Ha Tien – Gateway to Phu Quoc
Ha Tien is a modest border town in Kien Giang Province, just a short drive from Cambodia. While it has a few markets and temples, it’s not a major tourist destination and is mainly known as a transport hub. From here, travelers can cross the border to Kampot in Cambodia or head deeper into the Mekong Delta, but the main reason most visitors pass through is to board the ferry to Phu Quoc. Thanks to its location, Ha Tien offers the shortest and most affordable sea connection to the island, making it the preferred departure point.
If you do have a few hours to spare, check out our complete Ha Tien guide with things to do in town and nearby, perfect for filling time before your ferry or turning a transfer stop into a short exploration.
Getting to Ha Tien
Most travelers reach Ha Tien as part of a longer journey, either from Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, or nearby Cambodia. It’s an important stopover rather than a final destination, and knowing your transport options helps plan the ferry trip more smoothly.
Ho Chi Minh City – Ha Tien
The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tien is about 330 km, which takes around 8 hours by road. You can travel by night bus, limousine van, or private car. Night buses are the most budget-friendly and let you arrive early enough to catch a morning ferry, while limousine vans and private transfers are more comfortable but pricier.
Can Tho – Ha Tien
From Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta, Ha Tien is roughly a 5-hour drive. Daily buses connect the two cities, and private cars are also an option if you want more flexibility. This route is convenient if you’re combining Phu Quoc with a Mekong Delta trip.
Other routes
- Rach Gia – Ha Tien: about 2.5 hours by road, often used if you first arrive in Rach Gia by flight.
- Chau Doc – Ha Tien: around 3 hours by car or bus, suitable if you’ve been exploring An Giang or the Tra Su Forest.
- Kampot (Cambodia) – Ha Tien: just 1 hour by road with a simple border crossing, making Ha Tien a key transit point for those traveling between Cambodia and Phu Quoc.
Ferry options between Ha Tien and Phu Quoc
Travelers have several choices when crossing from Ha Tien to Phu Quoc. High-speed boats like Superdong and Phu Quoc Express make the journey in just over an hour, while larger car ferries such as Thanh Thoi take longer but allow you to bring vehicles. All operators use modern vessels with air-conditioning and multiple departures daily, making it easy to find a schedule that fits your plans.
Superdong
Superdong is the most established operator, best known for reliable high-speed boats.
- Price range: from 230,000 VND per adult (~US$9)
- Duration: ~1 hour 20 minutes
- Departure times: several departures daily, mostly mornings and early afternoons
- Ha Tien departure port: Ha Tien Ferry Terminal (To Chau Ward)
- Phu Quoc arrival port: Bai Vong Port (east coast, ~12 km from Duong Dong)
- Vehicle transport: motorbikes allowed, cars not carried
Phu Quoc Express
Phu Quoc Express runs modern high-speed catamarans with standard and VIP seating.
- Price range: from 250,000 VND for regular seats; 350,000 VND for VIP (~US$10–14)
- Duration: ~1 hour 20 minutes
- Departure times: 4–6 daily departures, mainly mornings and early afternoons
- Ha Tien departure port: Ha Tien Ferry Terminal (To Chau Ward)
- Phu Quoc arrival port: Bai Vong Port (east coast, ~12 km from Duong Dong)
- Vehicle transport: motorbikes only, cars not carried
Thanh Thoi Ferry
Thanh Thoi operates the only large car ferries on this route, ideal if you need to bring your own vehicle.
- Price range: from 185,000 VND per passenger (~US$7.50); vehicle prices vary by size (motorbike ~80,000 VND, cars from ~700,000 VND)
- Duration: ~2.5 to 3 hours
- Departure times: 6–8 departures daily, starting from early morning until late afternoon (last around 18:00)
- Ha Tien departure port: Ha Tien Ferry Terminal (To Chau Ward)
- Phu Quoc arrival port: Thanh Thoi Port (north of Bai Vong, less central)
- Vehicle transport: both motorbikes and cars accepted
How to book the ferry
Booking a Ha Tien to Phu Quoc ferry ticket is straightforward, but the best method depends on your travel style and timing.
Online via booking platforms
Websites like 12Go Asia and Baolau allow you to compare operators, schedules, and prices in English, with secure card payment and instant confirmation.
You can also book directly through the official websites of Superdong, Phu Quoc Express, or Thanh Thoi, though these may be less user-friendly for international travelers.
At the terminal
Tickets can be purchased directly at the ferry terminal in Ha Tien through official counters or local agents. This is usually fine outside of peak travel periods, but during weekends, holidays, or Tet, ferries may sell out.
Good to know: You will need to show your ID or passport when boarding, and it’s wise to book in advance during high season to secure your seat.
Ha Tien Ferry Terminal
The ferry terminal in Ha Tien is located in To Chau Ward, about 3 km from the town center and easily reached by taxi or motorbike taxi. The terminal has all the basics you need, including ticket offices, waiting areas, and a few small shops selling snacks and drinks.
Don’t expect modern airport-style facilities—it’s functional rather than comfortable—but it handles the flow of passengers efficiently. If you booked through an online agent, you may need to exchange your booking voucher for a paper ticket at the counter before boarding. Plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.
Onboard experience & Practical tips
Knowing what to expect on the ferry makes the journey smoother. Here are the key points travelers should be aware of:
Travel time & comfort
High-speed boats like Superdong and Phu Quoc Express take around 1 hour 20 minutes, offering a quick and efficient crossing. Larger ferries such as Thanh Thoi are slower (2.5–3 hours) but feel more spacious and stable, which some passengers prefer.
Seasickness
The Gulf of Thailand can be calm on some days and choppy on others. If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s best to sit near the middle of the vessel and bring motion sickness medication.
Facilities
All boats are air-conditioned and have toilets onboard. Some sell water and snacks, but the selection is limited, so bringing your own drinks or light food is a good idea.
Luggage
Fares usually include standard luggage, though there may be extra charges for very heavy bags or oversized items. Motorbikes and cars can only be transported on Thanh Thoi ferries, with separate vehicle fees.
Weather & cancellations
During the rainy season (especially August to October), strong winds and storms may cause delays or cancellations. It’s worth checking with the ferry company in advance and keeping some flexibility in your schedule.
Safety
All major operators use modern vessels equipped with life jackets and follow Vietnamese safety standards. Staff give basic safety instructions before departure, and the overall journey is considered safe for travelers.
Arriving in Phu Quoc
Most ferries from Ha Tien arrive at Bai Vong Port on the island’s east coast, about 12 km from Duong Dong, the main town and tourism hub. Thanh Thoi ferries dock at Thanh Thoi Port, further north, roughly 20 km from Duong Dong. On arrival, you’ll find taxis and Grab cars waiting at both ports, and many hotels also offer pick-up services if arranged in advance. Travel time to the central beaches or Duong Dong is usually 20–30 minutes from Bai Vong, and 35–40 minutes from Thanh Thoi. Resorts in the south or on Long Beach may take a little longer to reach, but transfers are straightforward.
