Con Dao, a pristine archipelago located off the coast of Vietnam, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and tranquil atmosphere, this island paradise offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation.
Con Dao is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests. Visitors can spend their days sunbathing on the soft sands of Dam Trau Beach, snorkeling or diving in the vibrant coral reefs, or hiking through the dense jungle. The island’s diverse marine life and abundant birdlife make it a haven for nature lovers.
What’s the best time to visit Con Dao?
The sweet spot for exploring Con Dao is between March and September. Even though it’s technically the rainy season, the seas around the eastern and northeastern islands are usually calm, perfect for diving and island hopping. Afternoon showers are common, so plan your indoor activities like visiting historical sites during these times.
If you’re keen on witnessing a natural wonder, July to September is the best time to see sea turtles nesting. During the rest of the year, from October to March, the monsoon season can bring rough seas to Con Son Bay. But fear not, the western and southwestern parts of the main island remain relatively calm and dry, offering equally stunning landscapes.
How to Getting there
Flying is the quickest way to reach Con Dao. Bamboo Airways operates direct flights between Con Dao and Hanoi, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (starting from VND 2.7 million one way). Vietnam Airlines offers flights from Ho Chi Minh City (around VND 1.3 million one way) and Can Tho (around VND 1.7 million one way), with each journey taking about 50 minutes.
Getting around Con Dao
The journey from Con Dao airport to the town center covers approximately 15 kilometers and can be made by motorbike, taxi, or resort shuttle, taking around 20 to 30 minutes. For a quicker journey, consider taking Co Ong road.
If you prefer a sea voyage, the period from April to June offers the calmest seas for travel to Con Dao. Many tourists opt for a combined journey, driving to Vung Tau and then taking a 5-hour boat ride. Alternatively, for a shorter trip, you can board a ferry from Tran De port (Soc Trang), which takes only 2 hours, significantly reducing travel time compared to departing from Vung Tau.
Taxi fares range from 300,000 VND to 450,000 VND for a trip. Some resorts and hotels provide complimentary or fee-based shuttle services at around 50,000 VND per person each way. For larger groups, renting a private car is a convenient option.
On the island, transportation options include taxis at approximately 12,000 VND/km, electric cars at around 20,000 VND/km, or renting a 12-16 seater car for about 1.5 million VND per day.
Accommodation
Where to stay in Con Dao
Your choice of accommodation in Con Dao depends on your preferences. For a luxurious stay, beachfront resorts and hotels with private beaches offer the ultimate relaxation. If exploring the town center and early morning pier visits are on your itinerary, consider staying at hotels or homestays in the central area.
Room rates on Con Dao vary widely, ranging from 200,000 VND to over 10 million VND. Camping overnight is also permitted in designated areas.
What to do in Con Dao
Tailor your Con Dao adventure to your desired length and pace with these itinerary suggestions.
Nature Exploration
Hon Bay Canh and Hon Cau
are renowned offshore destinations offering a variety of experiences, from snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs to exploring mangrove forests. During the nesting season, you can witness the incredible spectacle of sea turtles laying eggs and releasing their hatchlings into the ocean. For a more personalized experience, rent a private speedboat to these islands for around 2-5 million VND per trip. Alternatively, join a one-day tour organized by Con Dao Explorer, which includes releasing baby turtles and snorkeling at Hon Bay Canh for 790,000 VND per person.
Dam Tre Bay
Dam Tre Bay is located in the north of the island, sheltered from the wind, surrounded by mangroves, and is a nesting place for swiftlets during the breeding season and many other marine creatures. Along the way, visitors can stop to admire or swim at Lo Voi beach, Dat Doc beach, Chim Chim cape, Dong Bac bay…
Dam Trau beach
Dam Trau Beach is a calm beach, located near Con Dao airport, about 15 km from the island center. This place attracts many tourists to check in with the scene of planes landing close to people’s heads.
Tau Be cape
Tau Be Cape is located on the only road from the airport to the town, surrounded by vertical cliffs forming an arc embracing the sea. This place is a “virtual living” photo spot for adventurous people, and is also considered the most beautiful place to watch the sunrise in Con Dao.
If you visit Con Dao during the monsoon season, consider exploring the western and southwestern parts of the island.
Ong Dung beach
Ong Dung Beach a pristine and secluded spot, is perfect for picnics, relaxation, and group activities. From here, you can rent canoes from the forest ranger station to explore nearby islands like Hon Tre Lon and Hon Tre Nho.
Hon Tre Nho
Hon Tre Nho named after the abundant bamboo on the island, is a haven for seabirds. Between May and September, thousands of migratory birds such as crested terns and seagulls make this island their home. Visitors can take boat trips to observe the diverse birdlife, explore coral reefs, and enjoy recreational fishing.
Hon Tre Lon
Hon tre Lon Boats a beautiful white sandy beach and is a significant nesting site for sea turtles, second only to Cat Lon beach on Hon Bay Canh.
For those seeking adventure, the Ong Dung primary forest and Chua Mountain offer stunning trekking trails. A one-hour hike through the pristine rainforest will lead you to a secluded beach. The entrance fee to Con Dao National Park is 60,000 VND per person.
Con Dao is also renowned for its pearl farms. Visitors can learn about the pearl cultivation process and purchase exquisite pearl products. While there are several other small islands in the vicinity, such as Hon Ba, Hon Trung, Hon Vung, Hon Anh, and Hon Em, these remain relatively unexplored for tourism.
What to Eat in Con Dao
Red Lobster
Con Dao is renowned for its succulent red lobster, often referred to as spiny lobster. This prized seafood boasts firm, flavorful meat that is packed with protein and low in fat. The lobster’s distinctive reddish-brown exoskeleton adds to its appeal. Culinary possibilities for this delicacy are endless, from steaming and making porridge to grilling and stir-frying.
Con Dao Shark Salad
A must-try when visiting Con Dao, shark salad is a local specialty that offers a unique blend of flavors. The dish features tender, fresh shark meat, complemented by a refreshing medley of tropical fruits and aromatic herbs. The accompanying dipping sauce, crafted with local ingredients, adds a distinctive flavor profile that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Con Dao Oyster Porridge
Con Dao oyster porridge is a local delicacy made with fresh, succulent oysters and simple yet flavorful ingredients like rice, cilantro, onion, and pepper. The sweet, tender oyster meat combined with aromatic herbs and spices creates a truly satisfying and comforting dish.
Banyan Nut Jam
Banyan nut jam is a must-try souvenir for visitors to Con Dao. The banyan tree, abundant on the island, produces nuts that are harvested and transformed into a delicious treat. These nuts are carefully selected and roasted with either salt or sugar, resulting in a rich, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor.
Con Dao is a beautiful island with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the natural beauty, or learn about the island’s history, you’re sure to have a memorable trip. Be sure to pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure!
Du Hy/vnexpress
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