Phu Quy: Phu Quoc Express Highspeed Ferry from Phan Thiet

Fast boats make island trips easier. The Phu Quy Express ferry links Phan Thiet with Phu Quy Island in about two hours, giving you a practical way to reach this offshore escape without turning the journey into an all-day affair. I like the short crossing and the promise of air-conditioned seating, especially in Central Vietnam’s heat.

I also like the simple package: an electronic ticket, baggage allowance, bottled water, and a wet towel are included. The main consideration is that this is transport, not a guided island tour. Hotel transfers, meals, insurance, attraction tickets, and guide services are not included, so you must arrange those pieces yourself.

Key points at a glance

• About two hours from Phan Thiet to Phu Quy: The short sailing time makes the ferry useful for a compact island break.
• Air-conditioned cabins and spacious seating: You get a more comfortable ride than a basic passenger boat.
• Sea and island views during the crossing: The trip itself provides scenery, not just transportation.
• One bottle of mineral water and a wet towel included: Small extras that make the ride more pleasant.
• Around $20 per person: A reasonable price for a fast ferry, provided you already have your port transport arranged.
• Strong speed feedback from Thomas: His 5 out of 5 review praised the ride for being faster than expected.

Why the two-hour crossing matters

Phu Quy Island sits offshore from Phan Thiet, so the ferry is the key link between the mainland and the island. A trip of about two hours is short enough to fit neatly into a holiday plan, yet long enough for you to settle into your seat and enjoy the sea.

I find the timing especially useful if you want more than a quick port transfer. A shorter crossing leaves more of your day for getting settled on Phu Quy, arranging local plans, or simply resting after the journey. It also reduces the risk of the ferry ride becoming the main event of your day.

The stated time is about two hours, not a guarantee down to the minute. Sea conditions, port procedures, and operational changes can affect any ferry journey. Still, the advertised duration gives you a useful planning guide.

The one named passenger review comes from Thomas, who gave the experience 5 out of 5 and found it faster than expected. That is a small sample, but it supports the main selling point: speed.

Departing from Phan Thiet

Your experience begins at a meeting point connected to the option you book. The exact meeting point can vary, so check your ticket carefully rather than assuming every departure uses the same place.

The package does not include transport from your hotel to the port. You need to reach the departure point on your own and make your own arrangements after returning. This is not a major problem if you are already staying near Phan Thiet, but it matters if you have luggage or are arriving from another part of Vietnam.

Allow yourself enough time to find the port and complete the boarding process. The available information does not give a required check-in time, so you should follow the instructions on your e-ticket and any confirmation messages. The electronic ticket is designed to make access simple, but a phone with a charged battery is still a sensible precaution.

Phan Thiet is the mainland gateway for this trip. Once you are at the port, the ferry provides the main service from there to Phu Quy. Since no hotel pickup is included, the smoothness of your day depends partly on how well you organize the first and last short land connections.

Inside the Phu Quy Express ferry

The ferry is presented as modern, with spacious seating and air-conditioned cabins. Those features matter more than they may sound. A two-hour trip can feel easy when you have room to sit comfortably, but it can feel much longer if you are packed into a tight cabin with poor airflow.

Air conditioning is particularly welcome on a sunny crossing. It gives you a cooler place to rest, while the windows and open views let you keep an eye on the water when conditions allow. The exact seating arrangement is not specified, so you should not assume that every seat has the same view or the same amount of legroom.

The ferry is not described as a luxury vessel, and I would not book it expecting a cruise-style experience. Its strength is practical comfort: a fast crossing, a modern interior, and basic passenger care. That is enough for most people who want to reach the island without unnecessary fuss.

A professional crew is assigned to safety and passenger comfort. You also receive a wet towel and one bottle of mineral water. These are modest inclusions, but they are useful on a warm journey. The towel is handy after arriving at the port, while the water saves you from needing to buy a drink immediately.

What you see across the sea

The crossing offers views of the open water, the coastline, and nearby islands. The scenery gives you something to watch during the journey and helps mark the change from mainland Vietnam to island life.

I like this part of the experience because the ferry is not just a sealed transfer from one place to another. Even if you spend much of the trip seated indoors, the water and distant islands provide a sense of movement and place. Keep your expectations measured, though. This is a ferry crossing, not a dedicated sightseeing cruise, and no sightseeing commentary or guided viewing is included.

The best approach is flexible. Sit comfortably, look outside when the view is clear, and use the crossing as a calm pause between Phan Thiet and Phu Quy. You do not need a packed onboard schedule. The value is in getting there quickly while still seeing something of the sea route.

Weather can affect how enjoyable the views are. The supplied details do not promise calm seas or guaranteed visibility, so anyone prone to motion sickness should plan carefully. The ferry’s air-conditioned cabins provide shelter, but the trip remains a sea journey.

What your ticket includes

The electronic ticket is included, which keeps the booking process straightforward. You can present your ticket as directed for access to the ferry.

A baggage allowance is also included. The exact weight or size limit is not provided, so you should check the booking conditions before packing a large suitcase. Do not assume that unlimited baggage is covered simply because luggage is allowed onboard.

Your package includes:

• Electronic ferry ticket
• Baggage allowance
• One bottle of mineral water
• One wet towel

These inclusions make the fare feel more complete than a bare seat-only ticket. You get the essential transport, a place for your luggage, and two small comfort items.

Food and drinks beyond the bottled water are not included. If you expect to eat during the crossing, plan ahead. The available information does not confirm onboard meal service, so I would not count on buying a full meal during the trip.

What you need to arrange yourself

This experience is best understood as a ferry booking rather than a full island package. You arrange your own transport to the port and from the port after the trip. Hotel transfers are not included in either direction.

You also receive no guide service. The ferry crew focuses on safety and passenger comfort, not on explaining Phu Quy’s sights or planning your day. That gives you freedom, but it also means you need to organize your island activities separately.

Admission fees are not included either. The information refers to entrance fees for attractions or historical sites in Con Dao, even though this service is for Phu Quy. That wording appears inconsistent with the destination, so you should treat all island attraction costs as separate unless your booking confirmation says otherwise.

Travel insurance is not included. For a sea crossing, that is worth noting. If insurance matters to you, arrange it independently before departure. The ferry fare should not be mistaken for a package that covers medical costs, missed connections, or other travel problems.

Is $20 good value?

At about $20 per person, the ferry offers good value if speed and comfort are your priorities. You are paying for a two-hour connection, air-conditioned seating, baggage allowance, water, and a wet towel. Compared with the time and effort involved in a slower sea journey, the price is easy to justify.

The value is strongest for visitors who already have their mainland transport arranged. If you need to pay separately for a long transfer to the port, then another transfer on Phu Quy, your total travel cost will be higher than the advertised fare.

The price also does not cover food, tours, attraction tickets, or insurance. That is normal for point-to-point transport, but it means you should budget beyond the ticket price. I would compare the full cost of your day, not just the ferry fare.

For couples, families, and small groups, the clear online booking system can save time and reduce last-minute uncertainty. The reserve-and-pay-later option also allows you to hold a place without paying immediately, which is helpful while your wider Vietnam itinerary is still taking shape.

Who should book this ferry?

I would recommend this service to you if you want a quick, reasonably comfortable connection from Phan Thiet to Phu Quy and are happy to plan the rest of the trip yourself.

It suits:

• Independent visitors who do not need a guide
• People who value a two-hour crossing
• Families who prefer air-conditioned seating
• Visitors carrying luggage
• Anyone who wants a simple online ticket
• Short-break planners who want to protect time on the island

It may be less suitable if you want hotel pickup, meals, a guide, or a complete island itinerary in one booking. You will need to add those services yourself.

The ferry is also not the right choice if you are looking for a sightseeing cruise with detailed commentary. The views are a pleasant part of the crossing, but the main purpose is to move you efficiently between the mainland and Phu Quy.

Booking, cancellation, and practical planning

You can reserve your place and pay later, keeping your plans flexible. The stated cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before departure. That gives you some breathing room if your Vietnam schedule changes.

The meeting point depends on the option booked, so read the confirmation rather than relying on a general map pin. Since hotel transfers are excluded, plan your route to the port in advance, especially if you have luggage or an early departure.

Bring your electronic ticket, and keep your phone charged. Pack any food or additional drinks you want, since only one bottle of mineral water is included. A light layer may also help if the air conditioning feels cool during the crossing.

The trip ends back at the meeting point stated for your booking. The supplied details do not describe a separate island tour or onward transport, so arrange your next step before you arrive.

My verdict on the Phu Quy ferry

I like this ferry because it focuses on the part that matters most: getting you from Phan Thiet to Phu Quy quickly and with a decent level of comfort. The two-hour crossing, air-conditioned cabin, spacious seating, baggage allowance, and small onboard refreshments create a practical package for about $20.

The limits are clear. You do not get hotel transfers, food, a guide, attraction tickets, or insurance. You also need to confirm the exact meeting point and baggage rules for your selected option.

Book it if you want fast island transport and can manage the details yourself. Skip it only if you need a fully arranged tour from hotel door to island activities. For an independent Phu Quy visit, this is a sensible way to make the sea crossing shorter, cooler, and easier to handle.

FAQ

How long does the ferry ride from Phan Thiet to Phu Quy take?

The crossing takes about two hours.

What is included in the ferry ticket?

The ticket includes an electronic ticket, baggage allowance, one bottle of mineral water, and one wet towel.

Is the ferry air-conditioned?

Yes. The ferry has air-conditioned cabins and spacious seating.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Transportation between your hotel and the port is not included.

Is food included?

No. Food and beverages are not included, apart from the complimentary bottle of mineral water.

Can I book now and pay later?

Yes. The reserve-and-pay-later option lets you hold your place without paying immediately.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.