Flight
Fastest and most convenient way with direct flights operated by multiple airlines
Flight (premium)
More comfortable seats and better service on short domestic flights
Ferry + bus
Flexible and cheaper option via mainland ports like Soc Trang or Vung Tau
Direct ferry
Limited or unreliable connections and often requires additional transfers
Quick answer: If you’re travelling from Con Dao Island to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), your main options are a direct flight, a direct ferry, or a ferry + bus combo via Vung Tau or Soc Trang. The flight is the fastest and most convenient, the direct ferry offers a scenic alternative, and the ferry + bus is the budget-choicer if you don’t mind the longer travel time.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approximately 260–380 km depending on route.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~1 hour • Direct ferry ~5 hours • Ferry + bus ~7–10 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Flight ~$50–130 per person • Direct ferry ~$35–45 per person • Ferry + bus ~$32–60 per person.
- ✈️ Best for comfort & speed: Flight
- 🚢 Best for scenic alternative: Direct ferry
- 🚌 Best for budget if you don’t mind travel time: Ferry + bus combo
Last updated in March 2026
From Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City you can travel by plane, ferry or ferry + bus.
Traveling from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City is possible by direct flight, direct ferry or ferry + bus transfer via Vung Tau or Soc Trang. Direct flights are the fastest option and take about 1 hour. Flight prices usually range from $50–130 per person.
Budget travelers can use ferries from Ben Dam Port to Vung Tau or Soc Trang and continue by tourist bus to Saigon. This option takes about 8–10 hours and costs from $22–60 per person. There is also a direct ferry from Con Dao to Saigon, with a travel time of about 5 hours.
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest transport hub in southern Vietnam and a good base for further travel to places like Nha Trang or Phan Thiet. Before your trip, it is also good to check the weather in Saigon.
| Transfer Mode – Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Ferry to Hiep Phuoc Terminal | 5 hours | $35-45 per person |
| Ferry + Bus (via Vung Tau) | 7-10 hours | $32-60 per person |
| Plane (Direct Flight) | 1 hour 10 minutes | $50-130 per person |
How do I get from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City?
1. FLIGHT from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City
👉 Flight is the fastest and most convenient way from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want a quick and hassle-free transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~1 hour (up to ~4 hours with transfers)
- ✔️ Price: $40–130 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern aircraft, frequent flights)
- ✅ Best option: Direct flight with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air or Bamboo Airways
- 💡 Tip: Book early and check weather, as flights may be delayed.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Choose earlier flights—afternoon departures are more often affected by weather.
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Con Dao Island to southern Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City is by direct flight. It is also the most popular option among travelers.
Direct flights between Con Dao and Saigon are operated by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways. There are several flights every day.
Flights depart from Con Dao Airport and arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Saigon. You can also check the airport map of Vietnam. Flight time is about 1 hour and tickets cost around $40–130 per person.
Flight prices vary by season and weather conditions may occasionally affect schedules. Flights from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City can be searched and booked online in advance.
| Airline | Departs in Con Dao | Arrival in Saigon | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VietJet Air | 08:20 | 09:05 | From $60.00 |
| VietJet Air | 09:20 | 10:05 | From $100.00 |
| Vietnam Airlines | 06:50 | 08:05 | From $60.00 |
| Vietnam Airlines | 06:55 | 07:55 | From $60.00 |
| Vietnam Airlines | 09:15 | 10:20 | From $60.00 |
| Vietnam Airlines | 08:20 | 09:30 | From $60.00 |
| Vietnam Airlines | 13:05 | 13:50 | From $65.00 |
| Vietnam Airlines | 10:25 | 11:35 | From $65.00 |
| Vietnam Airlines | 11:25 | 12:35 | From $65.00 |
| Vietnam Airlines | 13:35 | 14:45 | From $65.00 |
| Vietnam Airlines | 13:45 | 14:55 | From $95.00 |
| Vietnam Airlines | 15:45 | 16:55 | From $95.00 |
| Vietnam Airlines | 16:40 | 17:45 | From $95.00 |
2. FERRY from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City
👉 Ferry is a scenic and affordable way from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who prefer sea travel and want to avoid flying
- ✔️ Duration: ~5–6 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $35–45 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (modern ferry with multiple seating classes)
- ✅ Best option: Phu Quoc Express ferry with VIP or Deluxe seats
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets early and plan transfer from Hiep Phuoc Port.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Sit near the center for a smoother ride if seas are rough.
Another popular option for traveling from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City is a direct ferry. This connection is convenient because you do not need to transfer in Vung Tau or Soc Trang.
The direct ferry route is operated by Phu Quoc Express, which offers Economy, VIP and Deluxe seats. Ferry tickets from Con Dao to Saigon cost about $35–45 per person, depending on the season and seat class.
BOOK FERRY TICKETS to Saigon ➜
The ferry journey takes about 5 hours. Ferries depart from Ben Dam Port and arrive at Saigon Port – Hiep Phuoc Terminal, about 25 km from the city center.
From the terminal, you can continue by taxi or private transfer to central Saigon. Ferry tickets to Ho Chi Minh City can be searched and booked online in advance.
3. Ferry + Bus from Con Dao to Saigon (via Vung Tau)
👉 Ferry + bus via Vung Tau is a flexible and cheaper alternative from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and those who prefer combining sea and land transport
- ✔️ Duration: ~6–7 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $32–62 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (ferry + standard bus transfer)
- ✅ Best option: Phu Quoc Express ferry to Vung Tau + bus (Phuong Trang / Kumho Samco) to Saigon
- 💡 Tip: Print ferry ticket early and choose a direct bus connection.
- ⭐ Extra tip: Allow buffer time between ferry and bus in case of delays.
1. Ferry from Con Dao (Con Son) to Vung Tau
-
- travel by ferry from Con Dao (Con Son) to Vung Tau takes about 3.5 hours
- ferry ticket from Con Dao to Vung Tau costs about $28-52 (Eco, Vip)
- boat company – this route is operated by Phu Quoc Express
- it is about 200 km by ferry from Con Dao (Ben Dam Port-Con Son) to Vung Tau Port (126 Hạ Long, Phường 2)
- passengers must print the e-ticket in advance and carry the printout to the port
- Book your ferry tickets from Con Dao to Vung Tau online on Baolau ➜
2. Bus (or ferry) from Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City
-
- travel by bus from Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City takes about 2.5-3 hours
- bus ticket from Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City costs about 200 000 viet.dongs $4-10/pp
- bus company: Phuong Trang (Futabus), Phu Hai, Kumho Samco
- Book your tickets from Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
- you will receive your bus/ferry e-ticket to Saigon by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present at the ticket counter of the station before boarding the bus/ferry in Vung Tau
❓ FAQ – Travel from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City
How to book tickets and flights from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City?
How long does it take to travel from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City?
Flights take about 1 hour. Ferries and ferry + bus transfers take about 5–10 hours.
What is the distance from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City?
The distance is about 260 km by plane and up to 380 km by ferry and bus.
How much does travel from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City cost?
Flights cost about $50–130 per person. Ferries and buses cost about $32–60 per person.
What is the cheapest way to get from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City?
The cheapest option is usually a ferry and bus transfer via Vung Tau or Soc Trang.
What is the best transport option from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City?
Direct flights are the fastest and most comfortable option.
How to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao?
You can travel by direct flight or by ferry and bus via Vung Tau or Soc Trang.
Are there trains from Vung Tau or Soc Trang to Ho Chi Minh City?
No, there are no trains. You can travel only by bus, car or motorbike.
Where can you travel by ferry from Con Dao Island?
Ferries operate to Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau and Soc Trang.
Where can you travel from Ho Chi Minh City?
Popular routes are to Mui Ne, Da Nang + Hoi An or Hanoi.
Which beaches are worth visiting in southern Vietnam?
Popular beach destinations are Con Dao, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne and Vung Tau. More info: Best Beaches in Southern Vietnam.
Is Vietnam suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, Vietnam is a popular and affordable destination for solo travelers. Read more: Solo Travel in Vietnam.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City
Traveling from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City is possible by direct flight, ferry or ferry + bus transfer via Vung Tau or Soc Trang.
- Book Early: Flights and ferries can sell out during weekends and holidays.
- Weather Conditions: Ferries may be delayed during rough sea conditions.
- Arrive Earlier: It is better to arrive at the port or airport at least 45 minutes before departure.
- Sea Travel: Bring a light jacket if you travel by ferry or speedboat.
- Fastest Option: Direct flights are the quickest and most comfortable choice.
- Transfer in Saigon: Plan your transfer from the airport or ferry terminal in advance.
- Busy Traffic: Ho Chi Minh City traffic can be hectic during peak hours.
Tip: Ferry, bus and flight tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.