Ferry to Con Dao from Soc Trang (Tran De): The Shortest & Most Budget-Friendly Route

The Ferry to Con Dao from Soc Trang (Tran De) is currently the shortest sea route, taking only 2 hours 15 minutes to 2.5 hours. To take this route, travelers usually take a sleeper bus (My Duyen, Futa…) from Ho Chi Minh City to Tran De Port (approx. 5-6 hours overnight). At the port, you can choose between Superdong or Con Dao Express ferries departing around 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM. This is the best option to minimize seasickness and save money.

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If you are worried about long hours on the open sea or want to save money compared to flying, the Saigon – Soc Trang – Con Dao route is the perfect solution.

As Scuba Instructors at Amadive, we often recommend this route to our students who are prone to mild seasickness because it has the shortest duration on the water. Here is your A-Z guide.

1. Why choose the Ferry to Con Dao from Soc Trang (Tran De) Route?

• Shortest Sea Time: Only ~2.5 hours (compared to 4 hours from Vung Tau).

• Cost-Effective: Total cost (Bus + Ferry) is only around $30 – $35 USD/way.

• Reliable: Operated by two major ferry companies (Superdong & Con Dao Express).

2. Bus Guide: Saigon (HCMC) to Tran De Port

From Saigon, you need to travel about 230km to the Mekong Delta. There are two main ways:

Option 1: Direct Sleeper Bus to Tran De Port (Recommended)

This is the most convenient way. You board the bus at night, sleep, and wake up right at the pier.

• Recommended Operator: My Duyen Bus or Phuong Trang Bus (Futa Express)

• Route: Mien Tay Bus Station (Saigon) -> Tran De Port.

• Departure: Usually late night (10 PM, 11 PM) to arrive early morning.

• Price: Approx. 200,000 – 220,000 VND (~$9 USD).

3. Tran De Port Location & Ferry Terminals

Tran De Port is located at the mouth of the Hau River.

• Address: 30/4 Street, Tran De Town, Soc Trang Province. Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HWa6WAWS2o7etcw7A

• Identifying the Ticket Offices:

  • Superdong Office: White and blue building, right at the port entrance.

  • Con Dao Express Office: Nearby, with red signage.

• Check-in Process:

  • Arrive 30 minutes before departure.

  • Present your E-Ticket (QR Code) + Original Passport.

Note: The port area can be very sunny and hot with limited seating. It’s best to wait at nearby coffee shops until boarding time.

4. Ferry Schedule & Price Comparison

Amadive compares the two operators to help you choose:

Feature	Superdong Ferry	Con Dao Express (CDE)
Vessel Type	Monohull or smaller Catamaran	Large Catamaran (5-star)
Duration	~ 2 hours 30 mins	~ 2 hours 15 mins
Departure	08:00 AM, 10:30 AM	08:30 AM, 09:00 AM
Ticket (ECO)	~ 350,000 VND (~$15)	~ 390,000 VND (~$17)
Ticket (VIP)	N/A	590,000 VND (~$25)
Stability	Good	Better (Larger vessel)

Note: Schedules change based on tides. Contact Amadive to check the exact times for your travel dates.

5. The Best Time to Visit Con Dao island

• March to September (Calm Season):

  • This is the Best time to go to Con Dao. The sea is flat, ensuring a smooth ride.

  • Diving: Underwater visibility is excellent.

• October to February (Windy Season):

  • The estuary area at Tran De can get choppy.

  • If you get seasick easily, avoid sitting at the front of the boat. We recommend choosing the larger Con Dao Express vessel for stability.

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6. Expert Tips from Amadive

To ensure you are fit for diving upon arrival:

1. Sleep on the Bus: Bring an eye mask and neck pillow for the overnight bus ride.

2. Light Breakfast: Eat something light (Banh Mi) at the port, avoid heavy liquids before boarding.

3. Book Ahead: This route is popular with locals. Let Amadive handle your Boat & Bus tickets to ensure a hassle-free trip.

7. FAQ Ferry to Con Dao from Soc Trang (Tran De)

1. Where is Tran De Port and how far is it from Con Dao?

Answer: Tran De Port is located in Soc Trang Province, approximately 230km by road from Ho Chi Minh City. It is the closest gateway to Con Dao from the mainland, with a sea distance of only about 90km (40 nautical miles).

2. Which ferry operators run from Soc Trang?

Answer: There are two reliable operators on this route:

• Superdong: A long-established operator, known for punctuality and affordable rates.

• Con Dao Express: The modern dual-hull “Red Boat,” offering a smoother ride and VIP class options.

3. How long does the crossing take?

Answer: This is the biggest advantage of this route. The journey takes only about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, which is nearly half the time compared to the Vung Tau route.

4. How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City to Tran De Port?

Answer: You can take a sleeper bus (e.g., FUTA Bus Lines) from the Western Bus Station (Ben Xe Mien Tay) in HCMC to Soc Trang City. The bus ride takes 4-5 hours. Important Note: Upon arriving at Soc Trang bus station, you must take a shuttle bus or taxi for another 35km (approx. 45-60 mins) to reach Tran De Port. Since the total travel time is significant, many travelers choose a late-night bus (departing HCMC around 11 PM – 12 AM) to catch the early morning ferry.

5. Is this route suitable if I get seasick easily?

Answer: Yes, this is the best sea option for those prone to motion sickness. Since the time spent on the open water is the shortest, it is generally less physically demanding. However, Amadive still recommends taking seasickness medication 30 minutes prior to boarding, as sea conditions can vary.

6. How much are the tickets?

Answer: Tickets for this route are generally more affordable than the Vung Tau or HCMC direct routes.

• Superdong: Approx. 310,000 – 390,000 VND per way.

• Con Dao Express: Approx. 390,000 – 590,000 VND per way (depending on class and dates). (Prices are subject to change).

7. How far in advance should I book?

Answer: Even though there are frequent departures, tickets sell out quickly during the peak diving season (March to September). We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance. To ensure a hassle-free experience, contact Amadive. We can arrange your ferry tickets as part of your diving package, ensuring your logistics are perfectly synchronized.