The “Back to the Roots” Journey Côn Đảo for Students in Ho Chi Minh City

The journey to the source of the Vũng Tàu - Côn Đảo high-speed train line of Phú Quốc Express

Connecting the lecture hall with the “red address” Côn Đảo

In the direction of educational reform that links theory with practical experience, taking students to “red sites” of special historical significance is becoming a trend that many educational institutions in Ho Chi Minh City are strongly implementing. Among them, Con Dao Not only is it a tourist destination, but it is also a sacred symbol of the Vietnamese people's patriotic spirit, indomitable will, and desire for independence.

To help realize the goal of taking traditional education beyond the classroom, starting in March 2026, Phú Quốc Express High-Speed Boat Joint Stock Company officially launch the route discount program Vũng Tàu – Côn Đảo and conversely ticket prices start from 410,000 VND, effective from March 15, 2026 to July 12, 2026. This is a program specifically designed to accompany “Back to the Roots” activities for students of universities and colleges in Ho Chi Minh City.

The preferential policy is not merely about covering transportation costs; it also demonstrates the proactive role of businesses in collaborating with the education sector to promote historical values and revolutionary traditions. By facilitating transportation, scheduling, and budgeting, Phú Quốc Express helps schools easily organize large-scale field trips, ensuring consistency, safety, and efficiency.

Connecting the lecture hall with Côn Đảo is therefore not just a geographical journey from the mainland to a remote island, but also a journey connecting the past with the present, ideals with actions. Each departing ferry carries the young generation's aspirations for learning, spirit of gratitude, and sense of civic responsibility, helping to transform the history lessons on the pages of textbooks into vivid, emotionally rich, and meaningful experiences.

Journey to the Source Côn Đảo
Journey to the Source Côn Đảo

Côn Đảo – “Living history lecture hall” for the younger generation

Côn Đảo is a sacred land closely linked to the nation's glorious revolutionary struggle. This place has long been a symbol of unyielding patriotism and the desire for independence.

Following the directive of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the Department of Education and Training has requested universities and colleges to implement the annual “Back to the Roots” program in Côn Đảo. The goal is to foster patriotism and civic responsibility through this model. experiential learning linked to community service.

Instead of just learning from theoretical textbooks, students directly participate in meaningful activities such as:

  • Offering incense in remembrance at Hang Duong Cemetery and Hang Keo Cemetery.
  • Visit the Côn Đảo prison complex and historical landmarks.
  • Organizing political activities and specialized seminars on revolutionary traditions and the principle of “remembering one's roots.”.
  • Participate in volunteer activities, protect the environment, and interact with the armed forces and local residents.

The integration of traditional education into practice helps improve the quality of political and ideological education in schools, while also leaving a deep and lasting impression on students participating in the program.

Grass Field Côn Đảo
Grass Field Côn Đảo

Thăng Long Ship – Bridge for the journey to the source Côn Đảo

To organize large groups of students, transportation plays a crucial role. High-speed trains Thang Long (Phú Quốc Express) currently the top choice on the route Vũng Tàu – Côn Đảo.

With a capacity of up to 1,107 passengers, The Thăng Long bus meets the concentrated transportation needs of schools without the need to split up the group. This makes management, attendance, and organizing group activities more convenient, synchronized, and safer.

Large capacity, centralized movement

High speed train Thang Long It is the largest single-hulled ship in Vietnam, measuring 77 meters in length. The ship has four decks: two Economy Class decks, one VIP deck, and one Rooftop Cafe deck where passengers can enjoy the sea view.
The Thăng Long ship is divided into 2 classes main: chair Eco (popular) and chair VIP. Eco seats are located on decks 2-3, offering an open space with all basic amenities and complimentary bottled water. VIP seats on deck 1 provide a quieter environment, featuring reclining seats with footrests, each equipped with an entertainment screen and individual headphones. Notably, passengers in the VIP cabin are served one complimentary soft drink, creating a comfortable feeling like on a luxury airplane. The ship also has a Coffee Rooftop area on the deck where passengers can sip drinks while admiring the vast sea view. 

Modern technology, smooth ride

It is currently the largest single-hull high-speed vessel in Vietnam., Thang Long Designed according to advanced technical standards, it optimizes balance and minimizes lateral sway when traveling on the sea. Thanks to its sturdy hull structure combined with a modern navigation and control system, the ship operates stably even in mild sea conditions, providing a sense of security for passengers, especially large groups of students.

Thăng Long operates at an average speed of approximately 30 nautical miles per hour, helping to shorten travel time on the route Vũng Tàu – Côn Đảo down to about 3:30. Optimizing travel time not only enhances the efficiency of program organization but also helps students maintain their physical and mental readiness to immediately participate in incense-offering ceremonies, sightseeing tours of historical sites, and political activities upon the ship's arrival at port. The sea voyage thus becomes smooth, convenient, and aligned with the “Return to the Source” itinerary for day trips or short-term programs organized by educational institutions.

Community living space at sea

Not only focusing on technical aspects, the Thăng Long ship also features a spacious interior, scientifically arranged seating, unobstructed aisles, and a modern air conditioning system, creating a comfortable environment throughout the journey. The ship's cabin has a large capacity, allowing student groups to sit together by class, department, or school, facilitating management and organization of group activities.

Specifically, during the 3 hours and 30 minutes at sea, the delegations and associations can take advantage of this space to organize specialized activities, disseminate program content, exchange and share experiences, or review historical traditions before arriving at the “red address” Côn Đảo. As a result, the journey is no longer merely a means of transportation, but becomes a meaningful part of the educational experience activities.

Therefore, the Thăng Long ship not only transports students to Côn Đảo, but also helps connect emotions, foster a collective spirit, and inspire national pride from the moment the ship leaves the dock.

Journey to the Source Côn Đảo
Journey to the Source Côn Đảo

Train ticket promotion Vũng Tàu – Côn Đảo starting from 410,000 VND

During the period from March 15, 2026 to July 12, 2026, Phú Quốc Express applies preferential rates from 410,000 – 790,000 VND, a significant reduction compared to the usual price of 790,000 – 1,100,000 VND.

This policy helps schools optimize organizational costs, creating opportunities for more students to participate in large-scale traditional education programs. Compared to air travel, high-speed trains offer greater economic efficiency, flexibility in terms of passenger numbers, and a more meaningful group experience.

According to the schedule, the Thăng Long train departs from Vũng Tàu at 7:30 AM and from Côn Đảo at 1:00 PM, convenient for the day-trip plans of the groups.

Phú Quốc Express – Partnering to spread historical value

Through the program “Journey to the Source”, Phú Quốc Express not only provides simple transportation solutions but also affirms its role as A sustainable bridge between the mainland and Côn Đảo – a place considered one of the nation's sacred “red addresses.” Each train departure carries not only passengers, but also a spirit of gratitude, a sense of responsibility, and a desire to return to historical roots. Be proactive in booking your high-speed train tickets at phuquocexpress.com or call the hotline 0901868878, Choose the right seat class and plan your Côn Đảo adventure today.

Partnering with universities, colleges, and youth organizations in traditional educational programs demonstrates the company's commitment to contributing to the socialization of experiential education activities. Phú Quốc Express aims to work with schools to transform history lessons in the classroom into vivid real-life experiences, helping students gain a deeper appreciation for the value of peace, independence, and the great sacrifices made by previous generations.

By facilitating transportation, costs, and schedules, the program helps expand opportunities for many students to participate in large-scale, well-organized, and meaningful “Back to the Roots” activities. As a result, the journey to Côn Đảo is not just a practical trip, but a journey that fosters ideals, nurtures national pride, and spreads patriotism among the young generation of Vietnam today and tomorrow.

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