The vessel is the largest high-speed passenger ship in Vietnam with a length of more than 77 meters and a capacity of 1,017 passengers.
It can run at a speed of 35 nautical miles (more than 60 km) per hour and it takes passengers about four hours to travel from HCMC to Con Dao, a tourist destination.
The boat can operate in 62–74 km/h winds, reducing seasickness and ensuring safety for passengers.
According to Phu Quoc High-Speed Boat Joint Stock Company, its investor, the vessel runs three trips each week, one day apart.
In HCMC, the ship departs at 7 a.m. at Hiep Phuoc Por in Nha Be District and at Con Dao, the ship will depart at 1 p.m. at Ben Dam Port.
Currently, tickets are on sale at agents, ticket offices and websites of the company at the prices of VND615,000 – 1.1 million (US$24.16-43.22) per person, depending on ticket class and departure time.
Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport Bui Hoa An said the launch of the new vessel would help increase connectivity in the southeast region and diversify options for tourists to Con Dao.
Previously, people from the city could only travel by air to Con Dao or go to Vung Tau City, around two hours from HCMC, and then take a high-speed boat to the archipelago.
Situated around 230 kilometers (143 miles) southeast of HCMC, the 16-island Con Dao Archipelago used to be known for its large prison first established by the French and later used by the Americans during the Vietnam War.
Today, Con Dao has made its mark on the global tourism map for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. Source: Vnexpress