Con Dao Express has become a familiar name in Vietnam’s high-speed ferry industry, particularly for travelers journeying between the mainland and Con Dao Island. From the introduction of the 598-passenger Con Dao Express 36 catamaran to the development of Thang Long, a high-speed ferry capable of carrying more than 1,000 passengers, the fleet operated by Phu Quoc Express has played an important role in expanding maritime transportation and improving access to one of Vietnam’s most remarkable island destinations.

Today, condaoexpress.com provides a dedicated platform where travelers can explore the Con Dao Express fleet, check ferry schedules, review ticket fares, and submit booking requests for journeys to Con Dao Island.

From Traditional Passenger Ships to Modern High-Speed Ferries

For decades, passenger vessels have provided an essential connection between Con Dao Island and mainland Vietnam.

Before modern high-speed ferry services became widely available, travelers generally relied on conventional passenger ships departing from Vung Tau. These journeys could take more than half a day, depending on the vessel and sea conditions.

As Con Dao developed into an increasingly popular destination for tourism, historical exploration, and island getaways, demand grew for faster and more comfortable maritime transportation.

A significant milestone came on July 14, 2017, when Superdong officially introduced its high-speed ferry service between Tran De in Soc Trang and Con Dao Island.

This service created an important new connection for residents and travelers from the Mekong Delta, helping to shorten travel times and expand access to the island.

The following years saw further investment in high-capacity passenger ferries.

Phu Quoc Express Joint Stock Company became one of the operators contributing to this development by introducing modern vessels capable of transporting hundreds of passengers per voyage.

The arrival of Con Dao Express 36, Trung Trac, Trung Nhi, and later Thang Long marked successive stages in the expansion of Vietnam’s high-speed passenger ferry fleet.

Con Dao Express 36: A New Chapter for the Vung Tau – Con Dao Route

The introduction of Con Dao Express 36 in February 2019 represented an important development in maritime transportation between Vung Tau and Con Dao Island.

Built in Vietnam by Shipyard 189, the vessel was designed as a modern aluminum-hulled high-speed catamaran for Phu Quoc Express.

Following its launch ceremony at Cau Da Port in Vung Tau on February 14, 2019, the ferry began commercial passenger services on February 15, 2019.

At the time, Con Dao Express 36 was introduced as Vietnam’s largest high-speed passenger catamaran.

Technical Specifications of Con Dao Express 36

• Vessel type: High-speed passenger catamaran
• Hull material: Aluminum alloy
• Length: 46.85 meters
• Beam: 12.2 meters
• Passenger capacity: 598
• Engines: Four Rolls-Royce MTU engines
• Maximum design speed: Approximately 35 knots
• Seating classes: Economy (ECO) and VIP

The twin-hull design, spacious passenger cabins, and powerful propulsion system offered a considerably different travel experience from the traditional passenger ships previously operating between Vung Tau and Con Dao.

Under favorable conditions, the journey could be completed in approximately three to three and a half hours, significantly reducing travel time compared with conventional vessels.

Beyond its speed, Con Dao Express 36 demonstrated the growing capacity of Vietnam’s domestic shipbuilding industry to produce sophisticated, high-capacity passenger ferries.

In subsequent years, the vessel was also assigned to the Tran De – Con Dao route, demonstrating the flexibility of the fleet across different island services.

Trung Trac and Trung Nhi: Expanding the High-Speed Catamaran Fleet

Following Con Dao Express 36, Phu Quoc Express continued expanding its fleet with two additional high-speed catamarans, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi.

Both vessels were built in Hai Phong and shared many technical characteristics with Con Dao Express 36, including aluminum construction, twin-hull configurations, and a passenger capacity of 598.

Their arrival strengthened the operator’s ability to serve multiple maritime routes while accommodating greater passenger volumes.

Trung Trac: From Con Dao to Phu Quy Island

On July 26, 2019, Trung Trac entered service on the Tran De – Con Dao route, increasing the availability of large-capacity high-speed ferry transportation between the Mekong Delta and Con Dao Island.

With accommodation for nearly 600 passengers, the vessel provided an additional option for residents, domestic tourists, and international travelers.

On May 19, 2023, Trung Trac began operating on the Phan Thiet – Phu Quy route.

The deployment of Trung Trac to Phu Quy Island illustrated how large high-speed ferries could serve different destinations according to operational requirements and passenger demand.

Trung Nhi: Supporting Maritime Connections to Con Dao

Trung Nhi is another high-speed passenger catamaran belonging to the same generation of vessels as Con Dao Express 36 and Trung Trac.

With a capacity of 598 passengers, the vessel features air-conditioned passenger cabins and separate Economy and VIP seating areas.

Trung Nhi has been associated with ferry services linking the mainland and Con Dao Island, including operations from Vung Tau and Tran De during different periods.

Together, these three vessels represented a substantial expansion in the number of high-capacity catamarans available for Vietnam’s island transportation network.

Their development reflected a broader shift toward modern passenger ferries designed to handle growing travel demand while offering more comfortable journeys.

Thang Long: A Major Step Forward in Passenger Ferry Capacity

While Con Dao Express 36, Trung Trac, and Trung Nhi established a fleet of high-capacity catamarans, Thang Long represented another significant step in vessel size and passenger accommodation.

Unlike the earlier twin-hull ferries, Thang Long features a single-hull design and multiple passenger decks.

Built in Vietnam, the vessel measures approximately 77.46 meters in length and has a maximum passenger capacity of 1,017.

Its facilities include Economy and VIP seating sections, spacious passenger accommodation, and supporting amenities distributed across multiple levels.

Thang Long Technical Highlights

• Vessel type: High-speed single-hull passenger ferry
• Length: 77.46 meters
• Passenger capacity: 1,017
• Hull construction: Aluminum alloy
• Passenger accommodation: Multiple decks
• Seating classes: Economy (ECO) and VIP
• Maximum design speed: Approximately 35 knots

On March 9, 2024, Thang Long began carrying passengers on the Vung Tau – Con Dao route, following its official launch ceremony the previous day.

A further milestone came on May 13, 2024, when the vessel inaugurated a high-speed ferry service between Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao Island, departing from Saigon – Hiep Phuoc Port.

The introduction of a ferry capable of accommodating more than 1,000 passengers demonstrated the increasing scale of Vietnam’s maritime passenger transportation sector.

It also highlighted the capabilities of Vietnamese shipbuilders in developing large, technologically advanced high-speed vessels.

Over subsequent operating periods, Thang Long continued to be associated with ferry connections to Con Dao, including the Vung Tau route.

As with all maritime services, vessel assignments and operating schedules remain subject to weather conditions, port arrangements, passenger demand, and the ferry operator’s operational plans.

Major Ferry Routes Associated with Con Dao Express

Throughout the development of the fleet, Phu Quoc Express vessels have served several important routes connecting Con Dao Island with mainland Vietnam.

Vung Tau – Con Dao

The Vung Tau – Con Dao route holds particular significance in the history of Con Dao Express.

It was the original operating route of Con Dao Express 36 in February 2019 and later became one of the routes served by Thang Long.

Departing from the Cau Da port area in Vung Tau, the service connects mainland passengers with Ben Dam Port on Con Dao Island.

This route is particularly relevant for travelers arriving from Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring areas in southeastern Vietnam.

Tran De – Con Dao

The Tran De – Con Dao route provides an important maritime connection for passengers traveling from Soc Trang and other provinces throughout the Mekong Delta.

Superdong introduced high-speed ferry services on this route in July 2017.

Phu Quoc Express subsequently contributed additional transportation capacity through vessels such as Trung Trac, Trung Nhi, and Con Dao Express 36 at different stages of operations.

The availability of different ferry operators and vessel types has helped broaden travel options for passengers.

Ho Chi Minh City – Con Dao

On May 13, 2024, the launch of Thang Long’s service from Saigon – Hiep Phuoc Port established a notable high-capacity passenger ferry connection between Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao Island.

The route offered an alternative for travelers who preferred departing directly from the Ho Chi Minh City area.

Operations have changed over time, and travelers should verify the latest service status before making travel arrangements.

Important: These routes form part of the historical development of Con Dao Express and the wider high-speed ferry network. Not all routes operate continuously, and the vessel assigned to a particular service may change.

condaoexpress.com: Ferry Information, Schedules, Fares, and Booking Services

As maritime transportation continues to develop, travelers increasingly need accessible and reliable information about ferry routes, departure times, ticket prices, and available vessels.

condaoexpress.com has been developed as a dedicated information and booking platform covering Con Dao Express and high-speed ferry journeys to Con Dao Island.

The website operates as part of the TRA0116 ticket agency network, providing ferry information and assisting passengers with booking inquiries.

It is a ticketing and travel information platform, distinct from Phu Quoc Express, the company operating the vessels.

Explore the Con Dao Express Fleet

Visitors can learn about the history, technical characteristics, passenger capacity, and onboard facilities of the vessels associated with Con Dao Express.

The fleet section features Con Dao Express 36, Trung Trac, Trung Nhi, and Thang Long, with individual descriptions and photographs.

Explore the Con Dao Express Fleet.

Check Con Dao Ferry Schedules

Travelers can review available and expected ferry schedules according to their preferred route and travel date.

The timetable section helps passengers identify departures, return services, and the vessels assigned to individual journeys.

View Con Dao Express Ferry Schedules.

Review Ferry Ticket Fares

Ticket prices may vary according to the route, travel date, seating class, passenger category, and the operator’s fare policies.

The website provides reference fares to help travelers estimate their transportation costs before submitting a reservation request.

Check Con Dao Express Ticket Fares.

Submit a Ferry Booking Request

Passengers can choose their preferred route, departure date, number of travelers, and seating class through the online booking system.

After receiving an inquiry, booking staff review the requested journey, confirm seat availability and applicable fares, and provide instructions for completing the reservation.

Submit a request through Con Dao Express Ferry Booking.

In addition to schedules and reservations, condaoexpress.com provides information about island destinations, ferry travel guidance, and practical advice for planning a visit to Con Dao.

The Role of Con Dao Express in Vietnam’s Island Tourism Development

The development of high-speed ferry transportation is not simply a matter of larger vessels or faster journeys.

For destinations such as Con Dao, improved maritime connections create more opportunities for residents, visitors, and travel service providers.

Higher-capacity passenger ferries can help accommodate seasonal travel demand, while shorter journey times make island visits more practical for travelers with limited schedules.

Modern ferry services also contribute to the wider tourism economy by supporting connections between ports, accommodation providers, local transport services, and island attractions.

The vessels associated with Con Dao Express form part of this broader development.

From the nearly 600-passenger catamarans introduced in 2019 to the 1,017-passenger Thang Long, these ships reflect the continuing investment in Vietnam’s passenger ferry infrastructure and domestic shipbuilding capabilities.

Their contribution is best understood within the wider history of maritime transport to Con Dao, alongside the traditional passenger vessels and other high-speed ferry operators that helped establish earlier connections.

Frequently Asked Questions About Con Dao Express

Is Con Dao Express the same as Phu Quoc Express?

Con Dao Express is a name associated with high-speed ferry services and vessels operating on routes to Con Dao Island. Con Dao Express 36, Trung Trac, Trung Nhi, and Thang Long belong to the Phu Quoc Express fleet. The website condaoexpress.com operates as a ferry information and ticket booking platform within the TRA0116 agency network, rather than as the ferry operator itself.

Was Con Dao Express the first ferry operator to serve Con Dao Island?

No. Conventional passenger vessels connected Vung Tau and Con Dao long before the introduction of Con Dao Express 36. Superdong also began operating a high-speed ferry service between Tran De and Con Dao in July 2017.

How many passengers can Con Dao Express 36 carry?

Con Dao Express 36 has a passenger capacity of 598, with Economy and VIP seating areas.

How many passengers can Thang Long carry?

Thang Long has a maximum designed passenger capacity of 1,017, making it one of Vietnam’s largest high-speed passenger ferries.

Where can I check Con Dao Express ferry schedules?

Travelers can visit condaoexpress.com to review ferry schedules, routes, and available travel information. Departure times and operating conditions should be confirmed before traveling.

Can I book Con Dao Express ferry tickets online?

Yes. Passengers can submit booking requests through condaoexpress.com. Booking staff will review availability, applicable fares, and reservation details before providing confirmation and payment instructions.

A booking request does not automatically constitute a confirmed ticket.

Are Con Dao Express ferry services available every day?

Ferry operations depend on individual routes, vessel availability, seasonal demand, and weather conditions. Some services may operate only on selected dates or may be temporarily unavailable.

Travelers should always check the latest schedule and booking status before making arrangements.

Con Dao Express: Continuing the Journey Between the Mainland and Con Dao Island

From Con Dao Express 36 to Trung Trac, Trung Nhi, and the larger Thang Long, the development of the Phu Quoc Express fleet reflects important changes in Vietnam’s modern maritime passenger transportation industry.

Each vessel has its own history, technical characteristics, and role in serving different island routes.

Together, they represent continued investment in modern ferry technology, increased passenger capacity, and improved maritime connections between mainland Vietnam and its islands.

For travelers planning a journey to Con Dao, understanding available ferry routes, vessel types, ticket conditions, and departure schedules remains essential.

Visit Con Dao Express at condaoexpress.com to explore the fleet, check ferry schedules, review reference ticket fares, and submit booking requests for your next journey to Con Dao Island.