Con Dao
Vietnam · Southeast Vietnam · 5 m
Description
Con Dao (Côn Đảo) is a remote archipelago of 16 islands off the southern coast of Vietnam, known for its pristine nature, fascinating history, and tranquil atmosphere. The islands feature unspoiled beaches, clear tropical waters, vibrant coral reefs, and jungle-covered hills, much of which is protected as part of a national park. Once home to a notorious prison complex, Con Dao preserves important historical sites that recall a dark chapter in Vietnam’s past. The archipelago combines excellent diving, snorkeling, and hiking with important nesting grounds for sea turtles, making it one of Vietnam’s most distinctive destinations for nature, history, and seclusion.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 6 days (optimal 4 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – July
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Con Dao Prison Complex & Tiger Cages
- Con Dao National Park
- Sea turtle nesting on Bay Canh Island (May - October)
- Hang Duong Cemetery & Vo Thi Sau memorial
- Dam Trau Beach
- Bay Canh Island(Day trip)
- Con Dao diving & coral reefs
- Con Dao snorkeling
- Ong Dung Beach forest trek
- Shark Cape (Mui Ca Map) viewpoint
- Nhat Beach
- An Hai Beach
- Lo Voi Beach
- Dat Doc Beach
- Van Son Pagoda
- Phi Yen Temple (An Son Shrine)
- Con Dao Museum
- Phu Hai Prison
- French Tiger Cages (Phu Tuong Camp)
- American Tiger Cages (Phu Binh Camp)
- Ma Thien Lanh Bridge historical site
- So Ray Plantation ruins & forest trail
- Thanh Gia Mountain hike
- Dam Tre Bay trek
- Hon Cau Island(Day trip)
- Hon Tai Island(Day trip)
- Con Dao island boat tours
- Con Son town seafront promenade
- Con Dao Market
Getting there
- Airports:
- VCS
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry