From A to Z about experience exploring Con Dao National Park

In the middle of the deep blue ocean, Con Dao National Park emerges as a rare natural treasure, where lush green primeval forests, brilliant coral reefs and a rich flora and fauna ecosystem converge. If you love nature and want to explore the wild beauty of Con Dao's sea and sky, the National Park is a destination not to be missed.

1. Con Dao National Park - Green paradise in the heart of the ocean

Located in the North of Con Dao district, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, Con Dao National Park is one of the most important and ecologically valuable nature reserves in Vietnam. Established in 1993, the national park has a total area of up to 19.883,15ha, of which about 5,883.15ha of land and 14,000ha of sea area, creating a diverse and rich ecosystem.

This place is not only famous for its green primeval tropical forests but also possesses a large coral reef system and clear blue sea, an ideal habitat for many rare species of animals and plants. Sea turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and endemic seabirds are special creatures preserved here. In particular, during the breeding season (from April to October every year), visitors can witness the moment when sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs - an unforgettable experience when coming to Con Dao.

Thanks to its unique ecological values, Con Dao National Park was recognized as a World Ramsar Site in 2013, becoming one of the most important wetland conservation areas in Vietnam and the world. Not only is it an ideal destination for nature lovers, the national park is also a suitable place for trekking, exploring primeval forests, diving to see corals or participating in meaningful ecological conservation activities.

Con Dao National Park - Source: Internet

2. Highlights of Con Dao National Park

2.1. Diverse primary forest ecosystem

Con Dao National Park is one of the rare pristine tropical forests that still retains its wild beauty, home to a rich ecosystem with more than 1,077 plant species. In there, 44 species recorded for the first time in Con Dao and 11 species named Con Son like Con Son Oil, Con Son Bui, Con Son Dan Top, etc.

The fauna here is also very diverse with 160 species, including 29 species of mammals, 85 species of birds, 38 species of reptiles and 8 species of amphibians. In particular, Con Dao is the only place with three endemic animals: Con Dao black squirrel, Con Dao gecko and Con Dao long-tailed macaque.

With its unique biodiversity and intact natural environment, Con Dao National Park is not only an ideal destination for nature lovers but also an important area for research and conservation of rare flora and fauna.

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

2.2. Rich marine ecosystem

Con Dao National Park not only has a primeval forest ecosystem but also possesses a diverse marine ecosystem, with more than 1,725 marine species. This place includes three main ecosystems: coral reefs, seagrasses and mangroves.

• Coral ecosystem: With more than 360 species of corals belonging to 61 genera, 17 families, the coral reefs in Con Dao are among the most diverse in Vietnam. This is home to many rare species of fish and marine life, and plays an important role in regulating the marine ecosystem and protecting the coast.
• Seagrass ecosystem: Con Dao has 11 species of seaweed, accounting for more than 84% of the total number of species recorded in Vietnam. This is the main food source of dugong – rare marine mammals in danger of extinction. Currently, the Con Dao sea area has about 8 - 12 dugongs, one of the last remaining populations in Vietnam.
• Mangrove ecosystem: There are about 46 species of mangrove plants, in which common species include mangrove, parasol, green mangrove. Mangrove forests play an important role in protecting the marine environment and are a refuge for many aquatic animals.

In particular, Con Dao is also one of Vietnam's largest sea turtle sanctuary, with thousands of turtles coming to lay eggs each year at Hon Bay Canh, Hon Cau, Bai Cat Lon. Visitors can participate in conservation programs, observe mother turtles laying eggs and releasing baby turtles back into the sea – an extremely meaningful experience.

Brilliant coral reefs in Con Dao - Source: Internet

2.3. Notable attractions

Beside the unique ecosystems, Con Dao National Park also owns many attractive destinations:

• Dam Trau Beach – Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Con Dao, this place impresses with its clear blue water, fine white sand and pristine natural scenery. This is also a rare place where visitors can witness planes landing right next to the beach.
• Hon Bay Canh – One of the most important locations for sea turtle conservation, is the place with the largest concentration of turtles laying eggs in Vietnam.
• Ong Dung Beach – Ideal area for trekking in the primeval forest and scuba diving. It only takes about 30 minutes to walk through the forest, visitors can reach the beautiful pristine sea.
• Thanh Gia Peak – Famous trekking spot where visitors can conquer heights and enjoy the Panoramic view of Con Dao from above, especially ideal for watching sunrise and sunset.

Hon Bay Canh - Con Dao - Source: Internet

3. Unmissable Activities

Not only is it a nature conservation paradise, Con Dao National Park also offers countless interesting experiences for those who love to explore and conquer nature. Below are the activities you cannot miss when visiting here:

3.1. Watch sea turtles lay eggs and release baby turtles back into the sea

From April to October, visitors have the opportunity to witness thousands of sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs with their own eyes at pristine beaches like Hon Bay Canh, Hon Cau. This is not only a rare moment in nature but also has profound significance for conservation work. Beside observing mother turtles carefully choosing where to lay their eggs, visitors can also participate in releasing baby turtles into the sea, witness their first steps on the journey back to the ocean. A meaningful and unforgettable experience when coming to Con Dao!

Watch turtles lay eggs at night - Source: Internet

3.2. Coral diving

Con Dao sea area a brilliant coral ecosystem with more than 360 different species of coral, creating colorful coral reefs. Hon Tai, Hon Bay Canh and Ong Dung Beach are the most beautiful diving spots where you can witness the vibrant ocean world with countless species of tropical fish and rare marine animals.

3.3. Hiking/trekking through the forest

With a large primeval forest ecosystem, Con Dao is an ideal place for those who love trekking through the forest. Famous trekking routes such as:

• Hiking Ma Thien Lanh – Mother Mary Cave – Heritage Tree
• Hiking Ma Thien Lanh - So Ray
• Hiking Ma Thien Lanh – Duc Me Cave – Ong Cau Beach
• Trekking Dat Tham - Bai Bang
• Trekking Dam Tre Bay
• Trekking Nui Chua

These places will take you through the green forest canopy, listen to the birds singing and enjoy the fresh air.

Dam Tre Bay trekking activities - Source: Internet

3.4. Visit Ma Thien Lanh bridge relic

Ma Thien Lanh Bridge is one of the important historical relics of Con Dao, built by prisoners during the French colonial period. Although the project is unfinished, this place still preserves tragic stories about the harsh past of Con Dao. Currently, this relic is located in the middle of the primeval forest, becoming an attractive destination for tourists who love history and exploring nature.

3.5. Explore An Hai Lake

An Hai Lake has a charming landscape with clear blue water, surrounded by mountains and primeval forests. This is an ideal place for walking, taking photos or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere in nature.

An Hai Lake - Source: Internet

3.6. Check-in at Dam Tre Bay

Dam Tre Bay is one of the most pristine places in Con Dao, famous for its turquoise coastline, mangrove forests and rich coral ecosystems. You can take a boat here to enjoy the natural beauty, try fishing or have a picnic right in the middle of this beautiful scenery.

3.7. Visit the Duc Me cave

Duc Me Cave is a famous spiritual destination in Con Dao, located between natural cliffs, creating a quiet and sacred space. Many tourists visit here to pray for peace and admire the majestic beauty of nature.

Duc Me Cave - Source: Internet

3.8. Kayaking

You can explore Con Dao sea in a unique way by kayaking, weaving through coves, pristine beaches and enjoying the quiet beauty of nature. This is an exciting activity for those who love gentle experiences but still want to immerse themselves in nature.

Kayaking Con Dao - Source: Internet

4. Visiting information

4.1. Location and how to get there

Location: North of Con Dao District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province.

Nowadays, getting here is quite convenient thanks to the increasingly developed tourism infrastructure. Below are two popular ways to get to the National Park:

From Con Dao wharf

• This is a popular choice for many tourists because it is quick and allows them to enjoy the cool sea breeze.
• From Con Dao wharf, the ship will travel southeast for about 15km, takes about 25 minutes to get there.

From Con Dao airport

• If you fly to Con Dao, you can rent motorbike, self-driving car or taxi to get to the National Park.
• The distance from the airport to the National Park is about 20 – 25 minutes.
• Travel itinerary:

• Originated from Con Dao airport, follow Co Ong Street in a southwest direction
• At the intersection Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, turn right into Phan Chu Trinh.
• Continue straight, turn into Huynh Thuc Khang.
• When you arrive at Duy Tan Coffee Shop, go 900m more to get to the National Park.

There are many ways to get from Con Dao airport to the National Park. - Source: Internet

4.2. Opening Hours & Ticket Prices

Hours of Operation: 7:00 - 17:00 daily.

Admission fee:

• Admission tickets range from 10.000 - 60.000 VND/Person:

• Adults: 60,000VND ($2.30)/Person
• Students: 20,000 VND ($0.77)/person
• Children, students: 10,000 VND ($0.38)/person

• Some activities such as trekking, sea turtle egg laying viewing may have separate fees.:

• Releasing baby turtles into the sea: From 850,000 VND to 1,700,000 VND ($32.55 - $65.10)/Person
• Trekking Dam Tre Bay, watching turtles lay eggs: From 2,520,000VND up to 5,250,000VND ($96.50 - $201.04)/Person

4.3. Suggested tour schedule

1 day schedule

• Morning: Start with trekking through primeval forest, go to Ong Dung Beach, enjoy the fresh air and explore the diverse ecosystem.
• Noon: Visit Dam Trau beach or Hon Bay Canh, have lunch at a coastal restaurant.
• Afternoon: Join the experience scuba diving, kayak or take a boat tour of the mangroves.
• Evening (if going during turtle egg laying season): watch sea turtles lay eggs at Hon Bay Canh - a rare and meaningful experience.

2 day itinerary

• Day 1: Explore the forest ecosystem, trekking up Thanh Gia Peak, check-in Ong Dung Beach.
• Day 2: Visit the marine ecosystem, dive to see coral at Hon Tai, Hon Tre, experience the tour to see turtles lay eggs at night.

Holy Cross Peak - Con Dao - Source: Internet

5. Golden experience when visiting Con Dao National Park

To have a complete and memorable trip at Con Dao National Park, you should note the important experiences below:

Choose the ideal time

• March - September: The sea is calm, the weather is favorable for participating in sea activities such as diving to see corals, watching sea turtles lay eggs.
• October - February: Little rain, suitable for trekking activities, exploring primeval forests. However, if traveling by boat, you may encounter rough seas.

Clothing and items to prepare

• If you go during rainy season, you should choose soft, neat clothes, easy to move.
• Don't forget to bring umbrella, raincoat to avoid sudden rains.
• Prepare more tropical medication, insect repellent, cotton swabs for first aid in emergency situations.

Respect nature conservation regulations

Con Dao National Park is an important nature reserve, so visitors must:

• Not litter, always keep the environment clean.
• Not break branches, pick flowers or hunt wild animals.
• Follow the instructions of the rangers when visiting.

Some tips to make your trip go smoothly

• You should book your plane or train tickets early.\, especially during peak season (June - August). See now Flights to Con Dao with Vietnam Airlines to choose the right itinerary and enjoy the trip to the fullest!
• Prepare cash Because there are few ATMs on the island, payment is mainly in cash.
• Contact tour operators in advance if you want to participate in activities such as watching turtles lay eggs, snorkeling or kayaking.

If you want to experience other services, you should contact the management in advance. - Source: Internet

Besides the journey of discovering Con Dao National Park, don't forget to experience other interesting activities on this island! If you are wondering What to play, what to eat, what to buy in Con Dao, please refer to the articles below:

• What to do in Con Dao? Top 11++ most interesting destinations and activities
• Discover Con Dao Museum: A journey back in history
• Con Dao Prison - Hell on Earth
• Con Dao Market: "Check-in" with extremely interesting local cuisine

Con Dao National Park is not only a green paradise in the middle of the ocean but also a testament to Vietnam's incredible biodiversity. Once you set foot here, you will be immersed in pristine nature, enjoy the fresh air and explore the wonders from the green forest to the deep ocean. If you are looking for a destination that combines adventure and the peace of nature, then Con Dao National Park is Definitely a must!