A super detailed Handbook to Discover Con Son Island (Con Dao)!

Con Dao – a precious gem at the end of the South – not only fascinates visitors with its pristine beauty of blue sea and white sand, but is also a land that preserves many sacred historical values. From pure natural experiences to journeys back to the past, Con Dao promises to bring a relaxing and profound trip. Let's explore Con Son island with Vietnam Airlines through the detailed guide below!

1. General information about Con Son Island

Con Son – the largest island in the Con Dao archipelago, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province – is an ideal destination for those who love tranquility, wildness and rich history. The name "Con Dao" originates from "Pulau Kundur" (Bi Island) in Malay, and Westerners used to call this place "Poulo Condor".

This place is not only famous for its blue sea, white sand, primeval forests and diverse ecosystems, but is also associated with heroic historical stories.2012, Con Dao was honored by Lonely Planet magazine as one of the 10 most mysterious and charming islands in the world - a testament to the special attraction of this land.

Con Dao from above - Source: Internet

Geographical location

Con Dao is an isolated archipelago off the East Sea, in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, about 185km from Vung Tau city and about 230km from Ho Chi Minh City. The archipelago is located between 8°34' and 8°49' North latitude and 106°31' and 106°45' East longitude, surrounded by deep blue ocean and a temperate climate all year round.

Con Dao consists of 16 large and small islands with a total area of about 76km². Of which:

1. Kunlun or Con Son, Phu Hai, 51.52km² - The center of Con Dao with historical relics and pristine beaches.
2. Small Con Lon Island, or Hon Ba, Phu Son, 5.45km² - Outstanding with beautiful natural scenery and quiet space.
3. Hon Bay Canh, or Hon Bai Canh, Phu Hoa, 5.5km² - An ideal destination for those who love exploring flora and fauna.
4. Hon Cau, or Phu Le 1.8km² - Owns a peaceful space, ideal for relaxation.
5. Orchid Island, or Bong Lang, Bong Lau, Phu Phong, 0.2km²
6. Hon Vung, or Phu Vinh 0.15km²
7. Pearl, or Hon Troc, Hon Trai, Phu Nghia, 0.4km²
8. Egg Island, or Silver Stone, White Stone, Phu Tho, 0.1km²
9. Big Island, or Phu Binh 0.38km²
10. Small Island, or Hon Tho, Phu An, 0.1km²
11. Big Trac Island, or Phu Hung 0.25km²
12. Small Trac Island, or Phu Thinh 0.1km²
13. Big Bamboo Island, or Phu Hoa 0.75km²
14. Small Bamboo Island, or Phu Hoi, 0.25km²
15. Hon Anh, or Big Egg Island
16. Hon Em, or Small Egg Island

Con Dao from above - Source: Internet

History

European stopovers (1294 – 16th century)
Located on the vital shipping route between Asia and Europe, Con Dao soon appeared on Western maritime maps. In 1294, explorer Marco Polo stopped at Con Dao to avoid a storm on his return journey to Venice. Since then, the island became a familiar stopover for many European merchant ships from the 15th to 16th centuries.

Colonial Seeds (1702 – 1783)
In the early 18th century, the British East India Company set foot on Con Dao, building a fort in 1702. However, only three years later (1705), they were driven out by the Malay Macassar force. In 1783, through the Treaty of Versailles, France gained control of Con Dao in exchange for a commitment to support Nguyen Anh in the war for the throne. This period is also associated with the legend of Lord Nguyen in seclusion, leaving behind relics such as Chua Mountain and Hoang Phi Yen Temple.

From the Nguyen Dynasty to the French colonial period (1839 – 1862)
In 1839, under the reign of Minh Mang, Con Dao was annexed to the two towns of Gia Dinh and Vinh Long. However, on November 28, 1861, the French colonialists occupied Con Dao and quickly asserted their sovereignty. On February 1, 1862, Governor Bonard signed a decision to establish Con Dao prison - a place that later became a symbol of brutality and struggle, famous for its "tiger cages" holding thousands of revolutionary prisoners.

The period of the State of Vietnam and the Republic of Vietnam (1954 – 1975)
After the 1954 Geneva Accords, the Ngo Dinh Diem government took over the Con Dao prison system and renamed the archipelago Con Son. In 1973, the Nguyen Van Thieu government continued to rename the prisons, adding the word “Phu” such as Phu Hai, Phu Son, etc. to conceal their brutal nature. However, Con Dao still emerged as a symbol of indomitable spirit and the desire for freedom.

Liberation and administrative reconstruction (since 1975)
On May 1, 1975, Con Dao was taken over by the Liberation Army. After that, Con Dao province was established and operated independently for a short time before being merged into Ba Ria - Vung Tau province as it is today.

Visit Con Dao museum to better understand the history of this island - Source: Internet

How to get there

From the mainland, you can get to Con Dao by sea or air. Specifically:

High speed ferry

You buy a high-speed ferry ticket Departs from Vung Tau or Tran De (Soc Trang). Travel time is from 2 hours 30 minutes - 4 hours depending on the trip. Departure time is 8:30 am for the trip to Con Dao and 16:00 pm for the trip back to the mainland.

Reference fare for route

Note: Ticket prices may vary depending on weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

High-speed ferry routes to Con Dao operate daily. - Source: Internet

Plane

From April 1, 2024, Vietnam Airlines is the only airline operating flights to Con Dao from Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, with a flight time of about 45 minutes. If you depart from other localities, you need to connect via Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho.

To buy tickets quickly, please visit and view the page Flight tickets to Con Dao of Vietnam Airlines with prices from only 1,792,000 VND ($68.55)/trip.

Note:

• If you depart from other provinces, travel to Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho to connect to flights to Con Dao.
• During the peak tourist season in Con Dao (from March to September), you should book your flight at least 3 weeks in advance to get a good price and choose the right seat.

Travel to Con Dao by plane - Source: Internet

Helicopter

In addition to civil aircraft, you can choose helicopters operated by Southern Helicopter Company. Currently, there is only route Vung Tau – Con Dao, with frequency 2 flights/week on Friday and Sunday.

• Flight time: 60 minutes.
• Departure point: Vung Tau Airport (38 30/4 Street, Vung Tau City).
• Destination: Con Dao Airport (Con Dao, Ba Ria - Vung Tau).

Ideal time to visit

Con Dao has a tropical monsoon climate, divided into two distinct seasons: rainy season (May - October) and dry season (November - April of the following year). Although it is an offshore island, the weather here is quite mild all year round, each season brings its own beauty:

• Dry season (November – April): This is the best time to visit Con Dao. The weather is sunny, the sea is calm, the water is clear - very suitable for tourists who like to relax, swim, dive to see coral or take photos. Flights and tourism services are stable, making it easy to plan a long trip.
• Rainy season (May – October): Although it rains, it usually falls in the evening, the mornings are still sunny. In particular, from June to September is the season when sea turtles come to the beach to lay eggs, extremely suitable for those who love nature, experience ecology and want to explore Con Dao in a more complete and meaningful way. Turtle conservation programs at Hon Bay Canh are also a highlight during this time.

In general, depending on personal preference, you can choose to come to Con Dao at any time of the year. But if you want to combine exploring nature with learning about history and spirituality, you should go at the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season (April - May), when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists.

Con Dao has its own beauty in each season. - Source: Internet

2. Discover Con Dao - Journey to memories and wild beauty

Historical and spiritual tourist destination

Con Dao Prison

Known as "hell on earth", Con Dao prison is a living testament to the indomitable spirit of tens of thousands of patriotic soldiers. Construction began in 1862, and the system of tiger cages, solitary confinement cells, dark dungeons, etc. truly recreates the pain and resilience in colonial prisons. Each room and each model contains a historical story that moves visitors as they pass by.

Con Dao Prison - Source: Internet

Hang Duong Cemetery

Just 1km from the town centre, Hang Duong Cemetery is the resting place of more than 20,000 martyrs, including Vo Thi Sau, Le Hong Phong and Nguyen An Ninh. The quiet space between the ancient banyan trees makes every step slower. Visiting the cemetery in the evening – when hundreds of candles are lit and white flowers cover the graves – is an emotional spiritual experience that anyone visiting Con Dao should do at least once.

Hang Duong Cemetery - Source: Internet

Phi Yen Temple (An Son Temple)

Nestled next to a peaceful bay, Phi Yen Temple is a place of worship for a loyal woman associated with the historical legends of the Nguyen Dynasty. The story of her - the one who dared to advise Nguyen Anh, was imprisoned on an island, and lost her son - is both tragic and deeply imprinted with loyalty. Every year, the festival on the 16th of the 10th lunar month attracts a large number of people and tourists to attend, pray for luck, peace, and listen to touching folk stories.

Phi Yen Temple - Source: Internet

Pier 914

The bridge, over 300m long, stretches out into the ocean and is named 914 – to commemorate the number of prisoners who died while building the port under colonial rule. Once a place to receive prison ships, 914 pier has now become the most romantic place to stroll, fish and admire the sunset in Con Dao. The contrasting picture between the fierce past and the peaceful present here makes anyone who sets foot here stop and ponder.

Historic Pier 914 - Source: Internet

Explore the wild nature

Con Dao National Park

With nearly 20,000 hectares of forest and sea,Con Dao National Park is one of the rare ecological regions of Vietnam. It preserves tropical rainforests, brilliant coral reefs, lush seagrass beds and wildlife such as Van Ban langurs, seabirds, and green turtles. The Ong Dung – Dam Tre trek takes visitors through ancient banyan forests, through cool granite streams to pristine beaches where mother turtles sometimes come ashore to lay eggs. In addition, visitors can also dive to see coral, kayak along the bay, and immerse themselves in the pristine and quiet natural space.

Long-tailed monkeys in Con Dao National Park - Source: Internet

Hon Bay Canh

About 45 minutes by canoe from the main island, Hon Bay Canh stands out with its primeval forest covering the beach with clear turquoise water. If you stay overnight at the ranger station, you can join the conservation staff to observe mother turtles laying eggs and releasing baby turtles back to the sea – a rare and unforgettable experience.

Hon Bay Canh stands out with its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life - Source: Internet

Dam Trau Beach

Dam Trau Beach is located right next to Co Ong airport, likened to a golden silk strip curving in the middle of the ocean. Fine sand, shallow water, and calm sea are ideal for bathing, swimming, SUPing or taking photos. Two large rocky outcrops – “whale” and “phoenix” – pose to embrace the poetic cove. Every afternoon, the sunset dyes the horizon, while planes swoop low, creating unique moments that are rarely seen anywhere else. The shady coconut rows along the coast are also the perfect stop for a picnic or a delicious grilled seafood meal by the beach.

Dam Trau Beach - Source: Internet

Nhat Beach

Nestled at the foot of Tu Duc Mountain, Nhat Beach only appears for a few hours each day when the tide is low. It impresses with its round pebble beach, crystal clear water and views of Bay Canh Islet in the distance. Sunset at Nhat Beach is a gift for those who are patient: the red sun slowly sets behind the mountain, reflecting on the mirror-like calm sea. The path down to the beach follows the mountainside quite strictly, thanks to which the space is always deserted - an ideal place to find privacy, calmness and complete immersion in pristine nature.

Nhat Beach Con Dao - Source: Internet

Want to know more about nightlife, sports, and dining experiences? Please continue reading. “What to do in Con Dao? Top 11++ most interesting destinations and activities” to complete the schedule!

3. Enjoy local cuisine

Con Dao not only attracts visitors with its pristine nature and deep history, but also attracts visitors with its unique cuisine, imbued with the essence of the remote island. From fresh seafood to specialties to bring back as gifts, each flavor encapsulates the spirit of the ocean.

• Red Lobster: As the “star” of Con Dao cuisine, red lobster stands out with its orange-red shell and firm, sweet meat. This dish is often prepared simply to preserve its original flavor: steamed with fragrant lemongrass or grilled with rich cheese.
• Moon Crab: This crab impresses with its round shell with a moon-like pattern. The crab meat is pure white, firm, sweet and extremely nutritious. Gourmets often choose grilled moon crab with salt and chili to feel the spicy taste combined with natural sweetness, or simply steam it to keep the full taste of the sea.
• Limpet: This rare snail has a unique triangular shell and thick, fatty meat. When grilled with scallion oil, the snail meat gives off an attractive aroma; and when made into mango salad, it becomes crunchy, sour and spicy, very appetizing. This is an indispensable dish in seafood parties of local people.
• Candied Areca Nuts: Not only a snack, candied areca nuts are also a part of the memories of Con Dao people. After being roasted, candied areca nuts are coated with sugar or salt, creating a rich, creamy, easy-to-eat flavor. This dish is often carefully packaged, suitable as a gift with a strong island imprint.
• Coconut rice paper – rustic coastal flavor: The soft rice paper, lightly scented with young coconut, is a traditional dish loved by many tourists. Locals often roll the rice paper with steamed fish, raw vegetables, and dipping it in fish sauce – creating a simple meal but full of Con Dao identity.

The snail has crunchy meat and a natural sweetness. - Source: Internet

Want to know where to eat, which restaurants are famous, and what to try for dinner ?Please continue to explore the article: What to eat in Con Dao? TOP delicious dishes and places to try for a complete culinary journey!

4. Suggested places to stay

From cozy homestays to luxurious beach resorts, Con Dao offers a variety of accommodation options for every travel style. Here are some suggestions that are highly rated by visitors, helping you easily find the ideal place to stop:

Six Senses Con Dao

• Location: Dat Doc Beach, Con Dao District
• Contact: 0254 3831 222
• Highlights: The first 5-star resort in Con Dao stretches along Dat Doc beach, including 50 villas with private infinity pools.
• Price from: 14,000,000 VND - 25,000,000 VND ($535.55 - $956.33)/night

De La Rosa With Dao

• Location: Zone 3, Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Con Dao District
• Contact: 098 900 08 20
• Highlights: This resort is located near the mountain, quiet and cool. In the resort's garden there are separate wooden bungalows and a restaurant.
• Price from: 900,000 VND ($34.43)/night

Nicobar Con Dao Hotel

• Location: Zone 6, Con Dao district
• Contact: 0254 3831 568
• Highlights: The hotel is located in the center of Con Dao with a simple, modern style.
• Price from: 1,000,000 VND ($38.25)/night

Pun Corner’s Homestay

• Location: Area 2, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Con Dao District
• Contact: 034 706 0395
• Highlights: The rooms are all located on the mountainside so they are cool, quiet and close to nature.
• Price from: 550,000 VND ($21.04)/night

Con Dao has accommodations from budget to luxury. - Source: Internet

5. Suggested itinerary for entertainment at Con Son Island

2 days 1 night itinerary

3 days 2 nights itinerary

6. Other notes when visiting Con Son Island

Con Dao has a tropical climate, so you should prepare suitable items to enjoy the trip in the most comfortable way.

• Clothes: Con Dao has a hot and sunny climate, so you should bring comfortable, cool clothes. If you participate in water activities such as swimming or diving to see coral, don't forget to prepare a swimsuit. Especially, when visiting historical sites such as Con Dao prison or Hang Duong cemetery, you should prepare discreet, polite clothes to show respect for these sacred places.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are essential items to protect your skin from the harsh sunlight of Con Dao.
• Footwear: If you plan to trek or participate in nature exploration activities, sneakers or beach sandals are ideal choices.

• Respect historical sites: During your visit, especially at sites such as Hang Duong Cemetery or the prison, you should maintain a respectful attitude. Photography in these areas should be limited to ensure respect for the history and sacred space.

Dress modestly when visiting historical sites. - Source: Internet

Con Dao is not only an ideal destination for relaxation, but also a place that preserves emotional historical stories and pristine, untouched beauty. With unique experiences from nature to culture, this island will definitely bring you unforgettable memories. Together with Vietnam Airlines, you will easily explore every corner of Con Dao, enjoy a complete and meaningful vacation. We wish you a memorable journey, full of discovery and peace!