Introduction to Con Dao
Welcome to our ultimate Con Dao Travel Guide. This archipelago is one of those rare places where Vietnam’s history, spirituality, and natural beauty come together in perfect balance. Just off the coast of Vung Tau, this archipelago of 16 islands has been named one of Travel + Leisure’s Top 10 Islands in Southeast Asia.
Con Dao National Park protects more than two-thirds of this island chain. It houses about 6,000 hectares of tropical forest and 14,000 hectares of marine sanctuary.
Con Dao’s past is equally compelling. For over a century, it served as the largest penal colony in Indochine. Today, its preserved prisons and cemeteries provide profound insight into Vietnam’s path to independence. Temples and shrines honour national heroes. At the same time, the islands are a sanctuary for endangered green and hawksbill turtles—90% of Vietnam’s sea turtles nest here. In 2025, Vietnam connected the islands to the national power grid. This ensures a more stable and sustainable energy supply.
This unique blend of unspoiled nature, living history, and forward-thinking conservation makes this Con Dao travel guide essential for planning one of Vietnam’s most meaningful trips.
Quick facts about Con Dao
Before diving into details, here’s a quick snapshot to help you understand what makes Con Dao such a worth experiencing destination.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern Vietnam; island archipelago off the southeast coast, about 1 hour by flight from Ho Chi Minh City |
| Airport | Con Dao Airport (VCS), ~14 km from Con Son town (30–40 minutes by car) |
| Best known | Pristine beaches, national park landscapes, sea turtle conservation, and historical prison sites |
| Popular areas | Con Son Town, Bay Canh Island, Dam Trau Beach, Con Dao National Park, Hang Duong Cemetery |
| Travel style | Wildlife conservation travel, Nature retreat, island & beach escape |
| Climate | Tropical |
| Ideal stay | 2–4 days |
| Best time to visit | Mar–Sep for calm seas and beach activities; Oct–Feb for cooler weather and fewer crowds |
What’s in Con Dao?
- Pristine Beaches: Golden sands at Dam Trau, calm shallows at Lo Voi Bay, and quiet stretches near An Hai offer some of Vietnam’s most serene beach escapes.
- History & Heritage: Step inside preserved French-era prisons, and visit Hang Duong Cemetery to understand the island’s role in Vietnam’s fight for independence.
- Turtle Season: From April to October, endangered turtles come ashore at Bay Canh and Hon Cau islands to lay their eggs. Ethical night tours allow travelers to witness nesting or hatchlings returning to the sea.
- Untouched Marine Life: Clear waters and thriving reefs make Con Dao a diver’s paradise. Visibility is best from March to September.
- Remote Tranquillity: With only one inhabited island—Con Son—life moves at an authentic, unhurried pace centered on fishing, spirituality, and quiet community life.
Trace history and touch the wild beauty of Con Dao with us
How to plan a trip to Con Dao
How long to stay
- 3–4 days: Beaches, historic sites, and nature highlights.
- 5+ days: Perfect for divers, wildlife lovers, or anyone seeking a digital detox.
Best time to visit
| 🌦️ Season | ⛅️ Weather | ⛱️ Best for | 📌 Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| March – May | Calm seas, clear skies | Diving and snorkeling | Use coral-friendly sunscreen |
| June – September | Rainy season | Showers, Underwater visibility | Turtle nesting time |
| October – February | Cooler, windier | Skydiving activities | Rough seas, but Dam Trau stay swimmable |
Money & Connectivity
Cash is essential—ATMs are limited, and cards are rarely accepted outside luxury resorts. Buy a Viettel or Vinaphone SIM on the mainland for reliable coverage.
Local Etiquette
- Dress modestly at temples and memorial sites.
- Show respect at prisons, Co Sau Shrine, and Hang Duong Cemetery.
- Photography at sacred places should be discreet and respectful.
How to get to Con Dao Island (Flights & Ferries)
- By Air
- From Hanoi: New direct flights (since 2025) take about 2 hours.
- From Ho Chi Minh City: Just 45 minutes.
- From Can Tho: About 1h15.
- Flights are limited year-round—book early, especially during turtle season.
- By Sea
- Thang Long Super Ferry (Ho Chi Minh City – Hiep Phuoc Port): 5 hours, capacity 1,000+ passengers, with options from eco to VIP cabins.
- High-Speed Boats (Vung Tau, Soc Trang – Tran De Port): 3.5–4 hours.
💡 Note: Schedules depend on weather; flying is more reliable if you’re short on time.
- Getting Around
- Scooter rental: Best way to explore.
- Taxis: Available but limited.
- Bicycles/shuttles: Offered by some resorts.
Local festivals & events
- Le Gio Co Sau (mid-year): Commemoration of national heroine Vo Thi Sau.
- Turtle Nesting Season (May–October): Night tours available on Bay Canh and Hon Cau.
- Tet (Lunar New Year): Quiet but deeply spiritual, with locals visiting temples.
Best Things to Do in Con Dao
From solemn memorials to pristine beaches and turtle conservation sites, Con Dao is where history and nature come together.
1. Explore the Prison Complex
Step inside French-era prison blocks, including the notorious “tiger cages,” and visit the museum, which holds over 2,000 photos and artifacts. Guided tours bring context to a powerful chapter of Vietnam’s history.
2. Pay Respects at Hang Duong Cemetery
Final resting place of more than 1,900 soldiers and civilians. In the evenings, locals light incense at the grave of Vo Thi Sau, creating a deeply moving communal atmosphere.
3. Relax on the Beaches
- Dam Trau Beach: Often called the island’s most beautiful stretch of sand, with turquoise waters and golden sand framed by forested cliffs. What makes it extra special? The airport is nearby, so you can capture the thrilling sight of a plane flying just overhead as it lands—a perfect moment for photos.
- An Hai Beach: Calm seas and a working pier framed by mountains.
- Lo Voi Bay: A peaceful bay near town; best at low tide for local life scenes.
- Hot Springs Beach: Stays calm even in the windy season.
4. Dive & Snorkel in the Marine Park
Home to some of Vietnam’s richest coral reefs, Con Dao’s waters invite exploration around Hon Tai, Bay Canh, and Hon Cau. Spot tropical fish, sea turtles, and sometimes even a dugong. Visibility is best from March to late September.
5. Witness the Turtle Nesting Season
From April to October, endangered green and hawksbill turtles lay eggs on sandy beaches. Ethical night tours to Bay Canh Island let you see nesting and hatching—eggs take 45–60 days to hatch, so baby turtles often appear through October and November.
6. Hike Through Con Dao National Park
Trek from the park centre to An Hai Lake and Thanh Gia Mountain for panoramic views. Other trails lead to Dam Tre Bay, Ma Thien Lanh Bridge, and Duc Me Cave. Go with a guide for insights into wildlife and history.
7. Visit Sacred Sites
- An Son Temple (Mieu Ba Phi Yen): Dedicated to Lady Phi Yen, with an annual ceremony on the 18th day of the 10th lunar month.
- Van Son Pagoda: Built in the 1960s, perched on a hilltop with sweeping views.
8. Explore Fishing Villages
Cycle to Co Ong and Ben Dam to see fishermen at work and taste fresh, grilled seafood. Morning markets brim with squid, crabs, and tropical fruit.
What to Eat in Con Dao
Fresh seafood and bold island flavors make Con Dao a true paradise for food lovers.
- Chao nhum (Sea urchin porridge) – A warm porridge rich in ocean flavors, often enjoyed as a nourishing local delicacy.
- Ca mu do (Grouper) – Freshly caught and best served steamed or grilled, this prized fish is tender and flavorful.
- Mam nhum (Fermented urchin sauce) – A unique dipping sauce with bold, umami notes, often paired with rice or seafood.
- Tom hum (Lobster) – Juicy and sweet, Côn Đảo lobsters are a must-try, grilled or steamed with simple seasoning.
- Sa sung (Sea worm) – A rare delicacy, usually stir-fried or grilled, offering a chewy texture and briny taste.
- Cua mat trang (Moon crab) – Known for its spotted shell, this crab has sweet, tender meat perfect for steaming.
- Mut hat bang (Sea almond candy) – A crunchy, nutty snack made from roasted sea almonds, often enjoyed as a local souvenir.
- Ca thu mot nang (Semi-dried mackerel) – Sun-dried for a day, this fish keeps its fresh taste while gaining a smoky aroma.
- Goi ca mai (White sardine salad) – A refreshing dish with thinly sliced raw sardines, lime, and herbs for a light, zesty flavor.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
We want your trip to be as incredible as possible, so here are a few insider tips:
- Book early: Flights & ferries sell out quickly in turtle season.
- Pack smart: Sturdy shoes for hikes, modest clothes for memorials.
- Be flexible: Weather can delay ferries—flying is safer if on a tight schedule.
- Rent a motorbike – The best way to explore hidden beaches and fishing villages at your own pace.
- Sun & sea care – Bring reef-safe sunscreen and stay hydrated under the tropical sun.
- Respect wildlife: Keep distance from turtles, no flash photography.
Where to Go Next?
- Vung Tau: Relaxed seaside city, ferry connections.
- Soc Trang: Khmer temples and cultural hub.
- Can Tho: Floating markets and Mekong charm.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Urban gateway for onward travel.
Not sure where to go next? Let us help you customize your Vietnam Journey
Tours in Con Dao
Con Dao Beach Excursion
Escape to the untouched beauty of the Con Dao archipelago on this 3-day journey where history and nature meet from Ho Chi Minh City