The Con Dao islands, located off the southern coast of Vietnam, have recently emerged as one of Asia’s hidden travel gems. Known for their rugged natural beauty, historic sights, and unspoilt beaches, the Con Dao islands offer visitors a tranquil paradise.
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Getting to Con Dao of Vietnam
Con Dao can be reached by airplane from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. There are a few flights daily operated by VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines. The flight takes around 1 hour. Another option is to take a ferry from Vung Tau, which takes around 6 hours.
By Plane
- Fastest and most convenient way to reach Con Dao
- 1 hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi
- VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines offer daily flights
By Ferry
- Takes around 6 hours from Vung Tau
- More scenic but less comfortable
- Only one ferry company offers this route
Top Attractions in Con Dao
Con Dao has a wide range of sights and activities to offer visitors. From historic prisons and monuments to white sand beaches, there’s something for everyone.
Historic Sites
As a former prison island, Con Dao has a number of fascinating historic sights. The most notable is the Con Dao Museum, located in the former French prison. Other highlights include Phu Hai prison and Tiger Cages.
Con Dao Museum
- Located in former French prison building
- Chronicle of island’s history as penal colony
- Exhibitions of photos, artefacts and reconstructions
Phu Hai Prison
- Used to detain political prisoners in modern era
- Harsh conditions led to many deaths
- Historic site, now largely overgrown ruins
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Beaches
Con Dao is ringed with lovely beaches surrounded by lush forested hills. The standout is the 1.5km long Bai Dâi (Long Beach), which typifies the island’s natural beauty. Other great beaches include Dam Trau and An Hai.
Bai Dai Beach
- Over 1.5km of fine white sand
- Forested hills as backdrop
- Clear blue waters good for swimming
Dam Trau Beach
- Secluded cove, lesser visited
- Soft sand lined with casuarina pines
- Chill vibe perfect for relaxing
Outdoor Activities in Con Dao
In addition to sightseeing and relaxing by the beach, there’s a ton of great outdoor activities in Con Dao from hiking forest trails to scuba diving pristine coral reefs.
Hiking
Con Dao National Park covers over two thirds of the archipelago. It offers excellent hiking with routes ranging from short nature trails to challenging mountain ascents.
Ong Dung Trail
- One of the most accessible hikes
- Winds through thick forest
- Possibility to see black squirrels
Trek to Mount Con Moong
- Highest peak in Con Dao
- Challenging 7 hour trek with steep ascent
- Sweeping views across islands as reward
Diving and Snorkeling
Scuba divers and snorkelers are drawn to Con Dao by the vibrant and healthy coral reefs that fringe the islands. Highlights include Barracuda Point and Golden Turtle Beach.
Barracuda Point
- Wall dive dropping to over 40 meters
- Sheltered from winds
- Large shoals of barracuda
Golden Turtle Beach
- Shallow reef perfect for snorkeling
- Often sea turtles spotted here
- Soft white sand beach
Conclusion
With lush forests, historic sights, lovely beaches and excellent diving, Con Dao offers a spectacular natural landscape paired with Vietnamese culture and heritage. It’s the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable tropical island holiday. As Vietnam’s island paradise, Con Dao should be on every traveler’s bucket list!