Construction of a boat station in Soc Trang Province’s Tran De Town for operating speedboats to Con Dao Island began on Monday.

The 3.6ha station will have a wharf, parking area, entertainment zone, a hotel and a park.

Being built by the Speedboat Superdong JSC – Kien Giang, it is expected to cost VNĐ90 billion (US$4 million) and begin operation next June.

The Superdong Con Dao I speedboat, which will be used on the Tran De – Con Dao route, costs VNĐ50 billion ($2.2 million) and can carry 306 passengers.

The trip will take 2.5 hours to cover the 90km distance.

Soc Trang, which is closest to the island, hopes to capitalise on this to attract more visitors.

The speedboat expects to carry 30,000 passengers in the first six months of operation.

The Speedboat Superdong JSC – Kien Giang plans to deploy one more speedboat at the beginning of next year.