A tiny archipelago off the southern coast, only a small number of travellers wind up in Con Dao. Though the trip requires extra effort, those who commit to the journey are rewarded with some of the country’s most blissful beaches and best snorkelling. Much of the island is covered by the Con Dao National Park. Its dense jungle will give you ample chance to uncover a paradise of your own.
Top things to do in Con Dao
Go beach-hunting
Con Dao travellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to secluded beaches. Take a hike to Bai Ong Dung, a stony coastal spot where you can snorkel close to shore, or head to Dam Trau Beach or Dat Doc Beach for sunbathing.
Sign up for a day trip
Snorkelling and diving excursions on Con Dao reveal some of Vietnam’s best underwater sightseeing. On land, hikers can arrange a guide through the national park office or set off on their own with a national park map.
Visit the Con Dao Museum
Con Dao is home to one of the most infamous former prisons in Vietnam, which was an incarceration facility for the French as well as the Americans. You can get a solid background on the island’s history at the newly built Con Dao Museum.
Have a wellness retreat
There are few places in Vietnam that are more peaceful and relaxing than Con Dao. The Six Senses Con Dao is a stunning, sustainable resort in a private bay, complete with nourishing meals, yoga sessions, and an award-winning spa.
Get on two wheels
The coastal roads of Con Dao are a dream for cyclists and motorists alike. Within the town you can ride under ancient trees and past colonial buildings, and just outside are windy beaches, rocky coastline and jungled-covered slopes.
Con Dao Weather
Con Dao’s coolest weather arrives between September and January while its hottest months are June, July and August. Given the island’s location, Con Dao is also prone to strong winds in December and January. Turtle-hatching season takes place from mid-August to early December.
Con Dao Transport
Flights depart daily from Ho Chi Minh City and land at the island’s modest airport. Your other option from Ho Chi Minh City is to take a bus to Soc Trang and take the two-hour Superdong Ferry to the island. The main town of Con Son is flat and small, making it easy to explore by foot or bicycle. Major sights just outside of town are also accessible by bicycle, including the prison museum and Van Son Pagoda. The rest of the island is best seen by motorbike. Small boats are also available for snorkelling trips.
