Da Nang to Phu Quoc Ferry: Is There a Direct Route and What Are Your Alternatives?

If you’re looking for a Da Nang to Phu Quoc ferry, the answer is no, as there are currently no direct ferry or speedboat services from Da Nang to Phu Quoc. Ferry services to the island only depart from Ha Tien or Rach Gia (Kien Giang), while direct flights remain the fastest and most convenient option. Let’s explore the best travel options!

Is There a Direct Ferry from Da Nang to Phu Quoc?

No, there are currently no direct ferry or speedboat services from Da Nang to Phu Quoc. All passenger ferries to Phu Quoc currently depart from Ha Tien and Rach Gia ports (Kien Giang province), then dock at Bai Vong on the eastern side of Phu Quoc Island. Because the distance from Da Nang to these two ports exceeds 1,000 km, Vietnam currently does not operate any coastal ferry routes or inter-provincial passenger transport services directly connecting Da Nang and Phu Quoc.

If you want to combine a ferry experience, you first need to travel from Da Nang to Ha Tien or Rach Gia by plane, train, or bus (usually with a layover in Ho Chi Minh City or the Mekong Delta region), then continue by speedboat to the island. However, for most tourists, a direct flight from Da Nang to Phu Quoc remains the fastest, most convenient, and time-saving option.

Quick Answer: The Best Ways to Travel from Da Nang to Phu Quoc

For most travelers, flying from Da Nang to Phu Quoc is the fastest, most convenient, and time-saving option. Meanwhile, combined bus and ferry or train, bus, and ferry itineraries are only suitable for those who want to explore multiple destinations along the way or prioritize experience over speed.

Although many travelers search for a Da Nang to Phu Quoc ferry, flying is the best choice in almost every situation thanks to its shorter travel time and greater convenience. Overland routes combined with a ferry are only recommended if you have extra travel days or intentionally want to visit southern Vietnam before arriving in Phu Quoc.

Read more: Traveling from Da Nang to Phu Quoc: Everything you need to know

How Far Is Phu Quoc from Da Nang?

From Da Nang to Phu Quoc, the flight distance is approximately 1,190–1,345 km, depending on the flight route. If traveling entirely by road to Ha Tien or Rach Gia and then taking a ferry to the island, the total distance is usually around 1,300–1,350 km.

To put this into perspective, this is one of the longest cross-Vietnam journeys for tourists. This distance is roughly equivalent to the Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City route, after which you would still need to take a high-speed ferry from the mainland to Phu Quoc Island if you don’t choose to fly.

Why There Is No Direct Ferry Between Da Nang and Phu Quoc

Although many tourists search for the Da Nang to Phu Quoc ferry, there is currently no direct ferry service between these two destinations. The reasons are not only the distance but also geographical location, port infrastructure, and commercial feasibility.

• The sea distance is too long: Phu Quoc is located in the Gulf of Thailand, while Da Nang is on the central coast facing the East Sea. A ferry from Da Nang to Phu Quoc would have to travel along almost the entire Vietnamese coastline before entering the Gulf of Thailand, making the journey much longer than current ferry routes.
• Ferry routes are designed for shorter journeys: If you’re wondering why ferries only depart from Ha Tien and Rach Gia, the answer comes down to geography. Both ports sit much closer to Phu Quoc than any city along Vietnam’s central coast, so the sea crossing is relatively short. That makes it practical for operators like Superdong, Phu Quoc Express, and Thanh Thoi to schedule multiple departures each day, with most trips taking only around 1.5 to 3 hours.
• Not commercially viable: Demand for ferry services is primarily concentrated on routes from Kien Giang to the island, especially from Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Meanwhile, a Da Nang to Phu Quoc ferry route would have very high operating costs, long travel times, and insufficient passenger volume to sustain regular operation.

For these reasons, if departing from Da Nang, you should choose a flight to Phu Quoc or travel to Ha Tien or Rach Gia before continuing by speedboat.

Option 1: Flying from Da Nang to Phu Quoc

If you ask a local how to get from Da Nang to Phu Quoc, the answer is almost always the same: take a flight. Although many travelers search for a Da Nang to Phu Quoc ferry, flying is how this route is actually traveled in Vietnam. The two destinations are more than a thousand kilometers apart, so trying to combine buses, trains and ferries usually turns a short domestic transfer into a journey that takes more than a day.

A direct flight takes around 1 hour 45 minutes, departing from Da Nang International Airport and arriving at Phu Quoc International Airport. Depending on the season, VietJet Air may operate direct services, while Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways usually connect through Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

Advantages of flying:

• Shortest travel time, suitable for 3-5 day vacations.
• No need to change multiple modes of transportation or arrange your own land-based connecting flights.
• Suitable for families with young children, elderly people, and international travelers.
• It’s easy to find discounted tickets if you book about 4–8 weeks in advance, especially during the off-season or airline promotions.

If your goal is simply to get to Phu Quoc quickly and conveniently, this is the recommended option for most travelers.

Option 2: Bus and Ferry from Da Nang to Phu Quoc

If you want to experience a land-based journey, you can combine bus and ferry travel to Phu Quoc. However, this is a long journey, and there are no direct bus routes from Da Nang to the island.

Typically, buses travel along National Highway 1A from Da Nang south before continuing to Ha Tien or Rach Gia (Kien Giang).

After arriving in Kien Giang, you continue by speedboat to Bai Vong (Phu Quoc):

• Ha Tien → Phu Quoc: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Rach Gia → Phu Quoc: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours.

This option is suitable if you want to combine exploring the Mekong Delta or plan to stop in several provinces along the way. If you only go to Phu Quoc, the total travel time is quite long and is usually not the optimal choice.

Option 3: Train, Bus, and Ferry Combination

If you enjoy train journeys, you can choose a combined itinerary involving the Thong Nhat train, bus, and ferry. This option offers the most experiences but is also the most time-consuming.

From Da Nang station, take the Thong Nhat train to Saigon station (Ho Chi Minh City). Then, take a bus to Ha Tien or Rach Gia, and then a high-speed ferry to Bai Vong (Phu Quoc).

Although the total travel time usually exceeds 30 hours, this route allows you to enjoy the scenery along the North-South railway line and easily combine sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City or the Mekong Delta before reaching the island.

Read more: The ultimate guide to your Da Nang to Phu Quoc flight: Save money and travel smart

Ferry Routes to Phu Quoc Explained

Although there is no Da Nang to Phu Quoc ferry, you can still reach the island by speedboat or ferry after traveling to Kien Giang province. Currently, all passenger transport routes to Phu Quoc depart from Ha Tien or Rach Gia, which are also the two most important seaports connecting the mainland to the island.

Rach Gia to Phu Quoc

The Rach Gia – Phu Quoc route is suitable for tourists departing from Ho Chi Minh City or the Mekong Delta provinces who do not pass through Ha Tien. Due to the longer distance, the sea journey usually takes 2 hours and 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the type of vessel and operating conditions. However, this route has many daily departures and is served by Superdong, Phu Quoc Express, and Thanh Thoi.

Ha Tien to Phu Quoc

This is the fastest ferry route to Phu Quoc due to the short sea distance. Companies like Superdong and Phu Quoc Express operate high-speed boats with a travel time of only about 1 hour and 15 minutes, while Thanh Thoi operates ferries with longer travel times but usually at lower costs.

Flying vs. Ferry: Which Option Is Better?

For almost all travelers, flying is the better option. Since there is currently no direct ferry service from Da Nang to Phu Quoc, taking the ferry always means traveling an additional 1,000 km by road or rail to Ha Tien or Rach Gia before reaching the island.

Unless you want to experience a cross-Vietnam journey or combine exploring multiple destinations, flying from Da Nang to Phu Quoc remains the recommended option for most travelers.

Cost Comparison: Flight vs Ferry Routes

The cost of traveling from Da Nang to Phu Quoc can vary significantly depending on the mode of transport, the time of booking, and the tourist season. The table below shows estimated one-way prices, compiled from official airlines and transport companies.

Actual prices may vary depending on the travel season, holidays, and booking time.

While combined bus and ferry journeys can save on transportation costs in some cases, the long total travel time and the need to change vehicles multiple times make this option only suitable for those with flexible schedules. If you book early or look for promotions, airfare often offers better value for the time you save.

Travel Time Comparison

The biggest difference between the options lies not in cost but in travel time. A direct flight takes less than two hours, while a combined road and ferry journey can take more than a day.

Even if you have to connect through Ho Chi Minh City, flying still takes only a fraction of the time needed for an overland journey. Unless you’re planning to spend a few days in Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Tien, Rach Gia, or the Mekong Delta, there’s little reason to trade a two-hour flight for a trip that can easily stretch beyond a full day.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make When Traveling from Da Nang to Phu Quoc

If this is your first time planning this trip, you can easily make some mistakes that waste time or incur unnecessary costs. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

• Assuming there is a direct ferry from Da Nang to Phu Quoc: Currently, there are no direct ferries or speedboats from Da Nang to Phu Quoc. If you want to travel by sea, you must first go to Ha Tien or Rach Gia.
• Booking flights too late: During peak season from November to April, ticket prices often increase rapidly, and good flights may sell out quickly. Booking a few weeks in advance usually gives you more options.
• Not allowing enough time for a layover in Ho Chi Minh City: If you have a connecting flight via Tan Son Nhat Airport, allow extra time to handle the possibility of your first flight being delayed or needing a terminal change.
• Booking a bus without checking whether the destination is Ha Tien or Rach Gia: Both cities have ferry routes to Phu Quoc, but the sea crossing times, schedules, and departure locations differ. Choosing the wrong ferry terminal can force you to adjust your entire itinerary.
• Book your ferry tickets close to the departure date during peak tourist season: Ferry services from Ha Tien and Rach Gia are often fully booked on weekends, holidays, or during peak season. It’s advisable to book in advance if you have a fixed itinerary.
• Do not confirm the arrival point on Phu Quoc Island: Depending on the ferry company and type of vessel, the arrival point may vary. Check the information on your ticket before booking transportation or hotel.

Suggested Vietnam Itineraries Including Da Nang and Phu Quoc

If you plan to combine Da Nang and Phu Quoc in the same trip, careful planning of your itinerary will help reduce travel time and minimize unnecessary layovers. Below are two popular itineraries suitable for most international travelers.

5–6 Days: Da Nang – Hoi An – Phu Quoc

If you only have about a week, this is the most reasonable arrangement. Spend 2–3 days in Da Nang and Hoi An first, then fly to Phu Quoc for a relaxing final few days. This way, you only need to take one domestic flight and don’t have to change transportation too many times.

This itinerary is especially suitable for families, couples, or anyone who wants to spend more time relaxing than traveling.

7–9 Days: Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc

If you can’t find a suitable flight or want to visit the South, spend one or two days in Ho Chi Minh City before continuing on to Phu Quoc. This is also a practical option as there are many daily flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc, giving you more flexibility in departure times.

Compared to trying to combine a bus and ferry from Da Nang, this itinerary is usually much more time-saving, and the cost difference isn’t significant if you book your flight early.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling from Da Nang to Phu Quoc

If this is your first time planning a trip from Da Nang to Phu Quoc, here are some of the most frequently asked questions from travelers.

Is there a direct ferry from Da Nang to Phu Quoc?

No. There is currently no direct Da Nang to Phu Quoc ferry. Passenger ferries to Phu Quoc only depart from Ha Tien and Rach Gia in Kien Giang Province. If you prefer traveling by ferry, you must first reach one of these ports by plane, train, or bus.

How long is the flight from Da Nang to Phu Quoc?

A direct flight usually takes around 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. If you choose a connecting flight via Ho Chi Minh City, the total travel time is typically 4–7 hours, depending on the layover duration.

Should I take the ferry from Ha Tien or Rach Gia?

For most travelers, Ha Tien is the better option because the ferry crossing is shorter, usually taking around 1 hour 15 minutes by high-speed boat. Rach Gia is a good alternative if it is more convenient for your route or if ferry schedules from Ha Tien do not match your itinerary.

How long does it take to travel from Da Nang to Phu Quoc by bus and ferry?

The complete journey usually takes 24–30 hours, depending on your bus schedule, transfer time in Ho Chi Minh City, and the ferry departure from Ha Tien or Rach Gia. This option is best suited for travelers with flexible schedules rather than those looking for the fastest route.

Many people look for a Da Nang to Phu Quoc ferry because they want to find a cheaper way to travel between the two destinations. However, due to geographical conditions and the transportation network at present, there is no direct ferry service between the two. 

If you are planning a trip to Vietnam and would like to combine multiple destinations into one itinerary, Lily’s Travel can help you create a suitable schedule that fits your time and budget and help you book tours, transportation and other needed services to make your trip smooth.