Best things to do in Con Dao Islands

There are some diverse and exceptionally attractive islands in Vietnam. Most people know about Phu Quoc Island. It is the main tourist island in Vietnam. Others go to islets to take pictures around Halong Bay and often sleep overnight on a luxury cruise.

Everyone associates Vietnam with its tropical climate. The lush green jungle terrain; the exotic landscapes full of exotic fruits and fascinating wildlife; of course, the vast expanse of incredible sandy beaches, you can experience all of this in Con Dao and more.

Con Dao Archipelago

Con Dao Islands are an archipelago of 16 islands. You can find them just off the coast of Southeast Vietnam. Each island is surrounded by beautiful wildlife, jungle terrain, and abundant local fauna. It’s like discovering paradise in Vietnam.

Con Son is the main island of Con Dao. This is where you can discover amazing natural places. Historians will also be delighted to visit this island. Architecture and structures, in addition to a variety of stories, can be found on this island. Do you like living in luxury? You can also stay in luxury here, just like in Phu Quoc.

Con Son Island

Con Son is the largest island and has most of the best attractions. There are places of natural beauty and places where history and information about Con Dao are stored in abundance. This is the best place to stay in the Con Dao Islands. You can book accommodations for all budgets.

Con Son is the only island that has inhabitants and where you can discover and learn history.

Con Son Island

When visiting Con Dao Island, aim to mix nature with knowledge. Most places are easy to reach from Con Son Town. Public transportation, motorbike rentals, private drivers and the main port are located here. This is the starting point for visiting Con Dao.

The other islands of Con Dao must be reached by boat. A trip to one or more of these islands is a must-do activity when visiting Con Dao.

Bay Canh Island

The biodiversity around the island is fascinating. Snorkeling in the seas around this island offers the chance to spot dolphins as well as over 100 species of marine animals. The coral reefs present a kind of underwater paradise. Land-based activities are also plentiful. Ancient jungle and thriving plantation wildlife provide the backdrop for a hike to the top of the mountain. You can see Con Dao Islands from a different perspective at the lighthouse.

Hon Bay Canh is the second largest island in the Con Dao archipelago after Con Son @ Vnexpress

Moments with Turtles

Come see the turtles on this small, picturesque island. The boat stops and arrives early in the morning. Bay Canh Island is home to the largest population of turtles in the area. Turtles are warm-hearted creatures at heart. Any animal lover will know that this is where you will see the turtles returning to lay their eggs. The best time to visit is during the breeding season when you can see turtles on the beach early in the morning.

Releasing baby turtles into the ocean @ Vnexpress

Tre Lon Island

You may need a pass to visit this Con Dao island. Try to get a licensed boat tour that provides all the necessary documents for a hassle-free excursion. For those who want to snorkel and explore varieties of lush and delicious corals and shallow marine life, this is the island for you. It has a unique local ecosystem. This is one of the islands in Con Dao that is difficult to access.

Tre Lon Island @ Internet

Numbers are limited. Book in advance. This is sustainable tourism at work. It is a small island, with a circumference of 1 km. After an hour by boat from the main island of Con Dao, you will find an island untouched by mass tourism. This is the tropical island par excellence.

Best things to do in Con Dao - What to do?

You can learn about the history, and biodiversity and discover untouched areas around Con Dao. Most of them are on Con Son Island. The other 15 islands offer experiences and views that you would not see in many other places.

Con Dao Islands - Places of History

The history of Con Dao is interesting: The Con Dao Islands were taken over by the French in 1866 and remained under French control for almost 100 years before being returned to Vietnam. This left many traces of history on the archipelago.

Phu Hai Prison

This is considered a hellish place by residents during the period of operations. It is in stark contrast to the usual paradise seen on the islands. Phu Hai Prison has a dark past. The French built it to keep opposing forces and revolutionaries at bay. Resources were limited, with up to 200 prisoners imprisoned in an area of 1,500 square meters.

Phu Hai Historical Prison

Many of Vietnam's Red Guards were trapped here. Conditions were appalling. They were often malnourished. They had to work in the field. You can see the foundations of a rice mill, a barber shop, and an auditorium. This was a community. This was the prison system. Those who disobeyed were sent to another unstable place, the tiger cages.

>> Read more: Poulo Condore Prison, a past that is already past

The Tiger Cages

This was where the most hated prisoners were held. The tiger cages consist of a 5-square-meter room. Sometimes, the prisoners shared the space. They were tortured and poked with bamboo spikes. The prisoners were chained and held in the most horrific circumstances. At one point, more than 2,000 prisoners were held in 120 cages.

The Tiger Cages

Some notorious individuals were kept in the tiger cages. Nguyen An Ninh and Vo Thi Sau were revolutionaries who were executed at the prison. American prisoners of war were held captive here during the Civil War. It is a place to remember and reflect rather than rejoice. We remember how evil humanity can be at times. We think about how not to do it again.

Hang Duong Cemetery

Memorials and tombs of well-known revolutionary fighters can be found at Hang Duong Cemetery. The cemetery was established as a memorial shortly after Vietnam gained independence. Vo Thi Sau’s tomb is a popular tomb. People come to pay their respects 24 hours a day.

Hang Duong Cemetery

There are over 2,000 graves spread across different sections of the cemetery. You will note that Hang Duong is an official national monument. Families, veterans and tourists visit in large numbers. People remember the act of sacrifice. They also reflect on the bloodshed and hard work it took for Vietnam to get to where it is today.

Con Dao Museum

Con Dao Museum helps fill in the information gaps you might encounter when visiting the prisons and cemetery. The museum has over 2,000 exhibits showing the history of the Con Dao Islands. It is free to visit and worth a visit. You can learn more about the mysterious and dark history of Con Son Island.

Con Dao Museum @ Internet

You can read artifacts from former revolutionaries and former residents of the island during the prison era. Visual and audio documents show more details about such a shocking and hellish period. Artifacts from colonial France have been preserved and maintained. Con Dao Museum is located in the former governor's residence. You can see some grand architecture and learn about Con Dao's dark past.

Van Son Temple (Chua Van Son)

The temple is located among one of the most spectacular views on Con Son Island. It's a bit of a hike to get there. The views are worth it. Cycle along the coastal road or walk here. You won't regret the trip.

View of Van Son Temple from above @ Internet

The temple has a simple layout. The shrines are dedicated to various deities. Quan Am is the only statue that stands out from the others. People come here to worship and respect for various reasons.

The area and view exude tranquility. Come here in the early evening for a beautiful view, a peaceful setting and a good workout!

Natural sites on Con Son Island

The island has a large number of beautiful white sand beaches and rugged and raw landscapes, but colorful and very pleasing to the eye. These places are a must-see.

Con Dao National Park

Most of the time, you will find more wildlife than people here, except on public holidays. This is a hidden gem in Con Dao. The nature reserve is abundant with diverse flora and fauna that make up the plantation of the park. Con Dao National Park is a place you should visit in Con Dao.

Con Dao National Park stretches all the way to the coast. Here, you will find rare turtles, dolphins, and dugongs that make up the biodiversity of Con Dao. There are many species of coral and underwater life to discover in the park. Con Dao National Park is not yet a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but that could change at any time.

Con Dao's Stunning Beaches

Anyone who comes to the Con Dao Islands must visit at least one beach. There is a plethora of beaches in Con Dao to suit all tastes. Here are some beaches to take note of:

An Hai Beach

Locals call this beach Con Son. This is the closest beach to the main town of Con Dao. This is the perfect place to do any beach-related activity. You can go snorkeling, deep sea fishing, and boat trips around this beach. It is close to the city. You can enjoy delicious and fresh seafood here.

Weekend visitors from Ho Chi Minh City come here for a break and for the fresh grilled seafood. Other local Vietnamese specialties are available around this beach. This is a beautiful beach when it is quiet.

This is also a very busy beach, especially during the Con Dao holiday season. This is good for comfort. Other beaches offer the kind of secluded paradise you might want to experience.

Dat Doc Beach

The famous Six Senses Hotel is located next to Dat Doc Beach. This area is for those who want a luxury hotel, with a private beach. It's premium. It's a luxurious experience.

Some parts of the beach are accessible to the public via a footpath. Dugongs have been spotted here. This is a beautiful beach!

Dam Trau Beach

This is another hidden gem! Of course, the Con Dao Islands have plenty of those. This golden coastline fuses perfectly with crystal clear jade blue waters and a towering hillside of thick jungle and fabulously intricate wildlife to create the image you would put on a postcard.

The beautiful Dam Trau Beach

It's a bit out of the way, about 15km. The sandy road eventually guides you to a beautiful little cove. There are a few restaurants and shops just outside the bay. In reality, it's the complete opposite of the bustling Ho Chi Minh City vibe and a much-needed experience at times.

Ong Dung Beach and Dat Tham Beach

For the older ones, do you remember the movie Blue Lagoon? The movie where people stumble upon a tropical island because of a shipwreck? These beaches make you feel like that. They are untouched and very appealing to the eye.

They are located around Con Dao National Park. You would need to walk to both beaches. You will love the feeling of isolation on these beaches. This is where you can truly experience the vigor and beauty of Vietnam's sea.

Nhat Beach

This is another beach to explore. Known as Shark Cape, Nhat Beach is ideal for those who consider the sun as their god. It is a very sunny stretch of coastline. Bring sunscreen!

Nhat Beach in Con Dao @ Internet

It is best to have a motorbike in this area as it is a bit far from the main city. If you want to see natural sites around Con Dao, this is one of those places. Nature surrounds you and is your companion.

How do I get to Con Dao Islands?

It’s a 4-hour boat ride from Vung Tau or a 45-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Con Dao can be reached from other domestic airports.

>> Read more: How to get to Con Dao from Saigon, Soc Trang, and Can Tho?

The Con Dao Archipelago is an experience, whether you’re relaxing on the beach, exploring tropical islands with incredible biodiversity, or indulging in the local culture and cuisine. Con Dao is one of the most unique and exciting destinations in all of Vietnam.

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