Ferries in Vietnam
Navigating Vietnam by Ferry: Routes, Operators, and Booking Guide
Taking a ferry in Vietnam is an essential part of navigating the country’s extensive coastlines, island archipelagos, and river deltas. From high-speed catamarans in the Gulf of Thailand to scenic rowboats in northern karst valleys, water transport serves both daily commuters and international visitors. Understanding the schedules, choosing a reliable operator, and knowing which ports connect to major travel hubs makes booking your transit seamless.
Water routes in the country fall into two main categories: open-water sea ferries connecting the mainland to islands like Phu Quoc and Cat Ba, and inland river or lake boats used for sightseeing and local transit. You can book your ticket on 12Go to secure a seat during peak travel seasons when domestic tourism surges.
Major Ferry Operators in Vietnam
The southern island routes are dominated by a mix of high-speed passenger vessels and large roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vehicle transport ships. Choosing an established operator ensures better adherence to schedules and posted safety standards.
- Phu Quoc Express (also known as Phu Quoc Express Boats): Operates premium red high-speed catamarans. These vessels offer outdoor observation decks, VIP seating cabins, and a smoother ride in choppy water.
- Superdong (also known as Superdong Speed Ferry): Runs a large fleet of reliable, single-hull fast boats. This is the most frequent service on the southern island routes, heavily utilized by locals and travelers alike.
- Thanh Thoi (also known as Thạnh Thới): Specializes in large car and motorbike ferries. This operator is the primary choice for travelers transporting rental vehicles or heavy cargo from the mainland.
- Hoa Binh Ship: Provides budget-friendly passenger connections, primarily operating out of the Mekong Delta ports.
- Ngoc Thanh: Another regional fast-boat operator running daily scheduled services on the mainland-to-island routes.
Travelers occasionally report safety incidents or overcrowding on older, unregulated vessels used by informal charter services. To ensure a safe trip, choose established commercial operators that enforce posted passenger capacities and provide accessible life jackets.
Popular Routes, Schedules, and Departure Times
Ferry schedules fluctuate based on the season and daily tidal conditions. Most major operators run multiple daily departures between 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Afternoon sailings are less common due to late-day sea swells.
Mainland to Phu Quoc Island
The busiest sea crossing in the country connects the Mekong Delta to the southern holiday islands. Mainland departures leave primarily from the ports of Rach Gia (also known as Rach Gia Harbour) and the border town of Ha Tien. The crossing from Ha Tien takes roughly 1.5 hours, while the longer Rach Gia route takes 2.5 hours.
Ferries arrive at Bai Vong Port (also known as Phu Quoc Island Ferry Terminal), located on the eastern coast of the island. Upon arrival, passengers pass through the Nhà phục vụ hành khách Cảng Bãi Vòng (Bai Vong Passenger Terminal) to access local taxis and shuttle buses. A secondary arrival point, Cảng Vịnh Đầm (Vinh Dam Port), is utilized by select heavy-vehicle ferries and specialized cargo runs.
Hai Phong and Ha Long to Cat Ba
Northern routes connect the mainland to the limestone islands of the Gulf of Tonkin. Ferries and speedboats depart from Hai Phong city and Tuan Chau island to reach Cat Ba Island. Transit times range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the vessel type. Some smaller sightseeing tenders and private transfers depart from distinct municipal docks in the area, such as the jetty next to the Titanic Restaurant in Ha Long City.
Inland Routes: Trang An Boat Tours
Inland waterway transport often relies on small paddle boats navigated by local dock workers. At the Trang An ticket counter in Ninh Binh province, travelers hire small sampans for three-hour river journeys through limestone caves.
Community travelers note that Trang An boat tickets can be bought at the counter without prebooking, as it opens early and rarely has queues before closing.
Prices and Fares
Ticket prices depend on the distance, vessel type, and seating class. Most commercial operators utilize fixed-price ticketing, avoiding the need for negotiation at the pier. Fares should be paid in Vietnamese Dong (VND), though booking platforms process transactions in USD or other major currencies. As of January 1, 2026, the official admission ticket price for a Trang An boat tour has increased to 300,000 VND per adult.
| Operator / Vessel Type | Route | Seat Class | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phu Quoc Express | Rach Gia to Phu Quoc | VIP Cabin | 540,000 VND ($22) |
| Phu Quoc Express | Rach Gia to Phu Quoc | Economy Seat | 340,000 VND ($14) |
| Superdong | Ha Tien to Phu Quoc | Standard Seat | 230,000 VND ($9) |
| Thanh Thoi | Ha Tien to Phu Quoc | Passenger + Motorbike | 265,000 VND ($11) |
| Local Paddle Boat | Trang An River | Shared Boat (per adult) | 300,000 VND ($12) |
Alternatives to Consider: Taking a Motorbike
Many visitors plan extensive Vietnam motorbike routes to explore the country independently. If you are riding down the coast and want to visit an island without abandoning your rental scooter, you must use a RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) ferry. Operators like Thanh Thoi accommodate motorbikes for a modest surcharge on top of the passenger fare—typically 185,000 VND for the passenger ticket and 80,000 VND for the motorbike transport fee. You will ride your bike directly into the lower vehicle hold, secure it with provided tie-downs, and spend the crossing in the upper passenger lounge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there international ferries from Vietnam to other Asian countries?
No, there are currently no scheduled international passenger ferries connecting Vietnam to Japan, the Philippines, Hainan, Taiwan, Singapore, or Hong Kong. All sea transit operates domestically between the mainland and offshore islands. Travelers moving between these countries must book commercial flights.
Should I pre-book my boat tour tickets online or buy them at the counter?
For major island sea crossings, pre-booking your ticket online via platforms like 12Go is highly recommended to secure a seat, especially between November and April. For inland sightseeing routes like Trang An, tickets are easily purchased at the official counter on the day of travel.
What happens to open-water transport bookings if the government issues a storm cancellation order?
The Vietnam Maritime Administration (Vinamarine) legally mandates service suspensions during severe weather or typhoons. When a government storm cancellation order is issued, operators ground all vessels and automatically void the day's schedule. Travelers receive either a full refund or the option to rebook on the next cleared sailing.
Is it possible for a group of 6 to stay together on one boat, or will we need to split up?
For small inland river tours, a group of six will need to split across multiple boats. Local authorities strictly enforce weight and capacity limits on small sampans, capping maximum passenger counts at four or five adults per vessel depending on the water level. On larger open-ocean ferries, groups of any size can travel together.
Do ferry ticket prices surge during the holiday rush or peak travel seasons?
Yes, ferry ticket prices frequently surge during peak holiday periods, particularly during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, as demand outpaces supply. While the government sets regulated fare ceilings and periodically issues crackdowns on illegal or unreasonable fare hikes, travelers should expect higher costs and sold-out economy seats during these seasonal rushes.
What is the Vietnamese word for ferry?
The Vietnamese word for a vehicle-carrying ferry is phà, while tàu translates to boat or ship. When navigating local ports, you will often see signs for bến phà (ferry terminal) or tàu cao tốc (high-speed boat).
