Phu Quy: Phu Quoc Express Highspeed Ferry from Phan Thiet

Phu Quy Island is only about two hours from Phan Thiet by high-speed ferry, making this one of the quickest ways to trade the mainland for open sea and island scenery. The trip is designed as transport first, not a guided cruise, so you can settle into your seat and watch the coastline and nearby islands pass by.

I like the fast crossing and the simple comfort package: air-conditioned seating, baggage allowance, bottled water, and a wet towel. The online booking process also keeps things easy, with electronic tickets and the option to reserve now and pay later.

The main drawback is that this is only the ferry ride. Hotel transfers, meals, drinks beyond one bottle of water, guides, attraction fees, and travel insurance are not included, so you need to arrange the rest of your island visit yourself.

Key points for the Phan Thiet to Phu Quy crossing

• About two hours on the water: The short journey leaves more time for beaches, viewpoints, and island exploring.
• Air-conditioned passenger cabins: Spacious seating gives you a more comfortable ride than a basic boat transfer.
• Views of the sea and nearby islands: Keep an eye outside during the crossing for open-water scenery and coastal views.
• Baggage is allowed onboard: You can bring luggage with you rather than arranging a separate delivery service.
• Simple onboard extras: Your fare includes one bottle of mineral water and a wet towel.
• Flexible booking terms: You can reserve and pay later, with full refunds available when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead.

What the two-hour ferry ride is really like

The Phu Quoc Express high-speed ferry connects Phan Thiet with Phu Quy Island in roughly two hours. That timing is the chief reason to choose it. A slower boat could turn the island connection into an all-day chore, while this service keeps the crossing short enough to fit neatly into a holiday plan.

You board at a meeting point that depends on the option you book. Since the exact meeting point can vary, check your confirmation carefully before heading to the port. The activity finishes back at the meeting point listed for your booking, though the ferry itself is a point-to-point service rather than a round-trip sightseeing cruise.

Once onboard, you can expect air-conditioned cabins and spacious seating. That matters in Vietnam, where a cool cabin can make a long transfer far more pleasant. You are not being sold a private cabin or a luxury voyage, but you do get the basic comforts that make a two-hour sea crossing manageable.

The ferry is built for speed, and the trip is intended to be quicker than many people expect. You will spend most of the ride seated, with the sea and coastline providing the main entertainment. If you enjoy watching the horizon, this is a useful part of the trip rather than dead time between destinations.

Leaving Phan Thiet and heading out to sea

The departure from Phan Thiet marks a clear change in pace. On land, you are dealing with roads, traffic, and hotel transfers. Once the ferry moves away from the port, the trip becomes much simpler: find your seat, keep your belongings with you, and let the boat cover the distance.

The scenery is one of the better reasons to avoid treating this as a purely functional transfer. The route offers views across the sea, along the coast, and toward nearby islands. The supplied information does not give a detailed route map or promise a particular landmark, so I would not book this expecting a narrated sightseeing itinerary. Still, the open-water setting adds interest to a journey that could otherwise feel routine.

You may want a window-side seat if sea views matter to you, but seating arrangements and seat selection are not specified. The safest approach is to arrive prepared for a normal ferry cabin and enjoy the views when they are available. If you are prone to motion sickness, carrying your usual remedy is sensible, since no special medical or comfort service is listed.

The crew is described as professional and focused on passenger safety and comfort. That is important on a fast boat, but you should keep expectations in proportion. There is no guide leading a tour, explaining the islands, or organizing activities during the crossing. The crew’s role is ferry service, not island interpretation.

Arrival at Phu Quy Island

The appeal of arriving in Phu Quy is simple: you have reached an island destination without spending most of the day getting there. The ferry is a good fit if you want to use Phu Quy as the base for a beach break, a relaxed island stay, or independent exploring.

The ferry package itself does not include a guided visit after arrival. You will need to make your own plans for beaches, historical sites, food, local transport, and other activities. Admission fees for attractions or historical sites are also not included. This gives you freedom, but it means the ferry should be viewed as the transport portion of a larger trip.

That distinction is worth keeping clear when you book. The service does not take you from Phan Thiet through a series of island stops. It carries you to Phu Quy, and the sightseeing begins once you arrive. If you want a guide, a planned route, or a bundled island tour, you will need to arrange those separately.

The included baggage allowance makes arrival easier. You can bring your luggage onboard, which is useful if you are staying on Phu Quy rather than making a short day visit. The exact baggage limit is not provided, so check the terms attached to your selected option if you plan to bring unusually large or heavy bags.

Comfort, service, and the small extras

For a two-hour crossing, the included extras are modest but useful. Each passenger receives one bottle of mineral water, so you have a drink for the ride without needing to buy one onboard. Food and all other beverages are excluded, so bring extra refreshments if you expect to want more than water.

A wet towel is also included. It is a small touch, but practical after time in the heat or while spending time near the sea. These extras will not transform the ferry into a full-service cruise, but they show that the fare covers more than a bare seat.

The air-conditioned cabin is probably the most valuable comfort feature. You can avoid sitting in direct sun for the whole crossing, and the enclosed space gives you a place to rest. You may still want to keep your phone or camera ready for the views, since the main visual reward comes from the route outside rather than from onboard entertainment.

There is no mention of meals, Wi-Fi, entertainment, private seating, or a commentary service. I would plan for a quiet transfer with scenery, conversation, or your own offline entertainment. That is not a criticism. It simply helps you choose the ferry for what it does well: getting you to Phu Quy quickly and comfortably.

Is $20 a fair price?

At $20 per person, the ferry offers good value if your priority is saving time. The fare covers the high-speed crossing, an electronic ticket, baggage allowance, air-conditioned seating, bottled water, and a wet towel. For an island trip, the combination of speed and basic comfort is more useful than a cheaper service that takes much longer.

The value depends on what you expect. If you want transport that gets you across the water without fuss, this price is reasonable. If you expect a full excursion with hotel pickup, meals, a guide, and island admissions, the fare will feel limited because none of those services are part of the package.

You also need to budget for the parts beyond the ferry. Hotel-to-port transportation is not included, and neither is the return transfer from the port to your accommodation. Food, extra drinks, guides, attraction fees, and travel insurance are separate costs. The ferry fare is therefore a clean starting price, not the total cost of a Phu Quy holiday.

I like the fact that you can reserve your place and pay later. That gives you some flexibility while your plans are still taking shape. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, according to the stated terms. Make sure you check the exact conditions attached to your booking option.

Who should choose this ferry?

I would recommend this service to you if you value a short travel day and straightforward transport. It suits independent visitors who already know how they want to spend time on Phu Quy and only need a reliable way to reach the island from Phan Thiet.

It is also a practical choice for anyone carrying luggage. Since baggage is allowed onboard, you do not need to travel with only a small day bag or arrange a separate luggage service. The air-conditioned cabin helps if you want a more comfortable crossing, especially after arriving at the port in warm weather.

Families and couples may appreciate the simple setup, since the trip does not require them to follow a guide or keep to a sightseeing schedule. You can settle in, enjoy the sea views, and arrive with the rest of the day available.

I would be more cautious if you are looking for a complete holiday package. This ferry does not include transfers, island transport, food, a guide, attraction tickets, or insurance. You will need to handle those details yourself, and the meeting point may vary by booking option.

Practical tips before you book

Check the meeting point shown for your specific option. The departure location can vary, and hotel transportation is not included, so you need to plan your route to the port in advance.

Keep your electronic ticket easy to access. The e-ticket is included for convenient boarding, and having it ready on your phone can save time at the meeting point.

Bring any snacks or extra drinks you want. One bottle of mineral water is provided, but meals and other beverages are not. For a two-hour ride, this may be enough for some people, but it is not a meal service.

Think about the weather and your comfort on the water. The cabin is air-conditioned, but you may still want a light layer. If you are sensitive to motion, prepare before departure. The ferry is fast, and conditions at sea can affect how smooth the crossing feels.

Finally, leave room in your plans for the port transfer on both ends. The ferry takes about two hours, but your complete journey also includes getting to the departure point and onward from the arrival port. The fast crossing saves time, but only if the rest of your schedule is realistic.

Should you book the Phu Quy Express ferry?

Book it if you want the quickest, simplest connection from Phan Thiet to Phu Quy and are comfortable arranging the rest of your trip independently. The two-hour crossing, air-conditioned seating, baggage allowance, and small onboard comforts make the $20 fare a sensible transport cost.

Skip it if you want a guided island experience or an all-inclusive day out. This is not a sightseeing tour with planned stops. It is a high-speed ferry that gives you sea views, a comfortable seat, and a fast route to Phu Quy.

For most independent island plans, that focus is a strength. You get there sooner, keep your schedule open, and pay only for the transport and basic comforts you need.

FAQ

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

The high-speed ferry takes about two hours to reach Phu Quy Island.

What is included in the ferry ticket?

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

Are the ferry cabins air-conditioned?

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

Are hotel transfers included?

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

Is food included onboard?

No. Meals and beverages other than the included bottle of mineral water are not included.

Is a guide included during the journey?

No. Guided tour services are not included.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, according to the stated booking terms.