Con Dao

Con Dao is one of Vietnam’s most famous beach destinations to visit. The island possesses sixteen other islets and each of it is surrounded by stunning beach scenes paired with emerald green trees. There are plenty outdoor activities to do such as diving, hiking or wildlife-watching. This place is ideal for travelers who wants to escape the busy city life.

Highlights:

• The historical and tropical sides of the island, Con Dao still has many of its history remains while it is surrounded by scenic beach view.
• Con Dao’s beaches surrounded by turquoise water, rice-white sand and green mountains.
• The sea turtles nesting grounds.
• 80% of the land consists of forest which guarantees a satisfying experience of memorable sights.
• Best diving place due to its impressive coral and marine life

Points of Interests:

• Con Dao National Park
• Phu Hai and Phu Son Prison
• Con Dao Museum
• Phi Yen Temple
• Van Son Pagoda

What to do:

• A morning swim
• Overnight turtle-watching
• Walk along the coastline
• Learn to drive a motorbike
• Explore the island’s beaches

Transportation

There are many daily flights taking about one hour from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao Island. It is recommended to book in advance as it gets sold out really fast, a return-ticket will cost around $100-$150. Another alternative is a flight from Can Tho, which only operates once a day. The price for this flight is approximately $100.

A cheaper way is to go by boat departing from Vung Tau. It takes about twelve long hours to arrive at the Ben Dam harbor in Con Dao. Tickets cost around $10 which will get you a seat or bed. The journey can be quit challenging, because of the strong waves.

Getting around

Thanks to clear roads, good infrastructure and places only a short distance away, getting around Con Dao is very easy. You can reach all of the island’s attractions almost by bike. If you plan to go out of town, riding a motorbike is the best option to reach and explore those deserted places.

Dining

When it comes to food, almost everything is imported to Con Dao. Therefore, a good meal is more expensive and reflected in the price. Most restaurants serve Vietnamese classic dishes and freshly seafood caught from the ocean. Besides, there are also a few Western places as the numbers of foreign tourists start to increase. When you are on a low budget, you can go for less expensive meals at the night market.

Shopping

Con Dao Market is not only a place for purchasing, but also very fun to explore. Many shops offer the most common selections of local fruit or specialties, fresh seafood and vegetables. Aside from this, Con Dao has a gift shop located on Nguyen An Ninh street. It is great for souvenir shopping, you can find things such as local ginseng liquor, fresh honey and almonds.

Nightlife

Although the island has shown a growth in cafes and a few bars over the years, many travelers still prefer to have a rest at their own accommodation at night time. The nightlife in Con Dao is actually very limited, there is more activities to do when the sun rises.