You have picked your dates, and now you are stuck on the part nobody explains properly: which mainland port to leave from, which boat is actually worth paying for, and what happens after you step off at the pier.
The Phu Quoc Express ferry is one of two main operators crossing to the island, and the honest answer depends on where you are coming from and how much you mind rough water. As a resort that meets guests off this crossing year-round, Corona Resort & Casino Phú Quốc lays out the details in the fullest and most complete way here — real 2026 fares and timetables for both routes, the operators compared, booking and document rules, what the crossing is genuinely like, and how to get from Bai Vong Port to your hotel.
Ferry or flight: Which way to Phu Quoc fits you?
When planning how to get to Phu Quoc, travelers generally choose between two options: a fast ferry across the Gulf of Thailand, or a roughly one-hour flight into Phu Quoc International Airport. Neither is universally better; the right choice depends on where you are starting from and what you are carrying.
- Time door to door: ferry usually 3-5 hours including the drive to Ha Tien or Rach Gia; flying is about 1 hour in the air plus airport time, but only from cities with direct routes such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Can Tho and Da Nang
- Cost: ferry fares run 216,000-500,000 VND one way; flight fares vary widely by season and route, often higher during Tet and summer
- Baggage: ferries have no strict weight limit; flights enforce cabin and checked-baggage allowances
- Bringing a vehicle: only the ferry carries one, a motorbike on the fast boats or a car on the slower car ferry from Ha Tien; flights cannot carry either
- Weather reliability: flights are cancelled far less often than ferries, which stop sailing when the port authority calls rough seas, mainly May to October
If you are coming from An Giang, Chau Doc or overland from Cambodia, the ferry is usually the more practical route regardless of season. If you are flying in from Hanoi, Da Nang or overseas on a tight schedule, book the flight and save the ferry crossing for a day trip, or build slack into a return leg by sea.
Which Route: Ha Tien or Rach Gia?
Both routes end at the same place, Bai Vong Port on Phu Quoc’s east coast. What differs is time at sea, price, and where you start from on the mainland. Get this decision right and the rest is simple. Get it wrong and you spend an extra hour on the water for no reason.
Ha Tien — Shorter, Cheaper, Choppier
Around 45 nautical miles across the Gulf of Thailand, crossed in roughly 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 30 minutes. The shortest sea route to the island. Fares run lower than Rach Gia on both operators. Departures cluster in the morning and early afternoon, with the last boats leaving in the early afternoon rather than the evening. Best for travellers coming from An Giang, Chau Doc, or overland from Cambodia; Ha Tien is simply closer.
Rach Gia — Longer, Pricier, Smoother
Around 120 km, crossed in roughly 2 hours 20 to 2 hours 30 minutes, nearly an hour more at sea. You pay more for it, but Rach Gia is a larger port city with better mainland connections, and the longer crossing on a catamaran is noticeably steadier than the same boat doing a short choppy hop. Best for travellers coming from Ho Chi Minh City or the central Mekong Delta.
The Short Version
Coming from HCMC, choose Rach Gia. Coming from An Giang or Cambodia, choose Ha Tien. Prone to seasickness, take the catamaran regardless of route. If you are bringing a car, neither works; see the car ferry section below.
When is the best time to take the ferry?
The Gulf of Thailand runs two distinct seasons, and they decide whether your crossing is smooth or something to grit your teeth through. The dry season, November through April, brings calm seas, light wind and the lowest chance of a cancelled sailing; it is also when Phu Quoc sees the most visitors, so book tickets a few days ahead. The wet season, May through October, brings rougher water, more frequent cancellations, and a real chance of losing a travel day to weather.
- Calmest months: December to March
- Roughest months: July to September, when tropical storms track through the Gulf of Thailand
- Peak booking season: late December through February and around Tet, when boats sell out days in advance
- If your schedule has zero slack: consider flying instead during May-October, or build a spare day into your itinerary around the crossing
Phu Quoc Express Ferry: The Boat, the Times, the Fares
This is the operator most people search by name, so here is what it actually is and what it actually costs.
What You Are Paying For
Phu Quoc Express runs twin-hull catamarans built to European standards, with an aluminium alloy hull and Rolls-Royce MTU engines. Capacity is around 300 passengers. The twin-hull design is the whole point: it cuts through swell rather than riding over it, which measurably reduces the rolling that makes people sick. If seasickness is your concern, this is the reason to choose this operator over a single-hull boat. Cabins split into two zones, economy and a VIP zone with genuine leather reclining seats, entertainment screens and more space.
Ha Tien to Phu Quoc — Timetable
- 7:00 AM, arrives 8:15 AM
- 9:00 AM, arrives 10:15 AM
- 11:45 AM, arrives 1:00 PM
Return, Phu Quoc (Bai Vong) to Ha Tien 7:00 AM (arrives 8:15 AM), 9:00 AM (arrives 10:15 AM), 2:00 PM (arrives 3:15 PM).
Rach Gia to Phu Quoc: Timetable
- 7:00 AM, arrives 9:20 AM
- 10:20 AM, arrives 12:40 PM
- 12:10 PM, arrives 2:30 PM
- 1:00 PM, arrives 3:20 PM
Return, Phu Quoc (Bai Vong) to Rach Gia: 7:10 AM (arrives 9:30 AM), 10:00 AM (arrives 12:20 PM), 1:20 PM (arrives 3:40 PM).
2026 Fares
Rach Gia route, one way per person: Adult 315,000 VND, Senior 60+ 265,000 VND, Child 6-11 225,000 VND, VIP cabin 500,000 VND.
Ha Tien route, one way per person: Adult around 216,000 VND, Senior 60+ around 182,000 VND, Child 6-11 around 148,000 VND, VIP around 330,000 VND. These Ha Tien figures are crosschecked against an independent operator fare listing dated August 2026; Phu Quoc Express revises pricing without notice, so treat this as a guide and confirm the current fare when you book.
Phu Quoc Express applies the same fare on weekdays, weekends and public holidays, there is no Tet surcharge, which is worth knowing if you are travelling in late January or February.
The Alternatives: Superdong and the Car Ferry
Phu Quoc Express is not the only option, and it is not always the right one.
Superdong — More Departures, Single Hull
Superdong is the higher-frequency operator on both routes. If your schedule is tight, it usually has a boat closer to the hour you want. The trade-off is the hull: Superdong boats are single-hull, so on a rough day you will feel more of the sea than you would on a catamaran. On a calm day the difference is minor.
- Ha Tien to Phu Quoc departures: 6:15 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 1:45 PM
- Rach Gia to Phu Quoc departures: 7:00 AM, 8:10 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:10 PM
Extra sailings are added on weekends, Tet and summer holidays. Superdong’s own booking system publishes departure times only, not arrivals, so confirm your exact arrival slot when you book.
Fares, one way: Ha Tien adult about 225,800-230,000 VND, senior 60+ about 191,500-195,000 VND, child 6-11 about 157,100-160,000 VND. Rach Gia adult about 324,000-330,000 VND, senior 60+ about 274,900-280,000 VND, child 6-11 about 235,600-240,000 VND. The ranges reflect the small gap between agent rate cards and Superdong’s own published fares; the higher figure is the ceiling.
When You Need the Car Ferry Instead
Fast ferries do not carry cars. Not Phu Quoc Express, not Superdong. Passengers and motorbikes only. If you are bringing a car, truck or large cargo, you need the car ferry from Ha Tien, a slower vessel taking roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by day, and considerably longer on overnight sailings. This catches people out every week: do not drive to Ha Tien assuming you can put the car on a fast boat.
Thanh Thoi Car Ferry
Fares by Vehicle Type Passenger and vehicle fares on the Ha Tien car ferry vary between operators and even between rate cards for the same operator, so treat the figures below as a budgeting guide rather than a fixed price and confirm before you drive to the port.
- Passenger, one way: roughly 190,000-205,000 VND
- Motorbike: around 80,000 VND
- Car, 4 seats: around 850,000 VND
- Car, 7 seats: around 1,100,000 VND
- Van, 16 seats: around 1,400,000 VND
- Coach and lorry: priced separately by seat count or weight band, ask the operator directly
Which mainland port should you leave from?
Both Ha Tien and Rach Gia have a working ferry terminal with ticket counters and a waiting area, though Rach Gia has more facilities to pass the time. Knowing what to expect before you arrive saves you standing in the wrong queue.
Ha Tien Ferry Terminal
Located on Nguyen Cong Tru street in Ha Tien city, about 3 km from the town centre and close to the Xa Xia border crossing to Cambodia. Facilities are basic: a waiting area, toilets, a few snack stalls and ticket counters, no ATM on site. Arrive 45-60 minutes before departure; there is no luggage storage, so keep your bags with you.
Rach Gia Ferry Terminal
Located on Nguyen Van Cu street in Rach Gia city, about 4 km from the bus station. This is the larger of the two terminals, with an air-conditioned waiting room, multiple ticket counters, a few shops and cafes, and ATMs on site. The terminal gets busy around public holidays; arrive 60- 90 minutes early and follow the signage to your operator’s counter.
Booking, Documents and Motorbikes
Three things that decide whether you board or stand on the dock
How to Book
Book directly through the operator or an authorised agent. You receive an e-ticket with a QR code, no paper collection needed. During the December-April dry season and around Vietnamese public holidays, book several days ahead; boats genuinely sell out. Changes and cancellations generally need at least 24 hours’ notice during office hours, with a cancellation fee of around 20% of the fare.
Documents You Must Bring
- Vietnamese citizens: original Citizen ID card (CCCD). Adults will not board without it.
- International visitors: passport and valid visa.
- Children: original or certified copy of the birth certificate. This is checked, and it is the single most common reason families get turned away at the gate.
Bringing a Motorbike
Motorbikes are accepted for a surcharge, but space in the hold is genuinely limited. You must call the operator’s hotline to reserve a motorbike slot; it cannot be booked online. Turning up with a bike and no reservation usually means it does not travel.
Indicative surcharges on the Ha Tien route: bicycle from about 50,000 VND, standard motorbike from about 150,000 VND, small automatic from about 180,000 VND, large automatic from about 220,000 VND, large-displacement motorcycle from about 350,000 VND. Rach Gia rates run slightly higher.
What the Crossing Is Actually Like
The brochures show turquoise water. Here is the rest of it.
Seasickness Is Real
The Gulf of Thailand is calm from roughly November to April and considerably less so from May to October. If you are sensitive: choose the catamaran, sit in the middle or toward the rear where the motion is least, avoid a heavy meal beforehand, and take medication before boarding rather than after you feel it. Cabins are air-conditioned with assigned seating, luggage is stored on boarding, and there is an open-air deck at the stern if you need fresh air.
A few practical extras worth packing: a light jacket for the strong air conditioning, earplugs for the engine noise, and a power bank since USB ports are not guaranteed on every boat.
How Do I Know If My Ferry Is Cancelled?
The port authority makes a daily sailing call, typically around 6:30 AM, based on sea conditions, and a boat you booked can still be cancelled on the morning of departure. Check the operator’s own Facebook page or website first, since both Phu Quoc Express and Superdong post cancellation notices there before counter staff usually know. Calling the operator’s hotline directly is the fastest way to get a real-time answer, and your hotel or travel agent can often confirm it for you as well.
If sailing is suspended, operators generally offer a full refund or a reschedule; what nobody can give you back is the day itself. During the May-October rainy season, if your schedule has no slack in it, flying to Phu Quoc International Airport is the more reliable choice. That is not a sales line, it is the honest answer.
From Bai Vong Port to Your Hotel
Here is where most ferry guides stop being useful, so this section is deliberately specific. Bai Vong Port sits in Ham Ninh commune on Phu Quoc’s east coast, not the north, the east. Every fast ferry from both mainland ports docks here, and your journey is not over when you step off.
To Duong Dong and Long Beach
You are close. Duong Dong town centre is roughly 10-12 km away, about 20 minutes by road. Options at the pier: taxi, ride-hailing, operator shuttle bus, or rented motorbike. Taxis and minivans wait for every arrival; you will not be stranded.
To the North and Bai Dai — And the Free Bus Nobody Mentions
If you are staying in the north, budget around an hour from Bai Vong. Plan for it rather than discovering it. But there is an option most guides skip entirely: Bus 20 runs from Bai Vong Harbour to Grand World for free. It is part of the island’s electric bus network, with departures from the harbour through to around 4:10 PM, which covers every fast ferry arrival of the day. From Grand World it is a short hop west to the Bai Dai coastline, home to some of the island’s quietest sand; if beaches are on your list for this trip, our guide to the best beaches in Phu Quoc covers the full picture.
What Is at the End of It
Bai Dai occupies Phu Quoc’s northwestern coastline, the stretch that stayed undeveloped longest and still shows it. Corona Resort & Casino Phu Quoc anchors it: a five-star resort of more than 3,000 rooms and villas with a private beach, and home to the first legal casino in Vietnam where Vietnamese citizens may enter under the government’s pilot programme. In 2022 the property was named World’s Best Casino Entertainment Venue at the World Casino Awards.
For anyone who has just spent two and a half hours at sea and an hour on the road, the practical appeal is straightforward: a 24/7 casino, a 600-seat theatre, a spa, and more than twenty restaurants and bars, all within walking distance of each other. No more transport decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Phu Quoc Express ferry ticket in 2026?
On the Rach Gia route: 315,000 VND adult, 265,000 VND for seniors 60+, 225,000 VND for children 6-11, and 500,000 VND for the VIP cabin, one way. Ha Tien fares are lower, starting around 216,000 VND for an adult. The same fare applies on weekends and public holidays.
How long does the crossing take?
Ha Tien to Phu Quoc takes about 1 hour 10 to 1 hour 30 minutes. Rach Gia to Phu Quoc ferry takes about 2 hours 20 to 2 hours 30 minutes. Both dock at Bai Vong Port on the east coast.
Which is better — Phu Quoc Express or Superdong?
Phu Quoc Express runs twin-hull catamarans, which handle swell better and reduce seasickness, and it offers a VIP cabin. Superdong runs more daily departures and is marginally cheaper on the Ha Tien route. Choose the catamaran if the sea bothers you, choose Superdong if you need a specific departure time.
Can I take a car or motorbike on the ferry?
Motorbikes yes, cars no. Fast ferries carry passengers and motorbikes only, and motorbike slots must be reserved by phone; they cannot be booked online. For a car you need the car ferry from Ha Tien, which takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by day.
Is the ferry or the flight better value for a short trip?
For a short trip with a tight schedule, the flight is usually better value once you count the mainland travel time to reach Ha Tien or Rach Gia. For longer stays, or if you are already in the Mekong Delta, the ferry works out cheaper and adds the sea crossing as part of the experience. Our guide on the real cost of a Phu Quoc trip breaks down both options in more detail.
Do ferry fares change during Tet or summer holidays?
Phu Quoc Express applies the same fare year round, including Tet and public holidays. Superdong and the car ferry operators may add extra departures during peak periods rather than raise fares, but availability drops fast, so book several days ahead if you are travelling in late December through February.
How do I get from Bai Vong Port to my hotel?
Duong Dong is about 20 minutes by taxi, ride-hailing or operator shuttle. The north of the island, including Bai Dai, is about an hour. Free Bus 20 also runs from Bai Vong Harbour to Grand World, with departures through to around 4:10 PM.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled for weather?
You get a full refund or a reschedule to the next available sailing, but not your lost day. Check the operator’s Facebook page or call their hotline from 6:30 AM on the morning of travel, and keep at least one buffer day in your itinerary if you are crossing during the May-October wet season.
We hope this complete guide to the Phu Quoc Express ferry, real 2026 fares, both timetables, the document rules and what happens after you land, helps you plan the sea crossing with confidence. And when the road from Bai Vong brings you north, visit Corona Casino Phu Quoc at Bai Dai to enjoy world-class entertainment and luxurious five-star resort experiences.
CONTACT FOOTER
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