Con Dao National Park - Guide of Highlights

When it comes to Vietnam's national parks, Con Dao National Park is right up there with the best of them. This national park has a total of 15,043 hectares, 6,043 of which are land and the remaining 9,043 are water. Con Dao National Park is known for its marine life, particularly its coral reefs and sea turtles. In 2006, the UNESCO team visited the park, conducted an assessment of its natural ecosystem, and praised its rich biodiversity. Beside the diverse fauna and flora system, this national park also offers amazing natural landscapes and fun things that await you to explore. 

Overview

An archipelago of 14 islands, the largest of which is Con Son, forms the core of Con Dao National Park. Con Son Island has a mountainous topography, and a granite ridge that runs from the southwest to the northeast dominates the island, shielding the bays on both sides from strong winds. The summits of Mount Chua and Mount Thanh Gia, at 577 and 515 meters, respectively, are the island's highest points. The smaller islands' highest point is 200 meters above sea level. On the Con Dao archipelago, there are no perennial waterways; only seasonal streams are present. Water is in great supply during the rainy season, but during the dry season, there is a severe shortage. In order to supply the local population during the dry season, three reservoirs collect water during the wet season.

So, if you are planning to visit Con Dao National Park, what can you enjoy from here? Follow us on an ultimate guide to knowing Con Dao National Park.

Admire the plants and animal ecosystem

The first Ramsar in Vietnam and the sixth in the entire world is Con Dao National Park. Con Dao Mangroves is one of 2,203 significant international wetlands with a favorable environment for spawning and conservation of marine species like sea turtles, dolphins, and sea cows. 

With 882 species of vascular plants spread across 562 genera and 161 families, including 371 woody species, 30 species of orchids, 103 species of vines, and 202 species of herbs, Con Dao's vegetation is relatively diverse and rich. This park is home to 44 different plant species. Some species, including Chukrasia tabularis and Manikara hexandra, are listed as precious ones.And  due to its diversity, the national park attracts a large number of tourists.  

In addition, 144 species of the fauna system have been identified in Con Dao National Park, including 28 animal species, 69 bird species, 39 reptile species, and 8 amphibian species. A distinctive terrestrial vertebrate system with numerous endemic species can be found in Con Dao National Park.

Watch sea turtles

The best activity in Con Dao, if you are here during the right season, is without a doubt watching turtles! The far-flung Con Dao Islands are home to many protected sea turtle nesting sites and have Vietnam's largest population of sea turtles. These sea turtles migrate to Con Dao from the Philippines each year to breed. The female turtle will lay about 100 eggs at a time once the turtles get to Con Dao. From May to October, with a peak from June to September, the Con Dao turtle nesting season occurs. Each year, there are about 400 sea turtles. Bay Canh Island, Tre Lon Island, Cau Island, and Tai Island are the most well-known islands for turtle sightings. And yes, the most well-known island is Bay Canh Island, a sizable island directly in front of Con Son Island and also a part of Con Dao archaeology. Join a Con Dao Turtle Tour, which is organized by the Con Dao National Park office, if you want to see sea turtles laying eggs in Con Dao.

Stop by Ma Thien Lanh Bridge

The French spent hundreds of years constructing Ma Thien Lanh, a bridge, on Con Dao Island. This location serves as historical evidence of the oppression and exploitation Vietnamese people endured during the fight against French colonialism. This bridge is now a well-known historical landmark that draws a large number of tourists each day.

Visit Maria Cave

One of the well-known places to explore in Con Dao National Park is Maria Cave. The Maria Statue and other construction ruins left behind since arriving on this island can be found in the cave, which is located deep inside a mountain. Visit the cave to learn more about the island's history and the spiritual practices of French soldiers during the war.

Relax at the beach

Many tourists come to Con Dao because it has some of the best beaches in all of Vietnam and I'm sure that is a reason for you to visit here. The majority of these beaches are on Con Son, the main island, and are easily reached by car. Fortunately, there is not much waste and the ground is very soft with sand, so it will be easy to totally indulge in the tranquility of Con Dao's natural beauty. The Con Son town center has a sizable section of sandy beach. Bai Dat Doc, the best beach on Con Son Island, is a picturesque bay with a mile-long crescent of light sand that is encircled by green hills. Wide stretches of soft sand and clear water are surrounded by rocky, forested hills on either side. Although Bai An Hai on the south side of Con Son is lovely, there are a lot of fishing boats close by. Therefore, I think taking pictures, having a walk and exploring a fisherman's life are great activities.

Go hiking on Thanh Gia Mountain

Visitors have the opportunity to take in the expansive view of Con Dao from a great height as they make their way up Thanh Gia Mountain, the roof of Con Dao, which is 577 meters high. You can take pictures and breathe in the fresh air here. On the top view, you will have a stunning view over Con Son unspoiled beaches like Bai Ong Cau.

Check in An Hai Lake

The main source of sweetwater for island residents is An Hai Lake, a sweet water lake. Additionally, it is a well-known tourist attraction on the island. Because of the stunning scenery and poetic language, it is very romantic. Especially when it is lotus bloom season, by visiting this lake, you can take in the air infused with mildly fragrant lotus scent, which is just simply relaxing and peaceful.

Best time to visit Con Dao National Park

You should visit Con Dao National Park between the months of April and October each year, based on previous visitors' experiences. Con Dao's sea is relatively calm, and the weather is cool even though it is the rainy season. A particularly fascinating aspect of the island trip is the chance to witness turtles lay their eggs.

Tips for visiting Con Dao National Park

• Tip 1: Before visiting this national park, you must obtain permission from the management office in the Con Dao District. The ticket fee is 60,000 VND for adults, and 10,000 VND for children.
• Tip 2: If you go hiking, don't forget to pack some water in case the high humidity in the park makes you thirsty. Of course, you need to prepare proper clothes and shoes for hiking. Anti-insect cream should be considered as well as you are in the forest.
• Tip 3: Even if you are an experienced hiker, please don't go by yourself. It is still dangerous to do so and in case of an accident, there is nothing sure that rescuers can trace and find you.
• Tip 4: Make sure to carefully plan your visit to Con Dao National Park and try to return to the hotel before dusk.

Have a safe and sound trip in Con Dao National Park. Thank you for reading until the end of this guide. See our Vietnam package tours which can be combined with a visit to this green park.