Con Dao Islands (or the Con Dao Archipelago), a hidden gem off Vietnam's southern coast, offer an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and wartime history. Located hundreds of kilometers from the mainland, the island is an attractive destination for both domestic and international travelers. This Con Dao travel guide covers all the essential information you need to plan the perfect beach escape or eco-adventure in 2025.
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1. Introduction to Con Dao
Con Dao, an archipelago in southern Vietnam, covers an area of 76 km² and comprises 16 islands, both large and small. The largest of these is Con Son Island, also commonly known as Con Dao Island.
Con Dao lies 185 km from Vung Tau, 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City, and about 83 km from Can Tho. However, the closest point on the mainland is Soc Trang, just 74 km away.
Due to its isolated location far from the mainland, Con Dao was once chosen by the French colonial government as the site for one of the most infamous and impenetrable prison systems in Vietnam, often referred to as "hell on Earth", a place where "you go but never return."
Today, Con Dao is one of Vietnam’s premier beach destinations, known for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, pleasant climate, pristine nature and exceptionally rich biodiversity. It is a true paradise for nature lovers and proudly home to the country’s largest population of nesting sea turtles.
A visit to Con Dao promises not only natural beauty but also a profound historical experience—you’ll be captivated by the island’s history and breathtaking landscapes.
2. Things to do in Con Dao Islands
The natural beauty of Con Dao is truly a gift from Mother Nature. That’s why it consistently appears on lists of Vietnam’s most highly appreciated natural places, such as The 10 most beautiful national parks in Vietnam and The 10 wonderful islands in Vietnam for your beach vacation. So, what can you see and do on Con Dao Island?
2.1. Snorkeling and scuba diving
Hidden beneath the stunning waters of Con Dao Islands are vibrant coral reefs, home to around 219 species of coral. The coral density in this area is among the highest in Vietnam, with an average coverage of over 42%. In addition, the surrounding waters are inhabited by more than 1,380 species of marine life, creating an exceptionally rich underwater ecosystem of both flora and fauna. Thanks to its unspoiled marine environment, Con Dao offers an enchanting experience for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. The island is considered one of the best places in Vietnam to enjoy this water sport.
2.2 Trekking in Con Dao National Park
For those who enjoy walking and nature, trekking in Con Dao National Park is a must, offering a variety of fascinating trails. As one of 33 national parks in Vietnam, it spans a total area of approximately 15,000 hectares—comprising 6,000 hectares of land and 9,000 hectares of sea and islands. Exploring the primary forest, admiring massive trees with intricate root systems, and observing the lives of small forest creatures will make you fall in love with this enchanting land.
2.3. Relaxing on the paradise beaches
- An Hai Beach
Located in the heart of the archipelago, An Hai Beach boasts crystal-clear waters that sparkle under the sun, alongside a long stretch of soft white sand. Just a 10-minute walk from the town center, it welcomes visitors with a long stretch of powdery white sand and crystal-clear, turquoise waters that shimmer under the tropical sun. An Hai offers gentle waves and a calm shoreline, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or a peaceful stroll along the coast, especially at sunrise.
- Dam Trau Beach
Often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Con Dao, Dam Trau Beach offers a refreshing atmosphere and a vibrant, diverse coral reef system just offshore, which ideal for snorkeling and marine exploration. Surrounded by lush tropical forest and dramatic rock formations, the beach captivates visitors the moment they arrive with its golden sands, calm waves, and laid-back vibe. Its location, near the Con Dao Airport yet still tranquil, makes it easily accessible while preserving a sense of seclusion. Dam Trau is also one of the best spots on the island to enjoy a breathtaking sunset, as the sky transforms into a canvas of fiery colors over the sea.
- Lo Voi Beach
Known for its untouched beauty, Lo Voi Beach features soft white sand and a gently sloping coastline, making it an ideal spot for swimming and leisurely walks. Though this peaceful beach is located near the center of Con Son town and easily accessible, it is less crowded than other popular spots on the island. During low tide, the beach expands significantly, revealing smooth sandbanks and shallow water—perfect for families with children or those looking to relax in a calm, scenic setting.
- Ong Dung Beach:
Unlike the soft, sandy stretches that characterize most beaches in Con Dao, Ong Dung Beach stands out with its rugged, natural charm. This unique coastal spot features a striking rocky shoreline shaped by centuries of wind and waves, creating tidal pools that add a sense of wild beauty to the landscape. Located within Con Dao National Park and accessible via a short jungle trek through the primary forest, Ong Dung Beach offers both adventure and tranquility. The area is rich in biodiversity and ideal for nature lovers looking to combine hiking with time by the sea. While the beach is not ideal for swimming due to its rocky terrain, it's perfect for exploring, taking in the sunset views, and observing marine life in the shallows. Its peaceful, untouched setting also makes it a great spot for a quiet picnic or meditation in nature.
- Nhat Beach
One of the most beloved beaches in Con Dao, Nhat Beach captivates visitors with its clear, cool waters and gentle waves that lap against scattered rock formations along the shore. What makes Nhat Beach particularly special is its unique tidal characteristic—it only appears at low tide, revealing a narrow stretch of soft white sand framed by rocky outcrops. During high tide, the beach is almost completely submerged.
Located near the southern tip of Con Son Island, just below the Shark Cape (Mui Ca Map), Nhat Beach offers a tranquil and scenic setting that's perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. It’s also a wonderful place to watch the sunset in a serenity.
2.4. Discovering the off-the-beaten-path islands
- Bay Canh Island
Bay Canh Island is the second largest of the 16 islands that make up the Con Dao Archipelago. Located on the eastern side of Con Dao, the island is blanketed in primary forest and boasts a rich mangrove ecosystem typical of tropical islands. This island is also a key site for marine conservation, particularly known for its efforts to protect rare species such as sea turtles. Every year, during nesting season, the island becomes a vital sanctuary where turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, making it a meaningful destination for eco-tourism and wildlife observation.
Before your visit, forest rangers provide important guidelines for conserving and protecting the island's fragile environment, be sure not to miss this valuable information.
- Hon Ba Island
Hon Ba is the third largest island in the Con Dao, and its vibrant coral reefs are a true treasure for explorers and snorkeling enthusiasts. The pristine coral reefs flourish in the shallow waters around its coastline are home to an impressive diversity of marine life, including colorful reef fish, mollusks, and sea urchins. Though not as widely visited as Con Son, Hon Ba is still a top destination for snorkeling and underwater photography. Visitors typically reach Hon Ba via a guided boat tour from Con Son Island, often as part of a snorkeling or island-hopping itinerary.
- Hon Cau Island
Hon Cau Island is located about 8 kilometers northeast of Con Son Island, the largest in the Con Dao. Much like neighboring Bay Canh Island, Hon Cau boasts an exceptionally well-preserved ecosystem, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and eco-travelers. Notably, Hon Cau Island is the only island after Con Son Island in the Con Dao Archipelago that has a natural source of underground freshwater. Surveys have shown that the other islands in the archipelago lack underground water (meaning no fresh water from the ground), yet their vegetation remains surprisingly lush and green.
At Hon Cau, visitors can enjoy swimming along a pristine white sandbank where the water is so clear that the sand and coral beneath are easily visible—an unforgettable experience. A visit to Con Dao wouldn’t be complete without taking a canoe or boat trip to explore this peaceful and beautiful island.
- Hon Tre Nho Island
Hon Tre Small Island is located west of Con Son Island, about 2 kilometers from Ong Dung Beach, and spans an area of approximately 11 hectares. The island’s vegetation is dominated by bamboo—called "tre" in Vietnamese, which gives the island its name. This small island serves as a seaside bird sanctuary, especially during the breeding season from May to September, when thousands of migratory seabirds from the north arrive to nest and lay their eggs. Species commonly seen include crested terns, gulls, sea terns, and other coastal birds, making Hon Tre a fascinating spot for birdwatching and nature photography.
- Hon Tre Large Island
Hon Tre Large Island (Hon Tre Lon) covers a natural area of 77 hectares and features a small but beautiful stretch of smooth white sand, offering a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. Hon Tre Lon is proudly the second most important nesting site for sea turtles in the Con Dao Islands, after Bay Canh Island. During the nesting season, visitors may have the rare opportunity to observe sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs—a remarkable experience for conservation-minded travelers.
2.5. Visiting historical sites on Con Son Island
Con Dao is not only an enchanting natural destination, but also a place rich in historical significance, closely tied to the patriotic history of the Vietnamese people.
- The Con Dao prison system
Con Dao was home to not just one prison, but an entire system of 5 major prisons: Phu An, Phu Hai, Phu Son, Phu Tuong, and Phu Binh. During the French colonial period and later under the American-backed regime, this prison complex was expanded continuously—each time one facility became overcrowded, a new one was constructed. These prisons became infamous as places of exile and torture for Vietnamese revolutionaries, soldiers, and patriots.
The names Con Dao, Con Son, or Con Lon (different names for the same island) became synonymous with suffering, resistance, and sacrifice, and were feared by many Vietnamese during the wars against French and American forces.
Today, visitors to Con Dao can explore this historic prison system, gaining a deeper understanding of the dark legacy of war and the unbreakable spirit of those who fought for Vietnam's independence. It is a place of reflection, remembrance, and respect.
- Con Dao Museum
Con Dao Museum is the place where the historical and cultural heritage of the land and people of Con Dao is carefully displayed and presented across different historical periods. The museum features 4 exhibition halls, each offering a unique perspective that together form a rich and compelling narrative of 113 years of Con Dao’s history. These halls include:
Hall 1: Con Dao – Nature and People
Showcasing the island’s natural environment and the daily life, culture, and traditions of its inhabitants.
Hall 2: Con Dao – The Earthly Hell
Focusing on the brutal prison system and the suffering endured by Vietnamese patriots during the colonial and wartime periods.
Hall 3: Con Dao – The School
Highlighting the island as a place of ideological education, where imprisoned revolutionaries turned oppression into strength, studying and organizing for the future.
Hall 4: Con Dao Today
Presenting the modern transformation of Con Dao into a peaceful island destination, balancing development with preservation and honoring its historical legacy.
- Dinh Chua Dao (Con Dao Governor's Palace)
The Con Dao Governor’s Palace (Dinh Chúa Đảo) is a historically significant structures on the island, symbolizing the colonial authority that once ruled over this remote archipelago. Built in the late 19th century by the French, the palace served as the residence and working headquarters of Con Dao’s top-ranking officials during both the French colonial era and the American-backed regime. Over the course of its operation, the palace was home to 53 governors—39 French and 14 Vietnamese—who oversaw administration and, more notoriously, the prison system that made Con Dao infamous. From this building, key decisions were made regarding the harsh treatment of political prisoners and the expansion of the prison complex, making it a central symbol of repression and control during wartime.
Architecturally, the palace features French colonial design, with high ceilings, arched windows, and spacious halls designed to convey authority and permanence. Today, the building has been restored and converted into a museum.
2.6. Other Con Dao attractions
- Con Dao Cemeteries
There are two cemeteries in Con Dao dedicated to honoring those who lost their lives during the wars: Hang Duong Cemetery and Hang Keo Cemetery. These solemn sites serve as final resting places for Vietnamese patriots, revolutionaries, and prisoners who endured unimaginable hardship during the wartime eras. Visitors are encouraged to pay their respects and light incense. This attraction draws a lot of Vietnamese people to come and reflect on the sacrifices made for the country's independence. Hang Duong Cemetery, in particular, is the most well-known, where many national heroes, including Vo Thi Sau, a revered female Vietnamese martyr, are buried.
- Van Son Pagoda
Van Son Pagoda or Nui Mot Pagoda, is located on Mount Mot, just 1.6 km from the center of Con Dao town. It is the only pagoda in the entire Con Dao Archipelago, making it a unique spiritual landmark on the island.
In 1964, during the American presence on Con Dao, a decision was made to build this pagoda to serve the spiritual and religious needs of U.S.-backed officials and soldiers stationed there. However, the construction involved a darker chapter—prisoners serving life sentences at Phu Hai Prison were forced to transport all building materials by hand, without any mechanical support, across rugged terrain.
Today, Van Son Pagoda is not only a place of worship, but also a scenic site. From the pagoda’s vantage point, visitors are treated to panoramic views of Con Son town, An Hai Lake, and the surrounding mountains and sea—a truly picturesque setting.
- An Son Temple
An Son Temple, also known as Mieu Ba or Lady’s Temple, is located on Hon Ba Island, Con Dao. Built in 1785, the temple is dedicated to Lady Phi Yen, the wife of King Gia Long - the first emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. It honors her virtue, moral integrity, and patriotism. According to local legend, after her tragic death, Lady Phi Yen was deified and became a spiritual protector of the island. It is believed that she appeared in the dreams of Con Dao residents to warn them of impending hardships and offer guidance, earning deep respect and devotion from generations of islanders. The temple remains a sacred pilgrimage site. Every year, the An Son Temple Festival is held on the 18th day of the 10th month of the lunar calendar, attracting both locals and visitors who come to pay their respect and offer prayers.
In addition to its famous tourist attractions, Con Dao also offers many stunning hidden gems you shouldn’t miss, such as Dam Tre Bay (ideal for kayaking), Bird Promontory (a perfect spot for watching migratory birds and enjoying coastal views from above), Shark Promontory (located at the southern tip of Con Son Island, an excellent place to catch breathtaking sunrises or sunsets with panoramic ocean views), and An Hai Lake (a peaceful freshwater lake surrounded by lush green hills).
3. When to go to the Con Dao Island?
3.1. Best time to visit Con Dao
Like much of southern Vietnam, Con Dao has a tropical savanna climate, with two distinct seasons throughout the year. The dry season runs from November to April, while the rainy season lasts from May to the end of October.
Interestingly, unlike many other southern islands in Vietnam, the best time to visit Con Dao is during the rainy season. Although there may be occasional rainfall, usually brief showers in the afternoon, the sea is generally calmer during this time compared to the dry season, when strong winds can affect sea travel and water-based activities.
In addition, the island’s vegetation thrives during the rainy months, making it an ideal time for trekking in Con Dao National Park and snorkeling, as the landscape is lush and the underwater world comes alive with vibrant marine life. This unique combination of mild weather, calm seas, and flourishing nature makes the rainy season a surprisingly pleasant time to explore Con Dao.
3.2. Con Dao sea turtle breeding season
The waters surrounding Con Dao are renowned as an ideal nesting site for sea turtles, especially during the breeding season. It is estimated that 10 - 40 turtles come ashore each night during this period to lay their eggs on the island’s quiet, protected beaches. This rare and awe-inspiring natural event draws many visitors who wish to witness the magical moment when the turtles return to land to nest. The breeding season typically lasts from April to November, with the peak months between July and September.
If you're planning a trip to Con Dao, take note of this period to experience one of the island’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles.
4. Getting to and around Con Dao Islands
4.1. How to get to Con Dao Island
To learn how to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Island, be sure to check out the detailed guide in this article: “How to Get from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Island?”
In addition to departing from HCMC, you can also travel to Con Dao directly after a trip through the Mekong Delta. One practical option is to take a speedboat from Soc Trang, which includes a 2.5-hour transfer to the island from Tran De Pier.
Suggested itinerary:
Day 01: Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Tre- Can Tho
Day 02: Can Tho - Soc Trang
Day 03: Soc Trang - Tran De Pier - Con Dao
4.2. How to get around Con Dao
- Motorbike
Riding a motorbike along the coastal roads of Con Dao is a pleasant and flexible way to explore the island. Since Con Dao is relatively small, renting a motorbike for a day trip around the island is convenient. You can inquire about rental services directly through your hotel or homestay. The price range from 150,000 – 250,000 VND/day (~6–8 USD/day), which usually does not include fuel, so be prepared to refuel on your own.
- Electric car
For families or small groups, renting an electric car is an great option. This eco-friendly option allows you to enjoy the fresh sea breeze, take in breathtaking coastal views, and visit various tourist attractions with ease and comfort, without the worry of navigating unfamiliar roads. A small electric car (2–3 people) often range from 500,000 – 700,000 VND / 2 hours (~20–28 USD). Electric cars are often booked through hotels or local tour operators.
- Taxi
If you prefer getting around Con Dao by taxi, here are some reliable local taxi companies with phone number:
- Mai Linh: 0254 3850850
- Con Son Taxi: 0254 3908908
- Sai Gon – Con Dao Taxi: 0254 36363636
In addition to calling these companies directly, you can also book a taxi through your hotel or use ride-hailing apps such as Grab, Xanh SM, depending on availability.
- Canoe
If you’d like to visit nearby islands, you can easily rent a canoe or book guided day tours to beautiful spots such as Cau Island, Bay Canh Island, and others. These trips are ideal for snorkeling, wildlife viewing, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Con Dao archipelago.
5. Con Dao accommodation (updated 2025)
Despite being a relatively remote island destination, Con Dao offers a surprisingly diverse and well-developed range of accommodations, appealing to both luxury seekers and budget-conscious travelers. While the island has preserved much of its untouched charm, the hospitality infrastructure has grown thoughtfully, balancing comfort with sustainability and serenity.
Luxury and boutique resorts
Con Dao is best known for its eco-luxury offerings, particularly the iconic Six Senses Con Dao, which has set a high standard for environmentally conscious design and five-star service. Other boutique-style resorts and beachfront villas also cater to travelers looking for peace, wellness, and exclusivity, often with private pools, spa facilities, and tailored excursions.
Our suggestions:
- Six Senses Con Dao Resort
- Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa
- The Secret Con Dao
- Con Dao Resort (formerly Saigon – Con Dao Resort)
- Orson Hotel & Resort Con Dao
Mid-range hotels and resorts
In and around Con Son town, you’ll find a growing number of mid-range hotels and boutique inns. These provide good value for money, clean and comfortable rooms, and often a personal touch in service. Many of them are conveniently located near local restaurants, historical sites, and the beach.
Our suggestions:
- The Mystery Con Dao Hotel
- Tan Son Nhat Con Dao Resort
- Velar Hotel Con Dao - Vung Tau
- Tuan Ninh Hotel
- Nereus Hotel
- Marina Bay Con Dao Hotel
- Con Dao House
Homestays
For backpackers or culturally curious travelers, homestays like Little Home Homestay offer a more authentic experience. You’ll get to interact with local hosts, taste home-cooked meals, and explore the island from a resident’s perspective—all at a very affordable price. While amenities are simple, the warm hospitality more than makes up for it.
We hope this travel guide to Con Dao Island has sparked your wanderlust and equipped you with the practical tips you need to start planning your dream escape to this breathtaking and historically rich destination. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Don't forget to contact IZITOUR, a trusted local travel agency with over 7 years of expertise in crafting personalized tour packages, to create a memorable trip tailored just for you.
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