Flight (via Ho Chi Minh City)
Fastest and most reliable way with frequent connections
Speed ferry
Direct sea route from Vung Tau, scenic but weather-dependent
Helicopter flight
Helicopter flight is the fastest and most unique option
Limited availability
Flights and ferries can sell out quickly, advance booking recommended
Quick answer: Travelling from Vung Tau to Con Dao island offers both scenic and fast routes: the high‑speed ferry takes about 3 to 4 hours under good conditions, and there are also helicopter flights for those who prefer speed and comfort. It is also possible to travel by bus and plane via Ho Chi Minh City.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 180 km from Vung Tau to Con Dao.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Ferry 3–4 hours. | Helicopter about 1 hour.
- 💰 Price: Ferry US$38–45. | Helicopter from about 2,300,000 VND one way.
- 🚢 Best value: High-speed ferry from Vung Tau to Con Dao.
- 🚁 Fastest option: Helicopter operated by Southern Helicopter Company.
- ✈️ Alternative: Travel via Ho Chi Minh City and take a direct flight to Con Dao.
- ⚠️ Note: Ferry departures may change or be canceled due to rough sea conditions.
Last updated in March 2026
From Vung Tau to Con Dao you can travel by ferry, plane or helicopter.
Travel from Vung Tau to Con Dao covers about 190 km across the sea. The most popular option is a direct ferry, taking about 4.5 hours with ticket prices from $38–45/pp. Another option is to travel to Saigon and take a direct flight to Con Dao. Limited helicopter flights are also available from Vung Tau.
Ferries arrive at Ben Dam Port on Con Son Island, while flights operate from Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport to Con Dao Airport. Ferry tickets, flights and bus connections can all be searched and booked online in advance.
Con Dao – Vietnam’s Beautiful Island Archipelago.
Con Dao is a protected archipelago of 16 islands, famous for pristine beaches, coral reefs and Con Dao National Park. Visitors come for snorkeling, diving, hiking and historical sites, while many also check the weather in Con Dao before traveling. You can also travel to Con Dao from Soc Trang by ferry.
| Transport Options from Vung Tau to Con Dao: | |
|---|---|
| Ferry / Boat | 4.5 hours — $38-45/pp |
| Bus + Plane (via Ho Chi Minh City) | 6–8 hours — $90-390/pp |
| Helicopter flight | 1 hour — aprox. 2,300,000 VND one way/pp |
How to go from Vung Tau to Con Dao Islands?
1. FERRY / BOAT from Vung Tau to Con Dao
👉 Ferry/boat is the only direct and most popular way from Vung Tau to Con Dao.
- ✔️ Good for: all travelers looking for a direct island transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~4.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $38–45 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (modern ferry with ECO, Deluxe or VIP seats)
- ⚠️ Note: Limited schedule (1–2 ferries daily) and possible weather disruptions
- ✅ Best option: Phu Quoc Express ferry with comfortable seating classes
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets in advance and reconfirm departure during typhoon season (June–November).
Traveling by ferry is the most popular and practically the only direct way to reach Con Dao from Vung Tau. The modern Phu Quoc Express ferry takes about 4.5 hours, with one-way ticket prices ranging from $38–45/pp. Passengers can choose between Economy, Deluxe and VIP seats, making the journey comfortable for both budget and premium travelers.
The ferry departs from Vung Tau Express Ship Harbor and arrives at Ben Dam Port on Con Son Island. The crossing offers beautiful sea views and is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore this part of southern Vietnam.
BOOK FERRY TICKETS to Con Dao ➜
There are usually only one or two ferry departures per day, so advance booking is highly recommended. During the typhoon season (June–November), sailings may be delayed or cancelled because of rough sea conditions, so always check the latest schedule before your departure.
2. BUS + FLIGHT from Vung Tau to Con Dao
👉 Bus + flight via Ho Chi Minh City is the fastest way to reach Con Dao from Vung Tau.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who prefer speed and air travel
- ✔️ Duration: ~4–6 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $70–165 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (minivan/bus + short direct flight)
- ⚠️ Note: No direct flights from Vung Tau—transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport required
- ✅ Best option: Bus or limousine to airport + flight with Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo Airways
- 💡 Tip: Choose direct bus to the airport and allow enough time between arrival and flight departure.
A) Bus or Private Car from Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City
If you prefer to fly to Con Dao, you first need to travel from Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City, as Vung Tau has no commercial airport. Many buses, minivans and private taxis operate on this route, and some services go directly to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
The journey from Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City takes about 2.5–3 hours. Bus and minivan tickets cost around $6–15/pp, while private taxis are more expensive but offer greater comfort and flexibility.
B) Direct Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao
From Tan Son Nhat Airport, you can take a direct flight to Con Dao Airport on Con Son Island. Flights are operated mainly by Vietnam Airlines and offer the fastest way to reach the archipelago.
The flight takes only about 1 hour, with ticket prices ranging from $60–150/pp depending on the season and booking date. Read more about traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao and check the Vietnam Airport Map before your trip.
BOOK DIRECT FLIGHT to Con Dao ➜
3. HELICOPTER Flight from Vung Tau to Con Dao
👉 Helicopter flight is the fastest and most unique way from Vung Tau to Con Dao.
- ✔️ Good for: luxury travelers and unique scenic experience
- ✔️ Duration: ~1 hour
- ✔️ Price: $90–120 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern helicopter with panoramic views)
- ⚠️ Note: Limited schedule (few flights per week) and small capacity
- ✅ Best option: Southern Helicopter Company direct flight
- 💡 Tip: Book well in advance due to limited seats and check weather conditions before departure.
A unique way to travel from Vung Tau to Con Dao is by helicopter. These flights depart from Vung Tau Airport and arrive at Co Ong Airport on Con Son Island, offering the fastest transfer without traveling via Ho Chi Minh City.
The service is operated by the Southern Helicopter Company. Flight time is about 60 minutes, with departures usually scheduled several times a week, although the timetable may change depending on weather conditions.
Helicopter tickets cost about $90–120/pp and capacity is limited, so advance booking is highly recommended. Besides being the fastest option, the flight also offers spectacular aerial views of the coastline and the Con Dao Archipelago.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Transfer from Vung Tau to Con Dao:
How can I book tickets from Vung Tau to Con Dao?
Book ferry tickets online on Baolau. You can also book bus tickets and flights via Ho Chi Minh City.
How long does it take to travel from Vung Tau to Con Dao?
The ferry takes about 4.5 hours, bus + flight via Ho Chi Minh City about 6–8 hours, and the helicopter about 1 hour.
What is the distance from Vung Tau to Con Dao?
The ferry route from Vung Tau to Con Dao covers about 190 km across the sea.
How much does it cost to travel to Con Dao?
Ferry tickets cost about $38–45/pp. Flights via Ho Chi Minh City or helicopter transfers cost about $90–390/pp.
Are there direct flights from Vung Tau to Con Dao?
No. You can fly from Ho Chi Minh City or use a helicopter operated by Southern Helicopter Company.
Is there another ferry route to Con Dao?
Yes, you can also take a ferry from Soc Trang.
How can I return from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City?
Travel by ferry to Vung Tau or Soc Trang, or take a direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
How many islands are in the Con Dao Archipelago?
Con Dao consists of 16 islands, with Con Son being the largest and most visited.
Is there a railway on Con Dao?
No, there is no railway on Con Dao. Local transport is by road or boat.
Where can I stay in Con Dao?
Most accommodation is on Con Son Island. You can book your hotel in Con Dao online.
Which beaches are worth visiting in southern Vietnam?
Popular beach destinations include Con Dao, Phu Quoc, Vung Tau and Mui Ne. See: Best Beaches in Southern Vietnam.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Vung Tau to Con Dao
Traveling from Vung Tau to Con Dao covers about 190 km across the sea. You can travel by high-speed ferry, helicopter, or via Ho Chi Minh City by bus and direct flight.
- Most Popular Option: The high-speed ferry takes about 4.5 hours and is the only regular direct connection.
- Fastest Option: Helicopter flights take about 1 hour but operate only on limited schedules.
- Alternative Route: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City by bus or taxi and continue by direct flight to Con Dao.
- Weather Matters: Ferry departures may be delayed or canceled during rough seas, especially from June to November.
- Book Early: Ferry and helicopter tickets are limited, especially on weekends and public holidays.
- Arrive Early: Reach the ferry terminal or airport at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
Tip: Ferry tickets, bus transfers and flights to Con Dao can be searched and booked online in advance.