Tip: Travel to Con Dao with the Mekong Delta with Local Vietnam
Instead of taking a bus straight to Tran De, combine the journey with a genuine Mekong Delta experience. This tour starts in Ho Chi Minh City and includes Can Tho’s floating markets, cycling through the countryside, a local workshop and orchard visit, boat rides through small canals, and a night in a homestay — before transferring to Tran De port for the ferry to Con Dao. All transport is included, making it a more memorable way to reach the island without any extra logistics to figure out. Explore the Mekong Delta to Con Dao tour
Tran De port
Where is Tran De port?
Tran De is a small fishing settlement on the Mekong Delta coast, about 35 km east of Soc Trang city. This is where the ferries to Con Dao actually depart from — not from Soc Trang city, and not from Can Tho, despite what many search results suggest.
The naming confusion is worth addressing directly. The port was long associated with Soc Trang province, which is why “Soc Trang ferry” remains a common search term. Following Vietnam’s administrative reforms in 2025, the area now falls under Can Tho province — which is why some booking platforms and articles now refer to this as the “Can Tho ferry to Con Dao.” In practice, nothing about the port itself has changed. The boat leaves from Tran De regardless of what the province is called.
Facilities at the port
There are two separate ferry terminals at Tran De, one for each operator. The Superdong terminal is on the south side of the canal that runs through town; the Con Dao Express terminal sits to the north. Both are easy to find and clearly signed.
The Superdong terminal is a large, modern structure — disproportionately grand for such a remote location, but practical. It has a ticket counter, plenty of seating, a small cafeteria, and a shop. The Con Dao Express terminal is smaller and more basic, with a ticket kiosk and a couple of refreshment stalls.
Both ports are functional but not places to spend more time than necessary. The area is open and exposed, so it can get hot quickly in the morning. There is a long-stay parking area at the Superdong terminal, which is useful if you are arriving by motorbike but not taking it across to Con Dao.
How to get to Tran De port
From Ho Chi Minh City by overnight sleeper bus
The most practical option for most travelers is an overnight sleeper bus from Ho Chi Minh City. Operators like My Duyen and Futa (Phuong Trang) run routes from Mien Tay bus station in HCMC toward the Mekong Delta. A bus departing around 10–11 pm will typically arrive in the early morning, in time for the first ferry departure.
Some buses go directly to Tran De port. Others terminate at Soc Trang city, from where you need a connection to the port. Check your specific bus route before booking.
Shuttle bus from Soc Trang to Tran De
Superdong operates a shuttle bus from their office in Soc Trang city to Tran De port. It departs around 6–6:30 am and costs 60,000 VND per person. This is a practical option if your overnight bus drops you in Soc Trang rather than at the port directly. The bus also stops outside the Superdong office on the way, where you can buy tickets if needed — though the office may not be open at 5 am, so it is safer to book in advance.
On the return journey from Con Dao, Superdong runs the same shuttle back to Soc Trang bus station, where you can connect onward to HCMC or elsewhere in the delta.
By taxi from Soc Trang
If the shuttle does not suit your timing, a taxi from Soc Trang city to Tran De costs around 400,000–600,000 VND and takes roughly 45–60 minutes.
Staying overnight near the port
If you want to be close to the port the night before, Tran De has several simple guesthouses with basic but clean rooms. There is street food available near the canal bridge in the mornings and evenings. Soc Trang city has more accommodation options and is the better choice if you want a comfortable night before the crossing.
A note on Soc Trang
Most travelers pass through Soc Trang purely as a transit point on the way to Con Dao, but the area is genuinely interesting and rarely visited by foreigners. Soc Trang has a strong Khmer cultural presence, visible in its temples and markets. If your schedule allows an extra day, it is worth a look. It is not a polished tourist destination — which is part of what makes it worthwhile.
More on that in our Soc Trang travel guide.
Ben Dam port (Con Dao)
Location and arrival
Ben Dam is the main ferry port on Con Dao, located in the southwestern corner of Con Son island. It sits inside a natural lagoon ringed by jungle-covered hills — one of the more striking port arrivals in southern Vietnam. Most accommodation and the main town are on the opposite side of the island, about 10–15 km away by road.
A newer terminal called Ben Tau Khach has been built closer to Con Dao town, right on the seafront. You may come across references to it in older articles. Ferries still arrive and depart from Ben Dam.
Getting from Ben Dam to Con Dao town
Transport is available at the port when ferries arrive. Taxis, motorbike taxis, and electric buggies all wait outside the terminal. The ride to Con Dao town takes around 15–25 minutes along a coastal road.
Expect to pay around 100,000–300,000 VND depending on the type of transport and how many people are sharing. If you have booked accommodation in advance, ask whether your hotel offers a pickup — some do, though usually for an added charge. Motorbike rental is also available directly near the port entrance if you prefer to make your own way around the island from arrival.
Ferry operators from Tran De
There are two ferry companies operating on the Tran De to Con Dao route: Superdong and Con Dao Express. Both run modern high-speed boats and cover the crossing in around 2 to 2.5 hours. The main differences come down to vessel size, stability, and price.
Superdong
Superdong is the longer-established operator on this route and the more affordable of the two. The vessels are long, narrow boats with two levels of indoor air-conditioned seating in a coach-style layout. Windows are relatively small, but there is a rear deck that is open during calm conditions — a good spot once you are out on open water.
Tickets cost around 310,000–390,000 VND per person one-way. Superdong operates year-round, including during the rougher months between October and March when Con Dao Express reduces or pauses its schedule. This makes it the more reliable option if you are traveling outside peak season.
One important note: Superdong is the only operator on this route that allows motorbikes on board. The bike must be registered in your name — you cannot bring a motorbike that belongs to someone else.
Con Dao Express
Con Dao Express uses a larger catamaran vessel, painted red with white stripes. The boats are more spacious than the Superdong ferries, with higher ceilings, larger windows, and more legroom. There are two decks of seating and a rear outdoor deck. The larger hull makes a noticeable difference in rough conditions — if you are sensitive to motion sickness and traveling between November and March, Con Dao Express is the steadier ride when it operates.
Tickets cost around 390,000–650,000 VND depending on class and day of the week. A VIP option is available with larger reclining seats, personal entertainment screens, power outlets, and priority boarding. Economy class is perfectly comfortable for most travelers.
Which operator should you choose?
For most travelers, Con Dao Express is the better experience — more stable, more spacious, and not significantly more expensive. If you are traveling in rough season and Con Dao Express is not running, Superdong is a solid and well-established fallback. If you are bringing a motorbike, Superdong is your only option.
Tran De is not the only way to reach Con Dao by ferry. If you are starting from Ho Chi Minh City and prefer a more direct route, there is also a connection from Vung Tau — though the crossing is longer and generally rougher. For a full comparison of all ferry options to Con Dao, including Vung Tau, read: Ferry to Con Dao
How the ferry works
Before you board
Arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before departure, and closer to 45–60 minutes if it is your first time or if you are traveling during a busy period. Check-in is simple — present your e-ticket and passport. There is no complex process like at an airport.
The port can get hot in the morning with limited shade, so do not plan to spend much time there. If you arrive early, the small cafeteria at the Superdong terminal or nearby coffee shops are a better place to wait than standing in the sun.
Luggage
There are no strict luggage limits on either ferry. Standard suitcases, backpacks, and carry-on bags are all fine. If you are bringing a motorbike, this is only possible on Superdong and the bike must be registered in your name. For anything oversized or unusual, contact the operator in advance.
On board
Both ferries have enclosed, air-conditioned cabins with assigned seating. One thing worth knowing: the air conditioning can be extremely cold. Multiple travelers have been caught off guard by this, so bring a light layer regardless of the weather outside.
Superdong boats have smaller windows and a more functional interior. Con Dao Express has larger windows, higher ceilings, and feels more spacious overall. Both have toilets on board, charging points at the seats, and a snack station selling drinks, coffee, and light food. Wi-Fi is available on Superdong but unreliable.
There is an outdoor deck at the stern on both vessels. It is closed for the first and last 15–20 minutes of the journey and remains closed in rough conditions. When it is open, it is worth spending time out there.
The crossing
The journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. The first stretch covers the wide mouth of the Mekong River — flat water, brown from the river sediment, with distant palm-lined banks. Once the ferry clears the estuary and hits open sea, the water turns deep blue and conditions change.
This is where the crossing earns its reputation. The route is genuinely rough on certain days, and seasickness is common — particularly between October and March. Some crossings are completely smooth; others are not. Sitting in the middle of the boat rather than at the front or back helps. Eating a light meal rather than nothing or a heavy one before boarding also makes a difference. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, take medication at least 30 minutes before departure — do not wait until you are already on the water.
The rear deck, when open, is a good option if you feel unwell inside. Fresh air and a fixed point on the horizon are more effective than staying seated in an enclosed cabin.
Arriving at Ben Dam
Arrival at Ben Dam is spectacular regardless of how the crossing went. The ferry slides into a natural lagoon with forested hills rising sharply on all sides. Disembarkation can be a little chaotic — everyone moves at once — but the port is small and you will be through quickly. From here, see the section on getting from Ben Dam to Con Dao town for onward transport options.
How to book tickets
Booking a ferry ticket from Tran De to Con Dao is straightforward. There are several options depending on how far in advance you are planning and where you prefer to book.
Online
The easiest way to book is through platforms like 12Go Asia, Baolau, or GetYourGuide. All support standard online payment methods and issue e-tickets by email. You can also book directly through the Superdong and Con Dao Express websites, though the experience is more basic. Whichever platform you use, you will need your passport details at the time of booking.
In person
Both operators have ticket offices at their respective terminals in Tran De. Superdong also has an office in Soc Trang city, which is convenient if you are arriving by bus and want to sort your ticket before heading to the port. Many travel agents throughout Vietnam can also book tickets for both operators.
Note that motorbike tickets can only be reserved in person, not online. Payment for the motorbike itself is made at the boat.
How far in advance should you book?
During peak season from March to September, seats sell out faster than most travelers expect. Booking at least a week in advance is sensible, and two weeks is safer during Vietnamese public holidays or long weekends. Outside peak season on weekdays, a day or two in advance is usually enough — but given that there is often only one departure per day, there is little reason to leave it late.
Ticket prices
Prices vary by operator, seat class, and day of the week:
- Superdong economy: around 310,000–390,000 VND
- Con Dao Express economy: around 390,000–600,000 VND
- Con Dao Express VIP: around 590,000–650,000 VND
- Children and elderly passengers qualify for reduced rates on both operators
Prices are subject to change, so treat these as a general reference and confirm current rates when booking.
Season, schedules, and cancellations
Best time to take the ferry
The best period for this crossing is March to September. Seas are calm, sailings run daily and sometimes twice a day, and the overall experience is straightforward. This is also peak tourist season for Con Dao, so the ferries are busier — another reason to book early.
From October to February conditions change. The open sea between Tran De and Con Dao gets rougher, and the crossing becomes noticeably more uncomfortable on bad days. This does not mean the ferry is impossible during these months — many people do it without problems — but it is worth going in with realistic expectations. Con Dao Express tends to reduce or pause sailings during the worst of this period. Superdong generally continues year-round.
How stable is the schedule?
Departure times on this route shift month to month based on tidal conditions. A schedule that is accurate in March may look completely different in July. This is normal and expected — it is not a sign of poor organization. Always confirm the current departure time close to your travel date, either through the booking platform or directly with the operator. Do not rely on schedules published in articles, including this one, for exact times.
Cancellations
Cancellations do happen, most commonly between November and January when sea conditions are at their worst. They are relatively rare during peak season but cannot be ruled out entirely even then.
If your sailing is cancelled, operators will typically offer a rescheduled departure later the same day, a booking on the next available date, or a refund. They will usually contact you in advance if the cancellation is weather-related, often the evening before or early on the morning of departure.
The practical implication is simple: do not book a tight onward connection — a flight, a bus, or an important commitment — on the same day as your ferry. If the crossing is cancelled or significantly delayed, you need flexibility to absorb it without disrupting your whole trip.
What if the ferry is cancelled and you cannot wait?
If you need to reach Con Dao on a specific date and the ferry is not running, the only alternative is to fly. Flights operate from Ho Chi Minh City and take under an hour. They are more expensive than the ferry but run on a separate schedule unaffected by sea conditions. It is worth having this option in mind before you travel, particularly if you are crossing in the rougher months.
For more on flying to Con Dao, see the Con Dao airport guide.
Frequently asked questions about the Con Dao ferry from Tran De
Is this the best ferry route to Con Dao?
For most travelers, yes. The Tran De crossing is the shortest sea route to Con Dao at around 2 to 2.5 hours, making it less physically demanding than the Vung Tau route which takes 3.5 to 4 hours. It is also the cheapest ferry option. The main trade-off is the longer land journey to reach the port, which requires either an overnight bus or an early morning departure from the Mekong Delta.
How do I get from Ho Chi Minh City to Tran De port?
The most practical option is an overnight sleeper bus from Mien Tay bus station in Ho Chi Minh City. Operators like My Duyen and Futa run routes toward the Mekong Delta, with some going directly to Tran De port. If your bus terminates in Soc Trang city, Superdong runs a shuttle bus from their Soc Trang office to the port at around 6–6:30 am for 60,000 VND per person.
Can I take my motorbike on the ferry?
Yes, but only on Superdong and only if the motorbike is registered in your name. Motorbike tickets cannot be booked online — you need to arrange this in person at the ticket office. Payment for the bike is made at the boat itself.
What if I get seasick easily?
This route is the better ferry option for people prone to seasickness precisely because the crossing is shorter. That said, rough conditions are still possible, particularly between October and March. Take motion sickness medication at least 30 minutes before boarding, eat a light meal rather than nothing or something heavy, and sit in the middle of the boat. If you feel unwell during the crossing, the rear deck — when open — is better than staying inside.
How far in advance should I book?
During peak season from March to September, book at least a week ahead. During public holidays and long weekends, two weeks is safer. Outside peak season on weekdays, a day or two in advance is usually sufficient — but given there is often only one departure per day, there is no good reason to leave it late.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled?
Operators will typically contact you in advance and offer a rescheduled departure, the next available sailing, or a refund. The most important thing is not to book tight onward connections on the same day. If you need to reach Con Dao on a fixed date and the ferry is not running, flying is the only alternative.
Is the ferry from Tran De the same as the ferry from Soc Trang or Can Tho?
Yes. The ferry departs from Tran De port, which is about 35 km from Soc Trang city. The area now falls under Can Tho province following Vietnam’s 2025 administrative reforms. All three names refer to the same route and the same port.
