Explore Con Dao

Con Dao District is an archipelago offshore from Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province. Covering 76 square kilometers, the archipelago includes 16 islands, with Con Son as the largest. Con Dao lies 185 km from Vung Tau and 230 km from Ho Chi Minh City. It is about 83 km from Can Tho. Developed transport, travel, accommodation, and dining services have boosted its position on the tourism map.

Con Dao from Above

Beyond spiritual and historical tourism, many visitors now see Con Dao as a resort paradise. It is also an exciting backpacking destination with many hidden experiences to discover. Below are suggestions to help plan your trip to this island.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Con Dao?

From March to September is the best time to explore Con Dao. Although it is the rainy season, the sea is calm with light winds. Conditions are calm around the eastern and northeastern islands. Visitors should explore outer islands during the daytime. Sunshine and blue skies are ideal for diving and photography. Afternoons often bring showers, suitable for covered historical sites on the main island.

From July to September is the sea turtle breeding season. From October to the following March, the northeast monsoon causes rough seas. Waves are strong in Con Son Bay during this period. However, the western and southwestern coasts remain calm and dry. Travelers can visit these areas, offering landscapes just as beautiful.

Transportation 

Flying is the fastest way to reach Con Dao. Bamboo Airways operates direct flights from Hanoi in about 2 hours 30 minutes. One-way fares start from around VND 2.7 million. Vietnam Airlines flies from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao. One-way fares from Ho Chi Minh City start at about VND 1.3 million. Vietnam Airlines also operates flights from Can Tho. One-way fares from Can Tho are around VND 1.7 million. Each flight takes approximately 50 minutes.

The beach lies right next to the runway of Co Ong Airport. From Con Dao Airport to the town center is about 15 km. You can travel by motorbike, taxi, or resort shuttle service. The journey usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. For a faster route, you can choose Co Ong Road.

If you do not mind traveling by sea, visit Con Dao from April to June. This period offers the calmest sea conditions. Many travelers go by road to Vung Tau, then take a five-hour ferry. A shorter option is the ferry from Tran De Port in Soc Trang. This route takes only two hours to reach the island. It cuts travel time by more than half compared to Vung Tau.

Taxi fares range from VND 300,000 to 450,000 per trip. Some resorts and hotels offer free airport transfers. Others charge about VND 50,000 per person per way. For large groups, renting a private car is recommended.

On the island, taxis cost around VND 12,000 per kilometer. Electric vehicles cost about VND 20,000 per kilometer. You can also rent 12 to 16-seat cars from VND 1.5 million per day.

Hotels

Depending on your travel purpose, you can stay at resorts, hotels, or guesthouses. Accommodation options are available near or far from the island center. For relaxation, beachfront or forest-side resorts with private beaches are ideal. To explore the town easily, stay in central hotels or homestays. Central locations are also convenient for early ferry departures.

Room rates in Con Dao vary widely. Prices range from VND 200,000 to over VND 10 million per night. Visitors may also camp overnight at permitted sites.

Resorts at Con Dao

Con Dao has few resorts, but it features the five-star Six Senses resort. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie stayed here during their vacation in 2011. The resort has 50 villas, an infinity pool, and a luxury spa. Lush forests lie behind, while a long stretch of white sand fronts the resort. Average room rates are around VND 15 million per night.

Where to Go?

Depending on time, purpose, and travel style, you can choose destinations for day trips or longer itineraries.

Explore Nature

Bay Canh Island and Cau Island

Bay Canh Island and Cau Island are popular eco-tourism spots near Con Dao. Activities include coral diving and mangrove forest exploration. In season, visitors can watch turtles lay eggs and release hatchlings.

Travelers can rent a private speedboat for VND 2–5 million per trip. For lower costs, join a one-day tour to Bay Canh Island. The tour includes turtle release and coral diving. The price is VND 790,000 per person, operated by Con Dao Explorer.

Dam Tre Bay

Dam Tre Bay, Con Dao

Dam Tre Bay lies in the island’s north, sheltered from winds and surrounded by mangroves. It hosts nesting swiftlets during breeding season and diverse marine life. Along the way, visitors can stop at Lo Voi Beach and Dat Doc Beach. They can also visit Chim Chim Cape and Northeast Bay.

Dam Trau Beach

Dam Trau Beach in Con Dao

Dam Trau Beach is calm and located next to Con Dao Airport. It is about 15 km from the town center. The beach is famous for plane landing check-in photos.

Tau Be Cape

Tau Be Cape

Tau Be Cape sits along the only road from the airport to town. Steep rock formations curve around the sea, creating dramatic scenery. It is a popular adventure photo spot and sunrise viewpoint.

An Hai Beach and Cau Tau Beach

An Hai Beach and Cau Tau Beach are located in the island’s center. They feature white sand, calm waters, and many local visitors.

Nhat Beach and Shark Cape

Nhat Beach and Shark Cape are wild beaches along the island road. Gentle slopes allow easy access for visitors. Travelers often stop to photograph the winding mountain road. On one side lies a clear, turquoise beach.

Nhat Beach and Shark Cape

If you visit Con Dao during the northeast monsoon, explore destinations on the west and southwest coasts.

Ong Dung Beach is pristine, ideal for picnics, relaxation, and group activities. From here, visitors can rent ranger speedboats to nearby islands. Nearby islands include Hon Tre Lon and Hon Tre Nho.

Hon Tre Nho is 2 km from Ong Dung Beach. Its vegetation is mainly bamboo, which inspired its name. The island is a seabird sanctuary. From May to September, thousands of migratory birds nest and lay eggs here. Common species include terns, gulls, and other seabirds. Visitors can take speedboats to snorkel, watch seabirds, or enjoy fishing.

Hidden Wonders Beneath Con Dao’s Seas

Hon Tre Lon features fine white sand beaches. It is a major sea turtle nesting site. It ranks second after Cat Lon Beach on Bay Canh Island.

Ong Dung Primary Forest and Nui Chua

Ong Dung Primary Forest and Nui Chua are ideal trekking destinations. From Con Dao, head west for a one-hour jungle trek. The trail leads through pristine forest to a secluded beach. Con Dao National Park entrance fees cost VND 60,000 per person.

Visitors can also learn about pearl farming at local pearl farms. Pearl products are available for purchase on site. Con Dao has other offshore islands like Hon Ba and Hon Trung. Other islands include Hon Vung, Hon Anh, and Hon Em. These islands are not yet developed for tourism.

The colorful underwater world of Hon Cau, near Phu Hai, the largest island in the Con Dao archipelago.

Local Specialties

Must-try Con Dao seafood includes Venus clams, cone snails, giant clams, hand snails, and red lobsters. Other highlights are slipper lobsters, red groupers, sun-dried squid, and fresh sea fish.

Local specialties are widely sold at Con Dao Market. You can find fresh seafood, dried products, and souvenirs. The most popular gifts are tropical almond jam and sam dat wine. Con Dao sam dat has a mildly sweet, aromatic flavor. Its taste is similar to Korean ginseng. Locals often soak sam dat in wine or stew it with chicken or duck.