The four-storey Thăng Long single-body high-speed ship operates between HCM City and Côn Đảo Island three times a week. Photo courtesy of Phú Quốc Express Boat JSC

HCM CITY — A new high-speed boat service between HCM City and Côn Đảo Island off the southern province Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu was launched on Monday to meet the rising tourism demand.

Thang Long ship, a four-storey single-body high-speed ship 77.46m long and 11m wide, operates three times a week by Phú Quốc Express Boat JSC.

It departs from Hiệp Phước Wharf in Nhà Bè District in HCM City and arrives at Bến Đầm Port in Côn Đảo. The journey takes around five hours.

Free shuttle buses will be provided from the September 23 Park in downtown District 1 to the wharf terminal.

Ticket prices range from VNĐ615,000 (US$25) to VNĐ1.1 million($43) one-way, depending on the class and departure time.

Tickets can be purchased online via the company’s website.

As the largest express vessel in Việt Nam, the ship can host 1,017 travelers on its three floors and has a cafeteria on the top floor.

The ship is built to international standards with modern equipment, ensuring the highest standards of maritime safety systems worldwide. The operator said the vessel is capable of stable sailing in conditions of gales of 62-74km/h, reducing sea sickness, and ensuring passenger safety.

The new boat service offers travelers an alternative to air travel to reach Côn Đảo Island, which was previously the only option.

The 230km route is the longest journey between the Vietnamese mainland and a tourism island.

A tourist attraction in Việt Nam, Côn Đảo consists of 16 large and small islets, with a total land area of around 75sq.km and a marine area of roughly 140sq.km within Côn Đảo National Park. — VNS

Delegates and visitors embarking on the boat at the launching ceremony on Monday. — VNA/VNS Photo