The service was launched in mid-May, 2024, connecting the southern metropolis with Con Dao island off Ba Ria - Vung Tau province.
However, several factors have hindered passengers from choosing the service such as the long distance, over 20km, between the city's centre and the Saigon - Hiep Phuoc port in the outlying district of Nha Be, where the boat departs; passengers having to pay fees to enter the port; and weather conditions, among others, the company said.
The operator offered a free shuttle bus service from the September 23 Park in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 to the port for passengers booking in advance. However, some problems occured and it decided to suspend the service from early June but later resumed the operation.
The high-speed boat, named Thang Long, seats 1,017 passengers. Ticket prices ranged between 615,000 VND (26 USD) - 1.1 million VND (43 USD) per trip.
There were three trips departing each port weekly. The boat departed from Sai Gon - Hiep Phuoc Port for Con Dao at 7:00am, and from Ben Dam Wharf of Con Dao for Ho Chi Minh City at 1:00pm.
