Quick answer: Travelling from Rach Gia to Nam Du Island is best done by high-speed ferry, providing a fast and scenic journey across the water. Ferries run regularly but schedules can change due to weather conditions, so it’s important to book your tickets in advance and stay updated on any potential delays for a smooth trip.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. ~90 km by sea.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Ferry ~2 h 30 m (under good sea‑conditions).
- 💰 Price range: Roughly US$9‑11 per person one way.
- 🚢 Best for budget & speed: High‑speed ferry Rach Gia → Nam Du Island.
- ⚠️ Note: Ferry service may be suspended during rough seas/storms (usually rainy season).
Last updated in October 2026
Travel from Rach Gia to Nam Du Island by Boat or Ferry
🚢 How to Get to Nam Du
The only practical way to reach Nam Du Island is by boat or ferry. Most travelers depart from Rach Gia, with regular ferry connections to the island.
Ferries are operated by Phu Quoc Express and Superdong, with fast services available on the route.
🚌 Getting to Rach Gia
Rach Gia can be reached from Ho Chi Minh City by bus or domestic flight. The bus journey usually takes around 6–7 hours.
From Rach Gia Port, the ferry continues south to Nam Du. Booking your ferry ticket online in advance is recommended.
🏝️ About Nam Du Islands
Nam Du (Đảo Nam Du) is an archipelago in Kien Giang Province, about 40 km south of Phu Quoc and around 90 km from Rach Gia.
The archipelago consists of about 21 islands and islets. The main island where ferries arrive is Hon Lon.
🌴 What to Expect
Nam Du is quieter and less developed than Phu Quoc, with a more relaxed and natural island atmosphere.
There are small hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and local Nha Nghi. Nam Du has no airport, so ferry travel is essential.
1. Rach Gia to Nam Du Island by Ferry
The ferry from Rach Gia to Nam Du is the main transport option for reaching the island. The journey is relatively short and several fast ferry services operate on this route.
About 2.5 hours
About $9–11 per person, one way
Phu Quoc Express, Superdong
🚢 Ferry Schedule from Rach Gia to Nam Du
These are typical morning ferry departures from Rach Gia to Nam Du Island. The crossing takes around 2.5 hours, making an early ferry a convenient option for arriving on the island before midday.
| Departure Rach Gia |
Arrival Nam Du |
Travel Time | Ticket Price one way |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:35 | 09:05 | 2h 30m | US$ 9.50 |
| 07:30 | 10:00 | 2h 30m | US$ 9.50 |
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia?
-
- a cheapest way how to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia
- travel by bus takes about 6-7 hours to Rach Gia (280 km)
- bus ticket price – 150 000 – 200 000 viet.dongs ($6-8)
- bus company – Phuong Trang (Futabus), Kumho Samco
- arrive 30-60 minutes to the bus stop before departure and present voucher to board bus
- Book and buy your bus e-tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
- there is also the airport in Rach Gia, so you can use a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City (about 1 hour)
Where you can also go by ferry/boat from Rach Gia?
From Rach Gia you can also travel by ferry or boat to Phu Quoc (about 2.5 hours) Hon Son (about 1.5 hours) or Hon Tre (about 45 minutes) or Nam Du Island. There are also some ferries between Hon Son and Hon Tre.
Are there some flights to Nam Du Island?
No, there are no direct flights to Nam Du Island in southern Vietnam, because there is no airport on this island, the only way how to get there is to travel by boat/ferry from Rach Gia port.
Baolau – Search, book, buy tickets and various flights
– Baolau sells the train, bus, boat/ferry e-tickets and flights mainly for Vietnam (+ tickets for Cambodia and Laos, Thailand..)
– flights of Vietnamese airlines, JetStar Pacific, VietJet Air as well as flights to neighbouring countries
– tickets for the ferries in Vietnam (eg. ferry to Cat Ba, ferry to Phu Quoc, ferry to Quan Lan, Co To, ferry to Con Dao, ferry to Vung Tau…)
– the price of tickets or flights is from the official price of transport company or airlines
– you can use online train e-ticket in your mobile phone in Vietnam (I recommend to print a ticket)
– you can select a seat or berth in the train in Vietnam
– read in the order any other information about ticket, read also frequently asked questions on Baolau
❓ FAQ – Travel from Rach Gia to Nam Du Island
How long is the ferry from Rach Gia to Nam Du?
The high-speed ferry from Rach Gia to Nam Du Island takes about 2.5 hours, depending on sea conditions.
How much does the ferry to Nam Du cost?
Ferry tickets from Rach Gia to Nam Du Island cost about $9–11 per person, depending on the operator.
Are there flights to Nam Du Island?
No. Nam Du Island has no airport, so the only way to reach the island is by ferry or speedboat.
What is the distance from Rach Gia to Nam Du?
The ferry route from Rach Gia Port to Nam Du Island is approximately 90 km across the Gulf of Thailand.
How can you travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia?
You can travel by tourist bus or direct flight. Train travel is not available because Rach Gia has no railway.
Can you visit other islands from Rach Gia?
Yes. Regular ferries also connect Rach Gia with Hon Son and Hon Tre islands.
What are the main attractions on Nam Du Island?
Visitors come for beautiful beaches, snorkeling, coral reefs, scenic viewpoints and relaxing boat trips around the islands.
When is the best time to visit Nam Du Island?
The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is usually sunny, dry and ideal for island trips.
What can you do on Nam Du Island?
You can swim, snorkel, dive, rent a motorbike or join boat tours to nearby islands and beaches.
Which islands should you also visit in Vietnam?
Explore Vietnam’s most beautiful islands in 10 Best Islands in Vietnam.
Which beaches are worth visiting in southern Vietnam?
Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Mui Ne and Vung Tau offer some of the region’s best beaches. See The Best Beaches in Southern Vietnam.
What islands can you visit instead of Nam Du?
You can also visit Phu Quoc Island, Con Dao Island or browse The Best Islands in Vietnam.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Rach Gia to Nam Du Island
Traveling from Rach Gia to Nam Du Island is the most popular way to reach this beautiful archipelago in southern Vietnam. The island is accessible only by high-speed ferry from Rach Gia Port.
- High-Speed Ferry: The ferry journey takes about 2.5 hours and offers comfortable air-conditioned seating.
- Weather Matters: Ferry departures depend on sea conditions, especially during the rainy season.
- Book Early: Ferry tickets often sell out on weekends, holidays and during the peak tourist season.
- Arrive Early: Reach Rach Gia Port at least 30–45 minutes before your scheduled departure.
- Getting to Rach Gia: Travel from Ho Chi Minh City by tourist bus or direct flight before boarding the ferry.
- What to Bring: Pack water, snacks, sunglasses and a light jacket for the ferry trip.
Tip: Ferry tickets from Rach Gia to Nam Du Island can be searched and booked online in advance.
