A high-speed boat service linking Ho Chi Minh City and Con Dao island off the coast of southern Ba Ria – Vung Tau province was launched on May 13.

The over-77-m-long and 9.49-m-wide vessel is capable of carrying 1,017 passengers.

With the service, it takes about four hours and 30 minutes to travel between Saigon - Hiep Phuoc port in HCM City and Con Dao, according to Mr. Bui Hoa An, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Transport.

The service, available three days weekly, is expected to help strengthen the connectivity between HCM City and southeastern provinces.

Currently, it takes about 50 minutes to travel by air between HCM City and Con Dao, which is around 230km.