Con Dao
Located approximately 185 km (115 miles) south of Vung Tau City and 230 km (143 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City, Con Dao Island, also known as Con Dao National Park, is an archipelago of 16 mostly uninhabited mountainous islets in the southeastern region of Vietnam.
The island is a paradise known for its immense natural beauty, dreamy beaches, extensive coral reefs ideal for excellent diving conditions, lush vegetation, and wooded hills.
Con Son, the main island, boasts kilometers of coastal roads and hiking trails, offering a wide range of outdoor activities, from trekking to nature exploration to turtle observation and water sports.
Con Dao is a peaceful place in turquoise waters surrounded by long stretches of fine sandy beaches with beautiful coral reefs—an exceptional destination for relaxation, immersion, and rejuvenation.
The largest island, Con Son, is surrounded by beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and enchanting bays. It is partially covered by thick forests. In addition to walks, diving, deserted beaches, and exploring coastal roads, there are many opportunities to observe wild animals such as giant black squirrels and bent-fingered geckos, a species endemic to the archipelago.Things to see and do
Relax on the Beautiful Beaches:
Dam Trau Beach: Located 12 km from the airport, it features long stretches of fine sandy beaches and green trees.
Suoi Nong Beach: A magnificent wild beach with an exceptional ecosystem.
Ong Dung Beach: Located 4 km from the center, it's about an hour's hike through the jungle to reach.
Coral Reefs: Enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling to observe coral reefs and take part in sea excursions.
Diving and snorkeling
Con Dao is one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Vietnam. The coral reefs are relatively well-preserved and quite impressive, particularly the giant coral heads (similar to those found in the rest of Southeast Asia). The marine life in the waters of Con Dao is teeming with turtles, rays, barracudas, cuttlefish, cobias, and dugongs, as well as various types of fish and marine vegetation.
Coastal Hikes or Jungle Treks: Explore the coastline or venture through the jungle on various hiking routes.
Discover Wild Islands: Explore wild islands such as Bay Canh, Bong Lan, Hon Cau, Hon Trung, and Hon Tre.
Historical Sites: Beyond its beautiful beaches, Con Dao has significant cultural and historical heritage. Visit historical sites to explore Con Dao's rich history, including its darker aspects. Con Dao was home to one of the main prisons in Indochina, where thousands of political dissidents were incarcerated in particularly inhumane conditions starting from 1862. You can visit the Con Dao Museum, Phu Hai Prison - Penal Colony, the French Tiger Cage, the American Tiger Cage, and Hang Duong Cemetery.
Snorkeling and Diving: Con Dao is one of the best places in Vietnam for diving and snorkeling, with access to at least 35 dive sites accessible on day trips. You can witness the country's best coral reefs and encounter 1,493 species of marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, dolphins, and, most notably, the dugong, a rare marine mammal belonging to the manatee family.
Sea Excursions: Take a boat trip to the best spots for experiencing marine life in Con Dao, such as the Hon Tai and Bay Canh islands. You can explore magnificent, colorful coral reefs easily accessible from Ong Dung and Dam Trau beaches.
Sea Turtle Incubation and Research: Approximately 80% of the land in the Con Dao chain of islands is part of Con Dao National Park, which protects the most significant sea turtle nesting area in Vietnam. During the nesting season from May to November, the park sets up observation and rescue stations to monitor nests and relocate eggs to a sanctuary if necessary. Conservation activities include beach restoration to optimize green turtle nesting and reduce hatchling mortality rates.
Nature Hiking: If you enjoy hiking, several trails have been established through the forest on the highlands of the island chain, offering a natural experience. However, some parts of the park are occupied by military land, and it is strictly forbidden to enter these areas. Signs warn you at the entrance to these zones.
Cycling Discovery: Cycling or motorcycling through secondary roads is an interesting and picturesque way to explore the island. You will pass through small local settlements, agricultural plots, markets, historical sites, and meet welcoming locals. You can discover Ben Dam Port, Nhat Beach, Cap Shark, Van Son Tu Pagoda, Lady Phi Yen Sanctuary, and a local market. On two wheels, you'll get closer to isolated beaches—the stuff of dreams.
Good to Know
When to visit?
+ May to October: During this period, around thirty beaches around the islands become nesting grounds for green turtles.
+ February to July: The waters around Con Dao are the clearest during this time, with an average visibility of 70 to 100 feet (20 to 30 meters). Conditions are optimal with low winds, minimal tidal movement, and access to Vietnam's only submarine shipwreck. Diving activities are available for all skill levels, including the opportunity to become a certified diver for those interested.
+ Mid-July to early November: During this time, you can have a close-up experience observing baby turtles making their way to the beach at the start of their life in the facilities of the station.
+ Poor season: From October to February, due to the effect of the Northern monsoon, the sea is rough.
Access
+ By air: A 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City or the Mekong Delta (Can Tho), or a direct 2-hour flight from Hanoi.
+ By sea:
High-speed boat from Vung Tau with a travel time of 3.5 hours.
SuperDong high-speed boat from Soc Trang (Tran De Pier) with a travel time of 2.5 hours. Departure at 8:00 AM and return at 1:00 PM.