Con Dao is located 185 km from Vung Tau and 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City and comprises an archipelago off the coast of Ba Ria - Vung Tau. This place was once likened to "hell on earth", where the famous Con Dao Prison was once. But today Con Dao tourism has made great progress, becoming one of the most attractive destinations with beautiful pristine beaches, primeval forest system, and many rare creatures. The development of transportation, travel, accommodation, and food services on the island makes this place increasingly ranked on the tourist map.
Besides tourism, many tourists know about Con Dao as a resort paradise, an interesting backpacking destination with many things to discover. Here are suggestions about the best time to visit Con Dao island.
March to September is the best time to explore Con Dao. Temperatures average between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, with peaks in July and August. Although it is the rainy season, during this time, the sea is calm and the wind is small in the eastern and northeastern islands. Visitors should plan to visit the remote islands during the day when the weather is full of yellow sunshine and blue sky, perfect for diving and taking pictures. In the afternoon, there are often showers, hence it is more suitable to visit the covered monuments on the big island.
July to September is the breeding season for sea turtles, making it a great time to witness turtles nesting and hatching. Turtle spawning season in Con Dao occurs from April to October every year. After the turtle lays eggs, it takes 45 - 60 days to hatch into young, so even though the spawning season ends in September, tourists can still see the turtles crawling back to the sea 2 months later. This is an important time to observe humpback and green sea turtles laying eggs on the beaches of the island. The seabird nests are also in the spawning season, making for a beautiful and precious sight. Environmental education and activities are often held this season to raise awareness and protect endangered turtles worldwide.
From October to March the following year, it is the windy season and the waters of Con Son Bay can have big waves. The average temperature ranges from 23 to 28 degrees Celsius during this time. Influenced by the northeast wind, the sea area of Con Son Bay often has large waves, but the surface in the west and southwest is still calm and less affected by waves. Visitors can go to Dam Trau Beach, Hot Springs Beach and enjoy swimming here. If possible, visitors can still rent a boat to explore Tre Lon and Tre Small islands. These are two islands that still retain their wild beauty and are home to many colorful corals and carp schools.
Depending on the time, purpose, and style of travel, you can choose from the following activities for a day plan, 4 days 3 nights, or 5 days 4 nights.
Hon Bay Canh and Hon Cau are two familiar eco-tourism sites off the coast of Con Dao. Visitors can choose from an array of experiences from diving to see corals, visiting mangroves, to watching turtles lay eggs and release baby turtles in the right season.
Visitors can rent a canoe to the small island by themselves, the price is about 2-5 million VND a session. To save money, you should book a day tour including releasing turtles to the sea combined with snorkeling to see Hon Bay Canh coral.
You can find a variety of corals as well as very impressive fishes on most of the small islands around the big island of Con Dao. The coral system in Con Dao can be said to be the richest in Vietnam. The best time for diving in Con Daois from March to the end of September. During this time, the seawater in Con Dao is usually very clear, providing a great diving experience. You can clearly see the corals while enjoying the ability to observe a variety of seafood and marine life.
Fishing has two forms, recreational fishing (half-time or 1 day) or professional fishing (usually 3 days 2 nights, or more). Whether it's recreational fishing or professional fishing, this activity especially attracts anglers from all over the world.
March to May is a good time for fishing in Con Dao. The water temperature rises, and fish species start to return after the winter. You can catch various smaller fish species such as snapper, grouper, and parrotfish, as well as larger fish species like barracuda and sharks.
From June to September is the peak fishing season in Con Dao. The water temperature is at its highest, and fish species become more active. This is an ideal time to catch large fish such as tuna, salmon, and sharks.
During this time, you can hire fishing tours or rent a private boat to fully enjoy the fishing experience in Con Dao. With its beautiful seascape and diverse fish species, fishing in Con Dao will provide exciting and memorable experiences.
Con Son Bay includes a system of 14 small and large islands with a chain of Hon Trac island, Hon Tai Lon island, Hon Tai Nho island,... gathering like a big family, and Bay Canh, Bong Lan, Cau, Egg, and Tre islands. The majestic islands in the middle of the sea are the islands that create poetic beauty for Con Son Bay and are the marine ecological reserve with coral reefs that are nowhere to be found in terms of density and variety.
During the period from October to February, Con Dao is influenced by the northeast monsoon winds, resulting in beautiful yet rough seas with large waves. The islands and beaches located in the northeast will experience these big waves, creating a majestic scene and providing a thrilling experience for surfers and wave enthusiasts. However, for travelers seeking relaxation and exploration, the western and southwestern coastal areas are the ideal choice. Places like Dam Trau Beach, Ong Cau Beach, and Hon Tre Lon are highly recommended during this time. Protected by the natural landscape of surrounding islands, the waters on the western and southwestern sides are generally calmer and more peaceful, offering a tranquil and serene environment.
In the journey to discover Con Dao, releasing baby turtles to the sea will definitely be one of the "unique" experiences that you will never forget. The best time to witness the release of baby turtles at Con Dao Island is from May to October. During this period, sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the beaches of Con Dao. The eggs take approximately 45-60 days to hatch, and once the baby turtles emerge from their nests, they make their way toward the ocean. So about 2 months after the turtle lays, in October or November, visitors can still see baby turtles crawling back to the sea.
On 20th of June on the lunar calendar, a solemn and well-organized ceremony takes place on the island. Relatives and former prisoners are given the opportunity to light incense sticks, paying tribute to their loved ones and themselves. The atmosphere is filled with reverence and remembrance as everyone honors those who have passed away on Con Dao Island. This festival not only commemorates the sacrifices made by those who were imprisoned on Con Dao Island but also symbolizes resilience and the island's transformation into a place of spiritual significance and natural beauty. It allows visitors and locals alike to reflect on the historical events and appreciate the tranquil and captivating atmosphere that Con Dao offers nowadays.
Ms. Sau, commonly known as Vo Thi Sau, is a revered figure often referred to as a heroine. Her death anniversay is held on December 27th annually, usually in Hang Duong cementary. During this traditional festival in Con Dao, every household prepares rice and burns incense as offerings. In addition, tourists also bring incense lamps, offerings, and flowers to Ms. Sau's grave. Together, they participate in the ceremony, offering prayers and seeking blessings from her.
Madam Phi Yen, also known as Le Thi Ram, was the wife of Lord Nguyen Anh. She was a remarkable woman who played a significant role in preserving her husband's loyalty and sacrificing her own life to protect her identity. To honor, a shrine was established in An Hai village, where locals gather to worship her. Every year, on October 18th according to the lunar calendar, the people of Con Dao hold a solemn death anniversary ceremony for Madam Phi Yen. The anniversary is not only a solemn occasion but also a time for joy and cultural activities. Tourists visiting Con Dao during this period have the opportunity to engage in various festivities, witness artistic performances, and immerse themselves in the enchanting folk music that fills the sacred atmosphere.
Taking a flight to Con Dao is generally the most convenient and efficient option for travelers. The island has its own airport, Con Dao Airport, which is served by several airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietjet Air.
By airplane: The flight time from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao is approximately 45 minutes, and from Can Tho, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Hanoi, there is a direct flight to Con Dao that takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
By boat: Traveling by boat can be a more adventurous option, but it takes longer and can be less comfortable than flying. The ferry from Vung Tau to Con Dao takes around 12 hours, while the speedboat from Tran De port in Soc Trang province takes around 2.5 hours. Passengers will also need to take a bus or private car to reach the ferry or speedboat terminal, which can add more travel time and expenses.
Hope the above sharing about the best time to visit Con Dao will be somewhat useful for you. Make a schedule to explore Con Dao right away, and don't forget to share your experience with us!
