How to Get to Phu Quoc from Ho Chi Minh: Flight, Bus & Ferry

From Ho Chi Minh City, you can reach Phu Quoc either by taking a direct flight or travelling overland to Rach Gia or Ha Tien before continuing by ferry. Flying is the quickest option, while the bus and ferry route may suit travellers who have more time or plan to explore other parts of the Mekong Delta along the way.

How to get to Phu Quoc: your main travel options

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, located in the Gulf of Thailand off the country’s southwestern coast. Around 300 km from Ho Chi Minh City, the island can be reached either by a direct flight or by travelling overland to Rach Gia or Ha Tien and continuing by ferry. Each option offers a different balance of travel time, cost and convenience.

Read more: Phu Quoc travel guide 2026: Best things to do, beaches, hotels & Tips

Bai Kem in Phu Quoc (Source: Dantoc Phattrien)

Flying to Phu Quoc for the fastest journey

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc. A direct flight takes you straight to Phu Quoc International Airport, avoiding the long overland journey and ferry connection required when travelling via Rach Gia or Ha Tien.

What to expect when flying from Ho Chi Minh City

A direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) takes around 1 hour. The route is served by several airlines, with roughly 14 - 15 flights per day currently available, giving travellers plenty of flexibility when choosing a departure time.

One-way fares can start from around 892,000VND, although the actual price varies depending on the airline and travel date. Flights are generally more expensive during weekends, public holidays and peak travel periods, while booking earlier can give you a better choice of fares. Prices may also increase significantly when booking close to the departure date.

Phu Quoc International Airport (Source: Tap Chi Hang Khong)

When is flying the best option?

Flying is the best choice if you have limited time or a tight travel schedule. With a direct flight taking around one hour, you can reach Phu Quoc much faster than travelling by bus and ferry, which can take most of the day. It is therefore particularly suitable for short trips when you want to spend more time on the island rather than in transit.

It is also a convenient option for families travelling with young children, older travellers or anyone carrying a lot of luggage. A direct flight means fewer transfers and less time spent on the road. Flying may also be the safer choice for a fixed itinerary when ferry schedules are affected by weather or sea conditions.

Reaching Phu Quoc by bus and ferry instead of flying

If you prefer not to fly, you can reach Phu Quoc by travelling overland from Ho Chi Minh City to either Rach Gia or Ha Tien, then taking a high-speed ferry to the island. These routes take considerably longer than flying, but they can be a suitable choice for travellers with a flexible schedule or those planning to explore other destinations in the Mekong Delta.

Taking the Rach Gia route to Phu Quoc

For travellers leaving directly from Ho Chi Minh City, Rach Gia is often the more straightforward mainland connection to Phu Quoc. The journey involves taking a bus or limousine to Rach Gia, followed by a high-speed ferry to the island. The road journey takes around 5 - 7 hours, while the ferry usually takes another 2.5 - 3 hours, bringing the total travel time to approximately 8 - 10 hours.

In terms of cost, expect to pay around 500,000 VND - 900,000VND per person for the entire journey, depending on the type of bus and ferry you choose. This route works well if you want to complete the trip in one day and prefer a relatively simple connection. However, the ferry crossing is longer than from Ha Tien, and delays on the road can make tight connections more stressful.

Go to Phu Quoc by ferry (Source: Collected)

Travelling via Ha Tien before reaching Phu Quoc

Travelling via Ha Tien can be a good option for travellers who are already exploring the Mekong Delta or want to include Ha Tien as part of their itinerary. From Ho Chi Minh City, the overland journey takes around 7 - 9 hours, followed by a shorter ferry ride of approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to Phu Quoc. Depending on traffic and connection times, the full journey usually takes around 9 - 12 hours.

The total cost is generally around 450,000VND - 800,000 VND per person. Its main advantage is the shorter time spent at sea and the opportunity to combine the journey with other destinations in southern Vietnam. However, because the bus journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Tien is longer, it may be less practical if Phu Quoc is your only destination and you want to arrive as quickly as possible

Both routes offer a practical alternative to flying, but they differ in travel time, cost and overall convenience. The table below compares the Rach Gia and Ha Tien routes to help you decide which one better suits your travel plans.

Read more: Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta Distance: Transport & Travel Time

A beautiful moment on Phu Quoc Island (Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper)

Choosing the best way to travel based on your plans

The best way to get to Phu Quoc depends on what matters most for your trip. Flying is the quickest and easiest option, while travelling by bus and ferry may suit travellers with more time or those planning to combine Phu Quoc with other destinations in southern Vietnam. The comparison below can help you choose based on your travel plans.

How to plan your journey to Phu Quoc smoothly 

Once you have chosen how to get to Phu Quoc, planning the journey carefully can help you avoid unnecessary delays and missed connections. From booking the right tickets to allowing enough time between transfers, a few simple preparations can make your trip to the island smoother and less stressful.

Booking flights, buses and ferry tickets

Book your tickets as early as possible if you are travelling during the high season, weekends or public holidays, when popular flights and ferry departures can sell out or become more expensive. When booking a flight, compare different departure times and fare types, and check whether your ticket includes checked baggage or requires an additional fee.

For the bus-and-ferry option, check whether the operator sells a combined ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc. If not, you will need to book the bus to Rach Gia or Ha Tien and the ferry separately. In this case, choose connections carefully and make sure you know the exact bus drop-off point and ferry departure pier.

Tourists can choose flight or bus-and-ferry to get there (Source: Collected)

Allowing enough time for connections

If you book your bus and ferry separately, avoid choosing a ferry that departs immediately after your expected bus arrival. Traffic leaving Ho Chi Minh City or delays along the route can affect your arrival time, while you may also need additional time to travel from the bus station to the ferry terminal.

As a general rule, allow at least 1 - 2 hours between your scheduled bus arrival and ferry departure. This gives you time to handle delays, find the correct pier and complete the ferry check-in process without rushing. During busy travel periods, allowing even more time can be a safer option.

Checking schedules before you travel

Check your flight, bus or ferry schedule again one or two days before departure, as departure times and terminals may change. This is particularly important for ferry services, which can be affected by weather and sea conditions.

Before leaving, save your e-ticket or booking confirmation and check the exact airport terminal, bus departure point or ferry pier. Arriving early is also recommended, especially for ferry travel, as passengers may need to complete check-in before the scheduled departure time.

Khem Beach in Phu Quoc (Source: Vietnamnet)

Planning your transport after arriving in Phu Quoc

Your journey does not end when you arrive at Phu Quoc Airport or the ferry port, so it is worth planning how you will get to your accommodation in advance. Depending on where you stay, the distance can vary considerably, especially if your hotel or resort is located in the northern or southern part of the island.

Taxis and private transfers are widely available, and some hotels may also offer airport or ferry port pick-up services. If you are arriving late in the day or travelling with children, older travellers or a large amount of luggage, arranging your transport in advance can make the final part of the journey much smoother.

Phu Quoc Island (Source: VnExpress)

Read more: Phu Quoc travel guide 2026: Best things to do, beaches, hotels & Tips

Ready to plan your trip to Phu Quoc? SinhCafe offers convenient tours and travel services to help you explore the island and other destinations across Vietnam with ease. Explore your options and find a journey that suits your travel plans with SinhCafe.

FAQs

Where do ferries arrive in Phu Quoc?

→ Ferries arrive at different ports depending on the operator, so check your arrival port before booking transport to your hotel.

Can I bring a motorbike or bicycle to Phu Quoc?

→ Yes, some ferry services allow motorbikes and bicycles for an additional fee. Check the operator’s policy before booking.

How early should I arrive before my flight or ferry?

→ Arrive at least 1 - 2 hours before departure and follow the check-in requirements provided by your airline or ferry operator.

Is there transport from Phu Quoc Airport or the ferry port to my hotel?

→ Yes. Taxis and private transfers are available, but travel time and cost depend on your hotel’s location.

What should I do if I get seasick on the ferry?

→ Take motion sickness medication before departure if needed and choose a seat inside the ferry.

Can I bring a car to Phu Quoc?

→ This depends on the ferry operator. Check vehicle transport availability and additional fees before booking.