A guide for getting the ferry from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau, including how to buy tickets, port locations, and what to expect onboard.
Vung Tau is the closest beach to Ho Chi Minh City, so it’s a popular city escape for Saigonese. The easiest way to get there is by the fast ferry service.
The ferry from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. This used to be the quickest way before the Long Thanh expressway opened. Now getting a minivan takes about the same time, but the ferry remains as a more relaxed way to travel.
Tickets for Ho Chi Minh City-Vung Tau ferry
Ferries are operated by GreenlinesDP. The tickets can be bought online or at the ferry terminal. Seats are usually available mid-week, but its advisable to book in advance on the weekend.
[GreenlinesDP Ferry ticket office in Ho Chi Minh City.]
Ho Chi Minh City – Vung Tau ferry map
[View map of Ho Chi Minh City – Vung Tau ferry.]
Ho Chi Minh City ferry terminal
Location: Bach Dang Speed Ferry Terminal.
Address: 10B Ton Duc Thang St., Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
GreenlinesDP operates from the Bach Dang Speed Ferry Terminal on the District 1 riverfront. This is opposite the Riverside Hotel on Ton Duc Thang.
There is a Highlands Cafe at the terminal, and another cafe serving beer and food.
[Cafe at Bach Dang Speed Ferry Terminal.]
Onboard GreenlinesDP Ferry
The GreenlinesDP ferries are modern and in good condition. The ferries are wide, so they provide a smooth ride.
I’ve been on many ferries in Southeast Asia with narrow and broken seats. The seats here are comfortable and provide enough leg room. The air conditioning is set at a reasonable level and not set to “freezing” (as is often the case with public transport in Southeast Asia).
A bootle of water, a little snack, and refresher towelette is handed out onboard.
Drinks and snacks are also available to purchase onboard.
There is wi-fi onboard which doesn’t always work. They have video entertainment, which is usually a variety show on mute or Vietnamese music during the Tet holiday period.
There are power outlets next to the window seats.
There is a western toilet at the back of the ferry, and it is kept in a dry condition.
Part of the appeal of this trip is putting Saigon in context to the surrounding waterways.
[Phu My Bridge, connecting District 7 and Thu Duc City in Ho Chi Minh City.]
The ferry travels through the waterways of Can Gio District. While the rivers in Can Gio aren’t part of the Mekong Delta, there are sections that feel like being in the Delta. Spending so much time in urban Saigon, it’s easy to forget about the waterways that are part of the city.
There is a small deck out the back but it’s not really suitable for sitting. This a fast boat service and not a pleasure cruise, so I made do with looking at the scenery from the window.
[View of the unfinished Phuoc Khanh Bridge from the back of the Ferry.]
Most of the trip is smooth sailing (so to speak) along the rivers. It is only on the last section where the river meets the sea and the boat cuts across the bay that it sometimes gets a bit rough.
Vung Tau ferry terminal
Location: Ho May Tourism Area Pier.
Address: 01A Tran Phu St., Ward 1, Vung Tau City.
The GreenlinesDP Vung Tau ferry port is at the Ho May Tourism Area Pier. This is close to the Front Beach area, and close enough to walk if you are packing light. There are taxis waiting at the port, and Grab is also available in Vung Tau.
Where to stay in Vung Tau
There are two man areas to stay in Vung Tau: the Front Beach and Back Beach. Here is the Nomadic Notes guide on where to stay in Vung Tau.