On Monday Thang Long was anchored at Hiep Phuoc port in HCMC’s outlying district of Nha Be waiting for its first ever passengers.

It is the largest high-speed passenger ship in Vietnam with a capacity of 1,017 passengers and a length of more than 77 meters.

Passengers queued to board the vessel.

Nearly 150 passengers traveled on its maiden voyage.

It has a top speed of 35 nautical miles (more than 60 km) per hour and it takes four hours to travel between HCMC and Con Dao, a tourist island off the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

The economy cabins are on the first to third decks and have leather seats.

Each deck has a TV, toilet, fire safety equipment, and surveillance cameras.

The vessel also has a premium area with larger and more private seating.

Ngo Van Canh, 57, of District 4 said he had visited Con Dao and been impressed by its pristine beauty, and wanted to return but was deterred by the expensive airfares.

“The vessel is spacious, airy and runs smoothly, and so I don’t feel seasick. However, the temperature in the cabin is quite cold.”

Each row of seats has a curtain and power outlet.

The top deck has a dining area with long rows of tables for guests to also work.

Bui Thi Bich Thuy, 38, said she used to travel more than 100 km from HCMC to Vung Tau and then take a high-speed boat to Con Dao, which would make her really tired.

The only other option was to travel by air.

“I feel happy and excited as the HCMC-Con Dao vessel has finally been put into operation, helping to reduce travel costs. The tickets are nearly 50% cheaper than airfares, and the travel time is only a few hours.”

Tickets, sold by agents and at ticket offices and websites, cost VND615,000 – 1.1 million (US$24.16-43.22) depending on ticket class and departure time.

Hiep Phuoc Port is about 20 km from downtown HCMC. Shuttle buses are available at September 23 Park in District 1 to carry passengers to the port.

By Quynh Tran – VnExpress