Trat to Con Dao: Ferry, Roads, and Hidden Gems Guide

Begin your trip in Trat, Thailand, a province known for its gemstone trade and proximity to the Cambodian border. From Trat, head south towards the coast to catch a ferry from Laem Ngop or Krom Luang Chumphon piers, which operate routes to Con Dao, a Vietnamese archipelago in the South China Sea. This route combines road travel through Thailand and Vietnam with a lengthy sea crossing, offering a unique blend of landscapes and cultures.

Before you go, understand that how long to drive Trat to Con Dao depends on your starting point: the land portion is roughly 290 km from Trat to Rach Gia, Vietnam, where the high-speed ferry departs. The drive takes about 5.5 hours on good roads, with border crossing and ferry transfers adding several more hours. The entire journey usually requires an overnight stay en route.

For those wondering is it worth driving Trat to Con Dao: while the road leg is scenic and manageable, the ferry cost and time might make flying from Ho Chi Minh City a better option for some. However, the adventure and flexibility of driving appeal to many travelers who enjoy remote coastal routes.

Here's a quick snapshot of the key logistics:

Plan for a full day of travel, starting early to avoid peak border queues.

The road from Trat to Con Dao is a mix of well-paved highways and rural roads. In Thailand, you'll follow Highway 3 (Route 3) south along the coast, then turn onto Route 318 to reach the border crossing at Hat Lek. After crossing into Cambodia, you'll pick up National Highway 1 through Kampot and into Vietnam, eventually joining the Vinh Te Canal road (QL91) to Rach Gia. This route is part of the ASEAN Highway Network, with good signage but occasional congestion near towns.

Driving times: Trat to the Thai border takes about 1.5 hours (70 km). The border crossing can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic. From Ha Tien (Vietnam) to Rach Gia is approximately 160 km along Highway 80, which is mostly straight and flat, taking about 3 hours. The ferry from Rach Gia to Con Dao runs daily (except during rough weather) and takes 2.5 hours by high-speed catamaran or 5 hours by regular boat.

• Fuel availability: Petrol stations are abundant in Thai towns, but they become sparse on the Cambodian stretch and rural Vietnamese roads. Fill up before leaving Trat and again at Ha Tien. Diesel and RON95 petrol are common; prices are lower in Vietnam.
• Currency and tolls: The Thai side has no tolls; Vietnam has a few small tolls on the expressway near Rach Gia (approx. 35,000 VND). Have both Thai Baht and Vietnamese Dong for border fees (Cambodia may accept dollars).
• Road quality: Thai roads are excellent. Cambodian roads are mostly good but can have potholes near construction zones. Vietnamese roads are decent, but pedestrians and motorbikes can be unpredictable.
• Border paperwork: You'll need a passport, Vietnamese visa (or e-visa), and vehicle insurance for both Thailand and Vietnam. The border at Hat Lek/Xa Xia is less busy than Moc Bai, but still expect queues during holidays.

Parking: In Con Dao, parking is limited on the island; most visitors leave their vehicle on the mainland at Rach Gia's ferry terminal, which has guarded parking for about 50,000 VND per day. In Trat, many hotels offer parking for long stays.

For detailed tips on planning the best stops along any route, see this guide: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road safety is generally good, but be aware of sudden weather changes. The route experiences a tropical monsoon climate: dry season from December to May, rainy from June to November. During the wet season, flash flooding can occur on low-lying roads in Vietnam, so carry a basic emergency kit and check forecasts.

Infrastructure safety includes having a physical map or downloaded GPS, as mobile signals are weak on the ferry. Traffic rules differ: in Thailand, drive on the left; in Vietnam, drive on the right. The border crossing can be chaotic; use a local agent to facilitate paperwork.

• Rest stops: Plan for breaks every 2 hours. Suitable stops include Laem Ngop (near Trat) for seafood, Kampot for coffee at a riverside cafe, and Ha Tien for a walk along its waterfront. Near Rach Gia, the Tam Company's O Lam is a good lunch spot.
• Family-friendly: Children will enjoy the novelty of the ferry and spotting dolphins (if lucky). Many stops offer playgrounds; come prepared with snacks and entertainment.
• Pet-friendly: Few accommodations along the route allow pets; on Con Dao, they are generally not permitted in national park areas. If traveling with a pet, ensure you have health certificates required for crossing borders.
• Fatigue management: The long drive and ferry can be tiring; book a hotel for a night in Rach Gia before taking the early ferry. On board, find a stable spot to rest.

Hidden off-route gems: a short detour to Oudong (Cambodia) offers ancient stupas, but that's a long way from the direct path. More accessible is the island of Hon Tre near Ha Tien, reachable by a 5-minute boat ride, with quiet beaches and a seafood market.

Things to do between Trat and Con Dao include kayaking in Kampot's mangroves, visiting the Kep Crab Market in Cambodia, and exploring the Cau Ngang fish market in Vietnam. These activities break up the drive and immerse you in local life.

This journey traverses three ecosystems: the mangroves and palm-fringed beaches of Trat, the limestone karsts and rice paddies around Kampot, Cambodia, and the coastal salt flats of Vietnam's Mekong Delta. As you approach Rach Gia, you'll pass Phu Quoc Island options, but the ferry from Rach Gia avoids Phu Quoc, heading directly to Con Dao. Con Dao itself is a national park, with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and green hills.

The region's natural beauty is punctuated by cultural landmarks: in Trat, the Vong Islet (Koh Lam) offers snorkeling; near Kampot, the Preah Monivong Bokor National Park provides panoramic views; and in Rach Gia, the Kien Giang Museum tells the story of the area's maritime history.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along or near this route: the Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh (north of the route) and the Complex of Huế Monuments (central Vietnam) are not directly on the way, but you can detour if you have extra time. The best stops Trat to Con Dao include the quiet fishing villages of the Mekong Delta, where you can taste local specialties like banh xeo (crispy pancakes) and fresh oysters.

Local commerce thrives on fishing and agriculture. In Trat, you'll find orchards and rubber plantations; in Vietnam, the coast has shrimp farms and salt fields. Roadside vendors sell tropical fruits like rambutans and mangosteens in season, and near Rach Gia, there are bustling markets selling dried seafood and fish sauce.