In this practical guide, we reveal all the secrets of these magnificent islands. Where to stay? What are the most beautiful beaches and unmissable nature activities? Follow our recommendations to fully enjoy this Vietnamese tropical paradise during your next stay in Con Dao.

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1. Discovering Con Dao

Con Dao is an archipelago made up of 16 islands, located in the Vietnamese province of Ba Ria Vung Tau. About 1 hour by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, these islands are also known as Poulo Condor in French or Koh Tralach in Khmer.

The main town of Con Dao is located on Con Son island, the largest of the archipelago. It is in this charming semi-circular valley that most of the islands' economic, political, and social life is concentrated. The lively heart of Con Dao beats to the peaceful rhythm of this welcoming locality, ready to help you discover its natural treasures.

2. The fascinating history of the Hell Prison

Before 1975, Con Dao was sadly known as the largest place of detention and exile for prisoners in Indochina. For over a century, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese from many generations were imprisoned there, some even losing their lives.

Today, Con Dao has transformed into an idyllic tourist destination. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a lover of wild nature, these islands will charm you. Explore its virgin forests with rich biodiversity or discover its multicolored coral reefs. Far from its terrible past, Con Dao now reveals its island charms to those who know how to appreciate it.

Among the stories of Con Dao, the most moving is that of Võ Thị Sáu. Born in 1933 into a poor family in Dat Do, she was the first female prisoner sentenced to death and executed on the island, and also the youngest.

In 1946, witnessing the brutality and looting during the return of French colonial troops, she decided to join the resistance in 1947, when she was just a teenager.

Arrested in December 1949, she suffered barbaric tortures but never revealed any secrets. She was then transferred to Chi Hoa prison, and despite the lack of evidence, the colonialists sentenced her to death and exiled her to Con Dao.

3. When to visit Con Dao? The best time to visit

The ideal period to discover Con Dao extends from March to September. Despite some showers, the sea is calm with little wind on the east and northeast islands. Beautiful sunny days invite you to adventure on the small neighboring islands and to scuba diving. The rare rains often arrive in the afternoon, a good time to visit the ruins of the main island.

From July to September is the sea turtle breeding season, a natural spectacle not to be missed. The rest of the year, from October to March, corresponds to the monsoon period when the waters around Con Son can be rough. However, the sea remains calm to the west and southwest of the main island, allowing you to admire its natural landscapes under a radiant sun.

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam in May? Click here: Prepare your stay, what to do in Vietnam in May?

4. How to get to Con Dao?

• By plane

Con Dao is easily accessible thanks to the many air transport options available. From Hanoi, a flight of only 2h30 will take you to your destination. From Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho, the journey time does not exceed one hour, making your stay within easy reach.

Once you arrive at Con Dao airport, several means of transport will allow you to reach the city center 15 km away. Opt for a motorbike, a taxi or a hotel shuttle for a journey of about 20 to 30 minutes. Take Co Ong street, the most direct, for quick access to your final destination.

• By boat 

For budget-conscious travelers, the boat is an economical and attractive alternative to get to Con Dao. If the idea of a sea cruise appeals to you, this option is for you! We particularly recommend visiting Con Dao between April and June, a period when the sea is calmest, thus offering ideal navigation conditions.

The fastest itinerary is from Tran De port (Soc Trang), from where a boat will take you directly to the island in just 2 and a half hours. This crossing represents a considerable time saving, as it is twice as short as the journey from Vung Tau.

Please note: Departure times may vary depending on the day due to tides.

Once you arrive at your destination, several options are available to reach your accommodation. Taxis offer fares ranging from 10 to 15 euros. Some hotel complexes also offer free or paid shuttles depending on the establishment. For families or groups of travelers, renting a private vehicle can be more practical and economical.

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5. What to see and do in Con Dao?

• Con Dao Museum, discovery of Vietnamese heritage

Located in the central area of Con Dao, towards the south, the Con Dao Museum is a true witness to history. This institution houses nearly 2000 precious documents and objects tracing the rich nature and way of life of the inhabitants, from the past to the present day. It also unveils the dark pages of Con Dao Prison, a scene of fierce struggles for 113 long years.

The permanent exhibition of the Con Dao Museum is cleverly structured around four main themes:

Theme 1: Con Dao, nature and people

Theme 2: Con Dao, hell on earth

Theme 3: Con Dao, front line and school

Theme 4: Con Dao today

• Con Dao Prison, exploration of dark history

This historical relic consists of 127 prison cells, 42 cells, and 504 solitary confinement cells, once nicknamed "hell on earth". Among the must-see sites, Phu Hai Prison, in the heart of the city, is the ideal starting point to discover this place steeped in history. It is here that you can purchase the entrance ticket valid for all three sites for one day.

Phu Tuong camp, built in 1941, contains the famous Tiger Cages, cramped cells where prisoners were crammed into atrocious squatting positions. Many testimonies recount the tortures practiced in these places, making this site particularly poignant.

Phu Binh camp, for its part, was requisitioned during the Vietnam War by the American army to imprison prisoners of war and communist dissidents, particularly after the Tet Offensive in 1968. New infrastructures were then erected, including similar "tiger cages".

Mannequins have been placed in some cells to illustrate these inhumane detention conditions.

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• The most beautiful deserted beaches

Con Dao offers magnificent white sand beaches, far from the tourist crowds. These hidden beaches are perfect for relaxing or doing water activities. Some coves are even secret, accessible only after a walk in the tropical forest.

Dam Trau beach, located northeast of the main island Con Son, is a true gem easily accessible from the main road. Spacious and wild, it is one of the visitors' favorite beaches, where you can watch planes take off and land from the shore.

If you are staying in town, Lo Voi beach is just a few steps away. At low tide, a vast stretch of sand appears, offering a unique spectacle where fishermen come to collect shells by the light of their headlamps.

For hiking enthusiasts, the coves of Ong Dung, Bang, and Dat Tham are accessible via marked trails starting from the National Park Office. Between 30 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes of walking will lead you to these perfect beaches for finding shade under the trees.

Finally, for the more adventurous, Dam Tre Bay at the northern tip awaits you after a 2-hour hike through the jungle. This deserted cove is perfect for relaxation, swimming, and snorkeling.

• Underwater world exploration

Con Dao is a paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts in Vietnam. This archipelago has 35 dive sites around the main island of Con Son. There you will discover magnificent coral reefs harboring incredible marine life. Brightly colored fish, turtles, dolphins, and even the rare dugongs (a species of manatee) populate these azure waters.

For a more accessible experience, some reefs are visible by snorkeling from Ong Dung and Dam Trau beaches. All you need is a mask, a snorkel, and fins to explore the seabed.

The best time for diving is from April to May when the strong winter winds calm down. Besides diving, you can also go on boat or canoe excursions, go fishing, or simply relax on the paradisiacal beaches.

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• Observing sea turtle nesting

Every year in July, sea turtles return from surrounding regions such as Phu Quy, Phu Quoc, the Truong Sa islands, and neighboring countries to lay their eggs on these paradisiacal beaches. Con Dao thus becomes one of the main breeding sites for these marine creatures in Vietnam.

Cat Lon beach on Hon Bay Canh island is particularly popular with turtles for establishing their nests. To observe this natural spectacle while preserving the ecosystem, a limited number of visitors is allowed: a maximum of 48 people during the day and 24 at night. Observation generally takes place between 4 and 6 AM or during a full night.

The best time to see them lay their eggs is in the evening, when the tide rises. Female turtles then approach the shore to find a suitable spot, often an area of fine sand near bushes. After laying, they carefully cover the nest and erase their tracks before returning to the sea.

6. Must-visit hotels in Con Dao

• Six Senses Resort

On Con Dao island, the Six Senses Resort is a magnificent place, built ecologically with natural materials. It is located right on a superb white sand beach, surrounded by a lush green forest. The 50 wooden villas blend perfectly into this paradisiacal landscape.

You can enjoy a private beach, a spa, a tennis court, water activities, and a gym. A boutique will allow you to buy souvenirs before your departure.

The restaurant serves delicious and healthy cuisine, prepared with fresh and organic ingredients by experienced chefs. You will have the choice to dine at the restaurant, on the private beach, or in the intimacy of your villa.

• Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa

The Poulo Condor Boutique Resort & Spa welcomes you in a lush green setting, just a few minutes' walk from the beaches of Con Dao. This charming accommodation blends comfort and tranquility thanks to its private gardens and outdoor pool. After a day of relaxation, you can dine at the hotel's restaurant or sip a drink at the bar.

The tastefully decorated rooms have all the necessary equipment for a most pleasant stay. Some even offer a lounge area for more space and intimacy, while others will allow you to enjoy breathtaking views of the sea or the surrounding mountains.

• The Secret Con Dao

Ideally located on a wild beach in the heart of Con Dao, The Secret Con Dao Resort offers an idyllic setting, historical remains, and comfortable rooms with sea views. This quality accommodation has many facilities such as a swimming pool, a gym, and even a versatile conference room.

A rich and varied culinary experience awaits you at The Secret Con Dao. Savor the delicious dishes of the Spice Kitchen restaurant, open throughout the day, or enjoy coffees and pastries in the warm atmosphere of the Tropical Café. To top off the day, the Sunset Lounge on the rooftop will invite you to admire a magnificent sunset, while discovering Latin cuisine and refined cocktails concocted with the best wines.

Also discover Phu Yen for a perfect seaside stay: Phu Yen Vietnam, top 7 must-do activities

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