High-speed boats to Phú Quốc Island dock at the port of Rạch Giá on July 26. — Photo thesaigontimes.vn

HCM CITY — Ferries and high-speed boat services between the mainland and popular tourist destinations such as Phú Quốc and Côn Đảo islands have been suspended due to bad weather conditions.

Võ Minh Tuấn, deputy director of the Port Authority of Kiên Giang Province, said Phú Quốc and Côn Đảo Islands are being hit by heavy rains, strong winds and rough seas, making it unsafe for the vessels to operate.

According to the Southern Hydro-Meteorological Station, the bad weather conditions are expected to persist until July 28, affecting areas from Cà Mau Province to Kiên Giang Province.

Last week, services were also suspended due to Typhoon Talim.

According to statistics from Phú Quốc People’s Committee, there are currently 10,000 tourists visiting the island by high-speed boats and planes every day.

There are 30 daily ferries and boat trips carrying tourists from Rạch Giá and Hà Tiên in mainland Mekong Delta to Phú Quốc Island, home to many luxury resorts and long, sandy beaches.

Vũ Văn Khương, director of Phú Quốc Express Joint-Stock Company, said the high-speed boat services from Vũng Tàu city to Côn Đảo and Phan Thiết to Phú Quý Island will also be suspended until August 10 due to continuing bad weather conditions.

Full refunds will be available for affected passengers, he said. — VNS