Located just 45 minutes away from bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Con Dao Vietnam is an archipelago of 16 small islands in the sea off the coast of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province. This place caught the "green eye" of international travel experts because of the long list of must-see attractions and discoveries.

If you’re planning a trip that blends nature, history, marine life, and cultural richness, Con Dao Vietnam deserves a place at the top of your itinerary. AVT Travel walks you through everything you need to know, from how to get there to what to do, where to stay, and the best times to visit.

1. Discover Con Dao Vietnam: Your Complete Travel Guide to This Tropical Paradise

Con Dao Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most alluring hidden gems. The Con Dao archipelago is where raw natural beauty, untouched beaches, and deeply rooted history merge into an unforgettable travel experience. Located off the southern coast of Vietnam, this serene cluster of 16 islands has grown in popularity among seasoned travelers seeking pristine landscapes, wildlife encounters, and peaceful island vibes far from typical tourist crowds.

Another interesting piece of information for tourists who are planning a trip to Con Dao Vietnam is that in addition to being voted the most beautiful island in the world by Travel And Leisure, Con Dao is also in the Top 10 most romantic islands in the world and the Top 10 islands with the best hotel quality in the world by the international travel guide Lonely Planet.

The main inhabited island is Con Son, where most visitors base themselves. Despite its limited commercial development, Con Dao Vietnam has preserved much of its untouched charm and ecological richness, earning praise from global travel publications and conservation advocates alike.

Con Dao Vietnam - Destination for Vietnam History Enthusiasts

Con Dao was once known as “hell on earth”, the land of prisons, prisoners, and prison guards. For tourists interested in learning about history, they will surely find moments of tranquility in the relics filled with information about Con Dao’s past.

The most terrible and climax of the cruel prison regime was the isolated tiger cage area built by the French colonialists in 1940, the isolated cow cage area built by the Americans in 1930, expanded in 1963, and Phu Binh prison, dubbed the “American-style tiger cage” built in 1971.

Con Dao people still tell the story of 1975, when the island was completely liberated, they still heard screams and discovered people soaked to the point of maggots eating away their bones under the cow cage.

It would be very difficult to go through all 127 prison cells, 42 solitary confinement cells, 504 isolated cow cage rooms built during the 113 years that Con Dao suffered under the yoke of invasion, but just going to one of those places, you will fully understand the so-called “hell on earth”.

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3. Why Visit Con Dao Vietnam?

3.1. Unspoiled Nature & National Park

The first impression for visitors to Con Dao will be the image of majestic mountains, wild nature, filled with the flavor of the sea.

Con Dao has 200 km of coastline with dozens of beautiful and pristine beaches, clear blue water, colorful coral reefs such as An Hai, Dam Trau, Lo Voi, Suoi Ot, Hon Ba... always bringing exciting and new feelings to visitors here. Depending on their travel “taste”, visitors can choose a quiet space for a sweet vacation, or look for beaches where, when the tide is low, they can see colorful coral reefs, different types of fish swimming in the sea…

In addition, visitors who have visited Con Dao should not miss a picnic in Con Dao National Park. About 80% of Con Dao Vietnam is protected as part of Con Dao National Park, encompassing both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

This is home to about 285 species of plants, many species typical of the forests of the three regions of North, Central, South and more than 100 species of birds, endemic mammals such as black squirrels, white-rumped geese, mountain rats…, along with many rare products such as bird’s nests, hawksbill turtles, sea cucumbers, seaweed…

3.2. Stunning Beaches & Islands

Con Dao Vietnam boasts several breathtaking beaches, each with its own character:

• Dam Trau Beach – Famous for its golden sands and dramatic backdrop near the airport.
• An Hai & Lo Voi Beaches – Perfect for swimming and sunset strolls.
• Nhat Beach – Appears at low tide and offers beautiful sunset views.

3.3. World-class Marine Life

The waters around Con Dao Vietnam are teeming with vibrant coral reefs and an astonishing variety of marine life. Snorkeling and diving here rival some of the best in the world, especially around islands like Hon Cau, Hon Bay Canh, and Hon Tai.

4. What To Do at Con Dao Vietnam

4.1. Turtle Nesting

One of Con Dao Islands’s signature experiences is the annual sea turtle nesting season, typically from April to October. Dozens of sea turtles return to the pristine beaches night after night to lay eggs, an emotional and educational sight that visitors can witness under ranger guidance.

From May to October, you can even participate in releasing hatchlings into the ocean at dawn - a moment that many travelers describe as life-changing.

4.2. Diving To See Coral

The most diverse and plentiful coral diving services are in Hon Tre, Hon Tai, Con Son Bay, and Dam Trau Beach. The boat owners providing this service will fully equip life buoys and tools for divers.

At the pre-explored diving sites, visitors will be instructed in basic diving techniques and dive with the instructor himself. The coral is only about ten meters below sea level, so diving is not too difficult.

In addition, if you have a lot of money in your wallet, visitors can experience professional diving services with Rainbow International Diving Company to see coral offshore and discover more wonders in the ocean.

4.3. Shark Hunting

Shark hunting is no less attractive. The ideal location is Nhat Beach, located on the famous Tinh Yeu Peak of Con Dao. According to shark fishing experts who are islanders, the most suitable time to go shark fishing is when night falls, and the size and number of fish depend on the weather and the tide.

Tourists will be provided with a specialized fishing rod about 3m long, a 100m long line, and fresh squid bait. While fishing, enjoying a full dinner of fresh seafood on the beach, feeling the serenity from the sound of waves, the rustling of forest leaves, mixed with the excitement of waiting for the fish to bite the hook... will be an unforgettable experience for visitors to Con Dao.

4.4. Explore Historic Sites

Con Dao Vietnam isn’t just nature; it also holds deep historical significance. The Con Dao Prison system, as mentioned above, including sites like Phu Hai Prison and the American Tiger Cages, tells the story of Vietnam’s colonial and war history!

4.5. Island Hopping & Scootering

Renting a motorbike or bicycle is one of the best ways to discover Con Dao Vietnam on your own. Ride along scenic coastal roads, visit hidden beaches, and explore secluded viewpoints at your own pace.

4.6. Wildlife & Birdwatching

Con Dao Vietnam offers incredible bird-watching opportunities thanks to its mangroves, tropical forests, and wetlands. Look out for species like kingfishers, herons, and even rare migratory birds.

5. Con Dao Vietnam: Paradise for Food Lovers

A rare specialty on Con Dao, with a rather “sensitive” name, is the snail. This name simply comes from the shape of the snail, which is pyramidal, with a small knob on top of the shell. The snail can be grilled, boiled, or eaten as a salad, all of which are delicious.

It is said to be a rare specialty because in Vietnam, the snail only lives in a few places such as the sea of Con Dao, the sea of Cu Lao Cham (Quang Nam), the sea of Dai Lanh (Khanh Hoa) ... However, the snail in Con Dao is the largest type, available all year round and most abundant on full moon days.

Another unique delicacy made from the seeds of the Pangium tree - a forest tree that has almost become a symbol of the strong vitality of nature and people of Con Dao.

This is the ideal time to go to Con Dao to enjoy Pangium seed jam. Because around June and July, it is the season of ripe Pangium fruit. Con Dao people often go early in the morning to pick up fallen Pangium fruit, dry it, then split it to get the seeds and roast it with sugar or salt.

The sweetness of sugar or the saltiness of salt mixed with the rich and fatty taste of Pangium seeds on the tip of the tongue, brings a jam that is both delicious and very strange. This is a specialty dish that bears the mark of Con Dao that few people who come here do not buy some as gifts.

6. How to Get to Con Dao Vietnam

6.1. Get to Con Dao Vietnam By Air

The most common way to reach Con Dao Vietnam is by flying. There are daily flights from cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho. The flight is approximately 45–60 minutes, making it perfect for travelers looking for a short tropical getaway.

6.2. Get to Con Dao Vietnam By Boat

For a more adventurous route, you can take speedboat transfers from southern port towns like Soc Trang or Vung Tau, though this takes several hours and depends on sea conditions.

7. Best Time to Visit Con Dao Vietnam

Con Dao weather is ideal year-round, but the best seasons depend on your travel priorities:

• March to September – Great for snorkeling and diving thanks to calm seas and excellent visibility.
• April to October – Prime time to witness sea turtle nesting.
• October to February – Slightly cooler and less crowded, though sea conditions can be rougher.

8. Tips for Visiting Con Dao Vietnam

• Plan for Nature Experiences: If you want to see turtles nesting or hatchlings, plan your trip between April and October.
• Respect Conservation Rules: Nesting turtles and coral reefs are protected — always follow ranger and guide instructions.
• Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Marine life around Con Dao Vietnam is delicate, so use eco-friendly products to protect reef health.
• Book Accommodations Early: Especially during peak turtle season and diving season.
• Rent a Scooter Safely: If you choose to scooter around, make sure you have a valid license and always wear a helmet.

9. Conclusion: Plan Your Con Dao Vietnam Journey with AVT Travel

From pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to powerful historical sites and meaningful wildlife encounters, Con Dao Vietnam is a destination that rewards travelers who seek depth, serenity, and authenticity. Whether you dream of witnessing sea turtles nesting under the stars, diving in crystal-clear waters, or simply disconnecting on an untouched island, Con Dao Vietnam offers an experience unlike anywhere else in the country.

To make the most of your journey, thoughtful planning and local expertise truly matter. AVT Travel specializes in crafting seamless, well-paced, and responsible journeys across Vietnam. We can help you organize a stress-free trip to Con Dao Vietnam, from flights and accommodations to guided experiences, island hopping, and eco-focused activities - all tailored to your travel style.

Beyond Con Dao Vietnam, AVT Travel also designs customized itineraries throughout the country, from the northern mountains and cultural cities to central heritage towns and southern river life. Our team is here to ensure every detail is handled with care to craft you a Holiday of a Lifetime!