The high-speed hydrofoils

Vietnam transfer

: The best way to get from HCMC to Vung Tau is aboard the high-speed hydrofoils. There are 6 or 7 departures per day and the trip only takes 90 minutes each way. The boats load and unload along the waterfront at the Bach Dang Wharf passenger quay in downtown HCMC, and they make a straight shot for Vung Tau. They have assigned seating, about 120 seats per boat, divided into 3 cabins. You will be assigned a seat number on your ticket and will be served a bottled water when underway for free which may or may not be cold. There is a restroom (rather crude). Cabins are enclosed with lots of windows that do not open. Windows are plastic and most were discolored from age. There are open walkways between cabins and you can stand there to take pictures or just to get out of the cabin. The seats are comfortable enough but the interiors are really aged looking.

They do take US dollars in payment. Scenery is pleasant but is not overly exciting, really not much to see along most of the river until you get close to Saigon. So are the exteriors for that matter, pretty beat up looking. These boats look like they've been "ridden hard and put away wet" to put it in equestrian parlance. Boats are vintage 1960's, Russian built. If you want a good scare, walk by the engine compartment midships, by the restroom. Completely open with moving parts exposed and no guardrails of any sort to prevent what could be a very serious accident. Not a place to let children run free. This is a good way to travel between Saigon and Vung Tau. There is at least one other and perhaps two other outfits operating these same class hydrofoils. One is called the Vina Express, and the other may be called the Petro Express but that may just be another name for the Greenlines. Cab drivers know where to take you. If you intend to return sunday afternoon buy your ticket early as they fill up toward the end of the day.

Departure times:

HCMC to VT
06h00, 08h30, 10h30, 12h30, 14h30, 16h30

VT to HCMC
06h00, 08h30, 10h30, 12h30, 14h30, 16h00