high

PHU QUOC → HA TIEN (Phu Quoc Express fast boat)

Departures: 8.00am, 12.00am, 3.30pm, 4.15pm (daily*)

Duration: 1.15 hours

Passenger Ticket: 250,000vnđ | VIP seat: 350,000vnđ, discounts for seniors, children, disabled

Motorbike Ticket: 150,000-200,000vnđ

Website: www.pqe.com.vn or BOOK HERE

*At least two sailings daily (×1=morning, ×1=afternoon); extra sailings when demand is high

Pictured above: the Phu Quoc Express fast boat

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NGOC THANH: FAST BOAT

RACH GIA → PHU QUOC (Ngoc Thanh fast boat)

Departures: 8.10am, 12.45pm (daily*)

Duration: 2.5 hours

Passenger Ticket: 280,000vnđ, discounts for seniors, children, disabled

Motorbike Ticket: 180,000vnđ

Website: www.ngocthanhexpress.com or BOOK HERE

*At least one sailing daily during high season (November-April), but often no service at all outside high season

PHU QUOC → RACH GIA (Ngoc Thanh fast boat)

Departures: 8.10am, 12.45pm (daily*)

Duration: 2.5 hours

Passenger Ticket: 280,000vnđ, discounts for seniors, children, disabled

Motorbike Ticket: 180,000vnđ

Website: www.ngocthanhexpress.com or BOOK HERE

*At least one sailing daily during high season (November-April), but often no service at all outside high season

HA TIEN → PHU QUOC (Ngoc Thanh fast boat)

Departures: 7.45am, 12.30pm (daily*)

Duration: 1.15 hours

Passenger Ticket: 215,000vnđ, discounts for seniors, children, disabled

Motorbike Ticket: 150,000vnđ

Website: www.ngocthanhexpress.com or BOOK HERE

*At least one sailing daily during high season (November-April), but often no service at all outside high season

PHU QUOC → HA TIEN (Ngoc Thanh fast boat)

Departures: 10.20am, 2.30pm (daily*)

Duration: 1.15 hours

Passenger Ticket: 215,000vnđ, discounts for seniors, children, disabled

Motorbike Ticket: 150,000vnđ

Website: www.ngocthanhexpresss.com or BOOK HERE

*At least one sailing daily during high season (November-April), but often no service at all outside high season

Pictured above: the Ngoc Thanh fast boat

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THANH THOI: CAR FERRY

HA TIEN → PHU QUOC (Thanh Thoi car ferry)

Departures: 4.00am, 4.20am, 5.00am (to Da Chong port), 5.10am, 7.30am, 9.10am, 12.00am, 2.00pm, 4.30pm (daily*)

Duration: 3.00 hours

Passenger Ticket: 185,000vnđ | VIP seat: 250,000vnđ, discounts for children

Motorbike/Car Ticket: 80,000vnđ/700,000-990,000vnđ

Website: www.thanhthoi.vn

*At least half a dozen sailings daily; extra sailings in high season (November-April). All sailings to Bai Vong port unless otherwise stated. Da Chong sailings change regularly.

PHU QUOC → HA TIEN (Thanh Thoi car ferry)

Departures: 5.30am, 7.30am, 8.30am, 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm, 2.30pm, 3.00pm, 3.30pm (from Da Chong port), 4.30pm, 5.30pm (daily*)

Duration: 3.00 hours

Passenger Ticket: 185,000vnđ | VIP seat: 250,000vnđ, discounts for children 

Motorbike/Car Ticket: 80,000vnđ/700,000-990,000vnđ

Website: www.thanhthoi.vn

*At least half a dozen sailings daily; extra sailings in high season (November-April). All sailings from Bai Vong port unless otherwise stated. Da Chong sailings change regularly.

RACH GIA → PHU QUOC (Thanh Thoi car ferry)

Departures: 8.00am (daily)

Duration: 3.00 hours

Passenger Ticket: 270,000vnđ | VIP seat: 400,000vnđ, discounts for children

Motorbike/Car Ticket: 80,000vnđ/700,000-990,000vnđ

Website: www.thanhthoi.vn

PHU QUOC → RACH GIA (Thanh Thoi car ferry)

Departures: 1.30pm (daily)

Duration: 3.00 hours

Passenger Ticket: 270,000vnđ | VIP seat: 400,000vnđ, discounts for children

Motorbike/Car Ticket: 80,000vnđ/700,000-990,000vnđ

Website: www.thanhthoi.vn

Pictured above: the Thanh Tho car ferry

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SEABUS: FAST BOAT

RACH GIA → PHU QUOC (Seabus fast boat)

Departures: 12.30pm (daily)

Duration: 2.15 hours

Passenger Ticket: 330,000vnđ | VIP seat: 500,000vnđ, discounts for children & seniors

Motorbike Ticket: 150,000-200,000vnđ

Website: www.hoabinhship.com.vn

PHU QUOC → RACH GIA (Seabus fast boat)

Departures: 8.00am (daily)

Duration: 2.15 hours

Passenger Ticket: 330,000vnđ | VIP seat: 500,000vnđ, discounts for children & seniors

Motorbike Ticket: 150,000-200,000vnđ

Website: www.hoabinhship.com.vn

Pictured above: the Seabus fast boat

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BINH AN: CAR FERRY

HA TIEN → PHU QUOC (Binh An car ferry)

Departures: 4.20am, 7.20am, 9.30am, 12.20pm, 5.00pm (daily)

Duration: 2.50 hours

Passenger Ticket: 185,000vnđ | VIP seat: 220,000vnđ, discounts for children

Motorbike/Car Ticket: 80,000vnđ/560,000-960,000vnđ

Website: www.binhanhatien.vn

PHU QUOC → HA TIEN (Binh An car ferry)

Departures: 6.00am, 8.20am, 11.30am, 1,30pm, 5.00pm (daily)

Duration: 2.50 hours

Passenger Ticket: 185,000vnđ | VIP seat: 220,000vnđ, discounts for children

Motorbike/Car Ticket: 80,000vnđ/560,000-960,000vnđ

Website: www.binhanhatien.vn

Pictured above: the Binh An car ferry

*Please support Vietnam Coracle: You can search boat times, prices, and make bookings directly from this page for fast boats (not car ferries) between Phu Quoc, Rach Gia & Ha Tien by using the Baolau.com search boxes & links throughout this guide. If you make a booking, I receive a small commission. All my earnings go straight back into this website. Thank you.

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Booking Tickets:

In general, booking tickets for fast boats and car ferries is pretty easy and straightforward, whether for passengers or for motorbikes and cars. Click below for more information:

• Passenger Tickets
• Motorbike & Car Tickets
  

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PASSENGER TICKETS: Passenger tickets for all fast boat and car ferry companies can be purchased at the ticket offices at the boat piers or at offices in the towns of Ha Tien, Rach Gia, and Duong Dong (on Phu Quoc), or from most guesthouses, hotels, resorts, and travel agents on Phu Quoc Island and in Ha Tien and Rach Gia, as well as some in Ho Chi Minh City. Some ferry companies also offer online booking through their websites, but not all of them (see Contact for details). Alternatively, you can book most fast boat (but not car ferry) tickets online through Baolau.com.

Ticket prices are more or less fixed no matter where you buy them (although sometimes there is a small commission charged), so most travellers simply book their tickets through their accommodation. Personally, I prefer to go down to the ports to book my tickets, but this is because I enjoy the atmosphere of the habourfront and I usually have my own means of transportation to get there. (*Note: it’s advisable to book tickets for fast boat services at least a day in advance, because they tend to fill up very quickly, especially during high season [November to April]).

Buying passenger tickets in person is easy at ticket agents, hotels, or at the boat piers, or even online

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MOTORBIKE & CAR TICKETS: If you’re travelling by motorbike, all fast boats can accommodate around a couple of dozen bikes, but it’s best to book at least a day in advance, because space is limited and demand is high. Prices vary depending on the type of motorbike. Although you can book the space for your motorbike at the fast boat ticket offices, payment is generally not made until you board the boat. Be aware that baggage handlers, who are in charge of your motorbike, sometimes try to charge an unofficial ‘handling fee’, but it’s such a small amount that it doesn’t matter. When taking your motorbike or larger vehicle on one of the car ferries the price list is very clear and there’s generally no need to book in advance, unless you have a particularly large vehicle. (*Note: you must have your passport and motorbike/car license plate number when booking tickets for fast boat or car ferry services.)

Plenty of space on car ferries for all kinds of vehicles, but on fast boats space for motorbikes is limited

*Please support Vietnam Coracle: You can search boat times, prices, and make bookings directly from this page for fast boats (not car ferries) between Phu Quoc, Rach Gia & Ha Tien by using the Baolau.com search boxes & links throughout this guide. If you make a booking, I receive a small commission. All my earnings go straight back into this website. Thank you.

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Departure & Arrival Ports:

The two ports on the mainland (Ha Tien and Rach Gia) are both busy harbours full of boats. They can be easily reached on foot or by taxi or motorbike. On Phu Quoc, virtually all boats now arrive and depart from Bai Vong port, in the southeast of the island, which is a 15-minute drive from Duong Dong, the island’s major town, and most of the popular beaches. The only exception is a couple of sailings each day in and out of Da Chong port, in the remote northeast of Phu Quoc.

Click a port below to read more about it:

• Ha Tien Port
• Rach Gia Port
• Bai Vong Port (Phu Quoc)
• Da Chong Port (Phu Quoc)
  

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HA TIEN PORT: There are now at least three different ports in Ha Tien. They are all located on the south side of the To Chau Bridge; the other side of the river from Ha Tien town. The fast boat terminal has been recently refurbished, and now resembles the terminal of a small domestic airport. This is where all Superdong (including the Superdong car ferry), Phu Quoc Express, and Ngoc Thanh ferries arrive and depart. The terminal itself is sparse, clean, and easy to navigate. There are ticket offices inside, a waiting lounge, and several shops, cafes, and local guesthouses around the terminal. Arrival and departure is fairly smooth and efficient, although there’s a bit of a scramble on arrival as the boats are being unloaded, and there are so many ships these days that it gets pretty crowded on the pier.

The Thanh Thoi car ferry has its own separate terminal, just a minute downriver of the fast boat pier. The port is very large, spacious, efficient and well-run, with ticket offices, waiting areas, and a cafe and shop. However, it looks as though the Thanh Thoi pier will soon be relocated (or at least shared) with a new terminal that’s under construction on reclaimed land just under the To Chau Bridge.

The Binh An car ferry also has its own (gigantic) terminal, on a large swathe of reclaimed land which sprawls west of the To Chau Bridge. A huge airplane-style hanger houses ticket offices, shops, cafes, fast food joints, waiting areas, toilets and showers. It’s big and easy to navigate. (See my Guide to Ha Tien more more information about the town and area.)

Ha Tien now has several ports, all of which are located on the opposite side of the river from town

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RACH GIA PORT: Currently, all boats to Phu Quoc from Rach Gia leave from the city’s main port. Fast boats (Superdong, Phu Quoc Express, Seabus, Ngoc Thanh) go from the main terminal, near the mouth of the canal; car ferries (Thanh Thoi) go from a new terminal just next door. The port is being expanded to accommodate the huge increase in ships, cargo, and passengers over the last couple of years. But, for now, Rach Gia port is overcrowded and a little bit chaotic at times. There are ticket offices, a waiting area, and a couple of shops in the main building. Things are set to get more modern, efficient, and generally better in the near future.

Rach Gia is a busy port with boats jostling for space: it can be slightly chaotic during arrival & departure

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BAI VONG PORT (Phu Quoc): A gaping bay on the south-central coast of Phu Quoc, Bai Vong is now the main arrival and departure port for almost all ships (fast boats and car ferries) to and from the island. The port spreads along the bay from north to south, and there’s still a lot of construction going on, as the port is expanding to meet growing demand. Fast boats (Superdong, Phu Quoc Express, Seabus, Ngoc Thanh) dock at the northern end of the bay, where a long pier stretches out to sea to meet the boats. Just south of the fast boat pier is the landing ramp for Binh An car ferries. And right at the southern end of the bay is the Thanh Thoi car ferry pier.

At the fast boat pier there are ticket offices, a waiting area, local food and drink stalls, and a mini-mart. The Thanh Thoi port also has seats and refreshments. Although Bai Vong port is a bit of a mess at the moment because of construction, dust, and trucks, it’s fairly efficient and easy to use, as long as you know which ferry company you are travelling with. Taxis meet the boats when they arrive, or most ferry operators offer boat-bus combo tickets (at a extra cost of a few dollars) which allow passengers to get on a bus from Bai Vong port into Duong Dong (Phu Quoc’s main town), just a 15-minute drive away.

Bai Vong port is on the southeastern coast of Phu Quoc: it’s a busy harbour with multiple piers

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DA CHONG PORT (Phu Quoc): Way up on the northeastern shores of Phu Quoc Island, Da Chong port is remote and quiet. Presently, only one or two car ferries (operated by Thanh Thoi) use Da Chong port each day. It feels as though sailings to and from Da Chong are gradually being phased out, but there has been a fair bit on work on the harbour in recent years, so perhaps there are plans afoot for this sleepy (and very pleasant) corner of the island. There’s very little at all in the immediate vicinity, but the port has a ticket office, shop, and waiting room. Despite being so far from the island’s major towns and beaches, arriving at Da Chong is very scenic – with the high, jungled ridges rising sharply behind the port. However, it’s best suited if you have your own transportation.

Da Chong port is in the remote northeast of Phu Quoc Island: it’s a scenic & quiet port to arrive at

*Please support Vietnam Coracle: You can search boat times, prices, and make bookings directly from this page for fast boats (not car ferries) between Phu Quoc, Ha Tien & Rach Gia by using the Baolau.com search boxes & links throughout this guide. If you make a booking, I receive a small commission. All my earnings go straight back into this website. Thank you.

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The Boats:

There are essentially two kinds of ships sailing between the mainland and Phu Quoc Island: fast boats and car ferries. Some companies operate both types, others only operate one. In general, all boats are comfortable and clean enough, with toilets and plenty of life jackets and life rafts.

Click a type of ship below to read more about it:

• Fast Boats
• Car Ferries
  

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FAST BOATS: Fast boats, which are currently operated by Superdong, Phu Quoc Express, Seabus, and Ngoc Thanh, are relatively small vessels but very quick. Each fast boat has the capacity for between 200-300 passengers and 10-20 motorbikes. The fast boats operated by Superdong, Seabus, and Ngoc Thanh are all very similar, long and slender vessels. Seating is on soft, coach-style, reclinable chairs in two rows separated by an aisle. Air-con is set at a comfortable temperature (but sometimes too cold), and staff and young and polite. Most fast boats now have two levels: an upper and lower deck. There are large TVs which play soap operas, movies, reality shows, or music videos. The volume is quite loud, but you hardly notice it after a while. At the back, there’s a surprising amount of outside deck space, with seating on metal benches. However, the decks are closed for departure and arrival. Light refreshments, such as instant noodles, crisps, beer, coffee, and soft drinks, are available on-board at a little bar on the deck: prices are reasonable considering it’s a captive market. There are several toilets on-board, all of which are kept clean. The Phu Quoc Express fast boats, however, are more modern catamarans. On-board it’s all very plush, and there’s even a VIP seating area, where you get your own personal TV. Regardless of which ferry operator you’re travelling with, the fast boats are all comfortable, quick, and smooth ways to sail to and from Phu Quoc. *Note: although there are railings around the outside decks, they are quite low and the deck can get slippery from the wash. A sudden swell on the ocean or blast of strong wind or small trip could send you overboard. Be very careful.

Fast boats are small, slender vessels with capacity for 200-300 passengers & a dozen or so motorbikes

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CAR FERRIES: Car ferries are large, heavy vessels that generally take twice the time as the fast boats. But sailings are far more frequent, tickets are cheaper, and there’s lots of deck space for passengers enjoy, and plenty of room for motorbikes, cars and much larger vehicles, too. Currently, car ferries are operated by Thanh Thoi, Binh An, and Superdong, but Seabus is also set to join by 2019. Car ferries have capacity for nearly 400 passengers, 200 motorbikes, 30 cars, and several coaches and trucks. Seating is on soft, coach-style reclinable chairs across several decks. Some vessels are very smart, but others are starting to show signs of wear and tear. Toilets are plenty and fine. There’s usually a decent bar/cafe on-board offering snacks and drinks. The Thanh Thoi car ferry operating between Rach Gia and Phu Quoc is a more modern vessel, complete with VIP seating area. Personally, I find the car ferries more exciting than the fast boats – it feels more like a real voyage, and the spacious decks mean you can really enjoy being outside and at sea. 

The car ferries are large hulks that can accommodate dozens of motorbikes, cars, buses & trucks

*Please support Vietnam Coracle: You can search boat times, prices, and make bookings directly from this page for fast boats (not car ferries) between Phu Quoc, Ha Tien & Rach Gia by using the Baolau.com search boxes & links throughout this guide. If you make a booking, I receive a small commission. All my earnings go straight back into this website. Thank you.

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The Voyage:

Sailing from the mainland Mekong Delta to Phu Quoc Island involves crossing a beautiful corner of the Gulf of Thailand. During the high season months (November-April), the seas are usually calm and the skies clear. But during the low-season (May-October), heavy rains fall and storms can churn up the waves. On any of the routes, it’s an interesting and scenic voyage, taking passengers from the flat, agricultural, and densely populated Mekong Delta, to the hilly, forested, tropical shores of Phu Quoc Island.

Click a voyage below to read more about it:

• Ha Tien→Phu Quoc
• Rach Gia→Phu Quoc
  

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HA TIEN→PHU QUOC: Departing Ha Tien is lovely, especially in the mornings or late afternoons. From the bustling harbourfront, the boat drifts out into the mouth of the Giang Thanh River, with the town of Ha Tien on the north bank, and the green, temple-studded To Chau hill on the south bank. Sliding under the harbour bridge, the boat enters the open sea. The mainland slowly recedes and the sea gets bluer as the fluvial waters are diluted by the ocean. Passing through the green and rugged little archipelago of Hải Tặc (Pirate) Islands, the ship ploughs on towards the purple mass of land on the horizon: Phu Quoc. Sadly, in recent years, the sea between the mainland and Phu Quoc has become densely polluted with plastic. Bottles, boxes, wrappers, bags are floating on the surface, bobbing in the ship’s wake for much of the voyage. Even so, as the silhouette of Phu Quoc draws closer, the sun appears to get brighter, the light sharper, and the colours more intense. With Bai Vong port in sight, the ocean becomes calm and placid. The excitement builds as the boat cuts its engine and glides to the pier.

Ha Tien→Phu Quoc is the shorter route & passes through the Hai Tac (‘Pirate’) archipelago

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RACH GIA→PHU QUOC: A thriving city in the Mekong Delta, Rach Gia is a busy, slightly chaotic port to depart from. The boats jostle for space at the point where a canal meets the sea. As the ship maneuvers out of port – avoiding the hulls of other vessels by mere millimetres – the engines immediately roar to life and, before long, the low-rise sprawl of Rach Gia and its landscaped waterfront promenade are a speck on the horizon. Numerous Mekong tributaries and canals muddy the sea for miles, and weed-like water hyacinth grow in clumps on the surface, like large, green rafts. A scattering of lush, hilly islands provide an exotic backdrop as the boat steams further into open sea. Rach Gia is twice the distance from Phu Quoc than Ha Tien, thus the island isn’t visible to the west until halfway through the voyage. When it does appear, Phu Quoc seems small and insignificant. But, as the ship plunges on, the hills of Phu Quoc’s northern tip start to tower above the flat waters of the Gulf of Thailand, like the ramparts of a fort from the set of Game of Thrones. From the deck, you can see the weather moving across the island: billowing clouds building up and then dispersing as they unload on the island’s steamy forests. After nearly 3 hours at sea, the ship curves into Bai Vong port, on the gentle southeastern coast of the island.

The sailing between Rach Gia & Phu Quoc is 2-3 hours, but there’s plenty of outside deck space

*Please support Vietnam Coracle: You can search boat times, prices, and make bookings directly from this page for fast boats (not car ferries) between Phu Quoc, Rach Gia & Ha Tien by using the Baolau.com search boxes & links throughout this guide. If you make a booking, I receive a small commission. All my earnings go straight back into this website. Thank you.

Disclosure: I never receive payment for anything I write: my content is always free and independent. I’ve written this guide because I want to: I like these ferry routes and I want my readers to know about them. For more details, see my Disclosure & Disclaimer statements here

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