High-speed ferry to Con Dao Island set to resume service

Vu Van Khuong, director of Phu Quoc Express JSC, investor in the service, said it would operate at half capacity with a frequency of three weekly return trips and a 10 percent increase in ticket prices due to escalating oil prices. The service will be resumed in mid February, he said.

One-way economy tickets will cost VND790,000-950,000 ($33.19-42.04); while business class tickets will cost VND1.2 million ($52).

The boat, pressed into service three years ago, has a capacity of nearly 600 passengers and travels at a maximum of 60 kph, helping cut travel time between Vung Tau and Con Dao to three hours.

The boat used to depart from the Cau Da Port in Vung Tau for Ben Dam Port on Con Dao Island at 8 a.m. and return at 1.30 p.m.

Con Dao, famous for its beautiful beaches as well as its history as a wartime prison, has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. The island reopened tourism activities in November last year. With Covid-19 restrictions in force, tourists could only reach the island on expensive commercial flights.