An express boat plying between Ho Chi Minh City and the southern city of Vung Tau is expected to open later this month.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has carried out a technical examination of the express boat route linking Ho Chi Minh City, outlying Can Gio District, and Vung Tau, a popular beach city in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

The waterway route has been developed by the Ho Chi Minh City-based GreenlinesDP Company.

According to Bui Xuan Cuong, director of the transport department, the express boat service will officially open to the public on December 23.

The GreenlinesDP K6 vessels are specifically designed to operate on this journey, and are equipped with four air-conditioners, a big-screen TV, a security camera system, Wi-Fi, fire alarms and life jackets.

Each boat also includes a ten-passenger capacity VIP corner, which comes with its own mini-bar.

The boats will launch from Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 before traveling to Thach An Station in Can Gio District, and then stop at Ho May in Vung Tau.

Four trips will be provided daily for the Ho Chi Minh City-Can Gio route and eight for the Ho Chi Minh City-Vung Tau journey.

The VIP corner on one boat. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Extra trips are expected be added on weekends.

Each trip will cost VND200,000 (US$9) per person. Passengers who are residents of Can Gio as well as public servants who regularly travel the route will be entitled to a 50 percent discount.

Disabled people will be allowed to travel free-of-charge.

Three types of boat with capacities of 50, 96, and 136 seats will be made available.

This is the first express boat route connecting Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio, and Vung Tau, said Pham Cong Bang, head of the waterway management division under the transport department.

More routes will be added in the future according to demand, to promote waterway tourism, and help relieve traffic pressure on city streets.

“Given its network of rivers and canals stretching a total of 1,000 kilometers, this and similar projects make use of the potential for water transport in the southern metropolis,” Bang elaborated.

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