Things To Do In Con Dao Island

Only 1 hour by plane from Ho Chi Minh, the archipelago consists of 16 islands forming the Con Dao archipelago. Con Son Island is the largest island and the only one inhabited, Con Dao is the main city.

Con Dao was classified as a national park in 1993 because of the beauty of its wild nature, the richness of its ecosystem and the importance of its coral reefs. The national park, which is a nature reserve, is participating in a program to protect endangered sea turtles. To keep you entertained, take boat tours to admire the coral reefs and dive to explore the beautiful marine world with many rare species. And for walkers, take a National Park walk through the forest.

What to see in Con Dao Island?

Unspoiled beaches

If you’re one of those who likes to laze on a stretch of powdery sand and dive into translucent water, Con Dao is a great option. On this small island, many secret and wild beaches are absolutely beautiful.

Hanoi Voyages has selected for you the most beautiful beaches all around the island, to discover by motorbike for example.

Bai Nhat Beach

A wild beach that appears at low tide and is an ideal location to enjoy the wonderful sunsets. It is worth mentioning that the beach only appears for a few hours each day. For most of the time, the beach is hidden and submerged underwater.

An Hai beaches

An Hai beach is located on the east coast of Con Son town and is also the main beach here. An Hai beach is famous for its cleanliness, clear water and smooth white sand stretching as far as the eye can see. With easy access, this beach is ideal for family trips with children. Relaxation, swimming, the pleasures of the beach, everything is there to suit families.

Bai Suoi Nong Beach

This beach is close to Dam Trau and accessible by the forest road. It retains an intact and wild charm. This place is considered by many tourists to be the most beautiful beach in Con Dao, but its full tourism potential has not been exploited. With its dreamy, pristine, paradise-like natural scenery, Con Dao Hot Springs Beach should have been more widely known.

Bay Canh Island (Hon Bay Canh)

Bay Canh Island (or Hon Bay Canh) located east of the Con Dao archipelago, is a protected area of ​​683 ha of tropical forest with rare species and mangrove forests.

Cat Lon Beach is one of 14 places where green sea turtles come to lay their eggs during the breeding season (April to September each year). There are about 3000-5000 eggs that hatch each night.

At the tip of the island, 325m to climb to access the island’s lighthouse. It dates from the French era and is still in use. From up there, the panoramic view is breathtaking!

The national park

Con Dao National Park is a perfect destination for lovers of nature, diving and forest hikes.

It is one of seven national parks in Vietnam encompassing both forest and sea areas, with 6,000 hectares of land and 9,000 hectares of sea areas.

With diverse ecosystems, a wide variety of corals forming magnificent reefs, and sea turtles, it is home to 882 plants, 135 animal species and over 1,300 marine species.

Con Dao Markets

Only the Con Dao market, which takes place in the morning and afternoon, allows you to get supplies. You can find the essentials here, namely fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, fresh seafood, everyday products and souvenirs for tourists.

In the evening, each day, the night market attracts customers with seafood and local specialties at reasonable prices.

Con Son Prisons – Hell on Earth

Known as “hell on earth”

Covering 75,000 m2, a set of 11 prisons which housed 200,000 Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War in inhumane conditions. Interned, tortured, 20,000 died there in indescribable suffering and atrocities.

The Con Dao Museum

Opposite the “historic Pier 914”, and near the monument of the “French tiger cage”, the Con Dao museum contains on its 1,700m2, many rare documents, dioramas and excellent photographs on the history of the islands during French and American colonization.

Hang Duong Cemetery and Vo Thi Sau Tomb

Hang Duong Cemetery is a memorial cemetery that houses more than 2,000 graves, 23 of which are collective. Most of them are anonymous.

Several revolutionaries rest in the Hang Duong cemetery such as Nguyen An Ninh, Le Hong Phong, … but the most famous grave is that of Vo Thi Sau, a young revolutionary from Vietnam who was the first woman shot in Con Son on January 23, 1952.

Her tomb is venerated by Vietnamese women who come to pray in the middle of the night and bring offerings (mirrors, combs and lipstick, white flowers).

Van Son Pagoda

Perched on Mot Mountain, Van Son Pagoda or Nui Mot Pagoda is the only pagoda in Con Dao. Climb the steps at the very top to admire the magnificent panorama.

The palace of the chief of the island (Dinh Chua Dao or Dinh Ong Lon)

Built on 2 ha in the center of Con Dao, it was the central headquarters of the prison system of Con Dao.

It clearly expresses the contrast between the luxurious life of the chief of the island and the atrocious conditions of the prisoners.

Today, this palace is a museum displaying historical documents of the island.

What to do in Con Dao Island?

Diving in Con Dao

With its beautiful beaches Con Dao is a dream place to relax. Its crystal-clear waters are ideal for water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving.

The richness of the seabed is a delight for divers, seasoned or not.

Hanoi Voyages organizes diving excursions for all levels on the best spots and allows you to practice this activity in safety. Contact us!

Hiking in the national park

Hanoi Voyages, specialist in “tailor-made” has made a good reputation by organizing your hiking days in the national park. We pick you up in the morning at the hotel and we transfer you by private car to the site. There you are picked up by our professional guide.

A local guide can lead you to hidden waterfalls and secluded beaches, and you’ll be lucky enough to spot black squirrels and geckos. From the highest peak of the island, at 577m, you will have a splendid panoramic view of the entire Con Dao archipelago.

Sea fishing day

Hanoi Voyages organizes a day of fishing by private boat. The boat is reserved for your group only. Sea fishing, snorkeling, diving, swimming, a program to match your dreams! With equipment provided for sea fishing and diving.

Lunch on board, prepared by local fishermen who will delight your palate with simple but delicious preparations borrowed from local flavors that you will taste in an idyllic setting.

Observation of turtle nesting

Unique and unforgettable experience of watching turtles laying eggs in Con Dao, Bay Canh Island. Hanoi Voyages will get you the permit authorizing you to enter the place of observation.

Between April and October, the turtles come to lay their eggs on the beaches of Bay Canh Island, but from June to August is the best time to see them.

You will see Chelonia mydas sea turtles dig a hole which will be the nest to lay their eggs. You will then witness a magical spectacle! You will learn all about the life of these sea turtles and even more magical will be the moment when you watch these baby turtles return to the sea!

Rent a motorbike and go on an adventure

The tour of the island only takes half a day by motorbike. Rental possible on the site of your accommodation for a low price. Photo enthusiasts will have a great time as the environment is wonderful!

Private sunset cruise

A privilege activity of Six Senses Con Dao! Contact us to book the room and the cruise at the best price at Six Senses Con Dao.

An explosion of flamboyant colors from a sun that slowly dips to the horizon. That’s what’s in store for you on this romantic private boat cruise to the west side of Con Dao, passing Cape Ca Map (Shark Cape) and Dinh Tinh Yeu (Lovers Peak) before stopping on the other side of Hon Ba (Grandmother Island).

When to go to Con Dao Island?

It is hot there all year round. The hottest months of the year are April and May when temperatures can reach 35oC-36oC. The sea is often calm during this period, it is ideal for water activities.

Dry period (from December to April):

• The temperature is pleasant during this period, 28-29oC.

• From November to February, the Con Dao Islands are under the influence of the northeast monsoon, the sea is choppy and unclear. Avoid water activities: boat trips, scuba diving.

• The best things to do are mainly on the island and in Con Dao National Park.

• During this period, we recommend that you take advantage of the beaches in the West or in the South-West, which are less affected by the wind.

Wet period (May to November):

• Violent and short showers at the end of the afternoon.

• It rains more at the end of the rainy season in August, September, October.

• Rainfall averages 2300 mm.

How to get to Con Dao Island

By plane

It’s the fastest way. The flight lasts approximately 1 hour. Vietnam Airlines is the only airline that operates direct flights to Con Dao from Ho Chi Minh City and from Can Tho.

Several daily flights from HCM city while there is only one flight per day from Can Tho.

On a boat

The daily fast boat – Phu Quoc Express can reach Con Dao from Vung Tau just in 3 hours. You can also get to Con Dao from Soc Trang in the Mekong Delta by Superdong speedboat. This journey takes 2h30.

How many days to visit Con Dao Island?

Between beaches, hikes, historical and natural curiosities, the assets and beauties of Con Dao deserve a closer look!

2 days minimum of seaside stay in Con Dao Island. A true paradise for honeymoon trips and beach vacations in Vietnam!

If you have 2 days in Con Dao

Day 1:

• Visit Con Dao Museum to learn about the island’s history and its political prison.

• Take a boat trip to Bay Canh Island to see coral reefs and diverse marine life.

• Head to Dam Trau Beach for some relaxation and swimming.

• End your day with a sunset view at Bai Dat Doc Beach.

Day 2:

• Start your day by exploring the Con Dao National Park, which is home to many rare species of flora and fauna.

• Visit Hang Duong Cemetery, a somber reminder of the island’s past.

• Go for a hike to Ong Dung Beach and soak in the natural beauty.

• Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.

• Remember to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and bring mosquito repellent with you. Con Dao is a small island, so getting around by bike or scooter is easy and convenient. Have a great trip!

If you have 3 days in Con Dao

Day 1: as day 1 in option 1

Day 2: as day 2 in option 2

Day 3:

• Explore the island’s southern beaches, including Hon Tai Beach, Phi Yen Beach, and Nhat Beach.

• Take a boat trip to nearby islands like Bay Canh Island or Cau Island for snorkeling or diving.

• Visit the Con Dao Market for some local shopping and souvenirs.

• Have a relaxing evening at a beachfront bar, watching the sunset.

• If you have more than 3 days, do not hesitate to contact us for more information!

Where to stay on Con Dao Island?

Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa

Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa is ideally located along the wide sandy Vong Beach and at the foot of Chua Mountain.

Inspired by a harmonious blend of traditional Vietnamese design and early 20th century French colonial heritage, the resort embodies the richness of Vietnamese culture with the dynamism of the present.

36 suites and villas on 10 acres of scenic flora offer impeccable ocean and mountain views.

Six Senses resort

The first luxury resort among the islands of Vietnam’s archipelago, it is contemporary in design, but draws on the essence of a traditional fishing village.

A refined luxury hotel in a wild and unspoiled nature. Stunning!

This resort, a sublime and discreet resort with a refined design of blond wood, camped on a long white sand beach with turquoise waters, between mountains and mangroves.

For relaxation, a private beach, Spa and fitness center will delight lovers of idleness. A superb lounge-library will also be a privileged and soothing place, where it is good to stroll during the hot hours.

Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the tennis courts and numerous water sports facilities. Finally, the two restaurants, the MarketPlace and the By the Kitchen, serve refined, organic and skilfully prepared cuisine. Romantics can also eat on the beach or in the living room of their beautiful villa.