Con Dao – a pristine and historic archipelago, always has a strong attraction for domestic and foreign tourists. The emerald green beaches, rich ecosystems and sacred historical relics make Con Dao a destination "must come once" in life. From Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), visitors can now choose Phu Quoc Express high-speed boat (Super Ship Thang Long) to get to the island, a new means of transport that offers a unique experience.
This high-speed train line was opened in May 2024 and quickly became a "bright spot" connecting tourists from the mainland to Con Dao. The article below will share details Experience of going to Con Dao from Saigon by speedboat – from itineraries, flight comparisons, to itinerary suggestions, hotels, food and tours, to help you have the most complete trip!

Schedule and travel time
Super Ship Thang Long of the company Phu Quoc Express is currently selected convenient and modern to go to Con Dao from Saigon. Below is important information about the trip's schedule and travel time.
Departure point (Saigon port)
Ship departs from Saigon – Hiep Phuoc Port in Can Gio district, about 50 km south of Ho Chi Minh City center. This is a new seaport put into operation for the route. Saigon – Con Dao. Tourists can travel by car or bus (the shipping company usually has a shuttle bus to take passengers to the port on schedule) to Hiep Phuoc wharf. According to experience going to Con Dao, You should leave early to arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before boarding time, because the port is quite far from the center.
In addition, Phu Quoc Express will also open a route to Con Dao departing from Bach Dang port in the near future. You will have the opportunity to experience the sea and islands this summer, just departing right at this District 4 port! Stay tuned for the latest news from us!
Schedule and travel time
Currently, Thang Long ship runs the Saigon - Con Dao route with quite regular frequency during the day. Estimated departure time is approx. 07:00 AM from Hiep Phuoc port and vice versa from Con Dao around 13:00. Travel time by sea is about 4 hours 30 minutes for the Saigon - Con Dao route. The ship docks at port Dam Wharf in Con Dao, about 12 km from the center of Con Son town (visitors can take a taxi or shuttle bus to town in ~20 minutes). Note that the schedule may change depending on the day of the week (for example, some days the train runs directly from Saigon to Con Dao, other days it runs from Vung Tau to Con Dao). Therefore, visitors should check train schedule details on the official website phuquocexpress.com or contact the switchboard hotline 0901868878 before planning
Ticket price and class
High speed train ticket price 5 star route HCMC - Con Dao fluctuates from only 555,000 VND to 1,100,000 VND per turn depending on the subject (adult, child, elderly, disabled), ticket class (Economy/Eco or VIP) and booking time. Specifically, a standard Eco ticket for adults is usually around 790,000 - 1,000,000 VND, while a VIP ticket is more expensive (~1.1 million). Children, the elderly or war invalids are often given a discount (maybe as low as ~600,000 VND/trip). This price includes VAT.
Compared to a plane ticket to Con Dao from Ho Chi Minh City (about 1.3 million VND/way excluding checked baggage), taking the train is a bit more cost-effective. According to PQE's experience of going to Con Dao from Saigon, Tourists should book early especially during peak season, and can be easily booked online on the shipping company's website or through official agents. When booking tickets, you need to provide the passenger's full name and ID card/CCCD number or passport (similar to booking airline tickets). Tickets will be issued electronically via email/Zalo, very convenient.
Amenities on board
Thang Long ship is super catamaran modern, the largest in Vietnam with 4 floors (2 floors of Eco seats, 1 floor of VIP seats and the top floor as a cafe with a view) and maximum capacity 1,017 passengers. The ship is equipped with Rolls-Royce MTU engines imported from Germany, for speeds up to ~30 nautical miles/hour (about 55 km/h). Thanks to the stable twin-hull design and special bow that increases the ability to turn waves, the ship significantly reduce the situation seasick compared to small ships. Inside the passenger cabin there is air conditioning, comfortable seats, entertainment TV and clean toilets. The top deck has an open space like a rooftop cafe where visitors can go up to see the sea and take pictures. There is also a counter selling drinks and cold towels on the ship; VIP passengers have more comfortable private rooms. With this 5-star speedboat, visitors will have the experience smooth and safe, enjoy the beautiful sea view while resting, instead of sitting on a slow train all night like before.
Boarding Procedure
Upon arrival at the port, visitors present their e-ticket and identification to check in. Hand luggage can be brought into the cabin comfortably (usually each person can bring ~7-10kg of hand luggage for free, and can check in large luggage if needed because the ship has a large capacity, less limited than an airplane). According to experience traveling to Con Dao, You should be at the pier at least 30-45 minutes before train departure time to check in luggage and find a seat. High-speed trains usually depart on time, so if you are late, you will not be refunded. When the ship arrives at Con Dao port, the staff will guide passengers to get off the ship and retrieve their luggage. At Ben Dam, there is a shuttle bus (fee ~40,000 VND/person) or taxi to the center.

The 5-star Thang Long high-speed boat can accommodate more than 1,000 passengers and operates smoothly even on ocean waves, helping visitors shorten the time to the island to only ~4 hours.
Compare speedboat and plane when going to Con Dao
Many tourists are wondering which way to go to Con Dao. high speed train or plane. Below is Experience of going to Con Dao from Saigon for your easy choice:
- Travel time: Plane is currently the fastest means of transport – a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao takes about 1 hour (not including the time for procedures). Meanwhile, the high-speed train takes about 4 – 4.5 hours on the sea. If you include the travel time to the port and from the wharf to the center, the total time by boat can be ~6 hours, longer than by plane. Therefore, if you speed priority and less time, plane has more advantage.
- Expense: Flight tickets from Saigon to Con Dao often fluctuate. 1.3 - 2 million VND/way (depending on the airline, including 7kg of carry-on luggage). As for the high-speed train ticket as mentioned, it is about 555,000 – 1,000,000 VND/way (Adult Eco class). Like that. Train travel is significantly more economical., especially for large families. In addition, traveling by train does not incur excess baggage fees like traveling by plane (planes only allow ~10-15kg of luggage, if you bring a lot of diving equipment or specialties to bring back, traveling by train is more profitable).
- Frequency and booking availability: Previously, it was difficult to buy plane tickets to Con Dao due to the limited number of flights (Con Dao airport is small, with limited flights per day). Currently, Bamboo Airways has also been operating, but the planes are still only small ATR (68 seats), so sold out peak season. In contrast, the Thang Long high-speed train can accommodate more than 1,000 passengers. less worry about sold out tickets, and there are several fixed trips each week. However, note that speedboats can be delayed or canceled if the sea is rough or stormy, and planes are sometimes delayed due to bad weather (storms, poor visibility). You should check the weather forecast before deciding on your means of transport.
- Experience the journey: If you want new experience and enjoy the sea view, speedboat is an interesting choice. On the deck, you can breathe the sea breeze, take pictures of the distant islands gradually appearing - an experience that flying does not have. On the contrary, flying gives the experience fast, convenient, suitable for people seasick heavy or no time. A special point is that when landing in Con Dao, visitors will admire the unique scene of the plane landing close to Dam Trau beach (the runway is right next to the sea). And by train, you will have the feeling conquer the sea and dock amidst the majestic mountain scenery of the island.
- Amenities: On the Thang Long super speedboat, there are drinks, coffee (with counters), spacious toilets, reclining seats – all in all quite comfortable for a few hours journey. The short duration of the plane usually only serves soft drinks, the seats are a bit cramped (small ATR) and the toilets are more limited. If traveling with children or the elderly, the large speedboat is also safe and comfortable; however, it is advisable to bring anti-seasickness medication if needed (although modern boats reduce seasickness, 4 hours at sea can still make some people tired).
Most tourists "love to experience" and explore, so high speed train is an option worth trying at least once. You will save money, see beautiful scenery and be more proactive about luggage. However, according to Experience of Saigon – Con Dao tour you have conjunction: go ship to Con Dao and return by plane (or vice versa) to have an interesting floating experience and not be too tired in both directions.
Suggested itinerary for Con Dao tour 2 days 1 night (2N1D) and 3 days 2 nights (3N2D)
The ideal time to explore Con Dao is usually 2 – 3 days. Below is a suggested itinerary for the trip. 2N1D short term and 3N2D more comfortable, helping you visit the main points.

Travel itinerary 1 city 16 weeks 2 days 1 night (2 days 1 night)
Day 1: In the morning, depart from Saigon to Con Dao (if taking the speedboat, you should be at the port at 6am to depart at 7am, arriving in Con Dao around 11:30am; if taking the plane, take the early morning flight to arrive around 8-9am). Con Dao, return to hotel to leave luggage, have lunch. In the afternoon, start the journey of discovery Con Dao historical site: sightseeing Island Lord's Palace, Prison camp Phu Hai, isolation cell Tiger Cage famous during the French-American period. You can buy a package ticket of 40,000 VND to enter all these relics. At each point, there is an introduction board or a tour guide explaining the glorious but tragic past of Con Dao.
Late afternoon, visitAn Hai beach near the center to swim, watch the sunset over the calm sea. In the evening, if possible, you should visit once Hang Duong Cemetery (open to the public until about 9pm) – the resting place of the heroine Vo Thi Sau and thousands of martyrs. Many visitors come to burn incense at midnight to commemorate the heroic martyrs - a touching and memorable experience. After that, return to the hotel to rest.
Day 2: In the morning, wake up early to breathe fresh air and go for a walk. Con Dao market Enjoy a local breakfast (especially try the crab noodle soup or fish cake bread sold at the market is very delicious). If you like nature, you can rent a motorbike (about 120k/day) to go to Dam Trau Beach. – the most beautiful beach on the island, located near the airport, ~12 km from the center. Dam Trau beach has fine yellow sand, clear water and a unique view of planes landing right above the beach.
Here you can swim comfortably, take photos and check-in. Return to town around 10:30 and prepare your luggage. If you have time, visit Phi Yen Temple (An Son Temple) near the center to learn about the story of Lady Phi Yen - the concubine of Lord Nguyen Anh associated with this land. At noon or early afternoon, go to Ben Dam port to check in to return to the mainland (or go to the airport if returning by plane). End of a short but full of experiences trip.
Con Dao travel itinerary 3 days 2 nights (3N2D)
Day 1: In the morning, depart from Saigon to Con Dao. Arrive around noon, check in at the hotel (most hotels allow check-in after 2pm, but if you arrive early you can leave your luggage). On the afternoon of the first day, you should visit historical sites first to understand Con Dao. Suggested order: Island Lord's Palace - Phu Hai Prison - French Tiger Cages & American Tiger Cages - Con Dao Memorial Temple.
According to The most accurate experience of going to Con Dao, To be To move between points, you can rent an electric car or a taxi by the hour. After visiting, stop by Con Dao Museum to see more exhibits and listen to an overview. In the evening, you can visit Hang Duong Cemetery (if you are in good health, you should go late at night when it is quiet to feel it more deeply). Return to town, walk around Pier 914 (historic pier right in the center) enjoy the sea breeze at night and enjoy cool Con Dao coconut ice cream.
Day 2: Today is the day to explore Con Dao natureIn the morning, you can join small island discovery tour by canoe. The most popular option is Hon Bay Canh tour – the second largest island located east of Con Dao. This tour often combines scuba diving in Seven Sides and mangrove forest tour, especially if you go in the right summer (June-September) you will have the opportunity Watch sea turtles lay eggs and release baby turtles back into the sea very interesting. The total tour price is about 700,000 – 800,000 VND/person includes shuttle boat, tour guide and snorkelling equipment.
NBesides Hon Bay Canh, some other tours you can consider are Hon Tai tour (snorkeling to see tropical fish, price around 590k) or Hon Cau tour (bathing in the pristine sea, exploring the place where former General Secretary Le Hong Phong was imprisoned). If you don't want to take a tour, you can self-rent canoe to small islands (price 2 - 5 million VND/trip depending on the island near or far, more suitable for large groups). On the afternoon of the 2nd day, after returning to the mainland, take some time to relax: rent a motorbike to drive around the big island of Con Son along the beautiful coastal road.
If you have traveled to Con Dao, of course you should not miss this. Shark Nose – Nhat Beach in the south of the island to "check in" the winding road close to the sea and the long white sand beach. Next, visit One Mountain Pagoda (Van Son Tu) on a high hill, the only temple in Con Dao, peaceful scenery overlooking An Hai lotus lake and the ocean. On the evening of the 2nd, you can enjoy fresh seafood at the restaurant (see cuisine section below) and stroll the peaceful night streets of Con Dao.
Day 3: On your last morning on the island, you can take advantage of the opportunity to experience more according to your interests. If you are an active person, wake up early to do a light trekking. Trail to Love Peak – a unique rocky outcrop west of town, with panoramic views Con Son Bay and beautiful sunrise. Or simply, take an early bath at the beachLime Kiln right in town, clear water and little waves in the morning.
Around 9-10am, return to the hotel to pack luggage and check out. According to Experience of going to Con Dao from Phu Quoc Express, Before leaving, stop by Con Dao market to buy some specialty gifts (like areca nut jam, dried seafood – see suggestions below). Now, move to the airport or Ben Dam port to return to the mainland, ending the 3-day, 2-night journey full of memories.

Suggested hotels and resorts in Con Dao suitable for tourists
Con Dao is increasingly developing tourism so there are many accommodation facilities from budget to high-end. According to travel experience in Con Dao, Here are some hotels and resorts Typical, suitable for young and middle-aged tourists:
- The Secret Con Dao (4 stars): New hotel in the center, modern design harmoniously combines heritage architecture. The Secret has 196 luxurious rooms, a swimming pool with sea view and a beautiful rooftop bar. Suitable for travelers who love convenience. contemporary and professional service. Location near the beachLime Kiln and near the night market, very convenient to travel.
- Six Senses Con Dao (5 stars): The island's most luxurious resort, with private villas located along the pristine Dat Doc beach. Six Senses is famous for its space. private, close to nature and world-class service. The price is high, but if you “abundant” budget and want a vacation “chic” memorable (eg honeymoon, anniversary), this is the ideal choice.
- Saigon – Con Dao Resort (3 stars): Located in the heart of Con Son, this resort is renovated from old French villas, surrounded by a large garden and a private beach. The rooms are old but clean and fully equipped. The advantages are prime location (near the pier, market, museum) and more affordable than luxury resorts. Suitable for middle-aged travelers or families who want a quiet, nostalgic resting space.
- Villa Maison Con Dao Boutique Hotel (3-4 stars): Classic French style boutique hotel, beautifully decorated rooms, famous Maison restaurant. Only ~12 rooms so the service is very attentive. Location right in the center of town. Young travelers or couples who like the cozy, romantic can choose this place.
- Con Dao Camping (2 stars): Wooden bungalow hotel near the beach An Hai, very popular with young people. Simple rooms, air-conditioned, especially just a few steps to the beach. In the evening, you can organize a BBQ or campfire on the beach (named "Camping"). Affordable room rates (about 600-800k/night). Suitable for groups of friends or young couples who want to experience being close to nature.
- Uyen's House (Homestay): The most famous homestay in Con Dao, often "sold out" because of its popularity. Uyen's House has a lovely, artistic design with a garden space and a small cafe. There are not many rooms here (only a few homestay-style rooms) but they are very clean and the host is friendly and cooks well. Tourists in their 20s and 30s prefer the style "guest house" will love this place. Note that reservations must be made fairly early.
In addition, Con Dao also has many other cheap motels and mini hotels (such as Red Hotel, Hotel De Condor, Tuan Ninh Hotel… price 300-500k/night) suitable for backpackers or those who want to save money. On the contrary, if you want a new experience, you can try sleep in tents live Camping Con Dao Or contact the National Park Management Board to request camping at Ong Dung beach (license required).Which type of accommodation to choose? Book early During peak season (summer, holidays) because the island is small, the number of rooms is limited.
Con Dao specialties and restaurants to try
Travel would be incomplete without exploring local cuisine. Con Dao has many unique seafood specialties and delicious restaurants serving tourists. Below are some suggestions according to experience of going to Con Dao PQE.
Cuisine
- Snail: Con Dao seafood is famous for its freshness, especially snails. Her breast snail – a type of cone-shaped sea snail with sweet, crispy meat dipped in salt, pepper and lemon, considered a "snail queen" on the island. There is also cone snail, cone snail, hand snail – named after the unique shape of the snail shell, delicious when stir-fried with garlic or grilled with scallion oil.
- Shrimp and crab: Must mention Con Dao red lobster (small lobster with bright red shell, firm sweet meat) and Mantis shrimp (king lobster, flat like a bug). Moon crab (a crab with a shell that has round spots like the moon) is also a rare specialty, steamed the meat is fragrant. Dishes sea fish like red grouper, dried squid Con Dao is also worth trying or buying to take home. In the evening in Con Dao, you can go to the port embankment or the night market to enjoy fresh seafood in a popular style - choose fresh seafood and ask the restaurant to cook it on the spot, the price is calculated by kg.

- Local food: Besides seafood, Con Dao has simple but delicious breakfast and lunch dishes. Mrs. Hai Khiem's crab noodle soup – long-standing vermicelli soup shop on Nguyen Hue street, sweet crab broth, a full bowl of fish cakes and crab meat costs only ~30k, very crowded with locals. Kieu Tam Pancakes – Crispy Central Vietnamese pancake restaurant located on Pham Van Dong street, famous for its fresh shrimp and squid filling, served with local wild vegetables. Fish cake sandwich & roast pork sandwich Con Dao market in the morning is also worth trying, hot crispy bread with sea fish cake or flavorful roasted meat, price only 15-20k. In addition, oyster porridge (cooked from fresh oysters, added with green pepper) is a nutritious dish sold in the evening at some roadside stalls, suitable for replenishing after a day of diving.
Featured eateries and restaurants
- Thu Ba Restaurant: Located on Vo Thi Sau Street, this is the most famous seafood restaurant in Con Dao. The menu has a variety of fresh seafood dishes: lobster, crab, grouper, snails, etc. Delicious food, reasonable prices. The restaurant is spacious, with both air-conditioned rooms and outdoor seating. In the evening, it is often crowded with tour guests, so you should book a table in advance if you go in a large group.
- Soulmate Restaurant: Serve cseafood hotpot and stew popular, suitable for many people's taste. This restaurant is famous for grouper hotpot and fried squid with fish sauceThe owner is funny and the prices are not "ripped off" to tourists.
- Saigon – Con Dao claypot rice: Family restaurant, with dishes rice pot, rice portion The restaurant has all the flavors of the North - Central - South. In the morning, the restaurant sells breakfast such as Hue beef noodle soup, fish cake noodle soup; for lunch and dinner, it serves clay pot rice with traditional braised, soup and stir-fried dishes (braised fish in clay pot, sour soup, boiled meat with sour shrimp, etc.). The restaurant is spacious, suitable for groups or families who want to eat out. like home cooked food.
- Family Restaurant: True to its name, the restaurant serves Vietnamese family dishes, including regional specialties such as beef noodle soup, banh nam, and ram (spring rolls). The space is simple, the prices are affordable, and it is suitable for those who are bored with seafood and want to change the taste.
- Cay Bang Seafood: A popular seafood restaurant located next to an old banyan tree, near the pier. Fresh seafood, good prices. The restaurant's special dish is Lobster blood pudding strange taste (if you want to try adventurous culinary experience). Sitting here in the evening with the sea breeze blowing, eating snails and drinking beer is very refreshing.
- Bar200 & Pizza: Bar and restaurant opened by a foreign chef, located on Vo Thi Sau street. Famous for pizza, burgers and European dishes authentic taste, with many cocktails and imported beers. Youthful space, often a meeting place for Western and Vietnamese tourists. In the evening, if you want to change the atmosphere from Vietnamese dishes, you can visit Bar200 to enjoy wood-fired pizza and listen to music.
Specialty gifts
Before leaving Con Dao, remember to buy some specialties as gifts for family and friends. Areca nut jam is a famous specialty - areca nuts are roasted and then coated with salt or sugar, fatty, rich and unique, very popular with tourists.
Also available for purchase dried seafood (sun-dried squid, sun-dried mackerel, dried shrimp), sea urchin sauce (a type of fish sauce made from rare sea urchins) or ginseng wine Con Dao. These specialties sold quite a lot in Con Dao market and specialty shops in town. Experience is that you should bargain a little if buying in large quantities. Don't forget to pack carefully (especially fish sauce and seafood) to bring on the train or plane.

Local tours to book in Con Dao
To fully explore Con Dao, in addition to self-touring, you can Sign up for local tours Save time and experience unique activities. Here are some popular tours loved by travelers under 50:
- Island tour (island tour): As suggested in the itinerary, the tours small islands around Con Dao worth a try. The most popular are Hon Bay Canh tour (take a canoe to visit Hon Bay Canh, dive to see coral, watch turtles lay eggs in the summer) price ~690k/person. There is also Hon Tai tour (snorkeling at Hon Tai, price ~590k, Hon Cau tour (swimming, visiting the American Tiger Cages relic on Hon Cau).These tours depart daily if there are enough guests, usually in the morning, lasting 3-4 hours. Con Dao Explorer Company and some local units organize professionally, provide life jackets, diving goggles and have guides who are knowledgeable about the ecosystem. If you go in a large group, you can also private boat/canoe charter for more flexible time.
- Historical – spiritual tour: For those who want to understand more about Con Dao historical site and spiritual sites on the island. The tour usually includes: Lord Island Palace, Phu Hai camp, tiger cages, cow cages, Hang Duong cemetery (detailed explanation at each site). Some extended tours also take visitors to visit Prince Cai Temple (son of King Gia Long and Lady Phi Yen), Phi Yen Temple, One Mountain Pagoda. The The local tour guide will tell many touching historical stories, helping you better understand the glorious past of the "hell on earth" Con Dao. The price of a half-day historical tour is about 300-400k/person (including shuttle bus). However, you can also rent a motorbike or electric car Go for free, because these places are close to each other and the entrance fee is cheap (40k ticket to visit the entire relic as mentioned).
- Nature tour – trekking: Con Dao has a national park with many trekking routes to explore the primeval forest and pristine beaches for nature lovers. You can register Ong Dung Beach trekking tour (~20 minute walk through the forest from the National Park headquarters to Ong Dung beach, picnic on the beach, snorkeling near the shore). If you want more adventurous, take some time trekking tour Holy Cross – The mountain peak is ~577m high, this is known as the “Roof of Con Dao”, it takes ~3-4 hours to climb but reaching the top will take in the panoramic view of the archipelago. These tours require a tour guide to ensure safety, the price is around 500k/person including drinks and snacks. In addition, during the rainy season, there is a tour to see swallow nest good night fishing tour for anyone interested
- Scuba diving tour: Con Dao is considered one of the most beautiful diving spots in Vietnam, with an intact coral ecosystem and many precious species (stingrays, sea turtles, gentle sharks, etc.). If you have a diving license or want to experience it, you can contact the centers. dive (like Dive Con Dao) to join a scuba diving tour with professional divers.They will take you to deep diving spots around Hon Bay Canh, Hon Tre... to explore the underwater world. The cost is about 2 - 3 million VND/person for 1-2 dives (including equipment). Note that this activity requires good health and compliance with safety instructions.
- Sunset and night squid fishing tour: A more relaxed experience, suitable for groups of friends or families, is to go sunset cruise around Con Son Bay, combined night squid fishingThe boat departs at around 4:30 p.m. from Ben Dam port, taking tourists for a ride to watch the sunset on the sea, then anchoring to fish for squid.The guide will prepare the rod and bait, and guide you how to fish for squid. The fresh squid can be steamed or grilled right on the boat to enjoy. This tour lasts ~3 hours in the evening, costs about 500k/person, and usually includes late night squid porridge or light BBQ. The feeling of drifting in the middle of the night sea, watching the starry sky and fishing for squid yourself is definitely unforgettable.
In short, there are many interesting activities and tours in Con Dao for you to choose from. You should Contact reputable local travel companies (Con Dao Explorer, Con Dao Tourist, agents at the market...) or ask the hotel receptionist for recommendations to book a tour that fits your schedule. According to PQE's experience of going to Con Dao from Saigon, Don't forget to ask clearly what the price and service include before booking.
Enjoy the complete Con Dao journey on the "love" train
Con Dao has a unique beauty that combines wild nature and historical depth, deserves to be the top destination for tourists under 50 years old looking for new experiences. The journey from Saigon to Con Dao is now more convenient than ever thanks to Phu Quoc Express high-speed boat – Thang Long boat modern. With those Con Dao travel experience by speedboat we took sharing above, hope you will be "eager" to have an exciting journey with many surprises. Waiting for you in Con Dao!

And don't forget to plan and book high speed train tickets on home page here or call hotline 0901868878 to ensure a satisfactory seat. Booking in advance helps you to be proactive with your schedule and often has better prices. After booking your ticket, just prepare light luggage, with good health and an eager spirit, you will have a memorable adventure. Wish you a safe, fun and exciting journey to discover Con Dao with the high-speed train Phu Quoc Express!





